Chad Tessier

A 1993 graduate of St. Lawrence, Chad serves as Senior Associate Director of Major and Planned Gifts. In this role, Chad works closely with alumni, parents, and friends regarding their philanthropic plans to support the University.

Chad rejoined the St. Lawrence University Advancement team in February 2024, after serving as the Director of Family Philanthropy for Colby College in Waterville, ME. At Colby, Chad oversaw all parent fundraising for the College and was part of the advancement team that brought the Dare Northward Campaign, a $750 million comprehensive campaign, to completion.

Prior to Colby, Chad was with St. Lawrence University for 14.5 years. The last ten of those years, he served as Director of Parent Leadership Giving and Senior Associate Director of Major Gifts. In this role, Chad oversaw all parent fundraising for the University, with an emphasis on major, principal, and planned gifts. He was also responsible for the Parents Committee.

In addition to his BA in Sociology, Chad received a Master of Science in Teaching from SUNY Potsdam in 1995, and both a Master’s and Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Administration from St. Lawrence in 2004. A former Saints lacrosse player, Chad remains active with the men’s lacrosse team as a faculty/staff mentor.

Chad resides in Hannawa Falls with his wife, Cathy. They are parents of Haley ’18, Riley, and Matthew.