The Alumni Ambassador program connects our students and our Alumni and provides opportunities for them to meet in person. “When an alum wants to know what Trinity-Pawling is like today, there’s no better source than a current student,” says Director of Major Gifts Colleen Dealy. She and Director of Stewardship Andy Busby Rickert ’81 created the program in 2013. Since then, Alumni Ambassadors have traveled to New York and Boston for yearly holiday events and play an important role in welcoming alumni back to campus during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend.
“It’s a highly selective group,” says Assistant Director of Alumni Programs Peter Lockwood ’10. “Until this year only a small group of boys were invited to apply, but this year anyone interested was welcome. We were really happy with the overwhelming interest, but we couldn’t take everyone.”
“What makes a good Alumni Ambassador isn’t necessarily what might make someone a Prefect, Proctor, or Dean’s Assistant. Candidates have to be comfortable in a social setting and able to walk up to an adult, introduce themselves, and carry on a conversation,” says Rickert ’81.
“Throughout the year, Alumni Ambassadors help out in the Alumni Office—don’t be surprised if you get a call from one of these boys—they help us get updated contact information and make phone calls in advance of events,” Lockwood explains.
The School holds its Alumni base in high esteem and wants current students to meet them in settings where they can discuss not only Trinity-Pawling, but professions and career choices. Hearing the exchange of stories between alums and current students is one of the best parts of the whole program.
This year’s Alumni Ambassadors are Mike McQuade ’18, Min Sang Ki ’18, Abdallah Bekhiet ’18, Brenden Lundy ’18, Brendan Simandl ’18, Geofrey Chu ’18, Mitch Bown ’19, Jack Haims ’19, Robby Phillips ’19, Will Rickert ’19, Phip Waugh ’19, Joe Musa ’19, and John Garvey ’19. Aiden Pincombe ‘18 serves as the Head Alumni Ambassador.