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Fundraiser Peter Lewis Gabak
Senior Major Gifts Officer at Union College
Professional Background
Peter Lewis Gabak is an accomplished fundraiser, educator, and mentor who brings over three decades of experience within the fields of higher education and philanthropy. Known for his deep commitment to building enduring relationships with donors and fostering a culture of giving, he has dedicated his career to advancing educational and non-profit initiatives. Throughout his 12 years in higher education at one of the largest technological universities in the United States, Gabak has adeptly navigated the intricacies of philanthropic relationship building, particularly focusing on major gifts that significantly impact institutional advancement.
During his tenure, Gabak has successfully authored an impressive average of 50 grant proposals annually over the past decade, securing funding ranging from $1.5 million to $25,000. His extensive network spans key geographic regions, allowing for substantial donor and alumni engagement in major metropolitan areas such as New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles. This breadth of experience in individual, corporate, and foundation relations positions him as a leader in the fundraising landscape, committed to making meaningful connections that drive progress and support.
In addition to his fundraising prowess, Gabak has served as a university lecturer from 2008 to 2016, where he taught undergraduate courses in art and architecture history as well as museum studies. Throughout this period, he instructed approximately 1,100 students across 50 classes, demonstrating his dedication to education and student engagement. His innovative spirit led to the conceptualization and implementation of three new courses, enriching the academic offerings of his institution.
Education and Achievements
Gabak pursued his passion for the arts by studying Art History at Syracuse University, and further expanded his knowledge in Art History, French Language & Literature, and Museum Studies at the State University of New York College at Oswego. Armed with this strong educational foundation, he has successfully combined his academic expertise with his professional endeavors, creating a unique blend of skills that contributes to his effectiveness as a fundraiser and educator.
His commitment to social causes and advancements in the arts is further exemplified by his involvement in diversity and inclusion initiatives. Gabak's roles on the RIT Unconscious Bias Task Force and his familiarity with Deaf and Hard of Hearing sensitivity training reflect his dedication to championing inclusivity within various sectors. Additionally, he possesses proficiency in French and conversational capabilities in Italian and Spanish, enhancing his ability to connect with a diverse range of individuals across borders.
Notable Positions Held
Throughout his distinguished career, Gabak has held key positions that underscore his expertise in fundraising and development:
- Senior Major Gifts Officer at Union College: In this role, he leads efforts to secure significant donations to support the college’s mission and initiatives.
- Principal at MUSE Consultancy: Leveraging his experience, Gabak consults for organizations in need of strategic fundraising guidance and operational improvements.
- Director of Development at The Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences/Buffalo Museum of Science: There, he successfully raised funds to support educational outreach and community engagement.
- Director of Major Gifts Institutional Advancement at Buffalo State College: Gabak played a pivotal role in advancing institutional goals through targeted major gift solicitations.
- Third Sector Leadership: Gabak held multiple positions with the Al Sigl Community of Agencies, including Interim Vice President and Capital Campaign Director, driving substantial funding initiatives for community-oriented projects.
- Art & Architectural Historian at Rochester Institute of Technology: This role allowed him to blend his academic knowledge with practical experiences in education and outreach efforts within the arts sector.
Through each of these roles, Gabak has demonstrated a remarkable ability to unite institutions with philanthropic resources, ultimately advancing their missions and serving communities effectively. His passion for facilitating educational experiences and promoting the arts underpins all of his professional engagements.
Achievements
Gabak’s career is marked by a multitude of accomplishments, including:
- Successfully authored 50 grant proposals per year, securing significant funding for educational projects.
- Conceptualized and implemented three new undergraduate courses, enhancing the curriculum in art and architecture history.
- Developed and maintained long-lasting donor relationships that foster a culture of loyalty and financial support for educational institutions.
- Led Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, advocating for equitable practices in fundraising and educational outreach.
- Engaged internationally with alumni and donors across Western Europe, further expanding the fundraising footprint on a global scale.
Location
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