What was the most valuable thing you learned as a student at Cairn?
The spiritual disciplines that were encouraged by my professors were what really stayed with me after I graduated. My daily rhythm of spending time with the Lord through prayer and the reading of Scripture was largely built during my years at Cairn. And learning to engage all things from a biblical worldview was vital to my post-college life and career as I spent the next two decades in secular nonprofits.
Where did your career take you after graduation?
Soon after graduating from the social work program, I got a job at Big Brothers Big Sisters and spent 17 years there, covering several different counties and holding various positions including match support manager and program director. In 2018, I moved into the fundraising side of nonprofit work and began working for National Philanthropic Trust in their donor relations department. I worked there until I returned to Cairn in February 2023 to lead the alumni office.
What made you decide to come back to Cairn?
Over my career, I found that the parts of my job I loved the most were planning or participating in events and relationship-
building. When I read the description of this position, it had a lot of both of those things in it. I’m already finding myself getting to build a lot of new relationships and plan or assist with various events, including Homecoming! I’ve also always wanted to work for a Christian organization, so it is exciting to be able to find all of these things at my alma mater.
What are you most excited to tackle in your new role?
I want to explore how the school can be a support to its alumni. Our alumni population is so diverse. Our office exists to build connections and support alumni who graduated 60 years ago as well as alumni who graduated just a few months ago. There are a lot of differences between those generations’ experiences at the University, but there is also so much that is the same. Ultimately, I think that our University has a lot to offer regarding engaging with the current culture, and I’m excited to see how we can assist alumni in continuing their walks with Christ.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy it when I have the time to go to the gym or run outside. I like trying new restaurants and new food, traveling, and curling up with a good book. I go out to eat a lot with friends; other friends I meet up with for walks at a local park. It’s all about balance.