![Ann Laatsch Alumni Council]()
Happy homecoming, Pios! As Chair of the Carroll University Alumni Council, I'm thrilled to share some exciting updates that highlight our commitment to building a vibrant, connected alumni community while supporting the next generation of Carroll leaders.
First, please join me in welcoming five outstanding alumni to the Alumni Council: Justin Jasniewski ’13, Kristine (Heimbigner) Kruepke ’99, Cecelia L. Evans ’88, Alex Olson ’15, and Sue (Graaskamp) Martin ’60. Their diverse perspectives, spanning seven decades of Carroll graduates, bring fresh energy and invaluable experience to our work. We're grateful for their willingness to serve and look forward to the contributions they'll make to our alumni community.
We're equally excited to welcome seven new Student Alumni Ambassadors: Grace Banwart ’27, Luke Conroy ’26, Sarah Faltis ’27, Mac Mayse ’26, Leah Ribordy ’27, Michaela Trione ’27 and Rebecca Whiteside ’27. Members of the Carroll campus community nominated these exceptional students in recognition of their strong academics, outstanding campus involvement and notable community engagement. Selected by the Alumni Council, they will serve one- to two-year commitments advancing the university's mission through active participation in alumni gatherings, attendance at Institutional Advancement events, and meaningful collaborations throughout campus. As liaisons between current students and our alumni community, they represent the very best of Carroll's student body.
To strengthen the connections between these two groups, we're launching an innovative Council-SAA Mentoring Program. Each Student Alumni Ambassador will be paired with an Alumni Council member based on area of study, academic goals, and shared interests. Through monthly touch-bases and attendance at two events together throughout the year, our Council members will provide career guidance, professional insights, networking opportunities and support. Whether through job shadowing, mock interviews, resume reviews or simply sharing their Carroll experiences, our mentors will help prepare these students for successful careers while encouraging them to remain lifelong Carroll ambassadors. Thanks to Julie Johnson '98, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement, for leading this initiative!
Finally, the Council has recently updated its bylaws to create a Vice Chair role, strengthening our leadership capacity. I'm honored to work closely with Randy Kunkel ’80, who is serving his first year in this position. Randy's energy and passion for Carroll are contagious, and I'm confident his leadership will help us achieve great things for our university.
These initiatives reflect our commitment to fostering meaningful connections across generations of Carroll alumni while investing in student success. Together, we're building a stronger, more engaged Carroll community—today and for years to come.
In closing, I hope to see you at Homecoming! This fall Carroll welcomed its largest incoming class ever, and there is much to celebrate. Please join us!