BOSTON, Nov., 1998 -- David McKay, an experienced college administrator and fund raiser, has been named the new vice president for institutional advancement at Berklee College of Music, college President Lee Eliot Berk announced today.

McKay, formerly of Burlington, Vt., is a 20-year veteran in the field of college development. Most recently he served as vice-president for institutional advancement at Trinity College of Vermont, where he led the school's capital campaign, marketing efforts, and alumni affairs. McKay also spearheaded the development of Trinity's strategic planning.

"David McKay comes to Berklee at a very special time in our history, when we are making important contributions, ranging from our newest major in Music Therapy to our leadership participation in establishing and guiding the Boston Arts Academy, a new Boston high school for the visual and performing arts," said President Lee Eliot Berk. "His experience in identifying worthy internal and external programs will be a good match for the many advancement opportunties at Berklee."

McKay began his career in college development in 1979 after graduating from George Peabody College, now part of Vanderbilt University. He worked as director of development at Vanderbilt until 1984. He also has been development director at Norwich University in Northfield, Vt., from 1984 to 1987, and Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Ga. from 1987 to 1989. McKay also chairs the boards of Rock Point School, an independent school, and Cathedral Square Corporation, a non-profit housing corporation, both in Burlington, Vt.

As Berklee's head of institutional advancement, McKay will oversee the college's external relations with alumni, trustees, corporations and donors. He also will supervise relations with local and national media. McKay joins the Berklee community at an important juncture, as it embarks on a five-year plan to help steer the college into the next millenium.

"Berklee has an extremely strong reputation throughout the world, and there is still so much more to come. This is an exciting time to join the Berklee community, as we look forward to the future and the college's place in it," McKay said. "I plan to contribute to that through effective fund-raising, alumni and public relations."

Founded in 1945, Berklee College of Music has been advancing careers in contemporary music for more than 50 years. The world's largest independent college of music, Berklee has a multicultural enrollment of over 2,900 students, 40 percent of whom are international. The college's alumni include some of the most respected figures in contemporary music, including many multi-Grammy award winners.

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For more information please contact:

Sarah Godcher, publicist
Office of Public Information
Berklee College of Music
(617) 747-2658 or sgodcher@berklee.edu