UL Lafayette alumna Jennifer LeMeunier joined the University as executive director of Alumni Affairs in July after volunteering and working for the Alumni Association and Alumni Council for years. Since assuming her new post, she's been working to create more opportunities for alumni to reconnect with their alma mater and each other — which includes a week full of Homecoming events at the Alumni Center and around Lafayette.
Keep an eye out for Jennifer during this week's Homecoming festivities, where you're sure to see her sporting her Vermilion and working to ensure our alumni are having a great time.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I have four sons, one of whom is a freshman here. My primary job is raising "men."
Why did you want to be the executive director of Alumni Affairs?
I wanted to be executive director of Alumni Affairs because I believe it’s the perfect position to utilize my professional skills with an organization I am truly passionate about promoting and representing.
This is your first Homecoming as the Alumni Affairs executive director. What are you looking forward to the most?
Open House on Saturday at the Alumni Center. I anticipate that we will have alumni visit our center on this day who haven’t been to campus in years. I look forward to hearing their stories. I love to hear personal experiences and how some traditions have remained the same while other positive physical changes have taken place on campus.
Leading up to Homecoming, what does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day leading up to Homecoming is reviewing the next day’s activities and making sure we are prepared. There are many moving parts and you have to be flexible every day. I know there will be some long days, so resting before the storm has been important.
What’s your favorite Homecoming tradition?
Reflecting on my college days, I would say my favorite Homecoming tradition was Yell Like Hell and the parade. Now, I still enjoy the parade and, of course, the game most of all. I’ve had season tickets for many years and enjoy watching the games, especially Homecoming, with my family.
What would surprise people to know about your job?
We are actually busy year 'round and not just around special events like Homecoming and Spring Gala. There is constant planning for events for months in advance. Even though it is an extremely fun job, it is work.
What do you want to accomplish as the Alumni Association executive director?
I would like to double our Alumni Association/Loyalty Fund membership within two years and work on different forms of engagement with our alumni. I especially would like to foster opportunities for alumni in other states so they can connect back to the University.
What’s been your favorite experience with the Alumni Association since becoming executive director?
Internally, goal planning with the Alumni Affairs staff. Externally, planning and executing our first Alumni night to support the Arts and the ÃÞ»¨ÌÇÖ±²¥ Tech/Ruston bus trip/tailgate event.
Anything else we should know about you or your job?
I would like to acknowledge the Alumni staff. We have three assistant directors as well as support staff, including an office manager, budget manager and a special projects coordinator. They all play an extremely important role in the success and growth of the entire Alumni Association. It's teamwork each and every day.
I look forward to continuing to grow relationships with our alumni and help them connect back with the University through volunteer efforts or financial support. I am proud to serve in this position!
How do you take your coffee — and how many cups do you need every day?
I like two spoons of Splenda and a dash of Half-and-Half. I usually drink two cups per day: one at home and one at work in the morning.