Recently, the Elizabethtown College Alumni Association (ECAA) launched a new adaptive, future-oriented model for its leadership group, the Alumni Council, introducing an updated governance structure designed to strengthen alumni engagement, improve operational efficiency, and better align the College’s strategic priorities.
“It has been a privilege to support this transformation process alongside an exceptional group of task force members and dedicated Alumni Council members,” Elizabethtown College Director of Alumni Engagement Rebekah Harriger said. “Their thoughtful contributions, commitment to our alumni community and the College, as well as their willingness to embrace new possibilities, have helped shape a model that will strengthen alumni engagement and position the Council for the future.”
Key changes include a streamlined ECAA Constitution that focuses on foundational governance while removing procedural and operational details. The revised document is designed to improve efficiency, ensure long-term sustainability, and minimize the need for frequent amendments.
Updates also include a new Alumni Council Guidelines document that serves as a practical, living resource for Council members by outlining expectations, responsibilities, and day-to-day operations.
Together, the Constitution and Guidelines create a two-document governance model that separates foundational governance from operational guidance to provide the Council with greater future flexibility.
The transformation aligns with national best practices outlined by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and other alumni engagement thought leaders. Based on research showing that successful alumni councils evolve alongside changing alumni demographics, institutional priorities, and trends in higher education and workforce development, these recommendations emphasize strategic governance, long-term relationship building, cross-campus collaboration, and data-informed decision-making to strengthen engagement and measure impact.
The Alumni Council Transformation Taskforce was assembled in November 2025. Charged with reviewing and revising the ECAA’s structure and governing documents, the Taskforce worked to ensure the new model aligned with the College’s current and future strategic priorities.
Members of the Taskforce included Scott Burky M’14, Peter Hobbs ’12, Alysa Poindexter ’12, Sven Reigle ’07, and Ryan Unger ’01, along with Alumni Council Executive Team members Matthew Butera ’12, Tyler Latshaw ’17, Andrea Matz ’10, and Matthew Smith ’21.
Throughout the process, Alumni Council members were engaged through review and feedback opportunities before formally voting to adopt the new Constitution and Alumni Council Guidelines during the Spring Alumni Council Meeting in May 2026.
About the Alumni Council & Office of Alumni Relations
The Alumni Council is a group of dedicated volunteer leaders who represent the Elizabethtown College Alumni Association (ECAA). Serving as a voice for Blue Jay alumni, the Council strengthens bonds between alumni and the College while providing strategic direction for alumni engagement.
The Office of Alumni Relations serves as the central connection point between Elizabethtown College and its alumni, fostering meaningful, lifelong relationships through the Elizabethtown College Alumni Association (ECAA). The office is committed to helping alumni reflect on their Etown experience, reconnect with classmates and the campus community, and engage in opportunities that support the College’s ongoing mission and future success.
For those interested in learning more about the Alumni Council, contact the Office of Alumni Relations.