MCLA Grad Joins College as Alumni Relations Coordinator
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Pender will network with MCLA’s younger alumni to connect them with the college. This includes online social networking on MCLA’s alumni Web page and on Facebook. Other responsibilities will include working on phoneathon fund-raising events and staying connected with graduating students so that MCLA might provide them with networking opportunities as they enter the job market.
Pender, who earned a bachelor of arts degree in English/communications in 2007, comes to his new position from the State House. There, he worked as a research analyst in the office of Rep. Brian Dempsey, a Democrat from the 3rd Essex District, and chairman of the Joint Committee of Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. Previously, Pender served in the same position for state Rep. Daniel Bosley, D-North Adams, the former chairman of the committee.
"We are so pleased to have Brandon join us here in the advancement office," said Marianne Drake, chief advancement officer, institutional advancement. "As a former student, he will contribute much as he brings a great skill set to the college and will be an outstanding resource for our alumni."
A main goal of his position is to make sure that students know that the MCLA Advancement Office is available to them before they graduate, Pender said. Once they earn their degree, "it’s just connecting these younger alums and making sure that we have their information to connect with them to see how they’re doing, what they’re doing and where they are in life, because we do care here."
Pender said MCLA is a great resource for its alumni.
"I want recent graduates – as well as those who are currently at MCLA – to know that we are a resource for them. We want them to connect with alums out there and to hear their stories. We want the transition from college to career to be a little less stressful."
Active on campus while a student at MCLA, Pender was a forward on the men’s basketball team and president of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and vice president of the Multicultural Student Society; acted as a peer advisor; was a member of the intramural staff, the Dance Company and the African American Studies Club; worked in the president’s office as an assistant to the communications specialist; and had an internship with the Berkshire Hills Internship Program at the Williams College ’62 Center for Theatre and Dance. After graduation and until he became the alumni relations coordinator, Pender was a class agent and a member of the MCLA Alumni Board.
"Everything I did at MCLA prepared me for what I’m doing now," Pender said. "It’s great to be back."
Alumni who would like to reconnect with the college should contact Pender at b.pender@mcla.edu or 413- 662-5392.
