MAHS Grads Launch Alumni Chapter

A kickoff event for a new alumni chapter serving Master of Arts in Human Services (MAHS) graduates and students was held in downtown Austin at Z'Tejas Grill on Saturday, June 3. Approximately 65 alumni, current students and faculty members met to establish the new chapter and talk about future events and programs, including:

• Continuing education opportunities
• Community service projects
• Recruiting events

Founding member and President Heather Alpard, ’02, MAHS ’06, said she was inspired to start the new alumni chapter after reading about the St. Edward's University MBA Chapter in Directions magazine. "The article noted that it had been started by a group of close friends who saw the need for a chapter to address their professional interests but also allowed them to easily stay in touch with one another," states Heather. "I thought the MAHS program and its graduates could benefit from an alumni chapter, too. So, I started talking to my friends from the program to determine the interest level, and I was thrilled to find that everyone expressed an interest."

Heather's next step was to contact Constance Porter, director of the MAHS program, to see if the School of Management and Business recognized a need for the organization and if Porter would be willing to become the group's sponsor. Once Porter was on board, Heather worked closely with her peers, Leanne Noskey-Trevino, ’03, MAHS ’05, and Kris Wideman, MAHS ’06, as well as the Office of Alumni and Parent Programs, to establish the chapter and organize the kickoff event.

While the group is still finalizing events, programs and goals for the upcoming year, they are planning to focus their efforts on community service. The chapter has adopted Reagan High School to assist in the development of a mentor program there and to help interested students learn more about St. Edward's University and college life in general. Plus, the chapter has already committed itself to a Founder's Day event in October.

Guest speakers for MAHS students and alumni are also a priority, and a series is in the works. Learn more about the new MAHS chapter or join by contacting Leanne Trevino, who will assume the role of president in September.

Interested in starting an alumni chapter of your own? View details regarding how to establish and maintain a successful chapter.