UC grad receives philanthropy award for alumni engagement
Mechanical engineering graduate Andrew Conley increases student-alumni connection
Andrew Conley (mechanical engineering '17). UC Student Philanthropy Award recipient.
Tuition and fees cover only a fraction of the actual cost of the college experience. State governments, foundations and generous individuals cover the rest of the bill. That’s why it’s so important for alumni to give back to their alma mater. Not only does it keep colleges afloat; it grants incoming students the opportunity to attend a university at a more affordable price.
Andrew Conley (mechanical engineering ’17) understood the value of alumni engagement as a University of Cincinnati student, and as an alumni, he remains engaged with his alma mater. On Oct. 12, the UC Foundation honored his efforts with the Student Philanthropy Award at the annual George Rieveschl Recognition Dinner.
Through his five years as a UC student, Conley consistently advocated for philanthropy and student engagement. He joined the Student Alumni Council, or SAC, as a sophomore and later held three executive board positions.
“Through SAC, I was able to connect students with the history, legacy and impact that alumni have on the student experience,” says Conley.
In 2016, Conley served as homecoming chair, running the student-facing aspects of the weekend. Under his leadership, the Student Alumni Council marketed events and introduced weeklong programming that increased donations and participation. Conley also served as president of the Men of METRO service honorary, a position he used to establish an alumni board that explored fundraising options and increased alumni engagement.
Conley’s interest in student-alumni interactions stems from a personal connection. Conley’s grandfather, Lamar Kerr, graduated with a mechanical engineering degree from UC, 54 years before Conley received his own.
Seeing what [my grandfather has] done with his career and everything he’s given back to UC made me think, there must be something to this.
Andrew Conley, UC mechanical engineering alumnus
“Learning about my grandfather’s experience at UC and how much he still loved UC after all these years got me interested in alumni involvement early on,” says Conley. “Seeing what he’s done with his career and everything he’s given back to UC made me think, there must be something to this.”
Conley’s connection to alumni also helped him land a job after graduation. He currently works as a cost engineer for the global flexible packaging company ProAmpac – Conley heard about the opportunity through a UC student who spent his cooperative education rotations with the company and was eventually hired by a fellow UC graduate.
As an alumnus, Conley continues to stay active on UC’s campus as secretary of the Sigma Sigma alumni board and member of the Greek Affairs alumni counsel. He is also a mentor to several students through the UC Alumni-Student Mentor Program.
“Alumni support is huge,” says Conley. “Engaging students, connecting them to our alumni and increasing awareness of what alumni actually do for students is vital for the university.”
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