While we were hopeful to be back on campus after a successful in-person Homecoming meeting, the Omicron variant made the decision for us, and we pivoted to another virtual winter BUAA Board meeting — our fifth in 24 months.
We kicked off the weekend with an Executive Committee meeting, followed by a full-Board virtual social event using wonder.com. Our meetings on Saturday provided us with some fantastic University updates, as well as time for Committee meetings and the full Board meeting to gather and share.
For our University update, we were joined by the Deans of Bucknell’s three colleges: Raquel Alexander, Dean of the Freeman College of Management; Erin Jablonski, Interim Dean of the College of Engineering; and Karl Voss, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. In keeping with our productive, collaborative relationship, we were joined by members of the Bucknell Engineering Alumni Association. Below are some highlights and key takeaways we thought might be of interest to all of you:
- Did you know … Bucknell received the highest number of applicants EVER this year (for the second year in a row)? Diversity continues to be of utmost importance, and the University is happy to report this year saw an 18.5% increase in first-generation college students, a 7.5% increase in students of color and a 15% increase in international applications year over year.
- In just its fourth year as an independent college, Bucknell University’s Freeman College of Management has broken into the top 20 (#17!) of the “Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2022” rankings by Poets&Quants for Undergrads, the leading online publication for undergraduate business education news. Read more about it here!
- There is incredible research coming out of all three colleges, including a recent $2.9 million grant awarded to two Biology professors by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to study African bat viruses, specifically Ebola. This five year study will take them and a small number of Bucknell undergraduate students to Uganda to research three native bat species.
- How can we, as alumni, help? Our time, talent, and treasure, of course! Give back to the University, help recent graduates secure jobs, come speak to students about your industry and career, offer to review resumes, give mock interviews, or serve as a mentor!
At our full Board meeting, BUAA Board member Alexandra Campbell-Ferrari ‘09 led a rapid fire session with three impressive students who were granted Bucknell Public Interest Program (BPIP) internships supported by the BUAA Board. Joey Martin ‘12, at-large member of the Executive Committee, presented on our student Board member selection process. Our committees, as always, have been hard at work advancing BUAA Board initiatives and programs. Below is a recap of what’s to come:
- Campus & Community is collaborating with regional club leaders, working on a Bucknell CARES virtual panel (be on the lookout in early April!), and exploring Senior Sunset, Commencement and Reunion activities.
- Careers & Transitions is hosting a virtual career event for sophomores March 1, a networking event on March 22, and a 4-week summer mentorship program for rising seniors kicking off in June.
- Marketing & Communications is focused on new ways to communicate with our alumni base via social media — including a Bucknell alumni Instagram takeover earlier this month — and preparing for the launch of the online version of the Reunion Bucknellian in June.
- Development & Volunteer Relations hosted our Distinguished Ambassador event celebrating seniors on Thursday, Feb. 17. You may have also attended the inaugural session of “For Alumni, By Alumni” virtual series, during which I interviewed current President John Bravman and former President Gary Sojka (‘85 – ‘95). If you missed it, check it out here!
- Membership & Governance is working on student and new member recruitment, as well as sourcing nominations for the Alumni Awards.
- Nominate an outstanding alumna/us for the BUAA Alumni Awards, especially those graduating in years ending in ‘2 and ‘7.
- Nominate a deserving fellow aluma/us to join the BUAA Board.
We closed out our meeting with a new tradition — a rousing rendition of our alma mater.
As always, we welcome your thoughts, questions and feedback. Don’t hesitate to reach out at any time. Thank you for your time, talent and treasure.
‘ray Bucknell!
Christine Zapotoczky Kelleher ‘91
President, Bucknell University Alumni Association