Leyla J. Mercado & Barbara Vasquez, Arts & Entertainment Editor & Production/Web Editor
Molly Brett ‘23 has been appointed as the new director of Alumni Relations at Manhattan University. Brett attained the role after working as assistant director of the department and will follow in the footsteps of previous director Louis Calvelli.
Calvelli, who defined his biggest struggle in the position as fostering engagement with alumni while in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, spoke to what accomplishments he is most proud of from his tenure.
“What really stands out is how we strengthened connections across generations of alumni,” Calvelli said. “We expanded regional events, reached out to more young alumni, created new ways for people to get involved and built affinity groups in Law and Public Policy, Business and Engineering. Coordinating closely with the deans of our three schools was a highlight and we also built strong collaborations across campus with Career Services, Student Engagement, Admissions and many more.”
Through these efforts, Calvelli encouraged alumni to feel connected to both one another and the life of Manhattan University in the present day. With Brett taking on his position, Calvelli spoke to his confidence in her being the perfect person to succeed him.
“Molly has such great energy and creativity, and she really understands our alumni community,” Calvelli said. “She connects with people across generations, cares deeply about her fellow Jaspers and about Manhattan University and she lives out our Lasallian Catholic values. She’s collaborative, thoughtful, and has a clear vision for where alumni engagement can go. I couldn’t imagine a better person to take on this role.”
With their transition of roles being smooth and collegial, Brett and Calvelli have worked closely with one another to share insights and strategies.
Brett, who started working in the alumni relations office a few months after graduating from MU, has grown from alumni relations coordinator to her current director role.
“In just two years, I’ve learned so much about our alumni community, the importance of relationship-building and the impact this office can have across campus,” Brett said. “I always credit my ability to do this work to the education I received at Manhattan. Even as a business school student, the liberal arts foundation ensured I graduated as a well-rounded individual. I took classes in everything from personal wellness and religion to sociology, speech, psychology and English. I like to think every Manhattan graduate leaves here knowing a little about everything, while being an expert in their chosen field. That blended educational experience shaped me both personally and professionally, and it’s a big part of why I am so happy to serve the community that helped form me.”
Georgia Flynn ‘25, the assistant director of alumni relations, has worked closely with Brett throughout her time in the role. Just like Brett, she joined the team as a recent graduate of MU. As young alumni, they hope they can offer relevant and valuable insight in their roles.
“The alumni relations team is now two recent Manhattan grads, both young women!” Flynn wrote in an email to The Quadrangle. “I’m excited for us to bring our personal experiences and ideas while honoring and building on the department’s traditions.”
Honing in on the younger alumni demographic is something that Brett hopes to continue working on in her role as director. Flynn shares a similar vision for the future of the department.
“I see an opportunity to grow engagement, particularly among young alumni,” Flynn wrote. “By continuing to build upon our events, making them better each year, we can create experiences that alumni look forward to as a chance to reconnect with their college friends. Over time, we can boost attendance and long term involvement.”
Brett wants all alumni, both present and future, to know that they still have a home to return to at MU. With the events offered through the alumni relations office, there are a number of ways to stay involved with the university.
“I want our alumni to feel encouraged to come back and mentor, volunteer and share their expertise with current students,” Brett said. “Most importantly, I want every graduate to know that they have a whole support system here, one that doesn’t end at Commencement. Life at Manhattan doesn’t stop after you graduate; you just enter a new chapter of it.”