Lydia Brennan ’98 recently joined the The University of Olivet Alumni Council. Her drive to build relationships with others stems back to her time at OC as a student. Lydia is eager to expand her connections at the College and engage with her fellow alumni in new ways.
“The purpose of the Alumni Council is to connect new graduates with a network of support, attract alumni who have not felt connected to Olivet since graduation and grow the existing efforts to attract and retain members,” Lydia said. “I am excited about my position on the Alumni Council because I have the opportunity to share my love of Olivet with like-minded individuals. I am looking forward to the new experiences that are to come.”
In her professional career, Lydia serves as a legislative aide to a county council member in Maryland. She has worked in government affairs for over 20 years and says the field has been the perfect fit for her education.
“My major was communications with a minor in psychology,” Lydia said. “Both areas of study have been and continue to be extremely useful in every avenue of my life. In the area of politics, communication is crucial, and understanding your audience on a deeper level (psychology) is vital to your message being received.”
As a student, Lydia’s roles as a resident adviser, a college ambassador, a member of the Black Student Union, a member of the cheer team as well as her involvement with Greek life helped her develop into well-rounded person, both inside and outside the classroom.
“Olivet provided me with leadership experience and exposed me to people of diverse backgrounds,” Lydia added. “I was encouraged to speak up for myself, and I learned how to find common ground with people of various backgrounds.”
These values keep Lydia connected with the College still today. She hopes to help shape the college experience for today’s students so that they may have the same positive journey of self-discovery.
“Staying connected to The University of Olivet not only encourages others to do the same, but it also strengthens the bonds that were forged while at Olivet,” Lydia said. “Olivet is a community where you get back what you put in. If you are looking to become a positive contributing member of society, Olivet is where you learn about yourself and your place/role in the larger community.”
Lydia’s favorite memory from her time at Olivet is the picturesque campus blanketed in fall leaves, and she looks forward to developing more special memories as an alumna. Alumni Council members serve as ambassadors of The University of Olivet and the Office of Alumni Engagement by volunteering during events such as Homecoming, interviewing students for Alumni Council Scholarships, hosting events and contacting fellow alumni, all in addition to making lifelong connections.
Learn more about The University of Olivet or the Alumni Council by contacting the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumnirelations@uolivet.edu.
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