Bill McGoldrick, a native of Woodside, NY, came to Siena as an English major, thinking he would become a journalist. ROTC was mandatory for all freshmen and sophomores. At Siena, he became editor of The Indian, the weekly student newspaper. He also played lacrosse and was active in many clubs. He graduated in the top 10% of the bottom third of his class.
Before his junior year, Bill enlisted in the Naval Reserve and was sent to Great Lakes Naval Training Center for boot camp. He rose to Petty Officer 3rd Class in the Reserve while at Siena, then completed Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as an Ensign in 1968. He served as Public Affairs Officer at the Naval Air Technical Training Center at Naval Air Station, Lakehurst, NJ. He also served as PAO for The Chuting Stars, the Navy Demonstration Parachute Team. Bill was released back into the Reserves in 1971 and completed his service as a Lieutenant.
He earned his master’s degree in mass communication in 1973 at the Newhouse School at Syracuse University and began a career in educational communications, marketing and fundraising. His first civilian jobs were Director of Public Relations at Harrisburg (PA) Area Community College and at SUNY Oswego. In 1977, he became Director of Major Gifts at William & Mary and in 1980 moved to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he served for 15 years as Director of Development and Vice President for Institute Relations.
In 1995, Bill’s experience and passion for education led him to co-found Washburn & McGoldrick, an international consulting firm, specializing in supporting major fundraising campaigns. He has consulted at many of the finest universities in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Canada and Australia, providing strategic advice; board, volunteer and staff training; campaign planning and counsel; and alumni relations, development and communications program reviews.
He has been active regionally, nationally and internationally with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and served on CASE’s Board of Trustees. He has been a faculty member at many professional development programs sponsored by CASE and the Association of Governing Boards.
Bill is a member of Siena’s Board of Trustees and served, for many years, on the Boards of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany and Unity House in Troy. He has been married to Betsi for 56 years. They live in Latham and have a daughter, Meg, and a granddaughter, Rory.