Loras National Alumni Board

In 1988, the National Alumni Board was created.  This group was formed to represent alumni and graduates from across the country.  Learn more about what your fellow Duhawks are doing, how they are impacting students and what role you can play, by scrolling through this page.

 

2022 - 2023 Scholarship Recipients

NAB - Martinez       NOT PICTURED
Andrew Martinez '23   Sophia Schuler '24   Alexandria Mamros '25   Evelyn Ruiz '26



 

Meet the board Members 

Rob Murray | President
Class Year: 2001
Major: Engineering
Email: bert1murray@gmail.com

What are you hoping to accomplish as a board member?
I thought this was a great opportunity to give back to Loras.  If I can get more alumni involved in spreading the word about the quality of college education and experience that Loras provides, in addition to increasing the amount of giving from alumni, and shining a light on the quality people Loras is putting out into the workforce each year.

 

 

Lauren (Squires) Ready  | Vice President
Class Year: 2008
Major: Media Studies
Email: lauren@foreverreadyllc.com

What advice would you have for fellow alumni?
Don’t forget where you came from. Seriously, it's important to realized the impact Loras College had on your career, perspective, life experience and understanding of the world. The more years that pass, the more important it is to continue to help provide those opportunities for current and future students. 

 

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Kelsey McElroy-Anderson | Secretary
Class Year: 2010
Major: Politics
Email: kelseymcelroy10@gmail.com 

What are you hoping to accomplish as a board member? 
I want to give back to Loras by strengthening the alumni network and supporting the student community. I'm specifically passionate about increasing the giving percentage for young alumni. You get out of the alumni network what you put into it so take the time to reach out to an old classmates or fellow Duhawks, attend Loras alumni events in person or virtually, or return to campus for homecoming. Participating in these types of events and giving even a small gift each year makes such a big difference in the Loras College Community for students, faculty, staff, and alumni. 



Michael Otto | Treasurer
Class Year: 1994
Major: History and Speech Communication
Email: otto2030@yahoo.com

How did Loras prepare you for life after college?
By challenging me to think and articulate why I think that way. This was not only done by my professors, but roommates and friends as well. It changed how I looked at the world around me. By seeing that there is more than one correct answer (but some answers better address the question than others) and that most everyone means well with their answer. I learned to listen and hear what people are saying and evaluate their statements based on my knowledge and beliefs. This has greatly helped in me by everyday interactions with my clients and colleagues and has been a part of my professional successes.  

Seamus Ahern
Class Year: 2004
M
ajor: Criminal Justice
Email: ahernsp@gmail.com

What was most memorable about your time at Loras?
One compelling experience was being on Campus the morning of 9/11. I recall coming back to Byrne Oaks after early football films and my roommates were all huddled around the television watching the first reports come in after the attacks on NYC and the Pentagon. I knew immediately our country would be changed forever. I recall attending the Rock Bowl that evening for a memorial service and was in awe at how many students and faculty attended the service to remember our fallen Americans. I was also struck how close our Loras College family really is and that is something that I will always remember and has always remained with me. 

 

Robin (Fetter) Brown
Class Year: 1982
M
ajor: Biology
Email: drrobinbrown@msn.com

How did Loras prepare you for your career?
The biological science classes provided the background I needed to succeed in medical school. The academic expectations of the faculty to do exceptional work prepared me for the rigors of medical education. In fact, we did a senior thesis with a formal presentation of our research which proved to be instrumental as I discovered my passion for medicine.

Sylvester "Sly" Bush
Class Year: 1987

Major: Business
Email: sylvesterbush769@gmail.com 

What are you hoping to accomplish as a board member? 

I want to be a supportive community member who is helping raise the profile of the College. As a past athlete, the support mechanism from the coaching staff, my professors, and my teammates played a significant role in my career after Loras College. Being a member of the alumni board gives me the opportunity to support all organizations and students. 

 

Janelle Domeyer
Class Year: 2005
Major: Politics
Email: jando_27@hotmail.com

How did Loras prepare you for life after college?
Being involved in so many extracurricular activities was probably the greatest preparation for life after college. I was the director of LCTV News from my sophomore year through senior year. I helped lead retreats and service trips through Campus Ministry. I was a Resident Assistant for two years and led Summer Orientation and Fall Welcome Days. Getting the change to have so many different responsibilities gave me confidence to enter the workplace and take on leadership roles in my career. Academic work is important, but even in the classroom having the opportunity to collaborate with classmates and managing those interpersonal dynamics is great preparation for what you will encounter in your future profession. 

David Fautsch
Class Year: 2005
Major: Economics
Email:
DFautsch@weinhardtlaw.com

How has Loras impacted your life? 
Every day I use the skills that I learned at Loras. In a broader sense, however, Loras taught me how to learn. That is, the college’s devotion to liberal arts education taught me to how to understand subjects that I come across for the first time as an adult.    

 

Jonathan Gill
Class Year: 2009
Major: Education

Email: JGill@cottinghambutler.com

Who at Loras has had an impact on your life. 

Coach Bob Bierie '65. I was not planning on going to or playing sports in college. My goal was to become an Army Ranger after high school, but Coach Bierie had a different plan for me. He called my mom and said, "We want your son to attend Loras and play football." My mom said, "when does he report." After almost 20 years, coach still knows me by name, where I'm from, what high school I attended and who I played with. He recruits with the best interest of the student; education, faith and long term goals. Once you step on campus you really have joined a family. 

 

Lisa Kapler-Emerson
Class Year: 1985
Major: Biology
Email: lakerock2k@gmail.com

How has Loras impacted your life?
Loras gave me the confidence to do what i wnt with my life and helped me to see how the support of our Catholic faith is instrumental in so many ways I deal with on a daily basis. I give thanks for that to all the wonderful staff members, from the cafeteria workers who alwaus smiled, the ladies who helped keep dorm rooms tidy, campus ministry and all the enthusiastic teachers. 

 

Vince Mazza
Class Year: 1991
Major: Marketing and Management 

Email: vpmazza@aol.com

How did Loras prepare you for life after college?
Loras allowed me to make important mistakes in a safe environment. The key was learning from those mistakes. Many of the classes and simulations we as students participated in were based on situations that really do happen in the work world. While academically Loras taught me much of the same content that most other business graduates learned from their schools, the liberal arts side and working with other students in teams provided more of an appreciation for diversity and how to get things done with and through others. Hard work, maintaining and open mind and accountability were stressed then and learning those skills early have been tremendously helpful after college

 

Jane (Lyons) Mueller
Class Year: 1987
Major: Management/Marketing
Email: jmueller@cottinghambutler.com

What advice would you have for students today?
Keep an open mind, you don’t need to know exactly what you want to do. Immerse yourself in the full experience, whether it be academics, arts, athletics; take advantage of student experiences outside the classroom, this will make you a well-rounded individual. Receiving a Liberal Arts education at Loras exposes you to an array of topics and subjects so no matter what career path you want to pursue, you develop a broad base of knowledge that can serve as building blocks as you grow into your career.  Always stretch outside your comfort zone, you just might surprise yourself! 

jane_mueller

Derrick Nix
Class Year: 1994
Major: Speech Communication/Media Studies and Elementary Education
Email: derricktn31@yahoo.com

How did Loras prepare you for life after college?
Everyone I encountered as a student seemed genuinely interested in making sure I succeeded. From the staff and faculty to the coaches, they encouraged and challenged me to do more than I ever dreamed possible. Loras prepared me for real life events in an ever changing environment. The relationships that I developed continue to this day and these friends and mentors continue to have an impact on me. I value the education and life preparation I received at Loras!

Pat Noonan
Class Year: 1976
Major: Philosophy
Email: pjnoonan2@hotmail.com

How has Loras impacted your life? 
Loras College is an institution made up of great persons that had an impact on my ability to learn and think for myself. What stands out to me was the approachability of my teachers. They were always available either after class, in their office, or in a social situation to answer questions. One who stood out has to be Dr. Richard Clark, his knowledge, his humor and his commitment to the common good has made a lasting impression. 

Meg Bucaro Wojtas
Class Year: 1998

Major: Public Relations and Spanish
Email: meg@megbucaro.com

How has Loras impacted your life? 

Almost 25 years after graduation, I am still able to seek insight from professors like Chris Apel and Craig Schaefer on a regular basis. This does not happen just anywhere. Loras placed people in my life that would challenge me, support me and walk with me during a pivotal stage of life. The friends, roommates, teammates, coaches, administration, staff  and professors were exactly who I needed at that time and still today. I owe Loras my best now, for inspiring me to dream big and keep pushing. It is time for me to give back and I am honored to being able to do so on the National Alumni Board.

 

 

NaB History

The National Alumni Board was formed in 1989 under the direction of the Office of Alumni Relations. The board serves to develop and promote support of alumni and friends to strengthen the College. Through a variety of programs, events, and communications the board strives to create an atmosphere, which encourages lifelong friendships while simultaneously serving the alumni and the College.

The board is comprised of up to 25 members representing decades, gender, and geographic area of the alumni constituency. Members are elected to an initial term of four years, and can be reelected for a second four year term. The full board meets twice a year with the executive committee holding conference calls monthly. Each member supports and is engaged with recruitment philanthropy and internships.

Programs sponsored by the National Alumni Board include distinguished alumni awards and mentor program. The board has made pledges up to $60,000 for various projects and activities on campus and currently funds 4 scholarships that are given to four students each receiving $4,000. All monies generated by National Alumni Board support the College in some form.

Would you like to nominate someone
to serve on the National Alumni Board?