(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)February 7, 2013

Cliffside Park Resident Expert in Fundraising, Public Relations

(MAHWAH,NJ) – George C. Ruotolo Jr. took the helm recently as Chairman of the Ramapo College Board of Trustees.  The  board unanimously elected Ruotolo as Chairman, along with William F. Dator as Vice Chairman and David G. Schlussel as Secretary.

“I am very much looking forward to assuming the role as chair of the Ramapo Board of Trustees,” said Ruotolo. ” I see this as a great opportunity and privilege to continue my work with President Peter P. Mercer and my fellow Trustees along with the faculty, staff and students to advance the mission of one of this country’s  premier public institutions.  It is my intention to work to advance academic quality and diversity while maintaining a robust enrollment ensuring continued  fiscal and operational sustainability.  Additionally,  I pledge my support and continued involvement to our Foundation and the endeavors of our comprehensive capital campaign, Pushing Boundaries. . .Further Our Promise, that continues to expand and refurbish our campus. This effort continues even though it has surpassed its original goal of $40 million.”

He was appointed to the Board in 2010 and was recently named Chair of the newly created Ramapo College Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations Committee to help expand fundraising efforts and community outreach, given his extensive expertise in the area. Ruotolo recently served as counsel to Niagara University, which raised more than $80 million, the largest capital campaign in their history.
“As we look to advance our strategic goals and fund new programs and opportunities for our students, Chairman Ruotolo’s vast philanthropic background will be critical to our success,” said Ramapo President Peter P. Mercer. “He will serve as a resource to the College, me and the Ramapo College Foundation.”

Ruotolo, Chairman and CEO of Ruotolo Associates Inc., is counselor to non-profit organizations and institutions, and has been a professional fundraising and public relations executive since 1973. Prior to establishing Ruotolo Associates in 1979 he served as vice president of a major public relations fundraising firm and worked in investment banking. His expertise encompasses annual development, capital campaigns, planned giving, marketing and public relations programs for dioceses, churches, colleges, schools, hospitals and social service organizations on local, regional, and national levels.

Recognized as an effective communicator and seminar leader, Ruotolo has addressed audiences on such timely issues as leadership, fundraising, development, marketing and public relations.  He has taught a Fundraising Fundamentals course at Seton Hall University and has been a guest lecturer at Baruch College, Columbia University and other institutions of higher learning. Ruotolo has often been designated as a media spokesperson on key philanthropic issues impacting our society. He has appeared on CNBC Money, the Phil Donahue Show on MSNBC and NPR, CNBC, CNN and in Worth Magazine.

In addition, he is a former board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).  He is also the former Vice-Chair of the Non-Profit Advisory Council of the National Association of Corporate Directors.  Ruotolo served for four years on the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross, Bergen-Hudson Chapter, Ridgewood, New Jersey, and was a founding member of the Ridgewood Educational Foundation.  He is a member of the New Jersey Chapter of the AFP, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive.  He was awarded the 2005 Robert J. Smythe Outstanding Professional Fundraiser Award by the New Jersey Chapter of the AFP.

A graduate of Niagara University, he holds an undergraduate degree in political science and communications with advance training through professional institutes.  He has resided in Bergen County since 1979; his business is located in Creskill. Ruotolo and his wife Joanne, a nurse practitioner at Englewood Hospital who specializes in women’s health, reside in Cliffside Park. They have three grown children.

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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