Since joining Eastern Michigan University in August 2023, Maher Salah has brought a people-first philosophy to advancement work, one rooted in listening, meaning, and connection. In this conversation, Salah reflects on philanthropy’s deeper purpose, Eastern’s evolving mission, and the many ways alumni and friends can help shape the University’s future.

Eastern Magazine: People often associate fundraising with simply asking for money. How do you think about your role, and what’s the part of philanthropy you wish more people understood?

Maher Salah: I always say it’s not about the money, it’s about the meaning. That’s really what this work is. It’s about asking people why Eastern matters to them and what giving back looks like in their lives. First and foremost, our job is to listen. “Tell me about your time at Eastern. Tell me how your career unfolded. Tell me how Eastern played a role.” That’s where the meaning lives.

Our responsibility in advancement is to connect that meaning to the current priorities of the institution and what our students need to be great today. At the end of the day, we exist to support our students, and in doing so, to support the University.

Once alumni see the need, and how their resources can support EMU today, it’s natural from there. Alumni give generously when they know they can provide what are often life-changing experiences for today’s EMU students.

Eastern Magazine: How do you balance honoring Eastern’s traditions while investing in what the University needs next?

Salah: When I think about tradition at Eastern, I think about who we are at our core. Tradition is identity. And there are two distinct traditions that have defined Eastern for generations and continue to guide us forward.

First and foremost is our tradition of connection. For decades, Eastern has been a place where students are known personally. Professors know your name. Advisors and support staff understand your goals and your challenges. Students build meaningful relationships with one another and with the people who support them across campus. That personalized attention has always been a defining part of an Eastern education, and it remains one of our greatest strengths.

The second tradition is excellence paired with access. Eastern has always had signature programs of study that are among the best in the nation, and we make those opportunities very accessible to all students.

What changes over time is how we live out these traditions of connection and excellence, not why we do it.

We were founded as a “Normal” school and, for many years, Eastern graduated more teachers than any university in the country. As Michigan evolved, so did we. Today, we’re educating outstanding nurses and health care professionals. In the past decade we launched a School of Engineering that is ranked among the top 60 nationally. Those developments didn’t replace our tradition, they reflect it. We continue to respond to the needs of our region and create excellent experiences and opportunities for students who want to build their futures here.

We’re not choosing between tradition and innovation. We’re building the next chapter on a very strong foundation. The programs may evolve, but the essence of the Eastern experience—personal connection, opportunity, and excellence—remains in place.

Salah seeks to connect Eastern alumni with opportunities to support current university priorities and to provide life-changing experiences for its students.