Biographies
Ryan T. Riley,
Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Ryan currently serves as Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. He manages all aspects of the University’s Annual Fund Program for individual and corporate constituencies. Ryan also oversees the University’s major events including Alumni day, Founder’s Day, and Commencement/Partner’s Day. In his position he leads volunteer recruitment and management efforts for University Advancement. Ryan also leads the development and implementation of alumni relations outreach and engagement. In coordination with the Vice President of University Advancement, Ryan manages the University’s Donor Relations/Stewardship Program.
Ryan knows the value of access-driven higher education and his background is closely aligned with the University’s mission, values, and educational philosophy. He has lived and worked in communities of the Commonwealth that struggle with the issues of economic development, workforce development, and community revitalization.
His experience also epitomizes the University’s emphasis on early career integration during college by securing multiple applied internships and business mentors. For example, he held high-level, multi-year internships at Widener University-Main Campus in the Office of the President, the Office of Government, Corporate, and Foundation Relations, and for the Special Assistant to the President for Community Engagement. Moreover, his mentors who guided his education and career preparation included the University President, Chairman of the Board, and Provost.
His government relations experience includes coordinating the advocacy efforts of Widener undergraduate and graduate students with the Pennsylvania General Assembly for three years as well as serving as an Intern for State Senate Majority Leader Dominic F. Pileggi (R-9), and as a Campaign Volunteer for United States Congressman Patrick J. Murphy (D-8).
Currently Ryan is a member of Harrisburg Young Professionals (HYP), The Tuesday Club, Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). He has served as Chair of the Greater Philadelphia Student Association, and a member of the Governor Rendell’s Citizen Service Task Force, and Campus Philly Board of Directors, respectively.
Ryan has presented in a variety of forums on higher education, student leadership, and student government including Congressman Joseph Sestak’s Economic Summit, the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth, the Annual Philadelphia Higher Education Network of Neighborhood Development (PHENND) Conference, Pennsylvania Campus Compact, and Cabrini College’s Student Visionary Conference.
His honors and distinctions include being a member of the Pennsylvania Society, as well as the recipient of both the coveted John L. Geoghegan Student Citizenship Award and the Donald M. Huntsinger Leadership Award at Widener University. He has also earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government & Politics from Widener University-Main Campus and during college was appointed to the Widener University Board of Trustees, and was twice elected the President of the Student Government Association. He was also the Coordinator of the Widener Student Ambassador Corps, a member of the Middle States Self-Study Task Force, and of the Faculty Council Student Services Committee.
717.901.5140
rriley@HarrisburgU.edu