Alumnae Advancement Council

Alumnae Advancement Council

The St. Mary’s Academy Alumnae Advancement Council is made up of alumnae representatives working closely with the St. Mary’s Alumnae staff. This diverse and dedicated group meets nine times a year (September–June, excluding April). The Alumnae Advancement Council supports the school’s priorities by keeping alumnae connected to SMA and one another through programs, traditions, philanthropy, and volunteer opportunities.

Since 1859, students who graduate from St. Mary’s Academy automatically become lifelong members of the SMA Alumnae Association.

The Alumnae Advancement Council serves as an advisory board for the greater St. Mary’s Academy Alumnae Association and the school. The Council provides advice and support in developing and implementing programs and services. Council members represent as best as possible the diversity of our alumnae community.

Membership:

New members can join the Alumnae Advancement Council at any time. If you would like more information, please contact alumnae@smapdx.org

Members serve a two-year, renewable term.
Alumnae Advancement Council responsibilities include:

· Attending Council meetings once a month, September-June.

· Participating in at least one of four Council-sponsored committees, including event participation, per term of membership.

· Serving as an ambassador within and beyond St. Mary’s Academy, and connecting alumnae to the school.

Council-Sponsored Committees

Alumnae Service Committee

The Alumnae Service Committee is responsible for assisting staff in plugging in alumnae to both existing service opportunities and the creation of additional local and regional opportunities for service such as:

Christmas Families Program (November/December annually)
Alumnae Day of Service
Partnerships with alumnae from our Holy Names Schools Network
Volunteer Opportunities at school-sponsored events (Open House, Welcome Night, Girls Night Out, and more)
Support for Month of Gratitude Thank-a-thon

Alumnae & Student Programs Committee

The Alumnae & Student Programs committee is responsible for advising on, planning, and organizing the following alumnae/student events:

Alumnae Mentorship Program
Advanced Leadership Endorsement Program (in partnership with Student Life & Leadership)
Lunch Outside the Box (in partnership with the Parent Ambassador Board)
Senior Induction Ceremony & Oh, The Places You'll Go Day (in partnership with College Counseling)

Additionally, the Alumnae & Student Programs committee can partner with the College Counseling department and Student Leadership on events for current students like Alumnae Q &As both virtual and in-person on topics such as college experience, career information, and more.

Community Connections Committee

The Community Connections committee works closely with the Director of Alumnae Relations to help grow alumnae involvement and giving though Alumnae Advancement Council member prospecting and recruitment, donor prospecting, support for events like the Student Fundraiser/Spirit Walk, Reunion Giving, senior class gift program, the annual Food for Thought Event, and the annual Auction.

Reunions & Events Committee

The Reunions & Events committee works closely with the Director of Alumnae Relations to plan and implement alumnae specific events such as annual reunions/homecoming weekend, and the annual Academy Awards, and works in partnership with Patty Gorman on the Women in Theology event. Additionally, this committee acts as both an advisory committee in the creation of new larger scale alumnae events as well as assists with execution of these events. Alumnae on this committee will assist in the recruitment of Class Ambassadors who help to connect classmates especially around reunion attendance and giving.

JOIN THE ALUMNAE ADVANCEMENT COUNCIL TODAY

Meet the 2024-2025 Alumnae Council

Lisa Andersen Bryson

Class of 1985

Annie Auxier

Class of 1977

Terrie Buell Lora

Class of 1990

Mo Clifford Atchison

Class of 1977

Jourdan Ellis

Class of 2006

Catherine Fields Park

Class of 2007

Sara Follen Salvi

Class of 1971

Vicki Ford Dieringer

Class of 1969

Emily Jayne-Lopez

Class of 2016

Rani Lightle

Class of 2003

Teri Mariani

Class of 1970

Erin McKenna

Class of 1993

Olivia Paradis

Class of 2009

Alisa Todd Gaylord

Class of 1992

Volunteer

Showcase your love for service by volunteering with St. Mary’s Academy. Share your time and skills with the community by supporting events, projects, office tasks, etc. Contact alumnae@smapdx.org to sign-up!

Be a Class Ambassador

SMA will work with you to help organize your class for our annual reunions of classes celebrating the milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45. Learn more here.