Steve Caraher - Chief Advancement Officer

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Caraher joined AUR from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where he most recently served as Vice President for Advancement, delivering record fundraising, including $113 million in FY25 toward a $400 million comprehensive campaign. His previous leadership roles include major-gifts and development positions at Cornell University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Rochester/Eastman School of Music. 

 

As CAO, Caraher partners with AUR President Scott Sprenger, the current Advancement team, senior leadership, and the Board of Trustees to advance donor engagement and support for AUR’s campus expansion, which will double the University’s footprint and transform both the existing campus and the student experience.   

 

Caraher’s connection to Italy began with a formative study-abroad semester in Arezzo, an experience that informs his commitment to international liberal arts education. “AUR’s mission, vision, and current trajectory resonate deeply with me,” said Caraher. “I’m excited to build a robust culture of philanthropy that supports student opportunity and institutional excellence.” 

 

Caraher holds a Master of Science in College Student Personnel Administration from Canisius University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Rochester.