After more than seven years of exemplary service to the University and its students, Pace alumnus Gary Laermer ’80 has retired from his position as vice president of Development and Alumni Relations. During his time at Pace, Gary spearheaded the transformation of the University’s philanthropic and charitable giving programs, significantly enhancing engagement among the more than 165,000 Pace alumni worldwide.
A graduate of Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Gary returned to Pace in 2018 as a nationally recognized leader in philanthropy and nonprofit development. Before leading Pace’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations, Gary held various leadership positions in organizations such as the YMCA, Staten Island University Hospital, and the Boy Scouts of America. In 2017, his exceptional record earned him the role of Board President for the New York City chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Under the leadership of Pace President Marvin Krislov and following approval by the Pace Board of Trustees, Gary and the development team launched the historic $300 million Campaign for Pace University. This campaign marked an extraordinary period of success, with Gary and the development professionals setting multiple fundraising records and bringing the campaign’s ambitious goals well within reach.
Gary’s tenure was also marked by the establishment of the first collective Pace University Alumni Association, a community-building initiative that deepened alumni engagement and expanded volunteer opportunities. Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gary helped lead a University-wide response that secured record-breaking contributions to emergency student support funds and launched initiatives such as the Community Impact Internship program, which places Pace students in paid internships with community nonprofits.
Above all, Gary’s leadership was defined by his unwavering commitment to community, student success, and the University’s mission of Opportunitas. During his tenure, the Office of Development and Alumni Relations raised more than $140 million to advance the University, including over $40 million in scholarship support—expanding access to a Pace education and reinforcing the University’s status as a leader in social mobility.
Gary leaves Pace University stronger, more resilient, and well-positioned for future success. His contributions have empowered countless students to achieve their fullest potential.
The Pace Community expresses its profound gratitude for Gary’s leadership and celebrates his enduring legacy of service and philanthropic impact.
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