A Message from Standifird: Tom Hammerton Named VP for Advancement

10/13/2020 11:00 AM

Dear Bradley Community,

I am excited to announce Tom Hammerton will join Bradley University as Vice President for Advancement. In this role, Tom will be responsible for the institution’s fundraising and alumni engagement initiatives. He will be a key part of our strategic leadership team and essential in identifying and supporting critical initiatives vital to our success.

Many of you may know Tom from his previous work as Bradley’s assistant vice president/campaign leader from 1999-2008. He joined OSF HealthCare in 2008 and became the president of the OSF HealthCare Foundation in 2013. During his tenure at OSF, he:

• Led the $85 million fundraising campaign for the building that opened in 2010 which houses OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois.
• Led the fundraising for Jump Trading Simulation & Education Center, OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home and Almost Home Kids. All three buildings were funded 100 percent by philanthropic dollars.
• Led an OSF Foundation team that raised more than $300 million.

Bradley and OSF have a great partnership and we both are committed to building and growing our community. “OSF and Bradley have partnered on many things over the years,” said Bob Sehring, CEO of OSF HealthCare. With Tom at Bradley, our collaboration with the university will undoubtedly only strengthen.”

Tom will be a pivotal leader for some initiatives we will be implementing in the next few years including a major capital campaign, developing a master plan for the campus and identifying new opportunities that will help further distinguish Bradley as a leader in higher education.

Tom’s excitement about this position and Bradley is contagious. He is excited and passionate about who we are and what we are doing. We have an amazing alumni base worldwide and it is imperative we enhance those relationships. Tom shares my vision for a stronger Bradley, a stronger Peoria and a stronger connection with our alumni base. All of this will ensure a stronger future for our great institution.

Tom replaces Jake Heuser who left Bradley in September. Jake had been part of the advancement team since 2007, serving as Vice President since 2013. I want to thank Jake for his contributions to Bradley and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

Tom Hammerton will begin his role at Bradley on December 1.

Sincerely,

Stephen Standifird
President – Bradley University