photo by steed media service

As the vice president for institutional advancement at Columbia College Chicago, Dr. Eric Winston is primarily responsible for fundraising; however, his “to-do list” doesn’t stop there. Winston also supervises media, marketing, communications and alumni relations. Handling these duties is no small task, but with 40 years of experience, Winston has proven that he’s completely capable.

“It was natural for me to pursue a higher education degree,” he says, explaining that he was born into a family of educators that took academics very seriously.

After securing his undergraduate degree, Winston attended graduate school at Michigan State University.

“It was there that I became very much committed to the idea of helping young people…being in education has given me the opportunity to see young people succeed and realize their dreams,” he says, adding that this passion helped shape his career. It guided him to his current position at Columbia in 2006.

Never one to limit himself, Winston also owns a consulting firm that specializes in fundraising and alumni relations for colleges and universities.

“We’re committed to diversity, access and affordability,” explains Winston. “For corporations to support us, it means that they’re investing in their future workforce … they are very committed to helping institutions that provide a quality workforce.”

Winston’s expertise has also been vital in reaching out to the school’s alumni. “We’re making great strides in reclaiming our alumni,” he says. “We have had great success in raising building funds. Any time you do something like that and are successful, it makes people feel very proud to be a part of the institution.” -cherice e. norman

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