POTSDAM -- Clarkson University has named a new vice president of development and alumni relations.

Patrick Roche has specialized in roles combining management, strategy, and sales throughout his career. He has more than a decade of corporate experience in large and small organizations, ranging from dotcoms to multinational corporations.

“We are ready to double down on the key objectives launched in the last decade that placed Clarkson on a national stage as an institution that defies convention and delivers on big ideas,” said Clarkson President Tony Collins. “Patrick’s background in industry and higher education brings fresh perspectives and appropriate relevance to our ongoing evolution to excellence.”

"The opportunity to partner with President Collins, university trustees, alumni, faculty and staff, students, and parents, was irresistible," said Roche. "I look forward to working with my colleagues in development & alumni relations to develop a world-class program equal to Clarkson's ascension as a leader in higher education and research."

Roche has served in a variety of roles at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and Claremont McKenna College (CMC). While serving as associate vice president for development and external relations at CMC, he led efforts to successfully complete the $600 million dollar Campaign for CMC, a record amount for a liberal arts college.

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minn., Roche is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y.

He and his wife, Amy, reside in the Village of Potsdam and are the parents of two daughters.