Alumni Trustee Nominee Statements - Westfield State Alumni

The election for the Westfield State Alumni Trustee has ended. The Membership and Recruitment committee, along with the Dean of Research and Assessment, Dr. Lisa Plantefaber and Alumni Director, Kathi Bradford are verifying and tallying all votes received. Please check back to see the candidate of choice on Thursday, November 7, 2019. If you have any questions about the process, please contact Alumni Director, Kathi Bradford.

Melissa Alvarado '99
Business,
Minor in Computer Science

I am a proud Alumni and work as an Assistant Vice President in Risk Management at MassMutual Financial Group. The education I received prepared me for a successful career and I will always be deeply grateful. Living in Westfield, with my husband and our two daughters, I continue to see the impact the University has on the region and want to ensure it continues to be a pillar for future students. As a board member and current Secretary of the Westfield State Foundation, I would embrace the opportunity to contribute on a broader platform and represent my fellow Alumni.

Sean Burke '89
Criminal Justice

I would like to be more involved at the University and contribute through service related activities.

Sean Davey
Attended Westfield State

Ever since I did NOT graduate from WSU I have been obsessed with helping it. I am sure it is unusual to have a Trustee that did not graduate from WSU, but no one will work harder than me to put the Universities best foot forward. I have spoken many times to classes there, I have recruited employees there and have done what I can from the outside to help. If you will let me I will work tirelessly for WSU!!!!

Joseph Gentile '14
Communication

I wish to be an Alumni Trustee because I want to be apart of the growing that continues to happen at Westfield State University. When I went to WSU, it was my home away from home. Whether I am an alum or not, I will always be an owl who wants to fly with other owls.

Dr. Dawna Jenne '69
English

Dr. Dawna Jenne is a Psychologist who was proudly educated at Westfield State College. She worked as a Springfield Ma. Public School teacher, Guidance Counselor & School Psychologist & still is an active member of the SEA, MTA & NEA. Recipient of the MTA Honor Our Own Award, she has recently been appointed as a Conservator of the Springfield Museums.

Andrew Oleksak '69
Math

Fund raising for students is the bedrock and integral core of the alumni association. WSU ranks below the cohort in alumni giving and the number of donors has significantly decreased. We have 40K+ alumni and need more data on prospects/alumni. No money and we don't exist. As a member of the Trustees I can use the expertise I learned as current chairman of the Westfield State University Foundation Board of Directors and my 30 years as a Corporator of the Foundation to help bring about a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy and reciprocity between the Trustee Board and the Foundation Board.

Vincent Perreault '14
English

Having been a part of the international community within Westfield, as well as a member of their athletics, I feel that I can help guide the school in their decision-making processes to appeal to a much wider and more diverse audience.