In his new role, Jack McGrory will help SDSU reach its $750 million fundraising goal.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2015)— Jack McGrory has worn many hats at San Diego State University: student, faculty member, donor.
Now, as the new chair of The Campanile Foundation — the fundraising arm of the university — he may be in his most important role yet, working to raise $750 million through The Campaign for SDSU.
McGrory, who is the CEO of La Jolla MJ Management, Inc., earned his master’s degree in public administration from SDSU in 1976 and has remained engaged with the university ever since.
“As an alum and friend of SDSU for decades, Jack McGrory is truly the perfect person to take the Campaign for SDU to the next level,” said Mary Ruth Carleton, president and CEO of The Campanile Foundation and vice president for University Relations and Development for SDSU. “Jack’s long time service as a leader and visionary in the San Diego region will make him a catalyst for SDSU as the university’s profile continues to be elevated both regionally and nationally.”
McGrory has a distinguished resume that includes serving as chairman and CEO of Price Legacy Corporation, chief operating officer of the San Diego Padres, manager of the Price Group, executive vice president and director of Price Charities and San Diego’s city manager.
True Aztec for life
He has taught graduate-level courses in public administration at SDSU for nearly 20 years; has served on the Campanile Foundation board for 7 years; and has given two million-dollar-plus gifts to the Campaign for SDSU.
Mc Grory made two separate gifts of $1.2 million to SDSU — one in 2011 and one in 2013. Both gifts were split equally among three areas of the university that are especially meaningful to him: the Joan and Art Barron Veteran’s Center, the School of Public Affairs; and the Department of Classics and Humanities.
“It’s an honor to be the chair of this prestigious board,” said McGrory. “Our goal is to be successful in helping to make SDSU an even greater national university. We hope that our friends and alumni will generously support our effort.”
McGrory began his 3-year term as board chair on January 1, succeeding Christopher Sickels.
As chair, McGrory is the most visible representative of The Campanile Foundation board. He provides volunteer leadership of the foundation, aids in board recruitment, serves as an ambassador for the foundation and SDSU, and is a partner to the president and vice president in major gift fundraising.
In addition to his role as chair of the board, McGrory is also chair of the foundation’s Government and Community Relations Committee, serves on the Executive Committee, and is a member of the Campaign Cabinet and the Campaign Leadership Committee.
The Campaign for SDSU
In September 2014 SDSU met its initial campaign goal to raise $500 million and set a new goal of $750 million.
Major initiatives for this second phase of The Campaign for SDSU include the endowment of the Honors College, building a research endowment, creating additional endowed scholarships and professorships and constructing a new engineering and interdisciplinary sciences complex.
To date, the campaign has raised $550 million, receiving more than 49,000 gifts from alumni, friends, faculty, staff, parents and community partners, including 105 gifts of $1 million or more.
