When he’s at work, you’ll find Scott Rava, vice president for College Relations, in Abbe Hall, heading up Union’s fundraising and alumni relations efforts.
Since joining the College Relations team in 2001, he has served in a number of fundraising roles, including as director of the “Powering Union” campaign, which raised $316 million for Union. Rava became vice president in July 2024.
:Scott Rava shows off an eight-pound largemouth bass, the biggest one of this species he’s ever caught.
When Rava’s not on campus, you’ll find him on a golf course or fishing – a lifelong passion of his.
As a child, Rava spent a week or two every summer camping along the St. Lawrence River, fishing for bass and pike. To this day, he and his family travel to Canada for two or three weekends each summer to fish for smallmouth bass.
When he’s not hitting the links or on the water, Rava enjoys cooking and listing to a variety of music genres. Country and ’60s/’70s R&B are favorites, especially Al Green.
Prior to Union, Scott worked in external relations at the Harvard Business School in a number of different fundraising capacities. He is a graduate of LeMoyne College in Dewitt, N.Y.
Rava and his wife, Mary, reside in Niskayuna, where they raised their two children, Hannah and Bryce.
FIRST APP YOU LOOK AT IN THE MORNING:
My email. This way I can determine what the day will bring and knock off items before arriving at the office.
WHAT’S THE LAST GREAT BOOK YOU READ?
"The Revenant," a novel of revenge by Michael Punke. I enjoy reading about hardships individuals face and how hey overcome them.
BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED:
When in high school, I worked for a family friend named Fred Dennison. Fred one day told me to “stop asking what to do and take initiative and do what you think needs to be done.” To this day, I take initiative in all aspects of my life to achieve the goals or outcomes needed.
WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING RIGHT NOW?:
“Landman” by Taylor Sheridan. I am a fan of his work and when you put Billy Bob Thorton as the lead, I am sold. Thorton’s delivery is amazing.
ONE SKILL YOU WISH YOU HAD:
I wish I could play the guitar. My late uncle would play his for me when I was a child and I always thought it sounded so beautiful.
THREE DINNER PARTY GUESTS (living or deceased):
This is a tough one, but I would pick Samuel L. Jackson, Anthony Bourdain and Chris Rock. First, I would let Bourdain pick the food or restaurant because I know it would be the most interesting meal I have ever eaten. Second, with Jackson and Rock, I know the evening would be filled with laughter and some of the greatest life stories. I think the world could use a little more laughter.
FIRST CONCERT:
Billy Joel at the former Carrier Dome in Syracuse in 1990. I never had the means to attend a concert until then. It was amazing to see all of the people singing along. The funny thing is I didn’t -- and still don’t -- like Billy Joel. I just went for the experience with a group of college friends.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU:
I met my wife at a Union football tailgate. My colleague, Nick Famulare, knew her and I asked him to introduce us. The rest is history.
FAVORITE UNION MEMORY/EXPERIENCE:
Touring Rich ’80 and Mary ’80 Templeton around Union’s campus in 2019 prior to the campaign launch. It was their first trip back in a number of years. To see their love for Union and the memories it has given them is irreplaceable. They are truly a special couple and an inspiration for all in so many ways.
ONE THING YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT:
ESPN - I love sports. They bring so many people together and the highs and lows from following a team is such a rush.