Mary Canale ’81 to Lead Development and Alumni Relations

President Deborah F. Stanley appointed 20-year development professional Mary Gibbons Canale ’81 to the position of interim vice president of development and alumni relations. Canale succeeds Kerry Casey Dorsey ’81, who retired Oct. 13 after 13 years of exceptional service to her alma mater.

“We are fortunate and excited to have someone with Mary’s expertise and outstanding record of service to step into this role,” Stanley said. “She has played an integral part in developing the major gifts program for the college and in cultivating philanthropic relationships on behalf of the institution. Her success in securing private support has helped provide the margin of excellence that makes an Oswego education so valuable.”

Canale returned to Oswego in 1996 as the coordinator of the Oswego State Fall Classic. The following year, she became assistant director of development, and in 2002, she instituted the major gifts program at the college as director of major gifts. Since 2007, she has served as associate vice president for development.

Mary Gibbons Canale ’81

“Mary’s outstanding knowledge of our institution and our alumni family should provide a seamless transition, and will help us maintain the fundraising momentum and engagement created by the most recent campaign,” Stanley said. “She is a friendly face many alumni recognize, with an amazing energy level, enthusiasm and level of dedication.”

Oswego College Foundation Board of Directors Chair Michael Durney ’83 echoed Stanley’s sentiments.

“While we’ll miss Kerry’s enthusiasm, experience and devotion, we know that the Foundation’s leadership will be in excellent hands with Mary at the wheel,” Durney said.

Canale and Dorsey worked closely together on the college’s first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign, Inspiring Horizons, which surpassed its five-year goal of $17 million by raising more than $23.8 million when it wrapped up in 2008.

They also led the college’s second campaign, With Passion & Purpose, which just exceeded its $40 million fundraising goal and raised $43.48 million by the campaign’s end on June 30, 2016 (see story on page 22).

As vice president, Canale serves as the college’s principal fundraiser and president of the Oswego College Foundation, and oversees the Alumni and Parent Relations office. She is a member of the President’s Council, which is made up of senior campus leaders and advises the president on a range of college matters.

“It is with unbridled optimism that I welcome Mary Canale to the position of interim vice president of development and alumni relations,” said William Spinelli ’84, Oswego College Foundation Board of Directors member. “Mary’s proven passion will surely continue to inspire Oswego alumni and friends across America in advancing the mission of Oswego philanthropy and engagement to benefit our students, faculty and greater community.”