Louisiana's Alumni Association is beginning its 100th year with a new leader. Dan Hare, longtime employee and volunteer with the association was recently promoted to the executive director's position.
"Having served at the university in various capacities for many years, this position holds special meaning for me and is the culmination of my experiences," said Hare, a Lafayette native. "It will allow me to perform best in guiding the Alumni Association to new heights in service to the university and its supporters."
"As incoming president of the Alumni Association, I am very excited to work with Dan," said Gerald Abshire. "His many years of service to the university and our community makes him a perfect executive director for the Alumni Association.
"Dan is very well known by the members of the Alumni Association, and is familiar with what needs to keep the members connected to their alma mater, which is the purpose of our organization," he continued.
As executive director, Hare will be responsible for the overall administration of activities, programs and special projects sponsored by the Alumni Association. He will oversee the budget and leadership of the Alumni staff while also coordinating the activities of the Alumni Council and its Board of Directors. He is charged with identifying and recruiting future Council members.
"One of my main priorities is to increase awareness of the Alumni Association and the role it plays in nurturing the relationship of the university with our current students, our alumni, friends of the university and our local community," said Hare. "With more awareness, we can increase our membership and contributions to the Annual Fund which would ultimately enable us to continue to enhance our services and programs."
Another focus for Hare will be to continue raising the necessary funds to pay for improvements that have already been made to the Alumni Center including the Alumni Office Wing and the new pavilion which now connects the main house with the board room.
"It's important to raise funds for these projects in order to continue to maintain this landmark facility and the grounds in an appropriate manner," he explained.
As executive director, Hare is also responsible for the Association's recognition programs for distinguished alumni and outstanding students. He participates in fund raising activities, donor identification and membership cultivation.