PORTSMOUTH — The Shawnee State Alumni Council met on Saturday, Aug. 7 to learn about alumni initiatives and to provide feedback and ideas from an alumni perspective.

Participating alums committed to a two-year term to develop several Alumni Association initiatives. Additional Shawnee State graduates are being sought to join the Alumni Council and many are slated to join in the months to come.

Opportunities for members include participation in the SSU Alumni Mentoring program, on-campus Homecoming, and fundraising activities to support the Shawnee Fund.

The Alumni Association’s mission is dedicated to enriching the lives of some 12,000 alumni, as well as current and future students.

Those attending the meeting and their year of graduation are Missy Ankrom, of Portsmouth, 1998; Lora Mae Gampp, of South Portsmouth, Ky., 2004; Brandi Harris, of Jackson, Ohio, 2009; Jonathan James, of South Point, Ohio, 2008; Stacy Magnet-Clarkson, of Minford, Ohio, 1997; Kyle Martin, of Portsmouth, 2008; Katy Mathuews, of Chillicothe, Ohio, 2004; Phyllis Noah, of Portsmouth, 2006; Elizabeth Scott, of Portsmouth, 2003; Roger Taylor, of Winchester, Ohio, 2008; and Amanda Wheeler, of Ashland, Ky., 2003.

“I am thrilled to have this great group of our graduates to guide our Alumni Association into the future,” said Angela Henderson-Bentley, assistant director of the Development Foundation, Alumni and Retiree Affairs. “I look forward to working with them as we work to grow both the Alumni Association and the university.”

During the first meeting of the year, the council members were given a tour of the campus and shown all the new additions including the University Center.

Director of Athletics Jeff Hamilton shared news about Bear varsity sports and previewed Shawnee State’s first year in the Mid-South Conference.

He also talked about upgraded facilities and venues, including Shawnee Turf, the new all-purpose field that will be open for the upcoming soccer season. Hamilton stressed the importance of alumni participation in the success of SSU athletics.

Director of Communications Elizabeth Blevins showed the Alumni Council the impact of the University’s new branding and marketing efforts are having on the growth and character of the student population. This fall Shawnee State welcomes a record 4,400-plus number of students enrolled for classes.

Shawnee State President Rita Rice Morris shared lunch with the Alumni Council and spent time listening to direct feedback from graduates. Discussion focused on ways the University can better engage its alums and provide meaningful programs and services to graduates.

Eric Braun, Shawnee State’s executive director of the Development Foundation, discussed the ways alumni can support SSU.

“Shawnee State’s growth and success is the product of students investing their time and talents on campus. SSU alumni are uniquely situated to continue to impact this growing institution by taking part in the Alumni Council during a time of significant forward momentum.”