Sarah Kathryn Ricci

Transcript

DEREK SMITH:

Hello, and welcome to Baylor Connections, a conversation series with the people shaping our future. Each week, we go in depth with Baylor leaders, professors, and more, discussing important topics in higher education, research, and student life. I'm Derek Smith, and today we are talking Baylor Alumni with Sarah Kathryn Ricci. Sarah Kathryn serves as assistant vice president of alumni engagement and annual giving in Baylor University Advancement. Baylor Alumni is Baylor's official alumni engagement program and facilitates numerous events, activities, and volunteer opportunities across the nation, providing valuable ways to connect with the Baylor family. Opportunities nationwide connect bears with fellow alums in their home region or provide forms in which to interact with bears of similar interests, professional backgrounds, and more. There's a lot going on. Even as we are at the Christmas holiday season and looking into the new year,, a lot to talk about. Sarah Kathryn, thanks so much for joining us on the program today.

SARAH KATHRYN RICCI:

Thanks so much for having me, Derek.

DEREK SMITH:

Well, it's great to visit with you and to learn more about connecting with Baylor alumni. Just to get an idea of some of the programs that Baylor Alumni offers, could you just tell us a few places that we might find you or your team in recent weeks or the weeks ahead?

SARAH KATHRYN RICCI:

Okay. Well, where won't you find us-

DEREK SMITH:

Okay.

SARAH KATHRYN RICCI:

... is, I guess, maybe the better question. So even across the course of this past fall, we have been in Houston. We have lots of affinity groups, and so our Houston professionals recently hosted. Chris Scott, one of our alumni award winners from 2021, he helped produce Ode to Joy. I know that community really enjoyed that. But also, our Baylor Women's Council of Houston hosted a traditions gathering and celebration. So in Houston, they are a very active bunch. And then we've been in Dallas, our volunteers there hosted a watch party and a Dr. Pepper hour at the Louise Herrington School of Nursing. So really diving into the locations that are very close to them and recognizing the students that are in their area. We've been all over the map to San Antonio to Austin for some lighter programming. But we're not just in the state of Texas, we're also across the country. So throughout the late summer and early fall, we really did a lot with parent engagement, which is also a part of Baylor Alumni, doing senior sendoff parties. And then we have our Baylor in the Ballpark series. And many of them host Dr. Pepper hours throughout the year. So they can't necessarily make it to Waco, but they can bring Waco to their communities. And they do all of these in a family friendly atmosphere, which is what we like to see because we don't just want alums, we want our broader family. We want prospective students, we want children of our alums, and then the friends that come along the way, like our alumni by choice.

DEREK SMITH:

Yeah, I think I saw pictures on social media of events at Dodger Stadium sometime in the summer. And of course, parents, they're gathering at sendoff parties and prayer groups pretty much every region of the country it seems like. I'll see those on social media, yeah.

SARAH KATHRYN RICCI:

Absolutely. We love our volunteers to really to get involved. And wherever they can fling their green and gold and wear green and gold, we really hope that they will do that and represent Baylor well.

DEREK SMITH:

Well, Sarah Kathryn, as we talk here the next 20 minutes or so, there's Baylor Alumni kind of almost capitally. Baylor Alumni is the group that serves Baylor alumni. We'll mention that as we talk back and forth because it's possible I'll say them both and it could be almost interchangeable, but Baylor Alumni is the group. How would you describe that to someone who is maybe only vaguely aware of who you all are and what you do?

SARAH KATHRYN RICCI:

What I would say is that Baylor Alumni is the home for all alums and family members who are connected to the institution. We are the location and the place on campus where they can come and find any information that they'd like to receive. So we see a lot of prideful individuals who may not have been connected for a while. So we really serve as that connection point and that front door to the institution. So even if they don't stick with us and go to our programming, we can show them where across campus they can fit in best, whether that's athletics, whether that's through the units, or even through student life in our career center. We really are that information hub and that place for people to connect.

DEREK SMITH:

So Sarah Kathryn, Baylor Alumni as the group of people, the group of graduates, the family members globally, what do you and your team particularly enjoy about serving them and working with them? What's distinct about that?

SARAH KATHRYN RICCI:

There are so many things that are distinct about that. Really, coming to the institution four and a half years ago, it was very clear that the mission of Baylor was distinct and different than most every other institution across higher education. And you can see that with the alums and the programs that we provide. They operate out of tradition. They operate as doing service within their communities. But also, they operate with faith. And they weave that into everything that they do. So to be able to create programming that ties people back to the institution at a very broad level and showcase the great work that we're doing and how we're continuing to lean into our mission and not stray from that, how we focus on creating men and women for worldwide leadership and service through a Christian environment, that is really the root of how we develop all of our programming. But we know that it's more than just what's happening on campus and developing students. So even at that surface level, as we're providing that information, we know it's really important to create programs like our affinity groups, including Baylor University Women's Council, Golden Wave Alumni Band, some of these other groups so they can get past that surface level and build deeper connections where they're actually communicating and building a peer-to-peer network. And as we think about and what's been phrased as this army of volunteers and this army of alums, we truly are going out and we're spreading the good work that the institution is doing. And people feel comfortable coming back and sharing their experiences. So we can absolutely share that with students, we can share that with faculty and staff. And our faculty and staff can infuse their lessons and also their research with the work that's going on in the world.

DEREK SMITH:

Visiting with Sarah Kathryn Ricci. And Sarah Kathryn, I think you really just kind of said this, but I want to ask specifically. You mentioned how the Baylor mission is distinct and it really feeds into so much of what you do. How would you describe your mission in Baylor Alumni?

SARAH KATHRYN RICCI:

Again, I will lean into, really, we're not breaking away from the institution's mission. But what we are adding to it is developing committed constituents and really showcasing how we can build programming for them, facilitate those connections, and then also highlight what's happening on campus. So while that sounds very simplistic, we certainly don't want to complicate it or make it overly complex. People in general are complex enough with their emotions, so we just want to make sure that people feel included, they feel seen, and they also feel heard. So as long as we can build these programs and our mission is focused on bringing people back and creating a dialogue where we're comfortable communicating with one another, I feel like we've served the institution and we've hit our goal.

DEREK SMITH:

When you talk about our faculty research programs they're building, athletics, there's the business, all these things. Probably no shortage of things I'm guessing you probably, it takes a lot of energy to sift through all the potential opportunities.

SARAH KATHRYN RICCI:

Oh, it takes a ton to sift through potential opportunities. And you never know what might spark interest. But one way, one person that we've really highlighted in both San Antonio recently and in Dallas is Dr. Jason Carter with Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences. And him being a new dean and not knowing a lot about him, it's really been interesting and fascinating to hear about his research. It's on the science of sleep. And I hope that we're able to take people like Dean Carter out more often because, as he talks about his research, it isn't just about the data, which can sometimes make us fall asleep, which is interesting with his science of sleep. But he also talks about rest and sleep and where it's found in the Bible, and biblically how he is focusing his research and his work not only on solving problems that are happening in the world, but how they're tying back to our faith and our Christian mission and why it's important to rest. So it's really interesting to hear his perspective. And he is just one of thousands of stories that we can tell from campus.

DEREK SMITH:

Well, it's funny you say that. We had him on this program in the summer. We had it earlier this year. I almost say that there's no shortage of great stories to tell because we kind of see that even with this program, right? Having-

SARAH KATHRYN RICCI:

Right.

DEREK SMITH:

... you, faculty, different people on, there's no shortage of great stories here at Baylor as we visit with Sarah Kathryn Ricci. And let's dive into a few of the examples. You mentioned that parents are a part of this, there's Baylor business, there's Baylor sports. Could you just take us through some of the examples of opportunities to connect affinity-wise or event-wise?

SARAH KATHRYN RICCI:

Absolutely. And you named quite a few. One big one obviously is athletics. So we really do try to be present and we try to be additive to our athletics partners and our fan engagement and fan experience. So we really lean on them to build that. And so Doug Furch and team have really started to do so much more, and making sure that it has that pep rally type of feel. We don't want to just be in a space and have a hospitality room. We really want to bring that excitement and joy to you. So if athletics is your thing, that's really where you connect, whether you're on Waco's campus or whether you're away. And certainly as we head into basketball season, we'll be present. But you also brought up parent engagement, and sometimes people don't think about that being involved in the alumni group. But we really do serve alumni and friends. And we have so many members of the Baylor community. We have those who are actively joining us, and that's many parents. They have parents in prayer programs that are held monthly. And so groups of parents across the country gather and pray for our students on campus. And not just pray for students, they're praying for one another because it's tough to let your child go to school. And so we do have alums, we have non-alums who are participating in that, and then they also have packaging parties throughout the year. But very similarly, we have the Baylor University Women's Councils, and there are 16 at the moment.

DEREK SMITH:

Wow.

SARAH KATHRYN RICCI:

Some of our original ones started in both Dallas and Houston, and they have been instrumental in providing scholarship support. So their mission is very tied to this institution, and not just the mission of Baylor Alumni, but the mission of the institution, and ensuring that as many students can get here as possible. But as they do that, they're creating and facilitating connections in their community to remain strong, and so they know what's happening across the country. But we also develop programs that are on campus, and we want to bring people back. So all of these affinity groups, we really try to be intentional about planning and having different individuals come to campus and have that experience. And as we've transitioned into the Hurd Welcome Center, we've really seen a lot more interest in coming back because there is an actual home for people to land, and they feel prideful in having a space that they can call their own.

DEREK SMITH:

Well, you mentioned the Hurd Center. Within the Hurd Center is the McLane Family Alumni Center. What would people see if they haven't visited that there?

SARAH KATHRYN RICCI:

If they haven't seen the McLane Family Alumni Center, they will feel definitely a sense of pride walking in. The structure of the facility is just incredible, and to come to the second floor and have a living room and have a space to just sit for a moment and think back on your time at Baylor and really build off that nostalgia and think about what it was, what it is, and what it will become, it's really a place of reflection. And as many people say, even if you're not ready to reflect and you just want to come check out the space, come in, get an ice-cold Dr. Pepper or a water, check out the balcony, and then take a tour of campus. Walk downstairs, talk to our student employees, talk to our admissions counselors. There's so much to learn about Baylor that the facility really offers Baylor alums a lot of access to the institution.

DEREK SMITH:

Yeah, I've seen it in the tours. And it's a really inviting spot within an obviously outstanding overall facility, so-

SARAH KATHRYN RICCI:

Yes.

DEREK SMITH:

Yeah, very cool.

SARAH KATHRYN RICCI:

We are very grateful.

DEREK SMITH:

Yeah.

SARAH KATHRYN RICCI:

Not only for the McLane family, but also for those who came before them and really paved that pathway for us to have a space and to see the importance of a space.

DEREK SMITH:

This is Baylor Connections. We are visiting with Sarah Kathryn Ricci, assistant vice president of alumni engagement and annual giving in Baylor University Advancement. You mentioned a couple of names, and I know I was talking about your team. If I put this on, you talk about your team, it's almost impossible to name everybody. But what would you tell us about the team with whom you get to serve and what's meaningful about the opportunity to do it with them?

SARAH KATHRYN RICCI:

Wow, that's a big question. I have a lot of respect for my team and those who work in this space. I've already named Doug, of course. Gail Offringa has done incredible work within parent engagement, and really providing parents access to the institution and to content. But you have people like Heather Beck, who is an alum who continues to lean into some of the traditional programming and the traditions on campus and making those accessible to people. But you also have individuals like Ryan Boyd who came from outside of the institution, but who's all over the country recruiting alums, having those good conversations. Both he and Stephen Sullivan really get out into the field and ensure that people know that that connection point is there. We don't just want to have a passive attitude where we're just creating programs and hoping that people come to us. Really putting those two out in the field, and then also people like Sarah Lynch to create that content for them to use is really important. But what I would say is that every one of these individuals has a deep respect for the institution, but they also have a deep respect for our alums and our volunteers. And working with people can sometimes, you have your highs and your lows because, when people are happy, you can celebrate and be joyful. When people are frustrated, you have to listen. But I think that our entire team does that to the best of their ability and with a ton of respect, not only for one another, but for the constituents that we serve.

DEREK SMITH:

You mentioned, obviously there's people on your team who are Baylor alums, some who graduated from other institutions. But how valuable is it to have that mix? Because in my experience with you, everyone feels like such a great fit for Baylor and has a deep respect, you said, for the mission. But it's nice that you probably have some people who went through it themselves as students, but also some people who have been elsewhere and seen what else is going on, and you can kind of blend those perspectives.

SARAH KATHRYN RICCI:

Absolutely. I think that anytime you can have a differing perspective, it's great because that facilitates that type of organic dialogue and brainstorming that you can't get elsewhere. It also keeps us from being complacent and content with the way things were, and keeping focused on that main goal of how can we innovate? How can we change? How can we still stay true to our mission, but access those individuals who may be falling off to the side or changing faster than we are? And so I think that having those types of conversations is critically helpful. Also, alumni engagement and advancement work isn't just throwing events and having parties and having conversations. It is a career path. So many of these, if not all of these individuals, have chosen to go down this path. There is science, there is research. And so while we do want to get out and talk with everyone, we also are very contemplative and reflective on the data that we have, and we utilize that in the most meaningful way possible to provide more and to provide access to all of our alums.

DEREK SMITH:

Visiting with Sarah Kathryn Ricci. And Sarah, a couple of questions I have for you as we head into the final few minutes here. One, you mentioned innovation, and I know the programming has grown. What are some of the ways that opportunities programming is growing within Baylor Alumni?

SARAH KATHRYN RICCI:

There are a ton of opportunities that exist. What has been very interesting throughout the pandemic and post-pandemic is how we've been able to develop partnerships across campus. We do not operate in a silo. We can't do everything on our own. We do rely on people. And it kind of falls back to what we said before, it's about perspective. So when we draw other people in and when we collaborate with others on campus, like the Career Center or university libraries, they are able to share fresh new ways that we might be able to showcase the institution and opportunities where we can truly provide a value add for our Baylor family that is external to campus. So really leaning into having some seminars with the Career Center and bringing alums back to campus, not just talking about their time in a specific school or unit, but how they took their work, for example, in arts and sciences or journalism and applied that in the corporate space. We need to have that dialogue. Our students need that perspective. But that also reminds me that we need to do more on campus with our students and bridging being a student and showcasing what it's like to be a Baylor alum so when they do become a young alum, they know exactly what it is and what to do. So working with student life to have students come to our away tailgates, or even our on-campus tailgates, those are simple, easy ways to say, "Hey, this is what you can do when you leave. It's not complicated. We just want you to show up. We want you to be a part of this community." But I would say that our young alums, that's where we have the most room to grow. How can we get them connected? And I really do believe that creating some programming similar to our senior sendoff parties, but more of a welcome to our city.

DEREK SMITH:

Oh, yeah.

SARAH KATHRYN RICCI:

We know where these students are going, so why don't we welcome them and have that kind of traditions party at first to say, "You're here, we recognize you, and utilize us as resources and a support system." So hopefully, as we continue to grow and innovate, we can provide value to our younger alums. They can see that we are here for them. And whether they're still dealing with student debt or they're not, they can come alongside us in a meaningful way and give of their time and their talents, not just their treasure.

DEREK SMITH:

Well, Sarah Kathryn, my final question for you. If people want to get involved as a volunteer, how can they do that? If they want to learn more about programming, what's the best way to do that?

SARAH KATHRYN RICCI:

Really, the most simple way to do that is visit our website. Again, it's not overly complex, it's not complicated, but it does show where you can get involved in your region or how you can get involved in an affinity group. But I don't want to just push it to a website where there's no personal connection at all. Our information is out there, but you can always email us or call us. We really want to have the conversation with you. So no question is too big or too small. If you have questions for us, if you want to volunteer, if you think that you'd like to participate in any of the activities that are happening in your area, reach out. We have people that want to connect with you.

DEREK SMITH:

Yeah. It's all over Texas and all over the country, a lot of great opportunities. Well, yeah, you can Google Baylor Alumni and contact information. You can find that and a list of events there. Well, Sarah Kathryn, really appreciate your time. Appreciate all the work that you and your team do. I've been able to be a part of some of those events, they're a lot of fun. And excited to see what's ahead as we move into 2024.

SARAH KATHRYN RICCI:

Well, thank you for having me, Derek. And I really enjoy this podcast, so keep it up, keep sharing stories-

DEREK SMITH:

Appreciate it.

SARAH KATHRYN RICCI:

... and we'll do that alongside you.

DEREK SMITH:

Well, that sounds great. Well, thank you so much. And appreciate you being on today as well. Sarah Kathryn Ricci, assistant vice president of alumni engagement and annual giving, our guest today on Baylor Connections. I'm Derek Smith, a reminder you can hear this end of the programs online at baylor.edu/connections, and you can subscribe on iTunes. Thanks for joining us here on Baylor Connections.