August 2021

Welcome from guest blogger JR Ristaino '82

Summa Optimaque! This is the motto of SNHU and translates to “the greatest and the best” in English. These words resonate in many ways for me. As a student in the late 70s/early 80s, I demonstrated my Penmen Pride by studying hard, participating in campus organizations, and making the greatest friends possible. Since graduation my Penmen Pride has been kept alive by my involvement with the Office of Alumni Engagement (OAE). The school I knew and loved has changed dramatically, but our alma mater is STILL the greatest and the best!

Currently, I serve as the president of the SNHU Alumni Board of Directors (ABOD). Never in my wildest dreams, 40 some odd years ago, would I have imagined myself in this role. Reflecting back, I know that my paths were lined with the memories of my time as a student: education achieved, friends made, faculty and staff cheering me on, and the shared success of what was then New Hampshire College.

I bet you're wondering what the ABOD does here at SNHU. Well, it's a group of about 20 awesome alumni, who meet monthly from September to June to plan how the alumni community can best support the mission and work of the university. The ABOD advises and assists the OAE with initiatives such as Homecoming, networking events, mock interviews, Global Days of Service, and many other activities which engage alumni and keep them connected to our alma mater and its current student body.

Who can serve on the ABOD? Any SNHU graduate, of course! It doesn’t matter when or how you attended, what your major was, or how many years it took you to graduate. Nominations to join the ABOD are accepted each spring with new members chosen each summer to begin terms that start in the fall.

The only real requirement is to be a graduate of SNHU, but it always helps to build a résumé showing how you've supported the SNHU community. How can YOU do that? You can find a few ideas that I encourage you to explore on the alumni resources page. You can also nominate yourself and/or other alumni who deserve recognition as one of the annual alumni award recipients.

As the president of the ABOD, it's an honor to serve the alumni community. My last challenge to you is to find a way to support our alma mater during the upcoming Founders Day Celebration. Whatever you do; do it with Penmen Pride and remember that as an alum of SNHU, YOU are Summa Optimaque then, now, and always!

Thank you and stay safe!
JR Ristaino '82
SNHU Alumni Board of Directors President | SNHU Volunteer

Virtual Homecoming: Volunteer Your Ideas! (Oct. 14–17, 2021)
We're planning virtual and DIY activities to celebrate our entire SNHU community this fall. We'd love to hear your ideas on possible ways to safely connect with your fellow volunteers. Let us know your suggestions and stay tuned to our social media channels for announcements on everything HoCo!

Volunteer as a Virtual Mock Interviewer:
We'll be hosting this program in a virtual setting, allowing volunteers outside of the Manchester, NH area to participate.

Each interview will be scheduled for one-hour to provide time for introductions, including a 30-minute interview, and time to share valuable feedback with the student, which will help them grow and develop as an interviewee. Volunteers will be asked to sign up to assist for at least a two-hour time block, but are encouraged to register for more!

Visit our resource page for more information. Fall 2021 dates are to be posted in late summer. If you have questions in the meantime, please email Associate Director of Alumni Engagement Becca Lazinsk.

AmeriCorps VISTA Opportunity
Are you committed to service and looking for an opportunity to build your résumé and gain additional professional experience? The SNHU Chandler Center is looking for an AmeriCorps VISTA member who will provide oversight and develop sustainable solutions for The Cupboard related to shopping, programming, and working with SNHU staff to ensure proper maintenance of the space. This position will also work with the SNHU Center for New Americans, located in Manchester, NH. In addition to the VISTA salary, SNHU will provide a rental allowance for the person as well as a campus meal plan. Learn more and apply today! For any questions, please reach out to Kelley Hobbs, associate director of the Chandler Center, at k.hobbs1@snhu.edu.


August Volunteer Honoree: John Wescott '15
John is truly dedicated to paying it forward ... especially when it comes to his alma mater. This alumnus has provided an outstanding amount of help to the SNHU community — putting in more than 55 hours of volunteer work since graduating in 2015! Learn even more about John and his passion for helping others.

Update Your Volunteer Interests
Did you know you can add or change your volunteer interests at any time? Tell us what types of activities you're passionate about.

“If you're having fun, that's when the best memories are built.” —Simone Biles

Back to Volunteer Newsletter Archive.