THE THOMAS J. MOSSER STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION WING

Dear Friends, Colleagues and Classmates of Tom Mosser,

As you know, Thomas J. Mosser — Tom to all of us — was an incredible person, inspirational mentor, and consummate communications counselor. He was fair, ethical, thoughtful, and deliberate. He spoke softly, but when he spoke, people Tom Mosser, Class of 1965 listened. He reminded us of the importance of working as a team because that was the key behind any successful campaign.

We were all part of “Tom’s team” for the greater part of 25 years. His leadership gave us all so much. At this moment, we have a unique opportunity to show our gratitude and honor him in a way he would have greatly appreciated. We are now launching a special fundraising effort to create the Thomas J. Mosser Strategic Communication Wing in the School of Communication of his beloved alma mater, St. Bonaventure University. We have set a goal of $600,000 - $800,000 for this permanent memorial and have already received commitments of $350,000 from two lead gifts. We hope to announce the completion of this campaign on the 30th anniversary of Tom's untimely death, on December 10, 2024.

We are counting on you — Tom’s friends, colleagues, and classmates — to join us in this undertaking.

Dear Friends, Colleagues and Classmates of Tom Mosser,

As you know, Thomas J. Mosser — Tom to all of us — was an incredible person, inspirational mentor, and consummate communications counselor. He was fair, ethical, thoughtful, and deliberate. He spoke softly, but when he spoke, people listened. He reminded us of the importance of working as a team because that was the key behind any successful campaign.

We were all part of “Tom’s team” for the greater part of 25 years. His leadership gave us all so much. At this moment, we have a unique opportunity to show our gratitude and honor him in a way he would have greatly appreciated. We are now launching a special fundraising effort to create the Thomas J. Mosser Strategic Communication Wing in the School of Communication of his beloved alma mater, St. Bonaventure University. We have set a goal of $600,000 - $800,000 for this permanent memorial and have already received commitments of $350,000 from two lead gifts. We hope to announce the completion of this campaign on the 30th anniversary of Tom's untimely death, on December 10, 2024.

We are counting on you — Tom’s friends, colleagues, and classmates — to join us in this undertaking.

Tom’s successful career reflects the calm and steady yet determined person he was. It was rooted in the quality education he received at St. Bonaventure University, where as a journalism student, he was editor-in-chief of the student newspaper under the guidance of department chair Russell J. Jandoli, for whom the School of Communication is named. At the time of his death, Tom was honorary chairman of the Jandoli Endowment Fund and a member of the President’s Advisory Council on Journalism and Mass Communication. This fall, St Bonaventure University will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of its communication programs, with the groundbreaking for a renovated state-of-the-art building that includes the Thomas J. Mosser Strategic Communication Wing. In conjunction with the leadership of the Jandoli School, we have developed a vision of the tribute to Tom, to be located on the first floor of the new School building. The preliminary renderings at this website show the vision for the Mosser Wing. Donors will be acknowledged at its entrance.

Following Tom’s graduation from St. Bonaventure in 1965 and service in the U.S. Navy, he joined Burson-Marsteller in 1970 and effectively counseled companies across the Fortune 500 for 25 years. Just two weeks before his death in 1994, he was promoted to general manager of Young & Rubicam. Throughout his career, he continued to mentor Bonaventure students, offering guidance on resumes, internships, and career opportunities.

At Tom’s funeral, among those who eulogized him were the late Harold Burson and Peter Georgescu, then Y&R president. Wearing a bright red tie to celebrate his friend’s life, Peter described how Tom often changed his mood at the end of a hard day. “I would walk into Tom’s office weak, and in a few minutes, I would walk out strong. I would walk into his office insecure and walk out more confident. I would walk into his office unsure and exit more wise."

This is the Tom who left indelible impressions on all of us. Please consider joining our team and contributing to building a permanent memorial to this extraordinary man, in the best way possible: supporting the education of students, who will follow in his footsteps. All of us who have signed below have made a commitment to this mission, and we hope you will join us with a tax-deductible gift or donation from donor-advised funds (DAF). Gifts can also be donated over a period of years.

Thank you very much for your consideration and please join us.

The Tom Mosser Legacy Team:

Elias “Buck” Buchwald, former vice chair, Burson-Marsteller

Peter Georgescu, Chairman Emeritus, Young & Rubicam

Steve Aiello, Burson-Marsteller, Cohn & Wolfe

Jane Barr, Burson-Marsteller

Kay Breakstone, Burson-Marsteller

Curtis S. Chin, Burson-Marsteller

Pamela DuBose McIver, Burson-Marsteller, Cohn & Wolfe, Young & Rubicam

Pat Ford, Burson-Marsteller

Barry Holt, Burson-Marsteller

Vickee Jordan-Adams, Burson-Marsteller

Herb and Julie Karlitz, Burson-Marsteller

Edna Kissmann, Burson-Marsteller

Joan Roeben Licursi, St. Bonaventure alum & Burson-Marsteller

Jim Lindheim, Burson-Marsteller

Evan McElroy, St. Bonaventure alum & Burson-Marsteller

Nancy Rueth, Burson-Marsteller

David Sable, Burson-Marsteller, Cohn & Wolfe, Wunderman, Young & Rubicam

Carol Schumacher, St. Bonaventure alum, Burson-Marsteller & Cohn & Wolfe

Barbara Madsen Smith, Burson-Marsteller

Anne Strianese, Burson-Marsteller

Join us & make your gift online today!

Donate by Mail

If you wish, you can make your gift by check. Please make check payable to St. Bonaventure University. Please include "Thomas J. Mosser Wing" in the memo line and mail your check to:

University Advancement
P.O. Box 2519
St. Bonaventure, NY 14778

Donate with Securities

For information on gifting securities, please contact Marty Blind, Major Gifts Officer, by calling (716) 307-5517 or email at mblind@sbu.edu or Mandi Wilton Davis, Director of Advancement Operations, by calling (716) 375-2328 or email at adavis@sbu.edu.

If you have any questions, please contact Marty Blind by calling (716) 307-5517 or email at mblind@sbu.edu or Aaron Chimbel, Dean, Jandoli School of Communication by calling 716-375-2040 or email at achimbel@sbu.edu.

Pay tribute to Tom's memory

Inspire the next generation of communicators through your gift to the Thomas J. Mosser Strategic Communication Wing in the Jandoli School of Communication

Give today!

75 Years of Journalism and Communication Excellence

Throughout St. Bonaventure University’s rich history, the generosity of others has provided assistance to students seeking an education that encompasses spiritual and intellectual life. That proud legacy continues through your support.

Groundbreaking ceremony for the Jandoli School of Communication.

The groundbreaking ceremonies for the Jandoli School renovation, including the Tom Mosser wing, occurred on Oct. 19, 2024. Construction begins in spring 2025.

Joan Licursi, Class of 1965, at the podium.

Joan Licursi SBU '65 addressed alums, students, faculty and friends during the groundbreaking weekend about the impact that Dr. Russell Jandoli had on her, Tom and so many throughout his tenure.

Carol Schumacher, Class of 1978, at podium.
Carol Schumacher SBU '78 spoke about Tom's lasting impact on her and that what mattered was teamwork. Tom hired Carol as an AAE at Burson-Marsteller NY.