Dear Friends, Colleagues and Classmates of Tom Mosser,
As you know, Thomas J. Mosser — Tom to all of us — was an incredible person, inspirational mentor, and consummate communications counselor. He was fair, ethical, thoughtful, and deliberate. He spoke softly, but when he spoke, people listened. He reminded us of the importance of working as a team because that was the key behind any successful campaign.
We were all part of “Tom’s team” for the greater part of 25 years. His leadership gave us all so much. At this moment, we have a unique opportunity to show our gratitude and honor him in a way he would have greatly appreciated. We are now launching a special fundraising effort to create the Thomas J. Mosser Strategic Communication Wing in the School of Communication of his beloved alma mater, St. Bonaventure University. We have set a goal of $600,000 - $800,000 for this permanent memorial and have already received commitments of $350,000 from two lead gifts. We hope to announce the completion of this campaign on the 30th anniversary of Tom's untimely death, on December 10, 2024.
We are counting on you — Tom’s friends, colleagues, and classmates — to join us in this undertaking.
Tom’s successful career reflects the calm and steady yet determined person he was. It was rooted in the quality education he received at St. Bonaventure University, where as a journalism student, he was editor-in-chief of the student newspaper under the guidance of department chair Russell J. Jandoli, for whom the School of Communication is named. At the time of his death, Tom was honorary chairman of the Jandoli Endowment Fund and a member of the President’s Advisory Council on Journalism and Mass Communication. This fall, St Bonaventure University will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of its communication programs, with the groundbreaking for a renovated state-of-the-art building that includes the Thomas J. Mosser Strategic Communication Wing. In conjunction with the leadership of the Jandoli School, we have developed a vision of the tribute to Tom, to be located on the first floor of the new School building. The preliminary renderings at this website show the vision for the Mosser Wing. Donors will be acknowledged at its entrance.
Following Tom’s graduation from St. Bonaventure in 1965 and service in the U.S. Navy, he joined Burson-Marsteller in 1970 and effectively counseled companies across the Fortune 500 for 25 years. Just two weeks before his death in 1994, he was promoted to general manager of Young & Rubicam. Throughout his career, he continued to mentor Bonaventure students, offering guidance on resumes, internships, and career opportunities.
At Tom’s funeral, among those who eulogized him were the late Harold Burson and Peter Georgescu, then Y&R president. Wearing a bright red tie to celebrate his friend’s life, Peter described how Tom often changed his mood at the end of a hard day. “I would walk into Tom’s office weak, and in a few minutes, I would walk out strong. I would walk into his office insecure and walk out more confident. I would walk into his office unsure and exit more wise."
This is the Tom who left indelible impressions on all of us. Please consider joining our team and contributing to building a permanent memorial to this extraordinary man, in the best way possible: supporting the education of students, who will follow in his footsteps. All of us who have signed below have made a commitment to this mission, and we hope you will join us with a tax-deductible gift or donation from donor-advised funds (DAF). Gifts can also be donated over a period of years. The link below includes donor forms, as well as and contacts for further information
Thank you very much for your consideration and please join us.
The Tom Mosser Legacy Team:
Elias “Buck” Buchwald, former vice chair, Burson-Marsteller
Peter Georgescu, Chairman Emeritus, Young & Rubicam
Steve Aiello, Burson-Marsteller, Cohn & Wolfe
Jane Barr, Burson-Marsteller
Kay Breakstone, Burson-Marsteller
Curtis S. Chin, Burson-Marsteller
Pamela DuBose McIver, Burson-Marsteller, Cohn & Wolfe, Young & Rubicam
Pat Ford, Burson-Marsteller
Barry Holt, Burson-Marsteller
Vickee Jordan-Adams, Burson-Marsteller
Herb and Julie Karlitz, Burson-Marsteller
Edna Kissmann, Burson-Marsteller
Joan Roeben Licursi, St. Bonaventure alum & Burson-Marsteller
Jim Lindheim, Burson-Marsteller
Evan McElroy, St. Bonaventure alum & Burson-Marsteller
Nancy Rueth, Burson-Marsteller
David Sable, Burson-Marsteller, Cohn & Wolfe, Wunderman, Young & Rubicam
Carol Schumacher, St. Bonaventure alum, Burson-Marsteller & Cohn & Wolfe
Barbara Madsen Smith, Burson-Marsteller
Anne Strianese, Burson-Marsteller