|
Ackiss Retires From Alumni Director Post
After 30 years at O ld Dominion, including the last 21 in the Office of Alumni Relations where she assumed the role of director in 2003, Claire Ackiss retired in July.
Ackiss, who started her ODU career in the athletic department, worked under four university presidents and with 22 Alumni Association presidents, in addition to countless volunteers, faculty, staff and students.
“I leave with fond memories and wishes for continued
| President Roseann Runte and Claire Ackiss share a laugh at the former alumni director’s retirement party. |
success and growth of the university and, especially,
the ODU Alumni Association,” she said.
Ackiss was credited with raising money and support for the Kornblau Alumni Center; modernizing communications efforts, including the introduction of the Big Blue newsletter, the Online Community Web site and an e-newsletter; and establishing the annual alumni holiday outing, alumni golf tournament and reception for “Married Monarchs.”
Former Alumni Association President Boyd T. Allison Jr. ’79 said of Ackiss, “During my year as president, Claire was a tutor, a scheduler, an ambassador, an organizer and a mentor. Throughout the many events and our travels, it was apparent that everyone who met Claire liked her. She was and is a true friend and a Monarch with few equals.”
Alonzo Brandon ’85, vice president for development and alumni relations, agreed. “Few people at ODU have touched and changed as many lives as Claire. Her grace and spirit symbolize everything that is good about Old Dominion University.”
John R. Broderick, vice president for institutional advancement, noted, “I cannot imagine there has ever been a more enthusiastic supporter for Old Dominion than Claire. Her smile, her energy, her hugs and her willingness to go that extra mile for ‘her alumni’ were among her many outstanding qualities.”
|
