Dear members of the Kenyon College community,
I write with bittersweet news. After six years of remarkable leadership and the conclusion of a historic campaign, Vice President for Advancement Colleen Garland has decided to retire from her position at the end of this academic year. Colleen has accomplished much in her career, and I am delighted that she has agreed to continue in a part-time role devoted to principal gifts and maintaining essential donor relationships during the division’s leadership transition. She will assume her new role on July 1, 2025.
Colleen has contributed much to Kenyon in six years, not the least of which is building a best-in-class advancement team and the many programs they oversee. One needs only to look at the Our Path Forward to the Bicentennial campaign for evidence of their excellence. Not only was it the most successful campaign in Kenyon College history, the $532 million total exceeded all giving to Kenyon in previous campaigns combined.
Colleen recognized the value of dedicated volunteers and donors of all kinds in building a successful advancement program. A total of 22,886 people gave during the campaign, from students giving $1 to a record $100 million gift. The percentage of giving among all alumni was 62%, with 12,272 alumni making a gift during the campaign.
She was the architect of several strategic fundraising initiatives, including raising the sights of the campaign from its original $300 million to $500 million when an anonymous donor committed a historic $100 million for new student housing. The Kenyon Access Initiative was launched under her leadership to accelerate growth in scholarships for outstanding students from families with limited resources and other underrepresented students. A remarkable $110 million was raised for scholarships and financial aid during the campaign, with growth in the endowment a critical priority.
Colleen and her team were instrumental in the celebration of the College’s bicentennial this past year, increasing alumni engagement and philanthropic support in honor of Kenyon’s 200th anniversary and promise for its next century.
With more than 30 years of fundraising experience in higher education and other mission-driven institutions, Colleen retires as one of the foremost experts in her field. Prior to joining Kenyon she served Ohio Wesleyan University, The Ohio State University, Denison University, Otterbein College and the March of Dimes Foundation.
The College will conduct a national search for Colleen’s replacement with the assistance of Issacson, Miller Executive Search. Members of the search committee will be appointed in the coming weeks.
Please join me in extending to Colleen our hearty congratulations and profound gratitude. Since my arrival at Kenyon, Colleen has been a trusted colleague and advisor. I am personally grateful for her keen insight and wise counsel.
We will be in touch with plans to honor Colleen’s many contributions to Kenyon and a career that has distinguished her in her field.
Sincerely,
Julie Kornfeld