UW-Stevens Point: University names Gruszynski interim head of development

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Stan Gruszynski, a former state legislator who has led one of UW-Stevens Point’s major outreach programs and also developed donor relationships for the university’s College of Natural Resources, has been named interim director of university development.

Gruszynski served for 10 years as the 71st District Representative in the Wisconsin Assembly, where he rose to Majority Caucus chair and chaired the Colleges and Universities Committee, while also serving on the Ways and Means, Natural Resources, Rural Affairs, Small Business, Housing Securities and Corporate Policy, and Legislative Council Committees.

He also served as director of public affairs and as the acting state director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program in Wisconsin, and is the former director of Rural Leadership and Community Development in UWSP’s Global Environmental Management (GEM) Education Center.

In his new role, Gruszynski will oversee UWSP’s fundraising efforts.

Chancellor Linda Bunnell, in announcing the appointment, noted that in light of challenges posed by the economy, Gruszynski is the right fit at the right time.

“Stan’s career has given him entrée to many persons and foundations in Wisconsin whose doors we need to knock on. His work with the GEM program and our College of Natural Resources demonstrates the ease with which he can reach major figures to help get new efforts started,” Bunnell said.

Gruszynski will serve as interim director until fall, Bunnell said. In the meantime, a national search will begin for a permanent head of university development.