Roxanna Jokela has announced plans to step down as director of UNMC Alumni Relations on Dec. 31, capping eight years of working with UNMC graduates across the country.
Jokela was named interim director of alumni relations in October 2008 and full-time director in April 2009. Prior to this, she led UNMC’s Rural Health Education Network for 16 years and served as deputy director for the Area Health Education Centers Program.
“Roxanna has greatly advanced our outreach to alumni and worked diligently to increase the number of alumni actively engaged with UNMC, its colleges and its students,” said Bob Bartee, vice chancellor for external affairs.
Catherine Mello, associate director of alumni relations, will serve as interim director beginning Jan. 1.
During Jokela’s tenure, the alumni relations office:
- Formed a comprehensive 501-c-3 nonprofit organization comprised of all graduates of UNMC;
- Formed an umbrella UNMC Alumni Association Board of Directors to include college alumni representatives, as well as deans, the University of Nebraska Foundation and chancellor for inclusive decision-making;
- Instituted a Graduate College Alumni Council and a College of Public Health Alumni Engagement Council;
- Increased its focus on including students on alumni council activities;
- Participated in a campuswide initiative to include residency/fellowship graduates as alumni.
Jokela said, “It is a joy and a privilege to see the pride that alumni have in their college and how they express a strong commitment to their university. I am confident that more engagement of alumni across the professions will strengthen the recruitment, student support and alumni volunteer commitment to UNMC.”
Job well done Roxanna. You will be missed!
Thank you for all that you've done for UNMC! You have always been a pleasure to work with!
It was great working with you all those years. You will certainly be missed.
Congrats to a true professional who has made a huge difference on our campus and in our state! Take a bow, Rocks! You deserve it!
You know when TO gives you a nickname, you're pretty darn well respected on this campus! Job well done, Roxanna! Best wishes for your next 'adventure', whatever it may be!
Susan Smith aka SuzyQ
You have been so supportive of the rural campuses. We will miss you very much.. Suz Wilhelm
Our chancellors unit meetings won't be the same without out! Enjoy your next adventure.
Thanks for your work with the CAHP over the years, Roxanna. Best wishes!
Great to see all the words of affirmation for you! Congrats on a meaningful and impactful career and CHEERS to all that is before you
Best wishes for your future plans Roxanna!
Best of luck to you!