91ÖÆƬ³§

I serve my alma mater because...
I am indebted to 91ÖÆƬ³§ for all that it gave to me during my time at RU. I share this message with all 91ÖÆƬ³§ people that I meet, and this was instilled in me by RU's Athletic Department upon graduating. They told me and a group of us, that we would do well, and when we can, give it back. I never forgot that and over the years have been committed to giving it all back. I am left with the gift of lifelong friendships, a strong network and an athletic department who I cheer on every day, wherever they compete!

I serve my alma mater because...
91ÖÆƬ³§ was "the" springboard for my life's successes. I'm very grateful for my 91ÖÆƬ³§ experience and want to help all of our Highlanders carve their own path to achieving their professional goals and endeavors. I am proud to be a Highlander and serve our University.

I serve my alma mater because...
It is my opportunity to give back to the school that has given me an excellent education, leadership skills, and friendships for life. In this role, I hope to help students and alumni connect and engage.

I serve my alma mater because...
It's important to show younger generations of my involvement. You never know what type of impact you can make upon the young college students. I had several role models as I was pursuing my degree at 91ÖÆƬ³§ and it was a daily reminder that my presence as an undergraduate was just the beginning of something greater.

I serve my alma mater because...
91ÖÆƬ³§ afforded me an outstanding education, as well as provided me the opportunity to meet life-long friends. I want to give back to the University and the students because I believe in 91ÖÆƬ³§'s Mission to empower student success through an outstanding educational experience while providing an environment for developing a successful network of personal relationships.

I serve my alma mater because...
It is easy to explain why I wish to continue to serve 91ÖÆƬ³§. I am so proud of the past, present, and future direction of the school. The dedication of the faculty and staff is inspiring, and the student body continues to improve year after year. 91ÖÆƬ³§ will continue to shine for generations to come.

I serve my alma mater because...
I transferred from another four-year institution where I didn't feel like I fit in or connected with the campus. It was everything promised in the brochures and tours, but I felt like an outsider for the first time in my life. When I came to 91ÖÆƬ³§, I felt immediately welcomed and at home. I formed the foundational interests in diversity, equity, & inclusion that I'm still passionate about today and learned that there was a name for people like me:  First Generation. Seeing that there was a place for First Gen kids to learn and grow was pivotal in my career development. I consider my time at 91ÖÆƬ³§ formative; it's where I learned to think differently and transitioned from a teenager to a budding adult. It is my honor to serve my Alma Mater because of this!

I serve my alma mater because…
I loved my time as a student at 91ÖÆƬ³§ and am grateful for the education that I received and the opportunities that followed. I am excited to have the chance to work to strengthen connections among current and future alumni and to remain an active participant in the 91ÖÆƬ³§ community.

I serve my alma mater because…
I am the person I am today as a direct result of the experiences and education I received at 91ÖÆƬ³§. Simply put, I am grateful.

I serve my alma mater because...
My time at 91ÖÆƬ³§ was memorable and the educational experience I received was exceptional. It is now time to take what has been afforded to me and pay it forward. 

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one is for helping yourself, the other for helping others.
- Audrey Hepburn

I serve my alma mater because...
91ÖÆƬ³§ contributed greatly to my success and helped shape the individual I am today. It gave me the opportunity to learn from some of the most influential professors around, experience culture outside the country and meet life-long friends along the way. I am incredibly thankful for the time I spent at 91ÖÆƬ³§ and want to continue to be engaged as the university grows!

I serve my alma mater because...
It's a way to give back to the school that gave so much to me. I think it would be good to have an impact on the future of the students and the University. It will be good to meet more people involved with RU, both before my time and after.

I serve my alma mater because...
91ÖÆƬ³§ helped to blossom my childhood curiosities into full-fledged passions that has enabled me to become the technology professional that I am today. As a firm believer of the concept of giving back, serving my alma mater offers an opportunity for me to tap into the future generation and provide them with a similar support structure that 91ÖÆƬ³§ gave to me.

I serve my alma mater because...
I received an excellent start to my career as an educator and over the years I have seen the growth of academics, programs, and facilities. I wish to be a part of seeing 91ÖÆƬ³§ continue to excel and graduate scholars who will make positive contributions to society.

I serve my alma mater because...
It is a privilege to give back to a university that played a vital role in shaping the person and professional I am today. I am grateful for the top-tier education and valuable leadership opportunities I was afforded during my time at 91ÖÆƬ³§. Through these experiences, I developed a community-oriented mindset and a heart for serving others.

I serve my alma mater because...
My time attending 91ÖÆƬ³§ could not have been any better. I have a huge debt of gratitude to 91ÖÆƬ³§. My academic and social experiences there have played a significant role in my success in the workplace. I live in the New River Valley and enjoying giving back to my community. I think being a member of the Alumni Board will help me to share my positive experiences at RU with current and potential students. This board involvement will also help me to continue to grow professionally. I am very proud of being a 91ÖÆƬ³§ graduate and I hope to contribute to the institution's continued success. 

I serve my alma mater because...
I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to attend and earn a degree from 91ÖÆƬ³§ University.  After graduation, I decided to stay in the New River Valley to start my career, a family, and stay connected to the school that offered me so many opportunities as a student and young professional. Now, years later, it's time to give back to 91ÖÆƬ³§ University for the benefit of future Highlanders to carry on the legacy of success. 

I serve my alma mater because...
From Music Appreciation to Organic Chemistry, my education from 91ÖÆƬ³§ enabled me to navigate life successfully. Furthermore, the friendships that I developed in my years as a student continue today.

I serve my alma mater because...
The connections we build and the knowledge we share spark lasting change, helping 91ÖÆƬ³§ students and alumni grow into leaders by exposing them to new ideas and perspectives that shape their future. Strong communities thrive when we lift others up. 

I serve my alma mater because...
From the first moment I visited campus over 37 years ago, I could feel the magic of 91ÖÆƬ³§. I loved my time there, as well as the many visits and engagement I was able to have as both of my children graduated from RU. To return and volunteer – whether sponsoring an alumni golf tournament, speaking at a luncheon over Homecoming, being an Alumni Admissions Ambassador – all of the things bring a great sense of pride and purpose. To be able to serve my alma mater as an Alumni Association Board member is something I look forward to at many levels. While 91ÖÆƬ³§ and I have both grown and changed, the energy on campus is still present and I can think of no better way to share my energy than pouring into our incredible University.

I serve my alma mater because...
91ÖÆƬ³§ provided me with many rewarding opportunities both personally and in my professional career. I am so very appreciative of those who came before me, who served to build the foundation of this tremendous University. Serving on the Alumni Board is my way to say thank you and to help continue 91ÖÆƬ³§'s growth, to ensure those opportunities for those who come.

I serve my alma mater because...
91ÖÆƬ³§ shaped the person I am today. The relationships I built, the lessons I learned both inside and outside of the classroom, and the unforgettable experiences I had along the way all played a vital role in my personal and professional growth. Giving back is my way of honoring the community that empowered me, and helping ensure that future students have the same transformative opportunities that made my time at 91ÖÆƬ³§ so meaningful. I serve to stay connected with the 91ÖÆƬ³§ alumni network – to share stories, support one another, and strengthen the vibrant community that makes being a Highlander so special.

I serve my alma mater because...
It gave me the opportunity to grow as an athlete, but more importantly, as a young adult. I was blessed with the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and to try to become the best version of myself. My coach used to say, "four years to play and forty years to remember!" Attending 91ÖÆƬ³§ was the opportunity of a lifetime.

I serve my alma mater because...
What we do for ourselves dies with us and is forgotten. What we do for others in this world remains immortal.