By Caleb Clendenning
The Office of Advancement at William Peace University strives to focus on its alumni engagement across all decades while keeping close relations with partners that help transfer students’ passion into purpose.
While continuing to do that, they have also brought in some new faces.
Anjanette Salmon has taken on the role of Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement.
“I work really closely with the alumni and with the people in my department to raise funds for the university,” said Salmon.
William Gehling has recently been brought in as the Director of Development.
“I am responsible for raising funds as well, but really looking at it through the lens of working with corporations and other community partners, sponsorships and foundations,” said Gehling.
Gehling earned his undergraduate degree from N. C. State University and worked in several academic medical centers before joining the Office of Advancement.
“I remember Peace, but I don’t remember much more beyond it being a campus with gates closed. Coming here I saw this opportunity of actually supporting the students and faculty,” said Gehling.
Salmon previously worked in career teaching and fundraising before coming to Peace.
“I was ready for a career change but still maintaining a passion for education,” said Salmon. “Just coming in for the interview, this beautiful setting, the character of the campus and also the people, I could tell it was a family environment.”
Although new members to the office, they have been hard at work preparing for the upcoming semesters events for the Peace community.
One of those many events is the Annual Day of Giving, which will be held on Apr. 18.
“It’s one of our largest outreach efforts and it goes to our full community…One of the goals I have is to inspire students to be a part of the event,” said Salmon. “We are also working to support the students in graduation and senior week, so I am collaborating with that.”
Using these events, the Office of Advancement hopes to give back to the students and community of Peace.
“Our main charge is really making sure our students have what they need,” said Gehling, “engaging with our campus partners, indicating to them that there are opportunities to really develop the talent here of the students.”
The office strives to provide for current and future students, all while continuing to connect alumni of Peace back to campus for years to come after graduating.
“We often think about those 4 years, 5 years as the core of it all, but really the greater journey is happening afterwards,” said Salmon.