BUFFALO, NY – Canisius University has appointed Tonawanda resident Brandon T. Bielecki '15, MS '19, director of annual giving.
An integral member of the institutional advancement team, Bielecki is responsible for the overall strategic planning, implementation and evaluation of annual fundraising initiatives at Canisius. In addition to managing a comprehensive fundraising program, he is charged with meeting institutional fundraising and donor participation goals in both unrestricted and restricted annual support. Bielecki also leads fundraising efforts for the athletic division’s Blue & Gold Fund, reunion giving and the university’s annual crowdfunding effort on Giving Day.
Prior to being appointed director of annual giving, Bielecki was a major gifts officer on the university’s institutional advancement team. In this role, which he will retain, Bielecki manages a portfolio of 170 major gift donors, effectively communicating Canisius’ mission, impact and funding priorities to inspire philanthropic support.
Bielecki came to Canisius in July 2021 as assistant director of annual giving and stewardship. During his tenure, he helped secure more than $5 million in current-use support through direct and digital mail solicitations; increased unrestricted dollars raised by 36 percent annually; increased support of Canisius athletics by 33 percent annually; and personally secured $150,000 in current-use support through personal solicitations.
Bielecki earned a BS in business management and an MS in sport administration both from Canisius University. Upon earning his master’s degree, he became an adjunct instructor in the institution’s Richard J. Wehle School of Business, teaching classes in sport and recreation law, and sport marketing.
As an undergraduate, Bielecki was a scholar athlete, pitching two seasons for the Golden Griffin baseball program. He also spent four seasons as an assistant coach with the program, serving primarily as the Griffs’ pitching coach.
Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
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