CAAE Member Spotlight, June 2021

Name: Clothilde Hewlett

Institution: Cal Alumni Association – UC Berkeley

How long have you been in your current role? 5 years

How did you first get into alumni relations? And, what has kept you in the industry?

I first got involved because I was recruited to be on the CAA board.  A lot of my friends were also recruited at the same time. I enjoyed my entire three years of board service. Before joining the CAA board I had been a University volunteer. I’m a “double Cal”: I graduated in ’76 in political science and ’79 in Berkeley Law. Most of my volunteer work was mentoring undergraduate and law students. I had also been reunion chair numerous times for my undergraduate and law school classes. However,  I had never considered going on the board until someone recruited me. On the board was when I first got really interested in alumni relations. I had a lot of fun, and developed  a deep passion for this work. I had no idea at the time that I might be doing it full time as ED, but it was something I found I had a real passion for.

What’s your favorite program or tradition at your school and why?

I love the Big Game because besides beating Stanford or having a rivalry, it really represents community. Families coming together, generations re-living not just what their college experience was, but what their family experience is. It’s even more enjoyable now that I’m a grandmother, seeing my grandchildren yelling “Go Bears!” I see alumni who may be in their 80s, acting like children again. For many of us it brings back the memories of youth. And there’s nothing like getting the Axe back.

Favorite part of the job (one word): Students

Least favorite part of the job (one word): Employee evaluations

What advice would you give a new alumni executive? Don’t give up.

What is your biggest challenge in your program? Growing revenue in the Covid environment.

When I’m not on the job, you’ll find me…: On the tennis court!

Name: Todd McCubbin

Institution: University of Missouri

How long have you been in your current role? 16 years as ED, 26 with MAA

How did you first get into alumni relations?

After getting my master’s degree, I applied at MAA for what I thought would be a short-term networking opportunity as coordinator of alumni relations. My predecessor Todd Coleman encouraged me to apply. We were a good team. He was the ultimate idea guy, and I would operationalize those ideas.

And, what has kept you in the industry?

Steve Grafton (UMichigan) was an early influence at a CASE Summer Institute of Alumni Relations. I served as a CAAE Forman Fellow, spending time with Doug Dibbert (UNC) and Jim Burk (Cal). I had annual talks with Amy Button Renz at CASE6. I met Jodi Weiberg, Porter Garner and Curt Langford at a Big 12 alumni staff conference. There have been many positive influences who have poured into me over the years, not to mention the lasting friendships.

What’s your favorite program or tradition at your school and why? 

Mizzou Homecoming has a long and storied history. It’s a wonderful collision of campus spirit, community involvement and alumni returning “home." Some say it was the first, we like to think it’s the best. 

Favorite part of the job (one word): Relationships

Least favorite part of the job (one word): Politics 

What advice would you give a new alumni executive?

Create and cultivate relationships across campus. When you are visiting with an alumnus, you are the university so educate yourself and be able to speak broadly about your university. Finally, always do what is best for the university even if that may not be the best thing for you or your association. 

What is your biggest challenge in your program? Being long-term thinkers in a short-term (and getting shorter all the time!) world. 

When I’m not on the job, you’ll find me…: Watching my kids in a sporting event … swimming, softball and basketball … we are in the thick of it.