Zsolnay begins work as AVP alumni and development

Tamás ("Tom") Zsolnay left the chilly climes of northern Ontario earlier this year to begin a new chapter in his career on the west coast of Canada, arriving at UVic on March 3 to assume the role of associate vice-president alumni and development.

Since 2003 he had been executive director of university advancement at Laurentian University where he was responsible for fundraising and alumni strategies. Under his leadership, Laurentian built annual fundraising revenues from an average of $300,000 to more than $10 million per year; completed a campaign that raised $65.25 million; and renewed the working relationship with the Laurentian University Alumni Association.

Zsolnay also served as a colonel in the Canadian Forces army reserves. Between 2002 and 2003 he was the chief operations officer of the UN Mission to Ethiopia and Eritrea, directing military observers monitoring the peace agreement between the two countries. He then turned to fundraising at the suggestion of a friend, which over time led to his most recent position at Laurentian University. He is excited to incorporate year-round opportunities for healthy living in Victoria and particularly in the new CARSA facility when it opens next year; he knows firsthand that proximity can play a significant role in encouraging healthy habits — during his time in Asmara, Eritrea, he attended a nearby gym daily on his lunch breaks.

In his new role he’ll lead a team of more than 50 staff and he’ll work with the university leadership to identify fundraising priorities that support UVic’s mission, values and strategic focus. Zsolnay holds an MBA from Laurentian and he is a certified fundraising executive.