Thomas M. Ponto, a financial executive with more than 30
years of higher education experience, has been named senior advisor of business
and finance at Cardinal Stritch University. He started Jan. 22.
Ponto is charged with ongoing oversight, planning and
analysis of the University’s business and financial functions.
“I believe that Tom Ponto is uniquely qualified to apply his
leadership toward the continual enhancement of our business and financial
areas,” said Stritch President Dr. James Loftus. “There is no doubt in my mind
that the university will benefit enormously from his expertise.”
Ponto served Kalamazoo College, a liberal arts college in
Michigan, for 30 years, beginning as controller and working his way to vice
president. One of his key responsibilities there was developing short- and
long-term models for the college’s long-range strategic financial objectives,
including operations, capital projects, fundraising campaigns, and new
programs.
His financial responsibilities at Kalamazoo included
oversight of a $50 million budget, the endowment, debt financing, student
accounts, accounts payable, payroll, and purchasing. He also developed,
managed, and routinely updated the college’s five-year financial plan.
Ponto grew up in Neenah, Wis., and received his M.B.A. from
Marquette University, and a bachelor of business administration from St.
Norbert College.
“Cardinal Stritch University is a unique community, with a
history of serving those who may not otherwise have access to a college
education,” Ponto said. “It is clear to me that Dr. Loftus has a clear vision
for the future of the organization, and I am thrilled to be able to contribute
to that future.”