Letter from the Alumni Director - PJ Thompson
McKendree Alumni!
It's hard to believe that just over one year ago, I began this journey as your director
of alumni relations. it has been a wonderful experience getting to meet all of you.
Last year our office really focused on alumni engagement. We significantly increased
the number of alumni events and activities in hopes that more of a variety would appeal
to a larger mass of alumni. As a result of these activities and the work of the Annual Fund, we had more alumni
donors last year than in over a decade! Thank you to all of you who made this happen.
Every gift counts, no matter how big or small.
This year we will continue to provide alumni programming and more networking opportunities
for our alumni. We have events planned ranging from sports reunions to major theatre
productions. In addition, we will be creating ways for alumni to volunteer. Are you
a motivational speaker? Does your company have internship opportunities? Interested
in the alumni association board? There are plenty of opportunities to get involved
with and to support your alma mater. Be recognized as an alumni volunteer in upcoming
editions of the Bearcat Buzz.
All of the amazing things happening in alumni relations could not happen without the
alumni team. Holly Weathers ’13 recently became assistant director of alumni relations. Holly plays a very intricate
role in the communications and marketing of the Alumni Association and the Office
of Alumni Relations.
We just celebrated another successful Homecoming and Alumni Reunion Weekend. We inducted five new members into the Sports Hall of
Fame and four members into the Academy of Excellence, as well as recognized the outstanding
Rising Stars, Loyal Service and Peter Akers Award winners. We also hosted the Football
Alumni Reunion, the Class of 1966 Golden Anniversary, and the Class of 2006 10-year
Reunion. Thank you to all who returned to campus!
Go Bearcats!
PJ Thompson