When I first walked onto the campus of La Roche University, I was just a kid with a backpack, big dreams, and no real sense of where life would take me. Like many students, I focused on my classes, made lifelong friends, competed in sports, and worked hard to earn my degree. I didn’t imagine then that one day I’d return—not as a student, but as a member of the Alumni Board, helping guide the same institution that shaped me.
Being part of the La Roche University Alumni Board—and now serving as its Vice President—has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life. It’s a reminder that higher education doesn’t end at graduation. In fact, for alumni, it’s just the beginning of a new role: one of stewardship, mentorship, and meaningful impact.
Why Alumni Boards Matter
You might be surprised how much influence alumni boards can have. At first glance, they may seem like symbolic roles—something you do to stay connected or network. But the truth is, alumni boards can help shape the direction of an institution in lasting ways.
We bring a unique perspective. We’ve lived the student experience, navigated the job market with our degrees, and understand firsthand what works and what could be improved. That insight is incredibly valuable when universities are making strategic decisions—whether it’s updating curriculum, improving facilities, or finding ways to better support students financially and emotionally.
And while university leadership often changes, alumni boards offer a level of continuity. We’re in it for the long haul, not just for a contract or a campaign. That consistency matters when you’re working toward sustainable, long-term goals.
The Power of Giving Back—Beyond Money
When people hear “alumni support,” they usually think of financial donations. And yes, fundraising is a part of what alumni boards do. But it’s only one piece of the puzzle.
What we really bring to the table is time, experience, and relationships. Whether it’s mentoring students, offering internships, helping recent grads navigate the workforce, or organizing community-building events, our impact often comes from simply showing up and engaging.
When alumni are active and visible, current students see that their degree means something. They see a future. They see people who walked the same halls and sat in the same classrooms, now doing meaningful things in the world—and giving back with intention. That connection builds pride and belonging, which is critical to the health of any educational institution.
Helping Schools Stay Relevant
Higher education is changing. Fast. Students today face challenges I never had to deal with—skyrocketing tuition, shifting job markets, mental health pressures, and evolving technology. Universities need to be agile, forward-thinking, and in touch with the real world. That’s where alumni input is essential.
We’re the bridge between academia and the working world. As a Senior Director in a corporate environment, I bring a perspective on what skills today’s students need to thrive after graduation. I’ve had conversations with faculty and leadership about how to align course offerings with actual career paths. We’ve talked about everything from soft skills like communication and leadership to technical proficiencies that industries now demand.
Our board has also helped shape initiatives that make the university more inclusive, diverse, and connected to the communities it serves. That kind of work makes a real difference—and it wouldn’t happen without alumni stepping up.
Building a Stronger Network
One of the most fulfilling aspects of alumni board service is helping build a stronger alumni network. Let’s face it—networking gets a bad rap. But when it’s done with heart, it becomes something much more powerful: community.
I’ve seen firsthand how reconnecting alumni leads to career opportunities, mentorship relationships, and even friendships that last a lifetime. And when alumni feel connected, they’re more likely to come back, contribute, and become ambassadors for the school.
It’s not about business cards and name tags—it’s about creating a space where people feel proud to be part of something bigger than themselves. That energy is contagious, and it fuels everything from enrollment to fundraising to reputation.
Leaving a Legacy
Serving on the Alumni Board isn’t about reliving the past—it’s about investing in the future. Every time I sit at that boardroom table, I think about the next generation of students walking across that stage at graduation. What kind of world are we sending them into? What tools, relationships, and support can we offer to help them succeed?
It’s easy to think of alumni roles as “optional” or ceremonial. But I’ve learned that they are essential. They keep schools grounded in their history, yet open to innovation. They make sure that decisions are made not just for today’s needs, but for tomorrow’s potential.
Final Thoughts
If you’re an alum and you’ve never considered joining your school’s alumni board, I encourage you to think about it. It’s more than a line on a résumé—it’s a chance to make a real impact, to give back to something that gave you a foundation, and to help shape the future for students who are just starting their journey.
For me, it’s a way of saying thank you—and of paying it forward in the most meaningful way I know how.