Bill Gray ’01 is the new vice president of institutional advancement, assuming the title long held by John Cervini ’74, who has become the executive vice president for institutional advancement. 

“Our outreach programs convey the meaning and much of the teaching of the college to vast audiences outside,” said Larry P. Arnn, president of Hillsdale College. “These two men carry that meaning in their characters.”

The institutional advancement department has grown to a point where Cervini, Hillsdale’s longest-serving employee, requires more help managing it, according to Arnn. Gray, the former vice president for marketing, will help Cervini and the institutional advancement team. Gray will continue to act as the interim vice president for marketing while a replacement is found.

Arnn said Cervini and Gray are two excellent people, now working together in a large, growing, and successful department. 

The institutional advancement department does fundraising and outreach work for the college, focusing on building authentic and strong relationships with important donors. 

During his time as an undergraduate at Hillsdale, Gray majored in English, served as senior class president, and was editor-in-chief of The Collegian for three semesters.

Gray said he is honored and humbled by the trust Arnn and Cervini have placed in him. 

“John Cervini is a legend,” Gray said. “For 50 years, his creativity, relentless drive, and love for Hillsdale and its mission have challenged his team to live up to that remarkable standard.” 

Gray said Arnn has taught, challenged, and inspired him to become a better servant of that mission. 

“Hillsdale has changed a lot since its founding, but one thing hasn’t: its purposes of high learning, faith, character, and freedom,” Gray said. “I look forward to serving those purposes and the college in this new capacity for years to come.”

David Whalen, associate vice president for curriculum and professor of English, said Cervini and Gray both are relentless on behalf of the college because of their love for it. 

“So much of what we all do is made possible by what they do, that our debt of gratitude can never be paid,” Whalen said. “They prefer to remain out of the spotlight, but John’s long service as a mainstay of the college, and Bill’s already invaluable efforts on its behalf demonstrate their character. It is an honor to work with them.”