Spotlight: April Ganong – director of alumni engagement

The Campbell Alumni Association is more than pleased to welcome April Ganong on board as Director of Alumni Engagement. Though April has only been with Campbell since Sept. 6, she’s already made an enormous impact and spearheaded alumni events such as Homecoming, the Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony, and much more.

April is an experienced marketing communications strategist and accomplished association executive who has helped organizations in the U.S. and abroad flourish. A native North Carolinian, April recently returned to the state after living in Ontario, Canada for many years. She is thrilled to be back in the area and to have the opportunity to contribute her expertise to further the university’s mission of providing top-tier education and fostering strong community ties.

April “found [her] niche” professionally working with nonprofit organizations with a focus on people and industry.

“Whether working with a nonprofit dedicated to developing online resources to help chronically ill youth connect with one another, to working with a trade association providing education, I enjoy the collaborative process that helps facilitate meaningful outcomes,” she said.

“My experience working with international associations has given me an appreciation and unique understanding of cultural and regional nuances. Working with diverse groups – not only in the U.S. – but around the world, enables me to appreciate alternative viewpoints and perspectives.”

April’s co-workers quickly noticed her work-ethic, can-do attitude, and eagerness to consider the experiences of Campbell alumni above all else in her role.

“As the Director of Alumni Engagement, I’m charged with building a strategy around our alumni community that accomplishes two goals: 1) keeping Campbell top-of-mind for alumni so they are engaged members of the community and feel compelled to give back in some way, and; 2) identifying initiatives that focus on what provides value to them as alumni,” April said. “By actively participating in alumni-led initiatives, they have access to resources uniquely available to the alumni community.”

April said her favorite aspect of joining Campbell is the people involved, both in the office and in the greater Campbell community. She particularly appreciates the University’s “welcoming and supportive” work environment.

“From day one working with the Alumni Association team to the faculty/staff, alumni, and volunteers I’ve had the pleasure to meet, helping one another seems to be woven into the fabric of Campbell University,” she said. “Campbell alumni absolutely love their university and are generous in their support.”

After 20 years north of the border, April and her husband Ray are enjoying warmth and comfort in their return to North Carolina. She enjoys horseback riding, thrifting, furniture repurposing, sailing, paddle-boarding and “anything beach-related.”

“Relocating after such a long time has been quite the adventure,” April said. “Finding a professional home at Campbell is truly one of the highlights of my journey back to North Carolina.”