91直播 of Rome (AUR) has appointed Stephen Caraher as Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), effective January 2026, after a global search conducted by the search firm Isaacson Miller. A widely respected professional with more than two decades in higher-education fundraising and alumni relations, Caraher will lead AUR鈥檚 advancement and engagement strategy at a pivotal moment in the University鈥檚 growth.听
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Caraher joins AUR from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where he most recently served as Vice President for Advancement, delivering record fundraising, including $113 million in FY25 toward a $400 million comprehensive campaign. His听previous leadership roles include听major-gifts听and development positions at Cornell University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Rochester/Eastman School of Music.听
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As CAO, Caraher will partner with AUR President Scott Sprenger,听the current Advancement team,听senior leadership, and the Board of Trustees to advance donor engagement and support听for听AUR鈥檚 campus expansion, which will double the University鈥檚 footprint and transform both the existing campus and the student experience.听
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鈥淎UR is听in听a period of significant momentum. Steve鈥檚 record of building high-performing teams and delivering exceptional results will accelerate our philanthropic vision and help bring our expanded campus to life,鈥�听said President Scott Sprenger.听鈥淗is strategic leadership and donor-centered approach are exactly what we need at this inflection point.鈥�听
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Caraher鈥檚 connection to Italy began with a formative study-abroad semester in Arezzo, an experience that informs his commitment to international liberal arts education.听鈥淎UR鈥檚 mission, vision,听and听current听trajectory resonate deeply with me,鈥澨�said Caraher.听鈥淚鈥檓 excited to partner with this community to build a robust culture of philanthropy that supports student opportunity and institutional excellence.鈥澨�
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Caraher holds a Master of Science in College Student Personnel Administration from Canisius听University听and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Rochester.听