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Based on a Q&A-style interview developed by the CAAE Communications Committee, we're pleased to present this month’s spotlight of CAAE member Ayanna McConnell (University of Michigan), compilation courtesy of Raphe Beck (University of Oregon).
Name: Ayanna McConnell
Institution: Alumni Association of the University of Michigan
Q: Are you new to alumni relations, new to your institution, neither, or both?
A: I started my career in higher ed at Michigan in 1998 (membership assistant for Alumni Association, left for a different campus unit in 2001), returned to UM and Alumni Association in 2011.
Q: Best perk of the job so far:
A: Engaging alumni, students, and stakeholders. I love seeing Michigan through their eyes and gaining new perspectives. The National Championship was an incredible opportunity to engage alumni from diverse regions, degrees, and generations.
Q: Biggest challenge so far:
A: Pacing and prioritizing for sure as our team and alumni have many great ideas! I'm learning how to evolve our organization and culture in ways that are inclusive and sustainable.
Q: If you needed to, could you sing your school’s fight song and/or alma mater?
A: Both, thanks to my job back in the day as an Orientation Leader.
Q: What would it surprise people to know about you?
A: I am an introvert with a toolkit of extrovert hacks.
Q: Who would be your dream dinner guests?
A: Oprah, my maternal grandmother, Queen Elizabeth I, Alice Walker, Cicely Tyson, Viola Davis.
Q: When I’m not on the job, you’ll find me…:
A: Keeping up with my 11-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son; Plotting vacation or house renovation projects with my husband of 22 years; Reading or listening to a book.
1 comments
Colin Hennessy
May Tue, 2024 at 17:34 PM
I want to be at that dinner party!
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