How the Dean of Student Affairs is Rebuilding Bridges with AUN鈥檚 Alumni, Creating New Spaces for Connection, Growth, and Legacy.
When Mr. Sesugh Annger stepped into his role as the Dean of Student Affairs, he wasn鈥檛 just looking at the present鈥攈e was looking at the roots. Among the many branches of AUN life that had been left untended, one stood out clearly: alumni relations. It wasn鈥檛 just about old students鈥攊t was about family. And as he put it, 鈥淛ust because they鈥檝e graduated doesn鈥檛 mean we鈥檝e forgotten them.鈥�
This revival isn鈥檛 a passing trend or a temporary initiative鈥攊t鈥檚 a deeply personal endeavor for Mr. Annger. He sees it as a long-overdue effort to nourish something that has been left dormant for far too long. To him, it鈥檚 like pouring water into soil that hasn鈥檛 felt the touch of it in decades鈥攔eviving the roots and creating a foundation for growth that will last. It鈥檚 a chance to reconnect alumni to their alma mater in a way that feels authentic, ongoing, and rooted in care.
A New Vision for AUN鈥檚 Extended Family
The long-term vision for AUN鈥檚 alumni relations is bold but deeply rooted in care: to create a sustainable, meaningful connection between the university and its alumni that goes far beyond annual reunions. This revitalization of the alumni network isn鈥檛 just about looking back; it鈥檚 about building a living, evolving legacy that thrives on connection, shared purpose, and mutual support.
The newly revitalized alumni office is anchored by several key initiatives. The Stallion Digest, a digital newsletter, will soon be complemented by the biannual Stallion Nation Magazine, both of which will spotlight alumni stories, celebrate achievements, and provide thoughtful features that bring alumni together鈥攚hether through shared interests, professional journeys, or personal stories. These publications aim to be more than just updates; they are designed to foster a deeper connection and keep alumni informed about what鈥檚 happening across the community.
But it鈥檚 not just about updates鈥攊t鈥檚 about experience. Plans are underway for alumni merchandise like class rings, branded mugs, and other memorabilia to offer tangible reminders of their AUN connection. More importantly, a dedicated platform鈥攁 digital 鈥渃ommon room鈥濃�攊s in development where alumni can network, share opportunities, collaborate on projects, and stay actively involved with one another. This platform will offer alumni a space to stay connected, not only with the university but with each other, providing a sense of home long after they鈥檝e graduated.
A Bridge Between Alumni and Current Students
The initiative鈥檚 power isn鈥檛 just about rekindling alumni ties to the university鈥攊t鈥檚 about bridging the gap between past and present. One of the most exciting aspects of this revival is the opportunity for alumni to engage directly with current students, offering mentorship, networking opportunities, and advice. Alumni will have the chance to serve as advisors, career mentors, and even guest speakers, providing invaluable insights into their own professional journeys.
For students, this interaction goes beyond the classroom. It鈥檚 a chance to learn from those who walked the same paths they鈥檙e on now, gaining perspectives that can shape their own futures. Whether it鈥檚 career advice, life skills, or simply hearing about what it鈥檚 really like after graduation, the alumni network will provide current students with a unique window into their potential futures.
This partnership will be nurtured through the new platform, where students can not only connect with alumni but engage in collaborative projects, internships, and job placements. Current students, armed with their academic knowledge, can bring fresh perspectives to alumni endeavors, while alumni can offer the guidance and support that students need to navigate the complexities of life post-graduation. Together, they can create a dynamic cycle of mutual benefit鈥攇rowing the AUN family and strengthening the community.
Beyond Nostalgia: Real Connections, Real Impact
This new direction for AUN鈥檚 alumni relations recognizes that the role of alumni isn鈥檛 limited to nostalgia鈥攊t鈥檚 about fostering real, ongoing relationships that have a tangible impact. Alumni should have spaces where they can share their current endeavors, ask 鈥淲ho鈥檚 doing what?鈥� and discover opportunities to collaborate and support one another. It鈥檚 about creating an ecosystem where the success of one alumni is shared by the whole community.
A perfect example of this new direction can be seen in the recent spotlight on Haye, a talented AUN alumna who is making waves in the photography industry. Her success story is one of many that reflect the diverse accomplishments of AUN alumni, and it鈥檚 exactly the kind of content that this revitalized alumni network aims to highlight. The goal is to not just celebrate individual success, but also to create opportunities for others to be inspired, collaborate, and support one another in their own professional and personal journeys.
This initiative goes beyond just maintaining relationships with current students; it offers alumni the opportunity to mentor, collaborate on projects, and even join forces for professional ventures. Whether it鈥檚 undergraduates gaining insight from alumni or former classmates reuniting to launch new initiatives, AUN鈥檚 alumni network is designed to be a bridge鈥攃onnecting past achievements to future opportunities.
A Beginning, Not an End
As with any significant change, the revival of alumni relations at AUN is a process that takes time. As Mr. Annger puts it, 鈥淛ust like everything, the setup takes time.鈥� The early stages are about laying the groundwork for what is intended to be a long-term tradition鈥攁 special hub where generations of AUN alumni and students can come together, share experiences, and continue to grow.
For Mr. Annger, the alumni aren鈥檛 just faces from the past. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e people and friends who have impacted me and experienced me too,鈥� he says. That personal history makes this revival all the more meaningful. It鈥檚 not about turning the alumni network into an event or a short-term initiative鈥攊t鈥檚 about creating a lasting, organic community that continues to evolve and support one another, just as it did during their time on campus.
A Message to the Alumni Community
鈥淵ou鈥檙e in my heart always,鈥� the Dean shares. And the message to AUN alumni everywhere is clear: We want to celebrate you, learn from you, and stay connected with you.
Alumni who are interested in getting involved can reach out to the alumni office to share updates, participate in networking events, or be featured in upcoming publications. This is your home too鈥攁nd the door is wide open.
The revival of alumni relations at AUN isn鈥檛 about just reminiscing on the past鈥攊t鈥檚 about creating a future where alumni and students continue to succeed together. It鈥檚 about the shared legacy that connects every member of the AUN family, and it鈥檚 time for everyone to re-engage, reconnect, and thrive.
By Michelle Niyang