Dear Alumni and Friends of the college,
I am sad to report that Jan Quinlan '74 has resigned from her position (her last day will be Monday, November 30). She writes, "Leading the multi-faceted office of alumni relations for well over 14 years has left me precious little time to focus on other opportunities or family issues. My decision to step away from what has been my dream job is due primarily to a need for more balance, focus, and flexibility in my personal life."
For more than fourteen years Jan has served Lawrence as a leader of the Alumni Relations team, first as Director, and more recently as Executive Director of Alumni Relations. We remain most grateful for her many contributions that have advanced Lawrence's mission. Jan's many great strengths have served Lawrence exceedingly well in the alumni relations program. She inherited a first-rate alumni program from Gil Swift '59 in 1995, and worked diligently to continue with success to improve the program. Of note, reunion weekend stands out as exemplary in this regard. During her tenure, Jan was responsible for welcoming nearly 15,000 Lawrence University and Milwaukee Downer alumni and alumnae back to the alma mater not only for terrific parties, but for meaningful connections that included lectures, seminars, concerts, and exhibits. Her work with the Lawrence University Alumni Association (LUAA) is also commendable. Along with alumni board members, Jan was instrumental in leading the college's efforts to launch Voyager for Alumni (which provides access to a database to help alumni connect with each other). Jan played a leadership role in two major capital campaigns, the successful Lawrence 150 campaign that concluded in 1997, and the current More Light! campaign. She also led a peripatetic lifestyle the past fourteen years, visiting alumni across the country and facilitating numerous alumni events.
While I've had the benefit of working alongside Jan for most of the past fourteen years and can attest to her professionalism, good cheer, integrity, and work ethic, I've also been heartened by hearing volumes of unsolicited positive feedback from alumni and other friends of the college about Jan and her many and good contributions to the Lawrence alumni program. Clearly, Jan will be missed by colleagues on campus as well as many alumni and friends across the country.
We are currently working on next steps related to this program, and I will be consulting with Jan and many others about the transition. Stay tuned for more details. For now, please join me in wishing Jan well in her pursuit of "balance, focus, and flexibility."
Calvin D. Husmann
Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations
