For Immediate Release
May 25, 2005
 
Media Contact:
Sheryl Lichtig Wyan
Office of Communications
Office: 209.724.4408
Cell:  209.658.9101
Web: www.ucmerced.edu

Accomplished university fund-raiser named as vice chancellor of University Relations at UC Merced
Central Valley native to increase visibility of newest UC Campus

May 25, Merced - Chancellor Carol Tomlinson-Keasey today announced the appointment of John Garamendi, Jr. as vice chancellor for University Relations at the University of California, Merced.  Garamendi, a noted university fund-raiser and accomplished development strategist, will begin his position on June 1, 2005.  Tomlinson-Keasey made the announcement after the completion of a six-month national search process and following approval this afternoon by a UC Board of Regents subcommittee.

Garamendi's background includes a highly successful track record in fund raising and an intimate knowledge of the UC system from his years working at UC Berkeley, UC Davis and the UC Office of the President.  His current position is director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at UC Berkeley.  Appointed to the post in 2002, he has been responsible for developing and directing campus strategy for the coordination and solicitation of funding from local, regional and national corporations and foundations.  During fiscal year 2003-04, UC Berkeley raised $71.4 million from corporations and foundations.

John is regarded as a dynamic leader in the field of university fundraising, and he will provide essential strategic direction to our fundraising efforts at UC Merced, said Tomlinson-Keasey.  In addition, his understanding and commitment to the Central Valley will make him especially effective in establishing relationships with corporations, foundations and donors in the region. 

As an experienced development professional, Garamendi has been part of several prominent fund-raising campaigns, including UC Berkeley's $1.1 billion Campaign for the New Century, UC Davis $60 million Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts Campaign, and the planning for UC Berkeley's Campaign for Memorial Stadium .

As vice chancellor for University Relations, Garamendi will report to the chancellor and serve as a member of the chancellor's cabinet.  The vice chancellor is the chief advancement officer for the UC Merced campus with responsibility for the areas of development, university relations, governmental relations, communications, the UC Merced Foundation and its Board of Trustees, alumni affairs, and special events and protocol.

Garamendi said that he was attracted to UC Merced because of the opportunities presented by creating the 10 th campus of the UC system and his desire to contribute to the positive development of his native San Joaquin Valley. 

The opportunity to help shape the future of UC Merced holds extraordinary professional and emotional appeal for me, he said.  As a native of the region, I understand what this campus means to our future, and I appreciate the role of this position as the bridge between the campus and the community. 

While at UC Berkeley, Garamendi also served as UC Berkeley's interim executive associate athletic director of External Affairs from July 2003 to January 2004.  In that position he carried responsibility for all fund raising for the UCB Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.  

From 1999-2002, Garamendi served as director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at UC Davis, where he was responsible for strategic fundraising from local, regional and national corporations and foundations.  Among his notable accomplishments, he was the primary fund-raiser for contributions from corporations and foundations toward the $60-million Mondavi Center, a renowned performing arts venue.  He also worked extensively in the development of marketing strategies for campus fund-raising efforts.   

Previously, Garamendi served as a regional development director at UC Berkeley, responsible for major gifts in San Francisco, Marin, Napa and Sonoma counties, and for the $1.1 billion Campaign for the New Century .  He has also served as Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs and Community Outreach in the UC Office of the President.  As Assistant Director he designed and implemented a statewide Community Speakers Bureau and conducted outreach and advocacy for Alumni Associations of the University of California. 

Garamendi also brings to UC Merced his notable public service experience in international settings. In 2003 he was selected to be a Fulbright Scholar in Uruguay (South America) where he taught and conducted research on philanthropy at the University of Montevideo.  Additionally, he has served as a community health coordinator for the U.S. Peace Corps in Paraguay (South America). 

Garamendi grew up in the delta community of Walnut Grove and attended high school in Stockton.   An Eagle Scout, he holds a bachelors degree in history from UC Berkeley, where he was a Distinguished Military Graduate ROTC, and earned his MBA at California State University, Hayward. 

Garamendi and his wife, Dr. Colleen Denny-Garamendi, a faculty member at the UC Davis School of Medicines Department of Public Health Sciences, intend to make their home in the Merced area.  They have two children. 

UC Merced, the 10th campus of the University of California system and the first major research university to be built in the United States during the 21st century, will open on September 6, 2005, with 1,000 students, ultimately growing to a student population of 25,000.  A select group of graduate students began work at UC Merced in August 2004.  The university has a special mission to serve the educational needs of San Joaquin Valley residents, and is already serving area students through partnerships with community colleges, outreach programs and UC summer session courses offered in Fresno, Bakersfield and Atwater.  UC Merced currently employs approximately 400 educators and other professionals who are working to develop the physical and academic infrastructure of the campus.

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