Small but Mighty!

I want to do something for you. Actually, we want to do something for you. As alumni — or as we like to say around here, as Biolans for life — you are why we come to work every day. We on the small but mighty Alumni and Parent Relations team are here and ready to engage Biolans. Our goal is to Connect, Communicate, Collaborate, CareerBuild and CustomerCare.

We are using these five “C’s” to increase impact, value and identification with Biola and create a desire to be involved in the life of the university. We will meaningfully connect Biolans to one another and be relevant to where you are in your lives. We will endeavor to communicate in ways that are effective and resonate with you. We will collaborate across campus to engage you all as one. We will “careerbuild” to support Biolans in the transition from student to alumnus. And, we will be the source of customer care that is second to none.

Going forward, you will see “Biolans for Life” and “#BiolansForLife.” This is not a tagline, but serves as a guide that all we do must live up to this important line. Meet the team who’s putting this all into action:

Don Bernstein (M.A. ’09), Director of Alumni Outreach and Engagement. Don is creating a myriad of engagement opportunities for Biolans all around the world. Check out our list of more than 80 alumni regional contacts at biola.edu/alumni — people who have stepped up to be our Biola “bridge” to the regions, fostering and building Biola communities and creating opportunities to connect Biolans and engage them in the life of Biola.

Stephanie Ramirez (’12), Assistant Director of Parent Relations. Stephanie is our “go to” for all things parent-related to enhance the parent/family experience. She has all of the answers to parents’ questions on what to expect, on what their students can expect and on the Biola experience, and if she doesn’t, Stephanie will direct you to someone who does. She’s here to be a resource to and support for all parents and families and to connect parents to each other also as mutual resources and sources of encouragement.

Leina Gilster (’18), Assistant to the Senior Director of Alumni and Parent Relations. Leina joined our team just a few months ago but has already proved herself an invaluable member of our team. Her sense of organization, attention to detail and enthusiastic energy has been so refreshing. In addition to implementing helpful processes, Leina has been our social media guru, activating our communication to Biolans on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and soon, LinkedIn. Check out our posts to see what’s happening around campus and among Biolans around the country and the world!

My team and I are here to serve you, and we’re always open to new ideas, suggestions and thoughts, so don’t hesitate to contact us. We also encourage you to come back to campus. There’s always something new to see and experience. And, when you come back, visit us in Metzger Hall. We’ll be ready to welcome you home!

Lily Tsau
Senior Director of Alumni and Parent Relations
lily.tsau@biola.edu