From Student to Steward: A Campbell Alumna’s Tribute to Alumni Engagement

BUIES CREEK – Dr. Crystal N. Dowless (’09 PharmD) is a proud member of the Kivett Loyalty Society, which recognizes those who give to Campbell University in consecutive years. Her commitment to Campbell recently included a $5,000 naming gift to the Fund for Campbell, earning her an inscribed plaque displayed inside the Cornelia Campbell Alumni House.

Dowless chose to dedicate her plaque “in recognition of the Office of Alumni Engagement,” honoring the relationships that defined her Campbell experience as a student and now as an alumna.

As a student, Dowless quickly found her place at Campbell through everyday conversations and connections across campus. Coming from a small town, she was drawn to the University’s personal atmosphere: a place where it was easy to stop and chat with professors, staff and classmates.

“I took time to get to know people, from my professors to the folks in Marshbanks and environmental services,” she said. “I still see them out and about here on campus or in the community, and we stop to chat and catch up. How many other universities can professors still call their students by name years after graduation?”

Those relationships helped her feel at home and opened doors to networking opportunities. “The sense of belonging I got and the valuable information I gained from interacting with pharmacy alums gave me a network of colleagues going into my career who have supported me throughout my 16 years as a practicing pharmacist,” she said.

Today, Dowless continues to pour back into the Campbell community. You can find her and her family on campus several times a week, cheering on the Fighting Camels as multi-sport season ticket holders, attending music and theater events, or simply walking around campus together.

She also serves as a pharmacy preceptor through the University and Cape Fear Valley Health System to introductory and advanced pharmacy students, as well as, PGY1 pharmacy residents. Providing encouragement and support to students who may be far from home is a big focus of her mentorship as well.

Dowless’s involvement has only deepened over time. She joined the Pharmacy Alumni Board, later served as its president, and now serves on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Her goal is to continue giving back, with hopes of one day serving on the Presidential Board of Advisors and, eventually, as a Campbell University Trustee.

Dowless’ connection to Campbell also runs deep within her family, a legacy she’s proud to continue. “Campbell is such a huge part of my personal family,” she said. “I still have cousins coming through and we’re all proud to be Camels.” Her home reflects that pride, complete with a curio cabinet full of Campbell memorabilia.

Her passion for alumni engagement has also been shaped by her collaborations with university staff. Through years of working alongside alumni engagement leaders on campus such as Will Bratton with the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences and former Director of Alumni Engagement April Ganong, Dowless has found inspiration in planning events, sharing ideas and strengthening alumni connections. “We’ve built great relationships through event planning and teamwork,” she said. “April really encouraged me to shine a light on how important alumni engagement is—not just as a role or department, but as something every alum can take part in, whether it’s giving financially, volunteering or simply showing up to support an event. Campbell is ONE, whether it’s athletics, academics, clubs, talents, or community, we are ONE!”

The Kivett Loyalty Society recognizes donors who make a gift to Campbell in consecutive years, of any amount and to any area of the university.

Consistent support fuels scholarships, enhances campus life and strengthens the next generation of leaders. Naming opportunities, like Crystal Dowless’s plaque in the Cornelia Campbell Alumni House, offer a meaningful way to connect your annual giving to a lasting tribute on campus.

To learn more visit the Kivett Loyalty Society online or reach out to April Ganong, Director of Development at aganong@campbell.edu.