IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 10, 2008
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:
724.738.4854

gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

Florida veterinary college promotes Rock graduate to senior post

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- Karen Legato, a Slippery Rock University graduate and former employee, has been promoted to senior director of development and alumni affairs at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

            “My goal is to educate people who already have an interest in the college’s mission of teaching, research and patient care about ways in which their contributions can meaningfully advance that mission,” she said.  “We’re providing opportunities for people to give financially to a cause they already believe in.”

            The college prepares graduates for traditional animal practice, zoological and aquatic medicine as well as employment with the military.

            Legato has 25 years of fundraising experience in higher education, including nine at the college of veterinary medicine. She has worked with donor events, corporate solicitations and campus campaigns. 

            Since Legato joined the University of Florida in 1999, the veterinary college has ranked in the top 10 to 28 fundraisings units on campus, both in terms of money raised and percentage of goal achieved.  Her previous responsibilities included cultivating relationships with University of Florida alumni, donors, clients and animal-oriented clubs.

            Legato earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from SRU and worked at SRU from 1984-1999 in the Advancement Office. Prior to joining SRU, she worked seven years as a farm manager and equine trainer at Arcadian Arabians in Slippery Rock and nine years as the executive secretary to the president of General Nutrition Corp. in Pittsburgh.

 Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.