Ralph Tomassi Named to New Position at Ashland University

8/14/12 ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University President Fred Finks announced on Monday that Ralph Tomassi has been appointed senior associate vice president for athletic development and special assistant to the president.

“Ralph has been a key part of this institution for many years as a major gifts officer. This position will allow him more time to concentrate on major donors as well as move him into the new role for the athletic department,” Finks said. “Having been an athlete during his college days, Ralph has an affinity with alumni athletes. He has supported Ashland University athletics on every front and this position will give him the opportunity to make a major impact.”

As the senior development officer for athletic fundraising, Tomassi will oversee the athletic fundraising clubs established by the University and establish new clubs. He also will assist with athletic special events, including the annual Eagler Golf Outing and annual Sportsman of the Year banquet, as well as athletic team fund raising events and athletic alumni events.

Finks said Tomassi will spearhead the organization and strategic plan for fundraising efforts for all sports and sport facilities as designated by the president and athletic director, and raise funds for operations, special projects, endowments and capital projects with an emphasis on attracting private support of the University.

Tomassi also will lead the annual promotion for the Varsity Walk/Eagler Endowment and raise funds for endowed scholarships restricted for intercollegiate athletics.

Tomassi, a 1977 graduate of Ashland (College) University, joined Ashland University as director of transfer admissions in 1978 and was named director of the annual fund and assistant director of development in 1984. He was promoted to executive director for development in 1987 and associate vice president for development in 2000.

Ashland University, ranked in the top 200 colleges and universities in U.S. News and World Report’s National Universities category for 2012, is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.