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