A vital alumni association is of critical importance to Arcadia’s ability to achieve its full potential. The purpose of the Arcadia University Alumni Association (“AUAA”) is to cultivate and promote alumni engagement through activities that:
- are valued by alumni
- build enduring and mutual relationships
- strengthen the University’s reputation
- involve alumni in meaningful activities to advance the University’s mission
- inspire loyalty and financial support
- create a bridge between students and alumni
The Advisory Council is the executive arm of the Alumni Association, serving as the guiding body of all volunteer engagement, designed to mutually benefit Arcadia students, alumni, and the University. The Council is led by the Advisory Council President, Vice President, Committee Chairs and Representatives-at-Large for a total of 15 officers. Together, they focus on governance and alumni engagement through the lens of the four pillars of recruitment, retention, placement, and philanthropy.
Volunteer on an Advisory Council Committee
The Alumni Association is seeking alumni to serve on the Advisory Council Committees. If you’ve been looking for a way to make a difference with your alma mater, this just might be the opportunity for you. Alumni are invited to complete the Advisory Council Committee Volunteer Interest Form to get started.
- Awards and Honors Committee helps to raise the visibility of alumni, identify and vet potential awardees and honorees, plan and execute an annual awards process, and seek involvement as future volunteers. These awards and honors should largely seek to honor alumni but may include students and others whose contributions meet the award criteria.
- Event Outreach Committee raises awareness and boosts attendance for key events, activating AUAA to become more actively engaged at signature events (Celebrate! The Joy of Giving, the University’s annual scholarship dinner, an annual Volunteer Awards event, a recognition vehicle to showcase and celebrate the important work of volunteers, and UKnightedTuesday, where global event hosts, ambassadors, matching gift or giving challenge recruiters, and fundraising captains play a strategic and important role in successful outcomes).
- Professional Development and Mentorship Committee creates student clusters for alumni-led mentoring and professional development sessions that culminate in resumé workshops, practice interviews, readiness coaching and job counsel. Through a robust network created with support from the Volunteer Talent Development Committee and the Arcadia Alumni Business Network as well as a partnership with the Office of Career Education, Arcadia alumni will seek to develop strong student ties to alumni networks before graduation and develop job readiness skills through internships.
- Volunteer Talent Development Committee will build our bench strength and work to create a robust pipeline of alumni to be engaged across many facets of AUAA, develop a structure for volunteer recognition and appreciation, support, and monitor onboarding and orientation, training, evaluation of service, dismissal, and off-boarding or end-of-service for volunteer leadership and supportive roles. This committee will help to determine likely synergies across committees.
- Student Engagement and Experience Committee develops ways to engage students and create impactful experiences during their Arcadia career. Opportunities are developed to support students through graduation.
- Young Alumni Committee (G.O.L.D.) develops ways to engage young alumni and support them in the first 10 years after graduation. Opportunities are developed to engage young alumni with philanthropy.
- Philanthropy Committee will work in partnership with University Advancement to support the education of alumni populations on the compound power of giving. Leading by example, committee members will not only share their own motivation for giving but also work to inspire others to similar action with a focus on raising the alumni participation rate of giving. Committee members can work to encourage graduating seniors to work together to represent their class philanthropically, reinvigorate reunion focused support, acknowledge and celebrate gifts from alumni, focus attention on stewardship, encourage feelings of pride for donor support, and provide key leadership for UKnightedTuesday efforts.
Meet Your Advisory Council Leaders 2024-25
Stacey Downey ’88
President, Advisory Council for Arcadia University Alumni Association
Stacey Downey, an adult educator, has worked in adult education for over twenty years in the U.S. and abroad with experience teaching adult learners and college students. Stacey is a Program Analyst with the DC Government, working at the Office of the State Superintendent of Education in Adult and Family Education. In this role, Stacey monitors education grants in Integrated Education & Training (IET) which are awarded to local education agencies and community-based organizations for the provision of adult literacy, numeracy, workforce preparation, and workforce training programs and services. She also supports the work of her unit’s special initiatives designed to enhance the IET services provided to District adults.
Stacey has an undergraduate degree in English from Arcadia University in Glenside, PA and a Master’s Degree from Emerson College in Boston, MA. She lives in Washington, DC with her husband Michael and two teenage daughters and enjoys traveling, reading, hiking, and all kinds of fiber arts.
Lauren Trager ’07, ’11M
Vice President, Advisory Council for Arcadia University Alumni Association
Lauren serves as Mid-Atlantic Director of Event Production for the National MS Society. She said: “I fell in love with Arcadia the moment I stepped onto campus as a HS senior. I owe my career, how I view the world, and life experiences to my time at Arcadia. I continue to give to my alma mater, volunteering as well as monetarily, knowing the impact it will have for future students and alumni.”
Sonya Gaskins ’02
Representative-at-Large
As a lifelong Philadelphia, PA resident, Sonya’s affiliation with Arcadia University began as being a part of the Beaver-Leeds Scholars program. After earning a degree in Political Science, she began her career in public service with the City of Philadelphia. For the past 17 years, she has served in numerous roles; currently acting as an Administrative Officer for the Department of Human Services. In addition to being a fan of Arcadia, Sonya is a loyal Philadelphia Eagles fan-Go Birds. Latasha is married to Allen Shears III and together they raise their children, Allen and Tori. She is passionate about helping others which is rooted in Christian principles of forgiveness, community, and love. Latasha commands a lifestyle complete with God’s blessings, joy, compassion for others, and free from negativity. Her hobbies include reading, watching television/movies, listening to music, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.
Ken Samen ’92
Representative-at-Large
Since 2016, Ken has taken part in an Alumni Career Mentor Program at Arcadia University. He graduated in 1992, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Visual Communications. For the past 25 years, Ken has worked for Prudential Insurance Company of America. In his current role, he is a Compliance Manager within the Individual Annuities & Life – Individual Solutions Group. Since 2004, Ken has volunteered with the Warrington Historical Commission and the Warrington (Township) Historical Society. He was involved with creating the society’s bylaws; compiling and submitting paperwork to become registered as a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under 501(c)(03) of the Internal Revenue Code.
In 2009 and 2014, Ken, along with other members, researched, composed, and released two, 240-page histories which contain more than 200 photographs and captions that illustrate the Township’s long past. These books are part of Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series. In 2020, he created two booklets that provided a detailed history of two historic properties within the township. All profits from the sale of the books go to the Warrington Historical Society for the ongoing restoration project of a one room schoolhouse. In addition, he enjoys maintaining and driving a 1977 MG Midget. He’s married to Melissa (Martin) Samen ’93.
