New University Advancement VP emphasizes fostering a CSUEB culture of philanthropy
Ara Serjoie
- September 16, 2013
Ara Serjoie, a seasoned fundraiser and development administrator for higher education institutions and nonprofits in Washington and Utah, joined Cal State East Bay’s Division of University Advancement as vice president Sept. 3.
“Ara Serjoie has an impressive fundraising record and experience initiating innovative development programs,” said CSUEB President Leroy M. Morishita. “He has successfully led comprehensive campaigns and managed a range of communication programs.”
For the past seven years, Serjoie served as senior vice president for the Clark College Foundation in Vancouver, Wash. Previously he filled roles in development, student affairs and the Office of Equity and Diversity for the University of Utah, Weber State University and Utah State University and was director of development and alumni relations for the Girl Scouts of Utah.
The UA division that Serjoie leads is responsible for development and fundraising, public relations, marketing and communications, alumni relations and university event planning. Among his priorities as he joins Cal State East Bay is cultivation of a culture of philanthropy, a principle he acts upon professionally and personally as reflected in his professional experiences as well as his outside community involvement.
The Vancouver-SW Washington Business Journal reported, in a story under the headline “Meet the Accomplished and Under 40 Class of 2012”: “In the six years Ara has worked with Clark College Foundation, fundraising has increased 400 percent. Recognized nationally as a community college fundraising powerhouse, he is sought as a featured speaker for conferences and writer for national publications.”
For his longtime support and volunteer leadership, Serjoie received in April the Thanks Badge, the highest volunteer recognition from the Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington, for his service. The award honors individuals whose ongoing commitment, leadership and service have had an exceptional and measurable impact on meeting the mission-delivery goals and priorities of the entire Girl Scout council or the Girl Scout Movement.
"California State University, East Bay is a stellar institution of higher learning where outstanding faculty and dedicated staff nurture the students so that they can, through academic success and realization of their career aspirations, make an impact regionally, state-wide, nationally, and globally,” Serjoie said. “I am looking forward to working with my colleagues at the university as well as our alumni and community, to inspire the joy of philanthropy in support of student success and program excellence. I am certain that giving to CSUEB will be the best investment in the future."
A native of Iran, Serjoie lived in Germany and England and came to the United States to further his education. He earned his bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and sciences – with minors in philosophy, management and human resources – from Utah State University and has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Utah.