URI Foundation has new president

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – Elizabeth “Lil” Breul O’Rourke has been named president of the University of Rhode Island Foundation.
O’Rourke, a seasoned university advancement professional with over three decades of fundraising, campaign, alumni and trustee relations experience at Syracuse University, will officially start at URI on March 28. She will lead advancement and endowment management.
“We are all thrilled that Lil will be joining us to lead the URI Foundation,” said Lorne A. Adrain, Class of ’76, and foundation chairman. “Together, we will pursue dramatic improvements in the scale, sophistication and effectiveness of our work supporting students, faculty, programs and the broader mission of the university here and around the world.”
URI President David Dooley noted that O’Rourke will be a key player in helping the university implement strategies to support its growth, competitiveness and mission.
“I am confident in Lil and her ability to maximize our philanthropic relationships and opportunities for an even greater impact – locally, nationally and globally,” he said.
O’Rourke most recently served as senior vice president for principal gifts and international advancement at Syracuse University, a private institution in central New York. A longtime member of its division of advancement and external affairs, she played a key role as part of the leadership team that led a successful $1 billion campaign at Syracuse, which ended in 2012 and exceeded its goal ahead of schedule.
“URI is an exciting place with so much to share with the community at large,” said O’Rourke. “I look forward to joining this dynamic team of staff, trustees, alumni and partners in their commitment to advancing the exciting potential expressed in President Dooley’s vision for the university.”

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