Two new employees under the University Relations Division have outlined a vision to lead revitalized development and alumni relations functions for the university’s sustenance.
They also solicited inputs and cooperation from members of the community.
Director of Development, Mr. Sameer Yeshwanth, and Head, Alumni Relations, Ms. Debby Olusola Akintonde, on June 1 outlined a vision of their new responsibilities before an audience of senior management, deans, heads of departments and directors, promising to generate fresh ideas and inject positive energies into their new tasks.
Yeshwanth and Akintonde are returnee staff members of the UR Division and their re-engagement, according to Vice President Abubakar Abba Tahir, is ‘a historical imperative.’ “Development should be one of the major drivers for sustainability in the new AUN that we have envisioned going forward.”
Mr. Yeshwanth listed fundraising, endowment, investment and partnerships, scholarships, and visibility opportunities as some of the projects he would pursue. “Our vision is to create alternative and sustainable sources of funding for AUN and increase its collective goodwill.”
Ms. Akintonde, who was Speaker for the Class of 2010, said she would begin her new assignment with updating the alumni database.
President Dekle, who had declared a cardinal mission of turning AUN into a sustainable university during her inauguration, welcomed the new hires. “I am thrilled that two friends of AUN are re-joining us today. I think it is great on the first day of the month to start something new.”
The President expressed confidence that the new team leaders would be successful in their new assignment.
Provost Muhammadu Kah, VP Admin & Finance, Mr. Olanipekun Olanrewaju, and VP Students Affairs, Mr. Byron Bullock, were among those in attendance.
Reported by Omorogbe Omorogiuwa