Alumni University News

June 19, 2018 | Christina Jackson, UConn Foundation

UConn Foundation President Joshua Newton to Step Down Midsummer

The Foundation raised nearly $400 million during Newton's five-year tenure, reshaped alumni programs, and grew the endowment by 30 percent.

UConn Foundation president Josh Newton. (G.J. McCarthy for UConn Foundation)

UConn Foundation president Josh Newton has announced he is stepping down. During his five-year tenure, the Foundation raised nearly $400 million, reshaped alumni programs, and grew the endowment by 30 percent. (G.J. McCarthy for UConn Foundation)

UConn Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua R. Newton will leave his position in mid-August, after completing a remarkable five-year tenure – the most prolific fundraising period in the Foundation’s history.

Newton joined the Foundation in September 2013 and since then has reshaped philanthropy and alumni engagement at the University. He helped raise nearly $400 million since his arrival in Storrs – a 46 percent increase over the previous five fiscal years – with a key focus being the $150 million Transform Lives Scholarship initiative. The Foundation’s endowment also experienced robust growth, rising from $339 million in March of 2013 to $439 million this past March.

Dan Toscano, chairman of the UConn Foundation Board of Directors, said that while he’s disappointed Newton is leaving, “I am personally grateful to Josh for the foundation he has helped to build. The UConn Foundation has never been stronger, the team has never been deeper, and the future has never been brighter.”

The recent integration of the Alumni Association with the UConn Foundation will continue to pay dividends for alumni. Expanded programming and services are making it easier than ever before for alumni to engage with the University and UConn Nation. The Foundation’s new Office of Principal Gifts and expanded Division of Marketing & Communications are also helping the Foundation connect with donors and align their passions with University priorities.

“I’m proud of what our team has been able to accomplish in such a short amount of time,” said Newton. “The only reason I was able to attend college was because of scholarships, so raising funds for low-income and meritorious students has always been a passion of mine.”

But while the fundraising numbers are something to celebrate, they’re not the only measure of success, he added: “We’ve elevated philanthropy at UConn by focusing on building lasting relationships with donors and alumni. These connections transcend any one person and I’m confident UConn is well positioned for great successes in the years ahead.”

President Susan Herbst offered praise for Newton’s leadership. “I have worked closely with top fundraisers at great universities around the nation for over 20 years, and Josh is one of the best. Without question. His stellar strategic sensibility, student focus, and understanding of higher education are unusual, and I will miss him immensely. As we wish him well, we need to thank him for five astoundingly successful years. He loves the people and places of UConn Nation, and will always be our friend, fan, and advocate.”

“It’s truly been a joy to work with our committed board members, University partners, donors, and alumni community,” Newton said. “I’ve made lifetime friends and will always bleed blue.”

Newton is slated to become the senior vice president for advancement and alumni engagement at Emory University, where he worked for more than 10 years before coming to UConn. While the specific date has yet to be determined, his last day at the UConn Foundation will be sometime in August. The UConn Foundation Board of Directors will name an interim president in the next few weeks, and then conduct a national search for a successor.