Celebration Season
As in-person graduation returns, Eastern’s alumni director greets our newest Eagles for life.
It hasn’t always been easy, but I’m pleased to report that my first 10 months as director of alumni relations have continued to be the “absolute dream” that I hoped it would be. I’ve witnessed amazing things, and met even more amazing people. Now, after everything we’ve endured, I believe there is one more important thing to do: CELEBRATE!
Eastern recently held its first in-person commencement since 2019, as 160 semester-program graduates, cheered on by more than 900 family and friends, walked across the stage at the Spokane Convention Center.
This was my first graduation on that side of the podium, and there was a different kind of energy than what I experienced as an undergraduate. There was more laughter, more hugging and more smiles. There was also, not surprisingly, the palpable sense of relief that comes to those who have at last crossed the finish line of their grad-school marathon.
These new Eagle graduates now join the ranks of Eastern’s 112,000 alumni, a group who are always worth celebrating.
At this year’s EWU Alumni Awards we honored seven outstanding Eags who really raise the bar on what it means to be an Eagle for Life. And while we only honor a few each year, the truth is that every single day Eagles around the world are being recognized for their achievements and service.
One of my favorite things that I do in this role is coordinating the EWU Alumni Association Board of Directors, a group comprised of both alumni and industry leaders who are as passionate as I am about giving back to their alma mater.
We meet several times a year to plan programs and discuss ways we can further cultivate participation in the life and growth of the university. In addition, we sponsor professional and educational events, receptions and social gatherings for informal socializing and networking.
Perhaps most importantly, we serve as mentors to students who are seeking to become more actively involved in benefitting the university community. I hope you’ll take a moment to learn more about our members, and the incredible work they do, by visiting our website:
ewu.edu/alumniboard.
What do these recent grads and older alumni have in common? They all have a desire and passion to serve. They are helpers. They want to make a difference and make the world a better place. These are the sort of caring, committed people who make us all proud to be Eagles; the generations of graduates who have made, and continue to make, Eastern such a special place.
And my own service to this special place? It continues to be a dream. Every. Single. Day.
Go Eags!
Kelsey Hatch-Brecek ’21
