WKU Alumni Association holds Alumni Volunteer Summit and awards reception
By Rose Rementer
Friday, April 20, 2018, was a busy day at the Augenstein Alumni Center (AAC). More than 30 Alumni Association volunteers from 12 area Alumni Chapters and Groups gathered for the first-ever Alumni Volunteer Summit, where they learned how their volunteerism benefits the WKU Alumni Association, shared best practices and current activities with individual chapters, and were appreciated for their generosity.
“This is an opportunity for every Alumni Chapter, Alumni Group and Alumni Ambassador to come together and bounce ideas off each other while having the Alumni Association staff in the room to answer questions to help aid in networking and growing their chapters,” explained Ginny Hensley (’97), WKU’s Director of Alumni Engagement.
Volunteerism across campus is still celebrated during Homecoming each year, but the Alumni Association staff designed the Alumni Volunteer Summit as an opportunity to specifically showcase their alumni volunteer’s contributions and best practices.
“Our goal for this event is to properly recognize the alumni volunteers who contribute in their communities,” added Hensley. “They provide more out reach for WKU because of their existence. We can’t be everywhere in communities around the nation, so they do that for us and provide WKU engagement opportunities year-round.”
“Our work is dependent upon a strong volunteer base,” said Dr. Anthony McAdoo, Executive Director of the WKU Alumni Association. “Without a team of volunteers working alongside our staff, our reach is limited. I often say our strength is fueled by our passion, but our reach is limited based on the size of our team. With them helping us through their volunteerism, it allows us to do more, be more and represent WKU in more places.”
After the day wrapped up, Alumni Association staff, volunteers and other WKU officials gathered back at the AAC for the Alumni Volunteer Summit Awards reception and dinner. A total of 16 awards were presented, including the Young Alumnus of the Year award given to Jessica Boling (‘16) of the Owensboro Alumni Chapter, and the Alumnus of the Year award given to Tim Rhea (‘87) of the Greater Louisville Alumni Chapter.
“We can’t do what we do as an institution without the time you invest,” said WKU President Dr. Timothy C. Caboni (’94). “Time is our most precious commodity and we value every single minute you give to WKU.”
“As volunteers, it’s not about how we just care about people, but how we stay connected along the way,” expressed Deanna Mills (’94), the Alumni Association Board of Directors President. “That’s why I’m passionate about WKU. As an Alumni Association member, I appreciate you and thank you for your support.”
For a full list of awards visit: www.alumni.wku.edu/avsawards
To learn more about how to get involved visit: www.alumni.wku.edu/chapters