Alumni Leadership Council Engages Alums to Advance SPH Mission.

From multi-city Think. Teach. Do. Alumni Receptions to record-setting BU Giving Day donations, the School of Public Health’s Alumni Leadership Council (ALC) has helped graduates remain connected and engaged this school year, with the SPH community and its worldwide network.

With a renewed focus to advance the school’s mission of improving the health of all populations, the 35 ALC members serve as ambassadors of SPH to communicate and elevate the school’s vision and message to the 10,000-member alumni network and to their own constituent groups. The council’s other primary functions are to contribute to the school’s financial support and offer guidance on school initiatives.

“These ambassadors represent our vast alumni network and encourage alums all over the world to get or stay involved in the school in a way that’s meaningful to them,” says Jacoba van Heugten, assistant dean of development. “They serve as a sounding board on all philanthropic activities, act as mentors to current students and recent graduates, and provide insight on practicum and employment opportunities.

Led by co-chairs Alexandra England (SPH’03) and Emily Bajsci (SPH’94), council members convene three times per year and provide ongoing advice to van Heugten on how Development and Alumni Relations can best serve the lifelong learning interests of alumni, through professional development, networking, community service, social activities, and more.

“Members of the ALC return to campus frequently throughout the school year to present to students at events such as career fairs, alumni panels, New Student Orientation, and Convocation,” says England. “As a member, I was also able to be involved in the school’s recent accreditation process.”

Council members serve on at least one sub-committee for SPH events, such as Giving Day, Alumni Weekend and alumni receptions, an end-of-year giving campaign, and Dean-level events, including symposiums and seminars. Each member also contributes or raises an annual gift of $1,000 to support the Future of Public Health fund.

“Being a member of the Alumni Leadership Council has been a very rewarding experience for me, and a great avenue for giving back for the excellent education I received at SPH,” says Mary-Lynn Fulton (SPH’99), who will address graduates at the SPH Convocation on Saturday, May 18. “The diversity reflected in our council members’ careers is a wonderful reminder that public health crosses all industries and aspects of life.”

—Jillian McKoy

For more information or to connect with the Alumni Leadership Council, email sphalum@bu.edu.