WHo We Are:
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Whitney PalesanoDirector of Alumni Relations and USAO Foundation Operations |
LETTER FROM the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Hello Alumni Family,
I’m Whitney Palesano, a proud member of the Class of 2010 and a lifelong Chickasha resident. After serving on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, I had the opportunity to return to campus regularly and it didn’t take long to realize how much I valued being part of the USAO community in a new way. That connection led me to my current role as Director of Alumni Relations, and I’m incredibly grateful to serve our alumni and our students each day.
At the heart of the USAO Alumni Association is our shared commitment to supporting students, especially through our alumni scholarship program. Many of us remember what it felt like to receive that support whether it eased a financial burden or made continuing our education possible. Today, we have the opportunity to provide that same encouragement to current students. Every gift, no matter the size, truly changes lives. Thank you to those who continue to give throughout the year and on Giving Day. If you haven’t had the chance yet, you can still make an impact through our alumni giving page.
Beyond financial support, your time and involvement are just as meaningful. Our events and programs thrive because of alumni who show up, volunteer and engage. One of my personal favorites is graduation; welcoming our newest alumni, celebrating their accomplishments and continuing the tradition of providing cap and gown photos. Moments like these are a reminder of how special this community is.
Another meaningful way to give back is by celebrating one another. We have so many outstanding alumni doing incredible things every day. Take a moment to nominate a deserving alum for the Alumni Hall of Fame or the Young Alumni Award; it’s a wonderful way to recognize the impact of our fellow Drovers.
And if you’re looking for a way to lead and serve, I encourage you to consider applying to join the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Elections take place in the fall, but it’s never too early to get involved.
As the academic year winds down, I encourage you to reach out to a classmate; check in, reconnect and remind them to update their contact information. With our alumni platform on Almabase, staying connected has never been easier. If you haven’t already, I invite you to create your profile and explore new ways to engage with the alumni network.
It’s an honor to represent you and to be part of the continued impact we make together. Thank you for staying connected, for giving back and for helping us support the next generation of Drovers.
Once a Drover, always a Drover.
Gratefully,
WHAT WE DO:
Events:
- Graduation
- Homecoming
Oversee and Manage:
- Alumni Association
- Board of Directors’Quarterly Meetings
- Board of Director Elections
- Committees (Nominating, Hall of Fame/Young Alumni, Membership, Scholarship, Money Management, Audit & Steering )
- Finances (bank accounts and investments)
- Minerva Membership
- Alumni Golf Carts
- Alumni House
- Alumni Electronic Newsletters
- Alumni Related Purchase Orders and Facility Requests
- Alumni Social Media Accounts
- Alumni Swag/Merch/Giveaways
Coordinate:
- Alumni Hall of Fame and Young Alumni Awards
- Alumni Related Fundraisers
- Alumni Scholarships
- Alumni Memorial Service Program
- Awards and Scholarship Recognition Brunch Program
- Distinguished Graduate Award
- Generating Alumni Related Reports
- Legacy Stoles for Graduating Seniors
- Obituary Data
- Professional Photos for Graduates
Assist in:
- Database Administrator for Almabase and Blackbaud
- Giving Day
- Graduation
- University Related Event Planning/Execution (Galas, Symposiums, etc.)