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New Leadership for Annual Giving, Alumni Relations
Lori L. (Simpers) McCarel, VWC Class of 1994, appointed Executive Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations
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News Release | July 1, 2016
Lori L. (Simpers) McCarel, VWC Class of 1994, has been named Executive Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations at Virginia Wesleyan College, according to Dr. Mort Gamble, Vice President for Advancement.
McCarel has worked in the College’s Center for Advancement since 2007, serving in various capacities including Director of Annual Giving, Director of Special Gifts, and Director of Corporate Relations. Her knowledge of advancement systems, experience as a major gifts officer and love and appreciation for the culture, heritage, and traditions of Virginia Wesleyan will serve the institution well as it aims to increase alumni service and engagement, and secure needed resources from Marlin graduates, friends, and other constituents, Dr. Gamble noted.
“Lori brings a breadth of experience, a propensity for relationship building, and a keen understanding of our College,” says Dr. Scott D. Miller, President of the College. “I am confident she has the ability, experience and passion to take our alumni and annual giving programs to the next level.”
McCarel’s responsibilities will include implementing innovative means of engaging alumni in the life of the College; increasing the percentage of alumni who contribute to The Excellence Fund and other campus giving programs; and managing communications and outreach to the nearly 10,000 Marlins who call Virginia Wesleyan their alma mater. She will also serve as staff liaison to, and provide support for, the VWC Alumni Council.
“I feel very fortunate to have served Virginia Wesleyan for the past nine years, and I'm excited to continue my service at my own alma mater," says McCarel. "I've seen the positive impact our alumni have on current students as well as in their communities and around the world. There is huge potential for growth to recognize, communicate and engage with more of our alumni, and I look forward to helping build upon that at Virginia Wesleyan."
McCarel earned her B.A. from Virginia Wesleyan College as part of the Liberal Arts Management Program (LAMP). She is a Founding Sister of Tri Sigma Sorority and a former member of the Marlin field hockey team. Her fiancé, Joe Harris, is a 1994 alumnus of Virginia Wesleyan. McCarel has three children, two of whom are currently enrolled at the College.