(Black PR Wire) -- It is with great pride and pleasure that Florida Memorial University names MARCUS H. BURGESS as their new Vice President for University Advancement.

Mr. Burgess comes to Florida Memorial University (FMU) with decades of experience in education, leadership, alumni organization, fundraising strategies and the cultivation of large scale comprehensive capital campaigns. This unique skill set will provide FMU with the tools to propel their new capital giving campaign under his direct leadership. In addition, he will oversee operations to increase alumni visibility and support, as well as the stimulation of general philanthropic efforts.

Previously, Mr. Burgess served in similar capacities as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Voorhees College in Denmark, SC, and Administrator of the Capital Campaign; Alumni & Student Components, as well as Director of the Annual Fund-Alumni Relations at Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC. At Voorhees College, Mr. Burgess exceeded their annual fundraising goal by 25% in one year, secured the largest planned gift in the university’s history; a $1.5M dollar bequest and increased annual alumni giving from $85,000 to over $160,000. In addition, he created a Student Philanthropy Program to train students in the fundraising and giving process. During his 7-year tenure at Claflin University, he developed and implemented a comprehensive strategic plan to raise $10M from alumni in support of the University’s capital campaign; which $8M was raised at the time of his departure.

As a result of Mr. Burgess’ prior accomplishments in philanthropic acquisition, Dr. Roslyn Artis, FMU President, confidently stated, “Mr. Burgess brings a wealth of experience in higher education with a particular emphasis on alumni giving. Florida Memorial University is now positioned to enrich our University platform in corporate and alumni relations.”

Mr. Burgess holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Claflin University and a Master of Arts Degree in Education Administration from The Citadel. He also holds numerous certificates of training and many academic accolades, as well as several professional and community affiliations. The Florida Memorial University family looks forward to great accomplishments from their new Vice President of University Advancement, MR. MARCUS BURGESS.

About Florida Memorial University:
Located in the City of Miami Gardens, Florida Memorial University is a private, historically Black institution that offers 42 undergraduate degree programs and four graduate degree programs to a culturally diverse student body. Since its inception in 1879, the University has upheld a commitment to provide a solid foundation for thousands of young people and to open doors to educational opportunities that may have otherwise been closed to them. As South Florida’s only Historically Black College or University (HBCU), it is widely recognized as the birthplace of the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.” For more information, call 305-626-3600 or visit www.fmuniv.edu.