Alumni Relations

2022 Award Winners Announced

2022 Distinguished Alumni Award

Michelle Swanenburg ’87

Michelle Swanenburg from the class of 1987 is the 2022 recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award.  

The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to a graduate who has achieved a high level of success in their professional career and has made outstanding contributions to their community.  

Swanenburg earned her associate degree in General Studies from Villa Julie College as well as a Bachelor of Science in Education and master’s in Human Resources, both from Towson University.  

Swanenburg currently serves as the head of Human Resources at T. Rowe Price. Swanenburg says her role provides an opportunity to positively impact people’s lives and careers. “I also love the global nature of my role and that every day there is an opportunity to learn something new about myself and the world around me,” she said.  

“Stevenson University was an important part of my career journey, and I am honored and appreciate that [the university is] recognizing me 30+ years later for what I have accomplished professionally,” said Swanenburg. “My best advice to each student is to recognize that going into your careers-- bringing your best self to work every day-- is the best way to advance and grow. Don’t get caught up in the little things. Focus on the big things and the opportunities you have ahead of yourself.” 

Swanenburg has maintained a strong connection to her alma mater through the years and currently serves on the President’s Advisory Council. 

2022 Loyal Alumni Award

Julie Szymaszek ‘68 

Julie Szymaszek from the class of 1968 is this year’s recipient of the Loyal Alumni Award at Stevenson University. 

The Loyal Alumni Award is presented to a graduate who consistently demonstrates loyalty and commitment to the university, works to advance Stevenson's mission, and provides steadfast philanthropic support to their alma mater. 

Julie earned her associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Villa Julie College and later attended Towson University where she earned her bachelor's and master's degree in Early Childhood Education. She worked in the Baltimore County Public School system for 32 years before serving as Assistant Superintendent of Southern York County School District in Pennsylvania.  

Now retired, she is an active member of the President’s Advisory Council and a member of the 1947 Club for consecutive giving. 

“Stevenson’s philosophy/mission aligns with what I believe about the power of education. It is the pathway to lifelong success,” said Szymaszek. “As a university [we] are committed to the mission that every student can succeed, accomplish great things with the right support. [We] work diligently in finding the great potential in every Stevenson student.”  

Szymaszek shared her gratitude for receiving this award. “I credit Ville Julie College/Stevenson University for giving me the foundation and skills along with a 'can do attitude' for a successful career in education.”  

2022 Young Alumni Award

Alphonso Mayo ‘14

Alphonso Mayo from the Class of 2014 is this year’s recipient of the Young Alumni Award at Stevenson University.  

The Young Alumni Award is presented to a graduate of the past 15 years who has achieved extraordinary professional success, has a personal commitment to civic or humanitarian efforts, and has remained engaged with their alma mater. 

Mayo, as he is affectionately known, earned his degree in counseling and human services. 

“During my time at the university, my life circumstances were extremely challenging. My time at Stevenson helped build my self-esteem and confidence. My experience changed my perspective, and I’m still connected to people who believed in me as a student and now support me as a working professional.” 

Following graduation, Mayo founded the Baltimore based non-profit Mentoring Mentors, which works to enhance academic achievement, inspire confidence, and expose youth to positive mentoring experiences that transform the trajectory of their future.  

Since its founding, Mentoring Mentors has served nearly 200 students. For Mayo, his most rewarding moments involve developing authentic relationships with the youth his organization serves. “Watching them develop and reach unexpected goals is rewarding,” said Mayo. “We have a few students who went from a 0.9 GPA in middle school to now being a 3.5 GPA student in high school.”  

“I’ve decided that I want to be the lead learning in my organization,” he said. Mayo continued his studies at Johns Hopkins University and has participated in several esteemed leadership development programs including a fellowship with the Open Society Institute and Greater Baltimore County’s LEADERship. 

For current students navigating their time at Stevenson, Mayo shared a few pieces of advice. “Utilize your college experience as the foundation for your professional and life experience. Remember that relationships are as meaningful as experiences, your grades, and your resume.”  

Mayo serves on the Advisory Board for Stevenson’s Counseling & Human Services Department and regularly hosts current students in internship and practicum placements. 

Get Involved

Be present in the Stevenson community! 

Stevenson University supports and encourages alumni involvement to help further the mission of the University. Below are some ways you can serve as a volunteer and remain actively engaged with your alma mater.

Attend a university-sponsored event

• Homecoming + Family Weekend
• Golf Tournament
• Gallery openings
• Athletic games
• Theatre productions or concerts

Become involved with one of the outstanding academic programs on campus

• Serve on an academic advisory board
• Speak to specific classes or majors throughout the year
• Work with departments to mentor students
• Work with Career Services to provide career guidance

Encourage other alumni to become involved with Stevenson University

• Serve as a reunion class agent and encourage reunion class attendance and support of your Reunion Class Gift during Homecoming Weekend
• Initiate or participate in an affinity or professional group gathering
• Host a gathering for alumni

Become an ambassador for the University within your community

• Be a conduit for communication about the University within your neighborhood
• Represent the University when working with other non-profit organizations
• Host an event for prospective students and their families for the Admissions Office
• Volunteer to help with a partnership between your company and SU

Remain involved through the alumni program

• Serve as a volunteer for an alumni-sponsored event
• Participate in focus groups, class gatherings, message boards, and other information gathering opportunities
• Provide class notes and updates for profiles in University publications and websites

Take on a leadership role at the University

• Serve on the Alumni Association Board
• Provide philanthropic leadership to the University

Professional Mentor Network

Are you interested in sharing your professional background and how you got to be where you are with current students? Would you like to discuss career pathways and have informational interviews with our students? If so, you might want to consider becoming a Professional Network member through Stevenson Career Connections.

Students can search on your major, industry, and career field and then reach out to you to request further information. You decide on the number of students who can contact you and what content areas you wish to share. The initial contact is made virtually through Stevenson Career Connections. A set of guidelines and protocols for our mentors and students is provided to help create a mutually beneficial relationship.

MENTOR REGISTRATION

Alumni Association

The Stevenson University Alumni Association exists to create a strong and vibrant network of alumni who work to advance themselves and the SU community by participating in current University events while connecting themselves with fellow alumni. The Alumni Association encourages alumni involvement in events and giving and is opened to all alumni of Stevenson University and Villa Julie College.

Who is in the Alumni Association?

The Stevenson University Alumni Association is composed of all graduates of the institution’s undergraduate and/or graduate degree programs. The Alumni Association is led by the members of the Alumni Association Board.

Alumni Association Board

The Alumni Association Board builds alumni connections and provides continuous commitment to the growing Stevenson University community. The Board also brings an invaluable expertise from a wide range of professions including business, law, finance, information technology, the arts, and more.

Leadership

Members-at-Large

What can I do?

There are many ways to be involved with the Alumni Association. Alumni are encouraged to connect with the Alumni Association online in order to stay in touch with friends and classmates. Alumni are also encouraged to attend events, volunteer as a speaker, mentor a student, initiate a corporate partnership in your workplace, or cheer on one of Stevenson's many sports teams.