PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) has named Louise Lydon as Vice President for Institutional Advancement (VPIA).

 

"I am thrilled to be joining Berkshire Community College. As I learn more about the school and its historic connections to Berkshire County, I am struck by the depth of passion that everyone I met has for BCC," Lydon said. "Clearly, BCC is a special place."

 

Lydon has spent more than 20 years in higher education advancement roles, working at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania; George Washington University in Washington, D.C.; and, most recently, as the Assistant Dean for Law Advancement at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. There, she partnered with university leadership in engaging donors to solicit multimillion-dollar gifts and spearheaded a $36 million comprehensive campaign for the law school.

 

In her role as VPIA, she is the chief advancement officer for the College. As such, she advises President Ellen Kennedy on the management and operation of alumni relations and donor relations. The VPIA also serves on the President's Executive Council and Cabinet, providing guidance to maximize philanthropic impact. Other responsibilities include developing, executing and evaluating donor engagement. This includes annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, legacy giving, donor and alumni relations, research and prospect management, advancement services, donor cultivation, stewardship and communications/marketing.

 

In collaboration with BCC leadership, Lydon will drive campaign planning to ensure the school's ability to raise capital matches its ambitions to broaden its positive impact on Berkshire County. "A key focus in my first year is making sure BCC is campaign-ready," she said.

 

A first-generation college graduate, Lydon earned a bachelor's degree from Seton Hill University. She is passionate about providing educational opportunities to students of all backgrounds and experiences. She lives with her husband in Cheshire, Massachusetts.