Alumni relations director named

By Jaclyn Loveless

Shannon Hill has been appointed as CSUB's director of alumni relations. Hill was elevated to this position after 3½ years as director of CSUB's annual fund.

During her tenure at CSUB she has implemented a successful fundraising program and been involved with a number of organizations on campus including the fine arts committee. Hill has also volunteered many hours with the alumni and feels it was a natural transition. "I have spent a lot of time working with alumni," she said. "This is a whole new way for me to engage people."

Hill said the Alumni Association Board of Directors is currently working on a media campaign. "They're trying to raise awareness in the community about the organization," she added. Hill pointed out surveys have demonstrated many CSUB graduates remain in the Kern County area. "It's very likely that the person you sit next to at work is an alum." The board wants to make that connection with other alums and hope they get involved with the university.

In addition, the group is working on building a stronger e-mail correspondence with their fellow alumni. This would enable CSUB graduates to keep up with campus news and events. "It's exciting to work with the community individuals and the Alumni Association board members," she said. "To see their dedication is really inspiring."

Mike Chertok, vice president for university advancement, is also excited about Hill's promotion, "She has been a valued member of our advancement team and has experience and knowledge in alumni programming," he said. "I'm confident she will continue to build an even stronger organization."

Hill holds a bachelor's in fine art from University of Tennessee, and a master's in arts administration from University of Oregon. Prior to arriving at CSUB in 2002, Hill was the assistant manager for membership at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle.

A replacement search for the annual fund position is currently under way.

Greetings alumni and supporters of CSUB,

This last year was an exciting year of changes around the university. We are facing even more and exciting changes in the near future with the push towards Division I, the construction of new facilities on campus, and the renovation of Alumni Park. The Alumni Association Board of Directors is looking to serve the alumni contingent in a more effective way which is the impetus for several new opportunities in 2006. We are creating new ways to communicate with our alumni and the community by developing a new media plan. We are planning new events and programs to bring alums back to their alma mater and offer meaningful opportunities to work with students and faculty. The growing number of alumni means an increasing need to provide connections points and volunteer opportunities so that we can all give back to and increase the pride in CSUB.

I encourage all of the alumni to step up and volunteer for campus events and become an official member of the Alumni Association. Donating $20 or more to the university will earn you an alumni membership card with a growing list of benefits. This publication is a great resource for finding opportunities at CSUB, and you can also get updates from the university's website - www.csub.edu - or contact the Alumni Relations Office directly at (661) 654-3211.

I would also like to recognize our distinguished board members, whose tireless efforts and contributions guide the Alumni Association and its opportunities for alumni engagement. These members, listed in the right-hand column, often work behind the scenes and are assisted by countless other alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the university who volunteer their time and expertise. Alumni volunteers are involved with many events from our own Party in the Park to student experiences such as campus tours for incoming freshmen and helping sell flowers at commencement. Alumni volunteers also serve on boards and committees influencing university planning and operations. Every graduation adds to our growing number of alumni, and we would like to see our impact grow as well.

Please call the Alumni Relations Office today to become involved, or visit our website at www.csubalumni.com to sign up for membership and volunteer opportunities.

Thank you,

Bryan Burrow