Bacchus comes to Elon from Southwestern University in Texas and will help lead efforts to build a culture of philanthropy and alumni engagement.
Robert “Rob” E. Bacchus III started his job Oct. 29 and will supervise six staff members working to build a vibrant alumni network, foster a culture of philanthropy, and support efforts to increase alumni and parent giving. He will provide day-to-day leadership and oversight to growing programs that engage alumni, parents, grandparents and friends of the university, and encourage their financial support of the institution at all levels.
“I’m honored to join the Elon community and look forward to advancing the mission of the university over the coming years,” Bacchus said. “Elon would not be the place it is without strong support and I’m excited to play a role ensuring our students, faculty and staff have the resources they need to succeed.”
Bacchus comes to Elon from Texas, where he worked for five years at Southwestern University as director of university relations—gift programs. He was responsible for providing direction, leadership, and oversight for the annual giving efforts at the university, including programs related to direct mail, phonathon, volunteer, faculty & staff and student philanthropy.
Bacchus led efforts to integrate and enhance the use of websites and social media-based solicitations to young alumni, which increased donations and participation from graduates of the past decade. He also developed and implemented new philanthropy efforts that increased student participation from 45 percent to 76 percent, and he grew volunteer involvement in fundraising programs by nearly 20 percent.
Prior to joining Southwestern, Bacchus worked for 10 years for companies such as Convio Inc., Dell Inc. and Hewitt Associates. In his community, Bacchus served as a board member for the Georgetown Soccer Association and a volunteer in The Georgetown Project, a community improvement organization.
Bacchus earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and a master’s of non-profit administration from the University of Notre Dame. He and his wife are parents to three young boys.