Alpha alumnus, Matt Ter Molen, Miami '84, has assumed the role of Vice President for Institute Advancement at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Following his distinguished tenure at Syracuse University, Ter Molen will be venturing into his new position with an abundance of experience and expertise. These two institutions are not the only ones that have benefitted from Ter Molen’s initiative and foreword thinking. Following the completion of his undergraduate degree in Political Science, Ter Molen spent two years as a Peace Corp volunteer with a specialization in beekeeping; four years as the Director of Annual Giving at the University of Chicago; then eighteen years in various position—including Associate Vice President of Alumni Relations—with Northwestern University, before making the move to Syracuse.

While at Syracuse, Ter Molen left a lasting impression on the university by leading Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University. This initiative was launched in November 2019 and focuses on advancing academic excellence at all levels. It has raised more in private philanthropy than at any other time in the University’s history, with more than $1.2 billion raised toward the $1.5 billion goal. Under the leadership of Ter Molen, the Forever Orange team has allocated $115.5 million to student financial aid and another $135 million to research funding, created nearly 500 new scholarships, and established approximately 65 new funds to support faculty research.

In a Syracuse University press release, Chancellor Kent Syverud said this of Ter Molen, “Matt came to Syracuse at an important moment in the University’s history and made an immediate impact. He hired a talented team of fundraising and alumni engagement professionals, expanded alumni programming and led the launch of the University’s most ambitious fundraising campaign. Matt has been a tenacious steward of the University’s mission and has inspired countless donors and alumni to support the Orange vision for the future.”