Carol P. Herring, a visionary leader in her industry who spearheaded challenging and ambitious fundraising campaigns for esteemed organizations including Rutgers University, Princeton University, Barnard College and the Asia Society, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 9 at home after a battle with Parkinson’s Disease. In her final days, she was surrounded by the love of her extended family, who were always visiting.
Born in New York City on August 13, 1939, Carol grew up in Larchmont, New York. She graduated from Wellesley College in 1961 with a degree in English. While in college, she married her high school sweetheart, H. James (Jim) Herring. Their marriage flourished for 65 years.
Though family was the cornerstone of her life, Carol built a remarkable career in fundraising and development for major academic institutions and nonprofit foundations for over 40 years. Her final professional role was as President of the Rutgers Foundation and Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, from which she retired at age 74. There, she led a team of over 180 and substantially expanded Rutgers fundraising, especially after the state withdrew 90 percent of its funding. Her hallmark achievement was leading the university’s first $1 billion campaign through completion, serving under two presidents.
Carol’s first job was at Harvard Business School as a grader in a required writing course for first year MBA students. After moving to Princeton in 1962 for Jim’s Ph.D. studies, she began working as a writer at Educational Testing Service (ETS). In 1964, she began her family — Jamie, Matthew, and Katharine.
Seeking flexible work while raising young children, she took on freelance editorial roles for publications such as AAA Spotlight, Laundry and Cleaning World, and Dairy Industry News. As her children grew older, she returned to full-time work. In 1975, Carol was hired by Princeton University’s President Bill Bowen as his speechwriter, where she not only crafted speeches but also managed extensive correspondence with alumni, gaining deep insights into university operations and alumni relations.
Following President Bowen’s retirement, Carol transitioned into the university’s development office — regarded as one of the best in academia — eventually becoming Director of Leadership Gifts. Recognizing limited advancement opportunities in the male-dominated environment of the time, Carol pursued a leadership role at Barnard College. As Vice President for Development from 1990-2000, serving under two presidents and cultivating relationships with alumnae and led a capital campaign.
Seeking new challenges, she joined the Asia Society. There she restructured its development office during a period of heightened U.S.–Asia interest to provide 90 percent of the operating capital of the Society. Although she loved the worldwide travel and continued to be an important part of her life, the long commute took its toll. So when Rutgers University launched a search for a new chief development officer, Carol answered the call and remained there for eight years until retirement.
Although she declared each of her last three positions to be her “last,” Carol’s drive and curiosity continued to pull her toward new opportunities. Even in retirement, she remained active in the nonprofit world, serving as Chairman of the Princeton Area Community Foundation and on the board of Princeton Day School.
Carol nurtured a rich and enduring network of relationships that spanned her personal, professional, and academic worlds. She was particularly devoted to mentoring young women in their careers. From childhood friends and Wellesley classmates to colleagues, nonprofit partners, and a beloved birthday group that celebrated together for over 40 years, she remained a source of warmth, humor, and support. She frequently found the time to be a gracious and welcoming hostess to her friends in Princeton and Wareham, MA, where her ability to read rooms and make people comfortable always added to the enjoyment of her guests. In quieter moments, she would lose herself in novels—often finishing one or two in a single weekend.
Still, nothing brought her more joy than family. She delighted in organizing lively gatherings, staying closely involved in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives, always asking questions and sharing her infectious laugh. The wonderful traditions of having her entire extended family join together for a week each summer in Wareham and on Christmas Day in Princeton were sources of tremendous joy and cherished memories to generations of her family.
Carol is survived by her beloved husband Jim; their children and their spouses or partners —Kathy, Amy, and Craig; and nine grandchildren: Keely, Lucy, Maggie, Griffin, Shepard, Harlan, Didier, Charles, and Keene. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Alan and Kathryn Parter, their children — Alison (Jonathan), Evan, Amy, and Rebecca (Ashley) — and her cousin and husband, Nancy and Larry Nathan.
Carol will be remembered as a vibrant, engaging presence who brought energy and insight to every conversation. Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 29 at 4 p.m. at the Nassau Club in Princeton, NJ. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Parkinson’s Research Program to support continued advancements in treatment and care.
Donor Link: raise.rutgersfoundation.org/CarolHerring.
Please visit Carol’s Memorial Wall and share your favorite memories and photos/videos of Carol so her memory can live on for her family, friends, and the community.
Carol’s Memorial Wall: online-tribute.com/CarolHerring.
