CAAE Member Spotlight, August 2024

Name: Charlie Vienne

Institution: Sam Houston State University 

Q: Are you new to alumni relations, new to your institution, neither, or both?

A: I have been in Alumni Relations at Sam Houston State University for 18 years.  

Q: Best perk of the job so far:

A: Engaging with alumni and getting to learn and hear about their stories. Also, getting to host activities and events in unique locations across Texas and the United States.  

Q: Biggest challenge so far:

A: The recent merge of the Office of Annual Giving with the Office of Alumni Relations. Creating a seamless, effective, and efficient practice for both areas without sacrificing the tremendous growth and exposure the Alumni Association has generated over the last 10-15 years. 

Q: If you needed to, could you sing your school’s fight song and/or alma mater?

A: No. Although I did have to lead the Alma Mater at huge alumni dinner (Life Member Dinner and Celebration) when the student singer did not show up.  

Q: What would it surprise people to know about you?

A: I am a huge college football fan, and I moved my wedding date up to two months (originally scheduled for October) without notifying my wife until I had made all the appropriate reservation changes. I did not think she would want to celebrate our anniversary each year in the middle of football season. ????

Q: Who would be your dream dinner guests?

A: My father (passed away 2 ½ years ago), The Pope (I am Catholic), Lou Holtz (retired football coach), Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson (professional golfers).

Q: When I’m not on the job, you’ll find me…:

A: Spending time with my family, or on the golf course. My oldest daughter is a student-athlete at Baylor University on the softball team, so I spend a lot of time going to watch her and the Baylor softball team.