(GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.) – Aquinas College is pleased to announce that fundraising specialist and Grand Rapids-native Greg Meyer will serve the College as Vice President for Institutional Advancement. Prior to his service for Aquinas College, which began in 2010 as Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Meyer came from the University of Michigan (U of M) where he was Regional Director (West Michigan) for Major and Planned Giving.

Meyer has compiled an extensive and distinguished record in corporate marketing, industry relations and fundraising, working for such well-regarded companies and organizations as Reebok, ESPN, John Hancock Financial Services and the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sport. Meyer, who won the Boston Marathon in 1983, has since spent much of his career promoting physical fitness and, in particular, long distance running. Meyer has worked with Fifth Third Bank (formerly Old Kent Bank) since 1992 developing the River Bank Run and promoting physical education in local schools.

In his role at the U of M, Meyer helped the university surpass a $125 million fundraising goal for West Michigan as part of its Campaign for Michigan. Aquinas College President, Dr. Juan R. Olivarez said, "Greg Meyer is approaching this new challenge with enthusiasm and dedication. He will work closely with me and Aquinas College's new Foundation Board to accomplish the financial goals laid out in our strategic plans. I am looking forward to the part Greg and his team in the Advancement office will play in the exciting days ahead!"

Meyer says he is looking forward to the rewards and challenges of Aquinas’ future. “I am excited about this opportunity,” said Meyer. “I love Aquinas College. President Olivarez not only has a vision internally for the College, but has the respect of the greater West Michigan community.”

Phase II of the Sports & Fitness Center is Meyer’s immediate priority. Future projects will be established as the President's strategic plan is completed. The College recently announced a lead gift of $1.5 million dollars from the Alksnis family for Phase II. The new facility will add 70,000 square feet to the current Sturrus Center and will complete the Sports & Fitness Center project that began in 2009. Total cost of the project is $5.5 million dollars.

Longtime residents of Grand Rapids may recall Meyer as an outstanding student athlete at West Catholic High School who would achieve tremendous success as a long-distance runner at the University of Michigan. Since winning the Boston Marathon in 1983, Meyer has been inducted into nearly every running hall of fame of note and has been named to All-American Cross Country and Track teams multiple times.

Meyer has degrees in education and social studies from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in education from Boston University.