Gwynedd Mercy University has named Christina Riso as the new Vice President for University Advancement. She has been serving in the role of interim vice president since January 2024.

“I am thrilled for this next chapter at Gwynedd Mercy University and to be part of President D’Emilio’s leadership team at an exciting time in the University’s history. It has been an incredible journey getting to know many of our alumni and friends and I look forward to continued partnership and collaboration as we continue our Mercy in Motion campaign, set to sustain our legacy of meeting the next great need in society,” shared Riso.

As the Vice President for University Advancement, Riso will serve as the University’s Chief Advancement Officer and oversee the strategic vision for philanthropic support and alumni and constituent engagement as GMercyU continues its historic Mercy in Motion Campaign, a comprehensive campaign aligned with the University’s 75th Anniversary.

“The Gwynedd Mercy University community is excited to welcome Christina to the role of Vice President for University Advancement. Her achievements thus far have contributed to the University’s success in philanthropic efforts, and we are delighted to see her work continue,” said Gwynedd Mercy University President Deanne H. D’Emilio.

Riso joined GMercyU in January 2022 as Assistant Vice President for University Advancement where she helped lead the overall fundraising, engagement, and communications strategy for the ongoing Mercy in Motion Campaign.

The Mercy in Motion Campaign has raised $24.5 million since January 2022 towards its $25 million goal, including the best consecutive fundraising years in University history.

As AVP, Riso led GMercyU’s annual giving, alumni and campaign engagement, and advancement operations teams including stewardship and prospect research. She also oversaw the planned giving program which secured one of GMercyU’s largest planned giving commitments from a living donor in its history.

As a lead fundraiser, Riso secured a seven-figure capital gift to support healthcare innovation and secured several six-figure endowed scholarships, including one of the University’s largest endowed scholarships for Nursing.

Riso’s fundraising achievements and leadership contributed to the University Advancement team’s efforts to secure private support for scholarships, furthering GMercyU’s commitment to access and affordability.

Since 2022, more than $3.1 million in scholarship support has been raised, including the creation of 35 new annual and endowed scholarships and first-time scholarships for several academic programs.

Under Riso’s leadership, her team achieved GMercyU’s most successful Day of Giving and GivingTuesday campaigns and expanded its annual giving program and digital engagement efforts.

Riso has also led the reorganization of the University Advancement team to encompass a fully integrated program focused on philanthropic support and lifelong engagement.

Riso received her B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Sport Management from Seton Hall University and obtained her Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law. Riso also attended the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education where she obtained her M.S. in Higher Education.

Read more about the university on Gwynedd Mercy’s website.

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