Debra La Morte

Debra A. LaMorte has served as Senior Vice President for University Development and Alumni Relations since 2001.

LaMorte is responsible for coordinating all fundraising initiatives for the University and for delivering the philanthropic resources required for NYU to meet its academic and programmatic goals for students and faculty. She is also responsible for creating the necessary programs and infrastructure to engage alumni, parents, and friends and to keep them connected to NYU as they pursue their lifelong careers.

In fall 2013, LaMorte and NYU President John Sexton launched the “Momentum Campaign” with the ambitious goal to raise $1 billion by 2017, exclusively dedicated to generating scholarships. Through this worthy endeavor, NYU stands ready to educate the leaders of the future, unlocking the potential and unleashing the ambition of talented men and women. Prior to this current campaign, LaMorte along with John Sexton from 2001 to 2008, led NYU’s $2.5 billion comprehensive campaign to support financial aid, recruit new faculty, expand academic programs, and develop facilities. This Campaign which ended in August 2008 was the largest completed campaign in the history of education at that time—raising $3.1 billion.

LaMorte first joined the University in 1990 when she was named Director of Development and Alumni Relations at the NYU School of Law. In 1991, she was promoted to Senior Director of Development. From 1992–2001, she served as Associate Dean of External Affairs. A major accomplishment was the completion of the Law School''s $185 million campaign—at that time, the largest campaign in the history of legal education.

From 1984–1989, LaMorte served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Computer Doctor Inc. From 1979–1984, she practiced law in Cincinnati, OH.

For the past 7 years, LaMorte has taught “Fundamentals of Fund Raising” at NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.

LaMorte received her B.A. (1975) from Antioch College and her J.D. (1979) from Salmon P. Chase College of Law.

Areas of Expertise

Education

Law & Regulation

Public & Nonprofit Organizations