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C H A M IN A DE MAGAZI NE
ONCE A SILVERSWORD,
ALWAYS A SILVERSWORD
CHAMINADE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS JEANNIE LUM ’05, MBA ’07 BELIEVES BUILDING STRONG ALUMNI RELATIONSHIPS BEGINS LONG BEFORE STUDENTS WALK ACROSS THAT STAGE TO ACCEPT THEIR DIPLOMAS. IT STARTS, SHE SAYS, ON THEIR FIRST DAY AT CHAMINADE—AND THROUGHOUT THEIR TIME AT THE UNIVERSITY.
“The whole journey of becoming an alumnus begins when you’re a student,” said Lum. That approach to alumni relations means that one of Lum’s top priorities since taking on her directorship role at Chaminade in April has been reconnecting with graduates, rekindling their fond memories of the University and asking them what they want their alumni network to look like. It was that work that led to the creation of a new alumni council. The council is a group of engaged—and proud— Silversword alumni from different graduating classes. Members bring a diversity of perspectives and a variety of ideas about what it means to celebrate Chaminade. Lum described the group as part focus group and part planning committee. “They represent various years and right now, we’re brainstorming ideas and looking to get the momentum going,” Lum said. “These alums have a huge affinity for Chaminade and its mission—and they want to show their support. I am so looking forward to how they will inform our direction.” The council is now eight members strong, and Lum said she’s interested in expanding it. She also sees the council members as ambassadors for their classes, helping her office get out communications about upcoming events, reunions or other opportunities. “They’re also spreading the word for us, reposting our appeals on social media. It all comes full circle,” Lum said. “These people have the same heartbeat for Chaminade.” As a graduate of Chaminade, Lum also brings her own passion for the University to her work. She attended the University after going to Catholic schools and wanted to select an institution that would offer small class sizes, a warm and supportive atmosphere and an emphasis on serving others. She said she learned about Chaminade at a college fair at her school. “I thought, ‘This is definitely the school for me,’” she said. “The focus was on the whole person.” While a student at Chaminade, Lum actually had an internship at the Advancement office and got an early taste for alumni relations and giving. And after graduation, she remained connected to Chaminade. “Chaminade has never left my heart,” she said, adding that as she started her family she didn’t have quite as much time for volunteering. Lum said her own experience as a busy mom and a devoted grad has underscored how individualized approaches are needed for alums at different stages in their lives. Her message to Chaminade alumni is simple: we want to reconnect with you. She’s inviting graduates to support the University in whatever ways they’re interested in, and she’s hoping the council will also be providing additional inroads for alumni to get reengaged. After all, Lum said, “There’s just something magical about this place. Everybody who comes here has a connection.”
