The below was sent by President Kim Cassidy of Feb. 19.
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
I am both pleased and sorry to announce that Bryn Mawr’s Chief Administrative Officer, Jerry Berenson, has decided to retire at the end of May 2016. Jerry has been a leader at the College for more than 35 years, acting as a steward of Bryn Mawr’s exquisite campus and of its financial health. His wit, equanimity, wisdom and resourcefulness have touched every part of this community. While I know we will all miss seeing Jerry in person, I am grateful that we will continue to see his legacy in the beauty and strength of the College for many years to come.
Jerry began at Bryn Mawr as Director of Financial Aid in 1980. In 1986 he added the duties of Assistant Treasurer to his role and, in 1993, moved wholly into the Treasurer’s Office, which had oversight for all administrative operations at the College, becoming Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer in 1995. In 2005 Jerry was named Chief Administrative Officer, focusing directly on the complex operations of the campus.
In his tenure, he has led the non-academic administration of the College in almost every function, from the implementation of PeopleSoft to oversight of our award-winning dining program and internationally recognized buildings and grounds. Jerry is perhaps best known for the important work he has done in preserving our historic buildings, while spearheading dynamic renovations of and additions to several buildings, including Cambrian Row, Ward, Goodhart, the Bern Schwartz Fitness and Athletic Center, Guild Hall, and the new dorm.
In addition to his expertise in facilities and operations, Jerry’s deep and comprehensive knowledge of the College has also enabled him to manage disparate areas during times of transition. In 2014 he acted as Chief Financial Officer and managed Enrollment, in addition to his role as CAO. Throughout his career, his flexibility, institutional knowledge, and humor have allowed the College to change and thrive.
I am tremendously grateful to Jerry for partnering with me and for delaying his retirement while we rebuilt the senior administration after several unexpected departures. His wisdom and willingness to carry the College forward are gifts that I appreciate both on behalf of the College and personally; in countless ways, Jerry has gone the extra mile for Bryn Mawr and his colleagues. I am delighted that he will be able to enjoy a well-earned retirement, and I hope that he will return often to check on us.
Jerry is irreplaceable, so he will not be replaced; instead, the administrative functions of the College will be overseen by Kari Fazio, our current Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. Kari has significant experience in this arena. Immediately prior to joining Bryn Mawr, she was responsible for administrative operations such as purchasing, dining services, property management, reprographics, the bookstore, the post office, and student transportation services, in addition to her budgeting and finance role, at Lafayette College. We are fortunate to have Kari’s expertise and knowledge of Bryn Mawr, and we look forward to a smooth transition.
We plan to celebrate Jerry later this spring. In the meantime, please join me in congratulating Kari and thanking Jerry for his remarkable stewardship of Bryn Mawr.
With best wishes,
Kim
Kim Cassidy
President