New ABOG Members Set Their Sights on a Dynamic Future
THOMASVILLE, Ga. – In the year of Thomas University's 75th anniversary, its Alumni Board of Governors (ABOG) is getting a new spark at the hands of new faces in new positions. Alyssa Blakely, the current president-elect, will lead the new-look board with eyes set on generating innovative change and leading dynamic spaces for alumni to celebrate and communicate.
Blakely will be joined by Debbie McEown and Ucher Dent as new members of the board. They will each bring a unique set of skills and experience from their individual careers to ABOG. By joining forces with the sitting members, these three plan to turn their visions of an alumni network with deeper connections, greater opportunities, and more events into a reality.
The board’s first initiative has already been launched: the "$75 for 75" Alumni Giving Campaign. In celebration of TU’s 75th anniversary, alumni are encouraged to donate $75 to support their alma mater. All contributions will directly benefit the TU Student Emergency Fund, providing critical assistance to students facing unexpected hardships and ensuring they have the support they need during challenging times.
During her four years at Thomas University, Blakely found that the close connections between instructor and students played a vital role in her success. The supportive, tight-knit community provided relationships and opportunities that helped her overcome challenges and reach graduation. Having professors who worked with her one-on-one showed her the value of personalized support and mentorship. Reflecting on her experience, Blakely shared, "One of the biggest reasons why I'd like to go back and support" Thomas University is these relationships.
As ABOG president, Blakely aims to leverage the close-knit nature of a small school to benefit both alumni and students. Her top priorities include expanding the board by adding new members to share responsibilities, streamlining tasks, and planning more events. Additionally, she plans to introduce a student representative role to increase campus involvement and ensure future alumni are aware of the many opportunities within TU's extensive network.
