Our New Industry and Alumni Engagement Team Members

The Lundquist College of Business is investing in industry connections with strategic new hires ready to connect alumni with volunteer programs, dedicated events, and other activities that strengthen the classroom-to-career connection.

Jumping into the new role of associate director of alumni engagement is Kim Thompson who joins the college from the University of Oregon's Institute for Policy Research and Engagement. Past employment includes state government roles as a workforce analyst and operations manager at the Oregon Employment Department and teaching career technical business at Springfield High School. Volunteer roles include service on the Eugene and Springfield Chambers of Commerce and the Lane Transit District Budget Committee.

As a team member of the Office of Industry and Alumni Engagement, part of Mohr Career Services, Thompson is charged with galvanizing our alumni community to help students reach their career goals.

A major focus of the role is matching alumni with the right opportunity to share their experience with students through career conversations and networking, guest lectures, projects for courses, and mentoring.

"We have been streamlining processes and reaching out to potential partners already and the response has been fantastic," she said. "I look forward to collaboratively creating new alumni engagement opportunities in support of our students, and the wider community."

Thompson is a native Oregonian and a double Duck, having earned her bachelor's degree in Spanish and business administration from the University of Oregon.

A second new hire, Emily Severeid, joins Thompson as assistant director of alumni engagement.

This past spring, Severeid earned her Master of Nonprofit Management and Master of Public Administration from the University of Oregon School of Planning, Public Policy and Management . She is eager to blend her previous experience with fresh insights gained during her experience with the program.

"This opportunity allows me to apply the key skills and knowledge I've developed throughout graduate school to advance the college's approach to alumni engagement for the ultimate benefit of current business students and the entire Duck community," she said.

Originally from Sacramento, Severeid brings experience with multiple organizations including the National MS Society, Eugene's Whitebird Clinic, and ACC Senior Services—where her role as volunteer program coordinator included a portfolio of some 500 volunteers across five locations. She earned her undergraduate degree in urban studies and planning from San Francisco State University.

In her role at the Lundquist College, Severeid is tasked with planning and implementing programs, events, and projects. She will liaise with student organizations, work with potential volunteers, and strengthen the pipeline for engagement of the Lundquist and alumni community. Among her primary duties is to build out and enhance the college's networking platform, Lundquist Connect. Along with Thompson, she will also help manage the Forty Under 40 Advisory Board and deepen member engagement with our community. Beyond technology, Severeid aims to support and connect with students, cultivate a community of inclusion and representation, and lift marginalized voices.

Thompson and Severeid can be found in Eugene in Lillis 140, or reached via email at info@uoregon.College and info@uoregon.College respectively. They are eager to hear from alumni and industry leaders interested in helping Ducks soar.

— AnneMarie K-S '05, Lundquist College of Business Communications