In this episode of The Beacon Podcast, Jeff Jowdy speaks with Vern Snyder about university advancement, the field from which he retired after a long and successful career. Vern discusses:

• The changes in university advancement over the decades
• How university fundraising work differs from that of other nonprofits
• Advice he would give to someone looking forward to a successful career in university advancement

About Our Guest

Vern Snyder retired as vice president for Institutional Advancement at the University of Toledo in 2015, serving in that role for 14 years. Previously he served as vice president for Institutional Advancement at Eastern Kentucky University and Youngstown State University.

Vern is a graduate of West Virginia University with a master’s degree in music education. In 1993 Snyder earned Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) status and In 2010 he earned Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive status (ACFRE), one of only 107 individuals with that distinction.

He was recognized by AFP International as the 2016 Outstanding Fundraising Professional. Vern serves on the ACFRE Certification Board and is a member of the AFP International Conference Education Committee.

As a professional fundraiser, Vern has raised over $500 million. During his tenure at University of Toledo, the University received over $160 million in contributions including the largest single gift in the institution’s history.