As she prepared for her year as president of the Alumni Association, Jacque Peters ’87 polled the 24-member board on what they would like to accomplish in 2008-09, and shared her theme for the year: Building relationships and moving forward.

The two meshed when board members overwhelmingly replied that they would like to take part in a “Done in a Day” project with students as a volunteer civic activity, similar to the United Way’s Day of Caring, Peters said. “We want to connect with the students here on campus – so that we all can help out and give back together.”

Peters, who is in her fourth year as a board member, also hopes to see greater participation in the board’s academics program, which was formalized last year. The program provides funds to support ODU college initiatives that reach out to alumni. The College of Health Sciences, for example, has applied every year for funding to support an alumni speaker series, she noted, adding, “I would love for all six colleges to apply.”

Other goals for the year include:
• Recognizing faculty and staff who are ODU alumni with a breakfast or lunch;
• Holding a quarterly board meeting in Richmond when the General Assembly is in session;
• Finalizing a memorandum of understanding with the university; and
• Formally recognizing alumni who support their alma mater through service on university boards.

Peters also sees the board continuing its role in supporting student recruitment and retention. Prior to the fall semester, she attended Alumni Association-sponsored “freshmen sendoff” events in Richmond and Northern Virginia. “We’re there to answer the kids’ questions about our experiences as students, but I think, more importantly, we let the parents see that, yes, their sons and daughters will eventually graduate and move on – and leave home one day,” she said with a laugh. “It was fun to be a part of all of the excitement and the trepidation. All of the emotions are there at these events.”

Peters views the Alumni Association board’s role as that of an advisory board that works closely with the alumni relations staff and other campus groups, as well as the university administration.

And she views her alma mater as a resource for lifelong learning. “I know that, from a business perspective, having continuing education here is important for alumni and others in the community. We have all these great resources right here – great professors and wonderful facilities.”

Peters said she is also excited about football returning to campus in 2009. She recalls going to “one-game season” Oyster Bowl games as a student, but believes that ODU having its own team will be good for both current and former students. “I think that will be a draw to bring alumni back to the university.”

Jacque Bowles Peters ’87 Degree: Business administration; accounting concentration City: Virginia Beach Occupation: Tax manager, Dominion Enterprises ODU student activities: Member of business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi; Pi Kappa Alpha little sister; helped with PKA fundraisers for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Community Activities: Past president of Junior League of Norfolk and Virginia Beach; board member of Edmarc Hospice for Children