Alumni Director’s Column

Doing good for others is good for us all

Ashley Carter, director of alumni and constituent engagement. (AJ Reynolds/Brenau University)

“Life’s most urgent question: What are you doing for others?” – Martin Luther King Jr.  Over the past year and a half, we have all faced new and often unexpected challenges in our daily lives. Everyday routines changed, and we spent more time at home and with our immediate families than ever before. During part […]

Take the first step to become a mentor

Ashley Carter, director of alumni and constituent engagement. (AJ Reynolds/Brenau University)

There are many reasons why it is beneficial to be or have a mentor. The relationship paves the way for many upsides. As a mentor, you can provide knowledge, help your mentee improve, broaden their professional network, provide encouragement and advise them. They can learn from your experiences and, ultimately, it costs nothing but time. […]

Brenau makes a beginning

Ashley Carter, director of alumni and constituent engagement. (AJ Reynolds/Brenau University)

We recently said a heartfelt goodbye to our president of 15 years, Ed Schrader, and a warm welcome to our 10th — and first female — president, Anne Skleder. Brenau is entering a year with much change and transformation all the while holding steadfastly to our traditions and honoring our past. I’m reminded of the […]

Reflecting on The Women’s College of Brenau University

Ashley Carter, director of alumni and constituent engagement. (AJ Reynolds/Brenau University)

“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.” – Diane Mariechild As you read in this issue about our rollout of three signature programs that will become an integral part of The Women’s College of Brenau University — GOLD, the Ideal Collective and the Executive Women’s MBA […]

A letter to the newly minted Brenau alumni

Ashley Carter, director of alumni and constituent engagement. (AJ Reynolds/Brenau University)

As I think back on my time at Brenau and my own graduation, I am reminded of a J.K. Rowling quote from her 2008 Harvard University commencement address: “It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which […]

Celebrating the Past, Creating the Future

Ashley Carter, director of alumni and constituent engagement. (AJ Reynolds/Brenau University)

Brenau truly has a rich history, and I love to flip through old annuals and read about the traditions that have made our alma mater what it is today and the alumni who have left lasting legacies. My favorite piece to read is the Brenau Ideal written by H.J. Pearce: To find satisfaction in being […]

Engage with your alma mater

Ashley Carter, director of alumni and constituent engagement. (AJ Reynolds/Brenau University)

Fall is such a wonderful time, with the start of a new school year, changing leaves, cooler days and fun traditions. Just recently, I watched as the returning students moved back into sorority houses and dorm rooms and the rookies arrived to leave their parents for the first time. To see the excitement for a new year on each of […]

Statham named new Alumni board president

Brooke Statham, WC '00, 2016 Alumni Reunion Weekend

The Brenau Alumni Association is pleased to announce the board’s new president for 2017-18, Brooke Bargeron Statham, WC ’00. Brooke will serve in this role for the next two academic years. Other board members include: W. Carl Blackburn, BU ’94 Christelle Christian, WC ’92 Jennifer Dell, BU ’15 Zoe Scheffrin Durden, WC ’14 Erin Mundy, BU ’95 Susan […]

A​ ​Place​ ​that​ ​Values​ ​Leadership

Ashley Carter, director of alumni and constituent engagement. (AJ Reynolds/Brenau University)

Leadership is the art of guiding others to deliberately create a result that wouldn’t happen otherwise. What does it mean to be a leader? A leader has many characteristics. A few that come to mind are honesty, confidence, communication, respect, authenticity and focus. Everyone can be a leader, but not everyone is a great leader. […]

Back Home at Brenau

Ashley Carter, director of alumni and constituent engagement. (AJ Reynolds/Brenau University)

With just a few months under my belt, I can say that I truly made a great decision coming back to Brenau. I am grateful to be able to serve my fellow alumni as the Director of Alumni & Constituent Engagement. I did not need directions to find my way around campus. It still feels […]