Centenary VP for College Relations Eugene R. Gregory Accepts Position with Oregon Symphony

	Eugene R. Gregory

HREVEPORT, LA — Eugene R. Gregory, vice president for college relations at Centenary College of Louisiana, will return to his home state when he joins the Oregon Symphony on March 1 as its vice president for development and marketing. The symphony’s interim president, Duane McDougall, announced Gregory’s appointment today (Jan. 14).

“Gene has an incredible track record in both major gifts fundraising and institutional leadership,” said McDougall. “We are gratified that he has agreed to apply those gifts to the Oregon Symphony.”

Ernest Bloch II, vice chair of the Symphony’s Foundation Board and chair of the search committee, added: “Gene is going to be an important and qualified player in the fiscal future of the Symphony and I believe we have the best person for the job. His long-term experience in fundraising with major donors in Portland, major gifts campaigns, planned giving and marketing expertise are what we need for this position.”

Gregory, who has more than 27 years of fundraising and marketing experience, joined Centenary in 1994, serving first as vice president for development and then vice president for college relations. His responsibilities include development, admissions, financial aid, public relations and marketing.

During his tenure he has helped to raise more than $102 million and to increase overall giving by 244 percent. Centenary was cited in the Chronicle of Higher Education as one of the top fundraising institutions in the country in 1996-97.

Gregory, a native of Oregon, spent 10 years at Lewis and Clark College, where he served as vice president for institutional advancement from 1982 to 1990. While at Lewis and Clark, he generated more than $30 million in cash and pledges. He holds a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University, where he began his fundraising career.

“When a valued member of our campus community accepts a position elsewhere, we greet the news with mixed emotion,” said Centenary President Kenneth L. Schwab. “We are happy for Gene as he moves to a new career in his home state, but we are saddened at the news that he is leaving us.”

This opportunity, Schwab said, will allow Gregory to combine his skills at fundraising and marketing with his passion for music. “This location also gives Gene the opportunity to be with his family on a daily basis and to fulfill needed family obligations.”

Describing Gregory as an important leader on campus and in the community, Schwab added, “He leaves us in a much stronger position because of his leadership.”

Beginning Feb. 20, Dr. Katherine Fell, Centenary's director of development, will serve as interim vice president for development. The directors of admissions and financial aid will report to the provost and the director of public relations will report to the president.

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