Buffalo, NY - As he begins to clear his belongings from the corner office at George Martin Hall, J. Patrick Greenwald is reminded of a note he received from a dear friend upon his high school graduation. The friend wrote, “Pat, I hope you have the experience of finding something so worthwhile that you are willing to invest your life in it.”
He surely did.
For 45 years, Pat Greenwald (sometimes referred to as JPG) set an inspiring example at Canisius University through his dedication and commitment to all things blue and gold. That tenure comes to a close in May when the institution’s principal gift officer retires.
“I have been blessed to work with and for talented and dedicated colleagues, motivational and inspiring leaders, and caring and generous benefactors,” Greenwald says. “I will cherish these relationships for the rest of my life.”
Building and fostering relationships have been the essence of Greenwald’s work, since he first arrived at 2001 Main Street, from Akron, OH, during the Blizzard of 1977. He had not yet purchased a home and was living in the women’s residence hall when the storm shuttered the college. Nonetheless, Canisius’ newest alumni director made good use of those snowed-in days.
“In was great in many respects,” Greenwald recalls. “No one was on campus so it allowed me a lot of uninterrupted time to comb through the files to get a feel for the college and familiarize myself with so many alumni.”
Canisius was “doing great work back then,” Greenwald notes, but the college was mainly viewed as a Buffalo institution. “We needed to take the Canisius story on the road and share its mission and vision far and wide.”
At Greenwald’s convincing, then President James M. Demske ‘47, HON ’76, SJ, (the first of four presidents under whom Greenwald would work), began crisscrossing the country to meet one-on-one with alumni. Greenwald similarly involved Canisius faculty in more meaningful ways to further grow alumni engagement outside the immediate area. And alumni could be certain to receive a phone call from Greenwald each year, personally inviting them to return to campus for their class reunions.
“Pat always did his best to make you feel like you were still a part of the Canisius family, even if you lived on the other side of the country,” says Eugene S. Richards ‘70 of Rancho Mirage, CA. “He is a huge reason why I am still attached to the college.”
Those early days laid the foundation for the fundamental role Greenwald would play in helping Canisius build a robust culture of alumni engagement and philanthropy throughout the ensuing four decades. As he transitioned from roles in alumni relations to advancement, Greenwald strengthened any number of annual giving, capital campaign and development initiatives, each time helping to grow the institution and bolster living and learning opportunities for students.
“It really is and always has been about the students,” says a self-effacing Greenwald. “My job is just to inform people of the different ways in which they can help provide wonderful educational opportunities to students who might not otherwise be able to afford them.”
Aside from the numerous national advancement awards, which line the cabinet tops in his office, there is really no way to measure how much philanthropic support Greenwald garnered on behalf of Canisius and its students, during his residency. It’s certain, however, that he helped transform the institution in almost every way: physically, academically, and in quality, care and reputation.
Science Hall, Dugan Residence Hall, the Financial Markets Lab and the Montante Cultural Center are among the many capital improvements precipitated by the generosity of benefactors whom Greenwald stewarded. Some of the college’s strongest and most sought-after academic programs – business, accounting, economics and finance, chemistry – thrive under the support of donors cultivated by Greenwald. Then, there are the innumerable students whose Canisius educations were made possible through the establishment of more than 500 endowed scholarships – so many abetted by J. Patrick Greenwald, including the most recent $1 million gift to the Urban Leadership Learning Community.
“If there was an Advancement Hall of Fame, Patrick would be a unanimous selection,” notes Dennis L. Misko ’67, a major gifts officer at Canisius and longtime colleague of Greenwald’s. “We are in the relationship business and he has distinguished himself for building and retaining long-lasting relationships over decades.”
Indeed, Greenwald’s acclaim as a pacesetter fundraiser is wholly attributed to his authentic approach as a friend-raiser. For him, it starts simply by being a good listener.
With a warm smile and amiable manner, Greenwald listens as alumni share stories about their Canisius experiences, their professional pursuits and their personal passions, even their hobbies and how they view the world.
He listens not with the intent to respond but rather to understand.
“One of the reasons Patrick is so successful is because he listens carefully to alumni and benefactors and is then able to align their interests, goals and philanthropic passion points with those of Canisius University,” explains John S. Prizner III ’97, who was once mentored by Greenwald and is now senior principal gift officer at Syracuse University.
Though rewarding, promoting philanthropy for the institution was not without its challenges.
Throughout Greenwald’s tenure, the college endured its share of economic downturns, unfortunate circumstances and most recently with Covid-19, unprecedented disruptions. Always, Greenwald addressed the challenges directly.
“Pat represents what is great about Canisius because he is never afraid to discuss items that may put the college in a bad light,” says Richards. “Instead, he stresses what is being done to turn the corner. He is probably the college’s biggest, rational cheerleader.”
Such honesty and optimism are underscored by the many small, personal touches that contributed to Greenwald’s vast impact at Canisius.
In an increasingly informal digital world, he is famous for sending handwritten notes to laud alumni on their professional promotions or inform them on relevant news from their respective academic programs. Likewise, he is quick to deliver his congratulations or condolences whenever friends of the college experience significant life events. Greenwald also takes special care to update benefactors on their beneficiaries.
Amy J. (Joseph) Habib MS ’63, HON ’17 recalls learning from Greenwald that the first recipient of the Norman, Saide L. and Bedie N. Joseph Scholarship, which she established, went on to become a top executive at Discover Card.
“It just made me feel so good to hear how our scholarship made a difference in the life of another person,” recalls Habib. “Patrick just knows how to make everyone feel special.” The former Board of Trustees member shares a September birthday with Greenwald and fellow alumna Katherine K. Juhasz HON ’04. The trio has been celebrating together every year, for nearly 40 years. “Our Canisius relationship has really become a genuine friendship. He’s practically part of our family.”
Just as so many alumni and friends are part of his.
In retiring this spring, Greenwald and his beloved “better half” Becky Greenwald (who is as adored as her husband) won’t be far from Canisius. They intend to keep their Williamsville home but look forward to spending more time with their two children and grandchildren who live in Philadelphia and Bermuda. Cross-country visits are also planned with the many lifelong friends the couple made through their Canisius connections.
Until then, Greenwald will continue to create awareness about the power of giving at Canisius and the impact it can have on students’ lives. For him, it is the most meaningful of work. So worthwhile, Greenwald concludes, that he invested his life in it.
“Canisius gave me opportunity, passion and purpose and as I prepare to step away from the college, it heartens me to know I may have had a hand in helping to make the college a better place; a place where leaders are made.”
The J. Patrick and Rebecca Greenwald Scholarship Fund
Few could leave such a proud legacy on an institution as J. Patrick Greenwald.
To honor that legacy, alumni are invited to make a gift to the J. Patrick and Rebecca Greenwald Scholarship Fund.
Established in 2017, the scholarship benefits students from Greenwald’s hometown in Northeast Ohio. It was established by donors to recognize Greenwald’s 40-years of service at Canisius.
To make a gift, visit www.canisius.edu/give and note Greenwald Scholarship Fund in the appropriate field or call Kimberly Venti, vice president for institutional advancement, at 716 888-8200 to discuss ways to make your gift.
