Lisa Tiffin, D.E.L., G.P.C., joined Wilson College as vice president for in higher education advancement. Before joining Wilson, she served as assistant vice president of government, corporate and foundation relations at Champlain College, where she expanded external funding from $1 million annually to more than $34 million and helped secure the institution’s largest public funding appropriation. Previously, she spent seven years at Roberts Wesleyan University and Northeastern Seminary, leading grant development and advancement initiatives, supporting a $42 million comprehensive campaign, and helping secure the institution’s largest gift at that time. Tiffin holds a doctorate of executive leadership from the University of Charleston, a master’s degree in American literature from the State University of New York at Brockport, and a bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education from Roberts Wesleyan College. She is Grant Professionals Certified and is active in national higher education and fundraising organizations.
A Note from Lisa
When my phone rang way back in 1997, I wasn’t sure what I was in store for. But as you get to know me, you will hear me say I’ll always take the call—or coffee, lunch, or conversation—because you just never know where it will lead. In the case of this particular call, it led me right to Wilson!
That call turned out to be a good friend and former classmate who asked me to host my five-year reunion at our homecoming at my alma mater, a small college in Upstate New York—a college not unlike Wilson. He made a convincing case, and I said yes.
Though I had no idea what I was in for, it turned out to be a great experience. I not only got to reunite with old friends and hear what they were up to, but I got to see all the changes on campus, reconnect with favorite professors, and even hear a pitch for supporting the college from the new president.
I’m not sure I fully understood the impact that day, but I knew that scholarships had made it possible for me, a first-generation student, to attend college, graduate, and find my path, and I understood how important it was to help others.
Hosting my reunion also led me to become more engaged as a volunteer. I later spoke to classes about my career path, which included moving from teaching to owning a book business and eventually freelance writing. It also led to attending every homecoming and reunion I could and staying connected to the college.
Somewhere along the way, I realized how important it was to give back. That realization led me not only to direct some of my philanthropy to my alma mater, but also to answer a call to help shape their grants department and raise funds for the next generations of students.
Thankfully, these paths led me to Wilson! And one of my favorite stories is that of the 2026 Reunion. I was hired in April of this year with a start date in July, and to President Fugate’s great credit, he invited me to attend my first Wilson reunion in May.
If I hadn’t already fallen in love with Wilson, I sure did that weekend! Witnessing the love our alumnae and alumni have for each other and for their beloved Wilson was simply joyful, and I could not have had a more wonderful introduction and welcome to our community.
It reminded me so much of my first college reunion as I witnessed reconnections, explorations of campus, open hearts and giving, and the desire to support the dreams of the next generations of Wilson alums.
Whether you are a recent graduate or are celebrating 50-plus years since graduation, I hope you will consider attending the next Wilson Reunion, May 14-16, 2027. It’s worth the effort. I know I’d love to meet you, and I’d love to share the joy of celebrating all you have accomplished, all your warm relationships and fond memories, and all the ways in which you share with those on similar paths.
