The Alumni Board of Directors redefined our purpose, rooted in the new mission “To provide support to the Shenandoah community for lifelong engagement,” which serves as the bedrock for our work and decision-making. In alignment with our mission, the Board introduced the Five Pillars of the SU Alumni Association – Admissions, Alumni Engagement, Student Engagement, Career Planning and Placement and Giving. It is worth noting that our Board achieved an outstanding 100 percent giving, setting a standard for leadership and inspiring others to follow suit. The Board also updated the Alumni Association By-laws. Furthermore, the Board undertook the task of revamping the Alumni Awards process, ensuring a fair and equitable procedure. In this effort, they also introduced the Hornet Hero Award, a new accolade to bestow upon our deserving alumni. These awardees have graciously returned to our campus, enriching our community by engaging with our current students and providing living examples of success. The Board also meticulously scrutinized the goals of our various committees, ensuring that our work aligned with the work of the institution and where they envision its future. We have also strengthened our relationship with the Black Alumni Network and look forward to the future establishment of similar affinity groups.
However, let us remember that our journey is ongoing. Under the capable leadership of newly elected President Kyle Feldman, Vice President Susan Cusick-Carpenter, and Secretary Nicole Davis, and as members of our Association, you will serve as the driving force, providing invaluable viewpoints and the wisdom of your diverse experiences to navigate toward the future. You can always contact a member of the Board of Directors or you might consider serving in the future.
We want to express our sincere thanks to David Apple for his steadfast leadership on the Executive Committee. David will remain on the Board. And to our outgoing board members Michael Misko, Carl Rush, and Sherry Trocino – your dedication and support have been crucial to our organization. Your contributions will be remembered, and we are grateful for your service.
In closing, I extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your support, active engagement, and boundless enthusiasm throughout my tenure as President. It has been an immense honor, and I look forward to seeing what our Alumni Association will accomplish under our new leadership. We will continue to be the big little university rising.
Warm regards,
Anne
Anne Lewis
Immediate Past President