Goodbye Perschon, Alumni Association

Posted by admin on Feb 7, 2006 in News | 0 comments

The Trinity Western University Alumni Department will receive a makeover soon with the creation of a new alumni association, new programs, and new initiatives.

These changes in the alumni department coincide with the changes that are being reflected across all levels of the campus.

“We are on the verge of expanding, growing, going in a new direction,” said Brenda Evans, Events Coordinator for the Alumni Department. “I believe that the alumni will embrace this new direction, and they will want to participate, and engage.”

But this new direction will continue without the leadership of Paul Perschon, the Executive Director of Alumni and Parents Relations.

Some may have been surprised and curious with his sudden resignation. Perschon’s voicemail states, “As of January 27, I no longer will be working with Trinity Western University.”

Evans explained that Perschon had been battling health problems throughout the year. A car accident in early January prompted Perschon realize that he needed to focus on his health at this particular time.

The alumni department will continue to operate without the leadership of Perschon. Evans hopes his position will be filled by the end of April.

The creation of the new alumni association, the Pillar Alumni Association, marks another significant change. This association was formed after the term expired on the previous association and was not reinstated. The new group includes alumni from throughout TWU’s history, including alumni dating as far back as TWU’s days as a junior college.

“They [the alumni] want to stay connected with the university as well as with their fellow alums,” said Evans. “These are people that care deeply about the university.”

The Pillar Association’s main focus at this time is to save the old chapel from being torn down. They have drafted a proposal to stop the demolition of the chapel and for its restoration. This proposal, which has the support of the President’s Cabinet, will be presented by the association to the Board of Governors.

Evans hints that there is a strong possibility that the chapel will not be torn down.

Another new alumni initiative is the Alumni Yellow Pages. This password protected website enables access to past and present students. It acts as a networking venue, as alumni are able to post their business cards and contact information.

The Student Alumni Dinners program is also in its infancy. Students sign up to have a home cooked meal at an alumnus’ house in the student’s area of interest. Already 500 students have signed up for dinners which will be taking place throughout the spring semester.