Michael Schoenfeld, the senior vice president and chief philanthropic advisor at Middlebury College.

Middlebury SVP Oversees Program Expansion

Fall 2015 | National

Michael Schoenfeld, the senior vice president and chief philanthropic advisor at Middlebury College, was instrumental in bringing The Posse Foundation to Vermont in 1998. His belief in the importance of the program helped establish a partnership that now includes 17 Posses from New York, four from Chicago, and the first STEM Posse from Los Angeles.

“I observed a Scholar selection meeting and was in awe of how powerful it was,” says Mike. “It was a diverse group, but what was happening in there was not about diversity; it was about human beings and how they interact and support each other and how their leadership qualities come into play.”

According to Mike, the success of the Posse program at Middlebury is due to the strength of the Scholars, the support of faculty mentors and board members, and the investment of the entire campus community.

“This is what we are meant to do as a college: find the best and brightest wherever they are and give them the support they need to pursue their dreams and realize their potential,” says Mike. “Middlebury is a better place because of the impact the students have on the community.”

“Middlebury has a unique global perspective and approach to education that aligns strongly with Posse’s mission to develop the leaders of tomorrow,” says Posse Chief Operating Officer Matthew Fasciano. “The longevity and growth of this partnership is a testament to the strength of Middlebury’s commitment to nurture curious, forward-thinking students who want to make an impact in the world.”

Mike, a Middlebury alumnus, has a master’s in education from the University of Vermont. He taught high school science and math before returning to his undergraduate alma mater to coach alpine skiing in 1981. The 2015-2016 school year marks his 35th as a member of the administration, during which time he has spearheaded major capital fundraising campaigns and overseen alumni relations, admissions and financial aid.