Student organizations have been woven into the fabric of the University of Miami since shortly after the University opened its doors in 1926. That year, a small group convened the first Student Council, the precursor to today’s Student Government.
A century later, more than 400 organizations are active on campus in any given year. Some of the most prominent—Student Government, the Association of Commuter Students, United Black Students, and Hurricane Productions, among more than a dozen others—have enriched campus life and provided generations of Canes with a sense of purpose and belonging. And for those who served on these organizations’ executive boards, the experience of leading these groups imparted valuable leadership and networking skills.
Now, those former student leaders have their own affinity group: Alumni Student Leaders. Launched earlier this summer with a virtual event featuring remarks by Patricia A. Whitely, Ed.D. ’94, senior vice president for student affairs and alumni engagement, and a panel on student leadership moderated by Renee Dickens Callan, Ed.D. ’18, assistant vice president for student life, the group aims to expand the reach of the alumni network, inspire giving and engagement, and support new generations of Canes.
The idea for Alumni Student Leaders came from Jonathan Brill, B.B.A. ’98, and Racquel Russell, B.S.C. ’00, the group’s inaugural co-chairs. Each was a student leader in their undergraduate days—Brill with Student Government and Russell with the Homecoming Executive Committee, among other organizations—and each is a passionate ambassador for the University and its alumni.
“Racquel and I spoke about how we, as former student leaders, could strengthen our engagement with the University in a more ‘official’ way,” Brill said. “I’m grateful to Dr. Whitely, Dr. Dickens Callan, Liza Winkeljohn, and the entire team at the alumni association, who helped us pull the group together.”
Russell related how she jumped at the chance to be part of Alumni Student Leaders. “Jonathan and I went to school together, we’ve stayed friends, and when he reached out to me one day, I was excited to see his number. He pitched the idea of an affinity group for former student leaders where we can all get to know each other and find opportunities to support the current student leaders at the University,” she said. “I thought it was a phenomenal idea.”
“I think I can speak for a lot of us when I say that our time as student leaders at the U was amazing and really helped to shape who we are today. Now, it’s our time to give back,” Russell added.
Brill invited the former student leaders in attendance at the launch event to bring their wealth of experience, dedication, and Cane spirit to help “build a powerful alumni network that strengthens connections locally and across the country, provides a structured way to support current students, and champions the future of the University of Miami.”
Looking ahead to the fall, Brill and Russell are working with the University’s Office of Alumni Engagement to build out a full board of officers who will help them grow the group. And on November 7, Whitely will host a signature in-person reception for Alumni Student Leaders during Alumni Weekend and Homecoming.
Are you a former student leader? Learn more about our newest affinity group.
Visit the Alumni Student Leaders web page
