The Committee on External Engagement & Advancement consists of up to six members, at least half of whom shall be members of the Board of Governors.
2025-2026 (July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026)
| Name | Type | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Jennifer Rowe | Member | Chair of the Committee |
| Susan Cunningham | Member | |
| Natalia Lishchyna | Member | |
| Mayu Nishimura | Member | |
| Wayne Purboo | Member | |
| Lisa Brown | Member | |
| Stephen Elop | Ex Officio | Chair of the Board |
| Jane Allen | Ex Officio | Vice-Chair of the Board |
| Susan Tighe | Ex Officio | President and Vice-Chancellor |
| Nicholas Brathwaite | Ex Officio | Chancellor |
| Lili Litwin | Ex Officio | Vice-President (University Advancement) |
| David Estok | Ex Officio | Advisor to the President (Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs) |
Terms of Reference
Committee on External Engagement & Advancement
99. The Committee on External Engagement & Advancement shall be composed of:
a) a minimum of six (6) but no more than ten (10) members, the majority of whom shall be members of the Board; and
b) the ex officio members who shall be the:
(1) Chancellor;
(2) President;
(3) Chair and the Vice-Chair(s) of the Board;
(4) Vice-President, University Advancement; and
(5) Chief Executive, External and Internal Engagement.
100. One-half (1/2) of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum.
101. All meetings of this Committee are in Closed Session.
102. The External Engagement and Advancement Committee will meet at least four times a year, or more often as required.
103. The Committee supports the Board in fulfilling its strategic and fiduciary oversight for external relationships and partnerships, fundraising, and brand, reputation and related risks. The primary responsibilities of the Committee are:
a) External Relationships
i. Review strategies for engagement with donors, alumni, partners, governments, and other key constituencies.
ii. Review annual marketing and communications plans and receive reports on their effectiveness.
b) Fundraising
i. Review and recommend frameworks and policies that promote a strong, donor-focused culture aligned with McMaster’s institutional priorities.
ii. Review long term fundraising strategies and goals as well as annual financial targets for recommendation to the Board.
iii. Monitor fundraising progress and report to the Board regularly on outcomes and effectiveness.
iv. Approve major gifts as required by the Approval and Signing Authority Policy.
c) Brand and Reputation
i. Oversee the development and maintenance of the University’s brand and reputation.
ii. Annually review brand use guidelines and policies and assess their effectiveness.
iii. Obtain regular updates from management regarding any items or actions that have negatively impacted brand or reputation.
d) Other Duties
i. Provide advice and recommendation on other matters within the mandate.
ii. Perform other activities as requested by the Board.