At over 80,000 alumni strong and a #1 ranking on the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2025 list, TCNJ/TSC alums have a lot to crow about, and the college’s long history of success has undoubtedly resulted from the cumulative efforts of many innovative leaders.
However, one in particular has left indelible marks on our college community in recent years. That leader is John P. Donohue, vice president for college advancement, who will retire from TCNJ at the end of this month.
For the past 12 years, Donohue has overseen alumni relations, communications, marketing, and government and community relations functions, among others. He has also served as executive director of the TCNJ Foundation.
Some of his most notable milestones include:
- The Campaign for TCNJ, the college’s first comprehensive campaign, which raised $47.6 million for capital improvements, scholarships, and more.
- An updated graphic identity for the college, reflecting its longstanding excellence and incorporating elements symbolic of the institution’s evolution.
- Numerous improvements to campus, funded through philanthropy, including TSC Park and the athletics Hall of Champions in Packer Hall.
- Co-chairing the Advisory Commission on Social Justice, which led to Paul Loser Hall being renamed Trenton Hall.
During his tenure, the college’s endowment grew by 233%, which has, in turn, had a huge impact on the college and its students. Over the past decade, TCNJ’s fundraising efforts — through generous donors like many of the college’s alumni — have provided $58 million in support to the college. In 2024 alone, 731 scholarships were awarded to deserving students.
Donohue’s passion for the college’s continued success is exemplified through his establishment of The Donohue Family Endowment Fund, which supports the ongoing enhancement of the campus.
“John’s contributions to the college are significant and many, and no doubt go beyond dollars raised,” TCNJ President Michael Bernstein said. “They will endure always in the contributions TCNJ graduates will make in the communities they serve — contributions made possible by John’s determination to sustain and strengthen our college.”
