Colin Perry, '17
B.A. in English and Journalism, 2017; minors: Philosophy and American Studies
Colin Perry, '17 (B.A. in English and Journalism, 2017; minors: Philosophy and American Studies) is a Senior Program Officer at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, where he supports the Foundation's grantmaking and advances its strategic community goals. His portfolio includes projects to achieve racial and ethnic equity, advance economic mobility, steward significant environmental resources in the context of climate resilience, and promote a vibrant arts and culture sector. While there is no formal background or degree program for a career in philanthropy, Colin uses skills every day — critical thinking, problem solving, analyzing narratives, researching, facilitating conversations, interviewing and asking questions, managing projects, and, of course, writing — that he learned and sharpened in the classrooms and newspaper offices of SUNY Fredonia. Prior to his time at the Community Foundation, Colin worked as a grant writer, including for anti-poverty initiatives in his native Chautauqua County.