An Affinity for Engagement

Seattle University recently welcomed five new assistant directors of Alumni Engagement to the Redhawk family, with the goal of strengthening connections between the alumni community and the university. Each will work in close partnership with academic and university colleagues to enhance the alumni experience.

The new structure reflects a broader effort to make alumni engagement more personal and relevant with more opportunities for connection to SU.

“Our goal is to meet alumni where their connections to Seattle University are strongest and, just as importantly, to listen and learn,” says Tom Bull, assistant vice president of Alumni Engagement.

These assistant directors are placed across colleges and athletics to facilitate connections where alumni have the most affinity. Here are the new assistant directors of alumni engagement and their areas of focus:

• Danielle Carbary, Athletics
• Erika Moore, ’22, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education
• Kayla Okonu, ’26, College of Science and Engineering, College of Nursing and Health Sciences
• Kilian Olszewsky, Albers School of Business and Economics
• Catherine Thompson, ’27 MPA, School of Law

“By having alumni engagement professionals working closely with our colleges and schools, we can build relationships, better understand what matters to our alumni and create meaningful ways for them to remain part of the life of Seattle University,” says Bull.

This update comes at an opportune time, especially in the realm of athletics. Building on momentum from the recent move to the West Coast Conference (WCC), Carbary is excited to connect with alumni as the Redhawks compete against schools in Washington, Oregon, California and Colorado.

“WCC competitions create natural opportunities to bring alumni together, both in Seattle and across the conference footprint," Carbary says. "I am excited to collaborate with Athletics and Alumni Engagement colleagues on pregame receptions, watch parties, travel opportunities and other events that help alumni connect with one another and celebrate their Redhawk pride.”

Within the colleges, the assistant directors are focusing on creating opportunities for alumni to engage with the university at various stages of their personal and professional lives.

“I’ve seen younger alumni looking to reconnect, expand their networks and grow professionally, while more established alumni often want to give back through mentoring, volunteering, speaking and philanthropy,” Olszewsky says.

"Our alumni are constantly evolving and I want our support to evolve with them,” Thompson adds. “Whether it’s been one year or 30 since graduation, I’m looking forward to figuring out how to best champion them at every stage.”

With this new structure, alumni can look forward to more opportunities to meaningfully engage with Seattle University.

Keep an eye out for an introductory message from your assistant director. Stay in-the-know by updating your contact information: Update Your Info | Alumni | Seattle University

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Danielle Carbary
Athletics

“I am passionate about helping people build meaningful connections and this role sits at the intersection of many things I care deeply about—community, athletics, mentorship, service and lifelong engagement.”

Fall Favorites: One of my favorite fall traditions is grabbing fresh donuts and heading out to a local pumpkin patch in the Snoqualmie Valley. As someone who loves college athletics, you'll also find me at plenty of games and competitions throughout the fall and winter seasons.

Erika Moore, ’22

College of Arts and Sciences
College of Education

“People’s relationships with their alma mater are lifelong and ever-changing. This makes alumni engagement fun because I get to think creatively about the kinds of engagement that might be meaningful for alums across different phases of life, from networking to lifelong learning opportunities. Also, as an alum myself, I am really excited to be more deeply connected to the Redhawk community and to be back on campus!”

Fall Favorites: This year my favorite fall activity in the Seattle area is mountain biking! This is a relatively new hobby for me and I love the opportunity to get outside to explore new trails and enjoy familiar ones in the cooler weather.

Kayla Okonu, '26
College of Science and Engineering
College of Nursing and Health Sciences

“As a Seattle University alum, I understand the value of the genuine relationships and connections that are built within our community. However, staying connected and involved after graduation can be difficult. Having lived through this experience myself, I want to work in alumni engagement at SU so I can help our dedicated alumni find meaningful ways to engage with their alma mater.”

Fall Favorites: One of my favorite fall activities in Seattle is walking through the Washington Park Arboretum and exploring its Japanese garden. I love to watch the colors change across the foliage. It is just so beautiful.

Kilian Olszewsky
Albers School of Business and Economics

“I want alumni to know that their Seattle University journey doesn’t end at graduation. It’s the beginning of a lifelong partnership. The true measure of a university isn’t just the students it graduates, but the lifelong community it continues to build.”

Fall Favorites: After spending 10 years in Seattle, I still have a favorite fall ritual—grabbing a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks. Yes, the memes are accurate and no, I’m not giving it up, despite my wife’s professional health advice (she’s a nurse). This autumn will be especially meaningful because my son turns one in November.

Catherine Thompson, ’27 MPA
School of Law

“From providing resources for engagement to celebrating their successes, I am eager to continue creating points of connection for our alumni to feel supported and celebrated by the alumni engagement team.”

Fall Favorites: I love lighting a cozy candle and making a fall playlist. Whether I’m baking a fall treat or taking a walk to admire the changing leaves, I love having a little soundtrack to fully immerse myself in the season!”—