"The wonderful opportunities I've had have come from my experience here at Christopher Newport University, and that's why I feel an overwhelming urge to give back. I'm so excited to be here, and hope I can reach out to other Alums and bring them back to CNU," said Ashley Boyd of her role as CNU's new director of Alumni Development.

Ms. Boyd's contagious enthusiasm and passion for CNU, coupled with her political interests and background, have provided her the perfect tools for continuing the growth of the Alumni Society. She led CNU's class of 2005 her junior year as president of the Student Government Association, and as a senior, she attended the College Leaders Program Class and participated in the Virginia Governor's Fellows Program. After graduation she worked for two Virginia governors as a special assistant to the secretary of technology. "I really value public service, and that's why I love working here," she said.

"Our goal is to have at least 700 members of the Alumni Society before 2007, and we're confident that we can exceed that goal," Ms. Boyd said. Events such as homecoming and this fall's Alumni Society car raffle are opportunities to encourage membership and to discover how Alumni would like to focus their volunteer efforts in addition to connecting with fellow Alumni and their alma mater, she said.

"We want to gather information so we can encourage people to come back and participate in our CNU community. We don't want them to come once and then disappear," says Ms. Boyd, who is not limiting her invitation to Alumni in the immediate area.

CNU's increasingly diverse student population in recent years has led to a high number of graduates outside of Hampton Roads -- the reason for Ms. Boyd's most ambitious endeavor to date. "It's going to be our biggest challenge, but we are going to establish Alumni chapters across the state," she said.

A large map of Virginia hanging behind her desk denotes the number of Alumni by zip code. "We're hoping to regionalize our chapters so that we have one in Northern Virginia, Richmond, Martinsville -- wherever we need them. It's a huge job, but I have faith that we can do it, as long as we just go out and ask."

Alumni Society members also enjoy the new tiered benefits structure offered at four levels: Schooner, Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery. Perks range from discounts at the Bookstore and Ferguson Center for the Arts to VIP parking. Ms. Boyd actively seeks partnerships with vendors. Discounts from realtors, insurance companies, hotels and car rental companies for Alumni Society members are currently available from the Schooner level up.

Ms. Boyd is delighted to have returned "home" as Alumni director. "I was only away from CNU for a year, but it was longer than I wanted it to be. When I came back, I felt the spark of this campus and the energy we have. It's really genuine. We always say CNU is a great place to come home to, and I want to make sure Alumni remember what home is."