New alumni council aims to strengthen Eastern’s alumni network

The Office of Development and Alumni Engagement has convened a new group of alumni volunteers to serve as ambassadors for Eastern Connecticut State University. The actively growing Alumni Advisory Council currently comprises 19 members who will support various alumni initiatives within the newly formed President’s Division.

Speaking to the group during their inaugural meeting in October, President Karim Ismaili said, “Thank you for being part of this; thank you for coming home. You’re the best ambassadors of Eastern—not only because you graduated from here, but because you can share how your time here impacted you.”

The purpose of the council is to represent the broader body of Eastern alumni and to serve as the University’s primary alumni advisory group. Members will help communicate ongoing events, programs, and initiatives to the alumni community. They are also encouraged to make Eastern a philanthropic priority by supporting the Office of Development and Alumni Engagement’s fundraising activities.

Director of Alumni Communications and Advancement Chris Dorsey seeks to grow the council up to 40 members over the next few years, each serving a three-year term. “We convened this group to help the University better engage with the alumni population and to develop ambassadors who can help get the word out about alumni initiatives,” he said.

Dorsey noted that the advisory council is composed of engaged alumni at various stages of their careers. “They work in a wide range of industries, representing a variety of public and private organizations.”

Among the members are Chair James Woulfe ’09 and Vice Chair Amelinda Rossitto ’10, each serving one-year terms as leaders of the Alumni Advisory Council.

“My time at Eastern was incredibly formative, providing me with not only a strong academic foundation but also a community that supported my growth,” said Woulfe, who serves as chief of staff for the City of Hartford.

“I’m motivated to take on this role with the Alumni Advisory Council because I believe deeply in the University’s mission and want to give back to the institution that gave me so much. It’s an opportunity to work with fellow alumni to strengthen our network, support the next generation of students, and help ensure that the Eastern experience continues to be transformative for years to come.”

Rossitto expressed similar sentiments about her experience. “My time at Eastern was truly transformational and played a pivotal role in shaping the professional I am today,” said Rossitto, senior associate director of the UConn Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills.

“Serving as vice chair of the Alumni Advisory Council is a meaningful way to give back to the community that invested so much in me. I am grateful for the mentorship, support, and opportunities I received, and I am committed to paying that forward for future generations of Eastern alumni.”

The advisory council is organized into four subcommittees:

• Alumni Events and Programming

Assist the Office of Development and Alumni Engagement in planning, organizing, and executing events and activities that foster engagement.

• Alumni and Donor Engagement

Cultivate and maintain strong, positive relationships with alumni and supporters.

• Nominations and Membership

Assist and advise in the recruitment of new council members.

• Graduates of the Last Decade

Engage and support recent graduates by assisting with programs, events, and initiatives tailored to their needs.

For more information about the Alumni Advisory Council or to get involved, contact Chris Dorsey at DorseyC@easternct.edu.