Western Oregon Journal

Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: Headlines

Q. How long have you lived in Monmouth and where are you originally from?

A. Eight years. I'm from North Powder, Oregon, a little teeny town in Eastern Oregon. It's in between LaGrande and Baker City. If you blink, you miss it.

I understand that you are a graduate of Western Oregon University. What year did you graduate and what was your major?

I graduated in 2006 with a Speech Communication major and a Business minor.

What is your title here at Western, and how did you find out this position was open when you applied for it?

That was kind of a tricky thing. I had an event planning class with Dr. Mayhead, and then interned with Alumni Relations. After graduation, I worked in the office as a Development Assistant doing fundraisers for athletics. Then this position opened up as Coordinator of Alumni Programs, and eventually it turned into Interim Director.

What types of things do you do as the Interim Director of Alumni Relations?

I'm the Managing Editor of WOU Magazine. I also plan and implement events ranging from Homecoming to Senior Send-off, to regional events. We have a monthly Alumni e-news and I work with the Alumni Association's Board of Directors to maintain the Alumni Association. One of my future goals is to start a Student Alumni Association to foster school spirit and help students network with alumni, and to educate about the importance of giving back.

What is the most interesting thing about this job?

I really love talking with alumni and hearing their stories about when they lived on campus. Who used to live in my office [it was the women's honors dorm], to panty raids, to the traditions that have carried on through time, like Powder Puff games.

What is the best thing about working on Western's campus?

The students give it life. Being here, seeing students all the time, and being involved. You know that what you're doing is for a purpose.

Have you done any traveling in correlation with your job?

Not really yet. We went to COSA [Confederation of Oregon School Administrators] in Seaside, and I've been to Seattle. Eighty percent of our alumni live in Oregon, so one main goal for this year is to bring WOU to the alumni, so they can connect back with the University and hear all about the fabulous things Western is doing now.

I understand that you went to Peru last year. What prompted that occasion?

I went during spring break to help set up for the alternative break that was going on later in the summer.

What was your favorite thing about going to Peru?

I loved the people, the culture, and the food. I loved everything! I feel very fortunate to get a third-world cultural experience that opened my eyes. To see people be so happy in circumstances that we would consider to be less than desirable.

What is the most important thing you can tell the future Alumni of WOU?

The most important thing is don't forget about Western Oregon University and what it's given you. Monetary gifts help current students obtain their education. They go out and do great things, which reflects back on the University. The better the school is, the easier it is to obtain jobs with a WOU degree.•

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