Staff SpotLight – Matthew Manfra

Matthew Manfra
 Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations

As the new Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations, Matt Manfra relinquished his East Coast lifestyle and moved 1,700 miles west for the opportunity to work with UNC’s dynamic alumni association.

“I was drawn to UNC and to Greeley because of the people,” he said. “The board members and alumni I’ve met are passionate about UNC and delighted with their experiences here. And I was impressed with the deep commitment of university leadership to engage alumni with their alma mater and with one another.” 

Manfra wants to share in that zeal and be a part of the energy that inspires the dedicated graduates of UNC. The promises of a sunny forecast and year-round golf helped cement his decision.

Manfra comes to UNC from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, where he was Director of Outreach Programs in the alumni relations office. There, he oversaw the international regional clubs program and alumni events. Prior to Rutgers, Manfra worked as Alumni Affairs Director at his alma mater, The College of New Jersey, where he also served two terms on the alumni association executive board.

“I’m fortunate to know alumni work both as an alumni relations professional and an alumni volunteer,” he said. “My personal experience as a volunteer has helped to inform my professional life.”

Manfra is eager to work with the board here. “I am thrilled to work alongside such dedicated volunteers like Randy, Peter, Lyndsey and Steve, our alumni board officers, and the other members of the board.  They are exemplary leaders and have a robust vision for the future of the alumni association.”

Since his college days, Manfra has had an affinity for institutions of higher education and the lifelong bonds they forge, like UNC has among its more than 100,000 alumni.

“The history of the institution is remarkable,” he said. “I look forward to honoring our traditions and to working to continually improve our alumni program.”

“President Norton, the members of the search committee and I were impressed with Matt’s alumni relations experience and his dedication to our work,” said Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Vicki Gorrell. “He has a strong belief in the value of the lifelong connection between alumni and the university and wants to strengthen those ties.”

The alumni population spans the globe with members in 50 states and more than 81 countries. One of Manfra’s goals is to develop engaging communication with such a diverse group.

“Our alumni love this institution,” Manfra said. “Their loyalty is a direct result of their formative experiences and success stories grown here. I’m excited to be a part of that.”