ACKISS NAMED DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS

Claire Geiger Ackiss, a 1999 graduate of Old Dominion University, has been appointed director of alumni relations. She has served as acting director of the program since 2001.

"I believe Claire's experience and enthusiasm will result in a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship between alumni and the university, and I look forward to working with her," said Alonzo C. Brandon, who was recently appointed as vice president for development and alumni relations.

As director, Ackiss will oversee a program that serves all of the university's nearly 90,000 alumni. Additionally, she will serve as executive vice president to the Alumni Association's board of directors.

During her two years as interim director, Ackiss oversaw negotiations with MBNA for an Alumni Association affinity credit card program, as well as a variety of additional affinity partnerships; chartered three new alumni chapters; increased participation on the Alumni Legislative Network to more than 500 alumni; and developed a monthly electronic newsletter that is sent to more than 3,000 alumni. Additionally, she has been instrumental in the plans for the university's first alumni center, which is scheduled to open in early 2004.

A member of the university community since 1976, Ackiss initially worked in the athletics office. She has served in a variety of capacities in the alumni office since 1985. Prior to taking on the position of interim director, she served for one year as the associate director.

Ackiss earned a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in women's studies from Old Dominion in 1999.