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The Alumni Advisory Council: New Officers and Plans for 2023

The Alumni Advisory Council (AAC) is ready to take on a new set of goals for 2023. It is now in its seventh year as an officially recognized organization, and it continues to reach new heights.

What Is the Mission of the Alumni Advisory Council?

The Alumni Advisory Council has several missions, including:

  • Fostering partnerships between the University and alumni
  • Advising and supporting University leaders
  • Encouraging alumni to participate in University and community initiatives
  • Advocating for opportunities to better serve our alumni community
  • Supporting and addressing alumni needs

The Alumni Advisory Council consists of an officer board, as well as general members representing each of the University’s individual schools. Council members attend quarterly meetings with the University’s staff, exploring ways to further support and encourage alumni to advance the University’s mission.

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Thanking the 2022 Council for Their Accomplishments

Before we look ahead to 2023, we must say “thank you” to the outgoing Alumni Advisory Council members from 2022 for the fantastic job they did. In fact, they made University history by sponsoring the first virtual event for our alumni and having their first in-person presence during 2022’s Gradfest and Commencement activities.

We would like to recognize the Alumni Advisory Council’s 2022 leaders for their pursuit and achievement of excellence. We celebrate President Hannah Via, Vice President Dan Fidonik and Secretary Suschna Scott.

Among their many accomplishments in 2022, the Alumni Advisory Council:

  • Hosted a diversity and representation event to encourage alumni to form connections
  • Reviewed and supported initiatives to develop an alumni hub space
  • Reviewed the University’s student conduct policies
  • Sponsored a “Coping with COVID” event
  • Had a presence at the 2022 Virtual Gradfest
  • Had a table at Gradfest during Commencement 2022 in Maryland
  • Sponsored the 2022 alumni gift at Commencement
  • Sent representatives to speak at the June 2022 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) panel
  • Participated in the Alumni Virtual Hangout
  • Met with the University Provost to discuss alumni initiatives and feedback
  • Reviewed the work of the Academic Advising team and provided feedback
  • Sponsored a 2022 Virtual Homecoming
  • Sponsored 66 wreaths for Wreaths Across America in December to honor of the University’s 2022 fallen alumni heroes
  • Established more social media visibility for the Alumni Advisory Council through regular posts and quarterly updates from the President

The New Officers of the 2023 Alumni Advisory Council

We are excited to continue to grow and evolve the council in 2023. This year comes with some new faces and new initiatives. It is our privilege to present the new officers of the 2023 Alumni Advisory Council.

Bobby Freeman, President

Bobby Freeman, Alumni Advisory Council President

Bobby Freeman (AMU) has been selected to serve as President of the 2023 Alumni Advisory Council. He graduated in 2010 with a B.S. in space studies and an undergraduate certificate in military leadership. Bobby has served all across the globe with countless University alumni. He is super excited to have the opportunity to serve in his new role, increasing the alumni voice within the University and finding innovative ways to support the global alumni community.

Suschna Scott, Vice President

Suschna Scott
Suschna Scott, Vice President

Suschna Scott (APU) has been selected to serve as the Vice President. She graduated in 2020 with a M.S. in accounting. In 2022, she accepted the role of Secretary and expanded her involvement with the Council. As the 2023 Vice President, she hopes to bring her years of experience and passion for growing the Council even more. In addition, Suschna plans to continue fostering the group’s engagement with the alumni community, ultimately allowing the Council to leave a successful legacy.

Larissa Mallard, Secretary

Larissa Mallard, Secretary

Larissa Mallard (AMU) has been selected to serve as Secretary. She graduated in 2017 with an M.A. in transportation and logistics management and is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in supply chain management. As a Council member, Larissa wants to set goals this year that will have a lasting impact on the University community for years to come. She says, “Alumni play an integral role in maintaining the legacy of the University.”

We also recognize our newly added officer positions on the Council, the Homecoming Royals. Our two Royals are Kandice Pritchard Harmon (AMU) and Tracy DuShane (AMU), who will be featured in an upcoming article.

We are grateful for all the contributions of the 2022 Alumni Advisory Council, and we know the Alumni Advisory Council will continue to soar as it makes plans for 2023. These alumni have helped us continue to be a beacon of light in education.

For questions related to the Alumni Advisory Council (AAC) or Alumni Affairs at the University, please send an email to alumni@apus.edu. We would love your feedback and ideas!

LaVarn Gordon is a Student and Alumni Affairs Liaison. He is originally from Portsmouth, Virginia, but currently resides in Charles Town, West Virginia. LaVarn has been with the university since May 2017. His greatest joy is engaging and supporting the student and alumni body. LaVarn has an undergraduate degree in religious studies from Shenandoah University and is also a lover of music.

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