Margaret Vess brings a dynamic blend of project management expertise and community-building passion to her role as alumni relations manager at the College of Information and Communications. With a bachelor’s in marketing from William & Mary, Vess has cultivated a career dedicated to creating meaningful connections and fostering engaging experiences.
Originally from Virginia, Vess's professional journey began in educational travel. This laid the groundwork for a position at the University of Virginia in executive education and event planning. At CIC, she will use the skills learned at UVA to bridge academic communities and professional networks for the benefit of students and alumni.
Vess is particularly excited about CIC's unique mission — emphasizing the critical importance of information and communication in today's world. She sees tremendous value in the college's diverse academic programs, from journalism to information science, and is inspired by the remarkable achievements of CIC alumni.
In her current position, Vess manages a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy. Her responsibilities include developing communication channels, planning both local and regional events and creating opportunities for alumni to reconnect with the university. The recently relaunched alumni newsletter and upcoming events like the Buchheit Family Lecture featuring Paul Finebaum are key components of her engagement approach.
"I’m really hoping to get to know our community," Vess says. "I think it’s a special thing to stay connected to your alma mater and where you received your education."
Her approach to alumni relations goes beyond traditional networking. Vess views engagement as a multifaceted experience that involves keeping alumni informed, providing opportunities for interaction and supporting ways for graduates to give back to the university.
With genuine passion for community building, Vess is reimagining alumni engagement at CIC. By creating meaningful connections and celebrating the diverse paths of graduates, she is helping to strengthen the college's vibrant and dynamic alumni network.
As she continues to develop innovative engagement strategies, Vess remains committed to her core belief that an alma mater is more than an institution. It is a lifelong community of learning, growth, and shared experiences.
Sarah Muñoz is a communications assistant for the College of Information and Communications. A public relations undergraduate, Muñoz is working towards a career in the sports media industry. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling and discovering new cultures.