We are excited to welcome more than 800 new members into our alumni ranks. The University conferred its highest number of degrees during commencement activities on May 17 - 789 bachelor's and 72 master's. Douglas Gordon, retiring dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and a CNU English professor since 1980, delivered the commencement address. New alumnus Alexander Lundberg received the 2009 Gregory Klich Achievement Award for having the highest grade-point average (3.98). 

CNU's alumni chapters provide a great way for you to stay connected with your alma mater. "Alumni of all class years and interests are taking part in our chapters and engaging in the life of the University," says Diane Hagemann, director of alumni relations. Contact Hagemann (diane.hagemann@cnu.edu) for information on alumni programs. 

Following are some recent chapter highlights: 





Thanks to all of you who have helped get the Metro Richmond chapter up and running. Forty-six alumni recently experienced "A CNU Evening" during our spring gathering at the Short Pump Maggiano's.  

During the event, Head Football Coach Matt Kelchner announced that CNU once again won the USA South Sportsmanship Award. This honor, voted on by the league's football players, acknowledges how our athletes play football with respect for the game and its rules. Coach Kelchner also noted that this year's team posted the highest grade-point average in the football program's history. In addition, Professor Sean Heuvel made a presentation on the University's history and signed copies of his new book on CNU.

The evening was partially sponsored by Liberty Mutual. Upcoming programs for the Metro Richmond chapter include a welcome event for 2009 graduates and a fall chartering. Stay tuned for details. 




Many of you have shown great interest in our Metro D.C./Northern Virginia alumni chapter with 40 people attending our April kickoff event at the Tyson's Corner Tower Club. To help grow the group, all alumni attendees were asked to contact five alumni friends, encouraging them to promote the chapter, attend future chapter events and update their contact information with the alumni office. And once again Coach Matt Kelchner shared exciting news about the football program's successes.  

The kickoff event was partially sponsored by alumni board member Pete Smith ('88, Pete Smith State Farm Agency) and Liberty Mutual. A chapter chartering event will take place this fall.  

City Center/Peninsula Club
Twenty alumni attended an organizational breakfast meeting May 20 in the Newport News City Center. The Peninsula is home to our largest number of alumni, and we are currently recruiting officers for the group's initial leadership board. So far, six alumni have agreed to serve. The City Center chapter will serve as a genesis group for our planned Peninsula Club. 

South Hampton Roads Chapter
Additional alumni chapters are on the horizon, including South Hampton Roads. An organizational breakfast was held June 12 at the law office of alumnus Melissa Howell ('88). Please contact Diane Hagemann, director of alumni relations, at (757) 594-7712 or diane.hagemann@cnu.edu if you are interested in becoming a founding member. We look forward to building a robust chapter organization in this area.

The class of 2009 has left a lasting impression on campus. During commencement week, this year's graduates presented the senior class gift
- a clock on permanent
display in the David Student Union.  

In all, 167 class members contributed to the gift; the classes of 2002 and 2006 also raised funds for the clock. Marilyn Richardson, director of the Annual Fund for Academic Excellence, coordinated the project. "The seniors did an outstanding job of working together to leave a legacy for their class," Richardson says. "We anticipate great things ahead for these newest CNU alumni." 

The senior class committee included Bonnie Brown, Nathan Fesmire, Erica Hacker, Zeh Hale, Chris Inzirillo, Megan Jenkins, Kristin LaRiviere, Tiffany Mizner, Sharda Moses, Megan Neighbors, Chris Ojeda, Erin Plisco and Brittany Rawlinson.

The Alumni Board presented various honors this spring, awarding both student and faculty excellence: