Little did David C. Wegrzyn realize as a youngster attending Providence College men’s basketball games with his CYO team that someday he would serve in one of the school’s most visible administrative positions. Yet, that’s where Wegrzyn finds himself today, as PC’s new vice president for institutional advancement.

The College’s academic reputation, commitment to its mission, and the leadership of President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. ’80 were pivotal factors in his accepting the position here, Wegrzyn said.

Appointed in July, the Rhode Island native served for the last 14 years at St. John’s University, including most recently as vice president for institutional advancement. He oversaw all development and alumni relations activities and a full-time staff of 80.

“Everyone I met [at PC] seemed to understand the role of the mission and how they fit into it,” said Wegrzyn, who began his responsibilities on August 31. A graduate of Toll Gate High School in Warwick, he holds a bachelor's degree from Bryant College (now Bryant University) in Smithfield and a master's degree from Temple University in Philadelphia.  

Wegrzyn said that timing and the attraction of an exciting, new professional opportunity spurred him to consider coming to PC. He recently finished directing a seven-year capital campaign at St. John’s that raised $271 million toward the university’s infrastructure, technology, faculty research grants, scholarships, and more.

Although he has extensive experience in capital campaign management, strategic planning, leadership, marketing, human resources, and change management, he said the strengths he brings to PC are more interpersonal in nature. “I see myself as a connector and a builder and someone who wants to be a part of the community,” stated Wegrzyn, who is married and has a 9-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter.

Along those lines, he said a major priority early on will be to meet alumni, faculty, and staff. He wants to know, in their minds, what the College does well and where they would like to see improvement. More specifically, a top objective of his will be to enhance the revenue stream for the Annual Fund and capital gifts.