Change can be good. As John F. Kennedy said, “Change is the law of life.” In volunteer organizations like our WWU Alumni Association, change is critical. As our alumni needs evolve, we must look at new ways of strengthening the bonds between students and alumni, delivering services to them, and creating programs of value where they live and work. In its 111th year as the voice of the 120,000 living alumni, the alumni board welcomes change and is deliberate about recruiting alumni with a wide range of perspectives with expertise from the regions where our alumni reside. This committed group of 26 serves as one of three key university volunteer leadership boards that provide input to the university president. Please help us welcome Vikings to this important role as WWU Alumni Association board members.
Chris Copacino (’03) of North Seattle was WWU’s Department of Communication’s Outstanding Graduate in 2003 for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS). As a student, he was a member of Western’s Communication Club, serving as its fundraising and promotions director. He continues to give back to Western’s Communication Department since his graduation in 2003. He worked for seven years in Game Day Operations with the Seattle Mariners, and is an account supervisor at Copacino+Fujikado (C+F) in Seattle.
After 41 years with the Boeing company, Francis “Fritz” Johnston (’73), 2016 College of Fine and Performing Arts (CFPA) Distinguished Alumnus, retired from Boeing with distinction as the vice president of Brand Management, responsible for every piece of marketing and advertising representing the company around the world. Fritz splits his time between West Seattle and Bellingham.
Also, bringing his innovative ideas to the board is Shawn Kemp (’98). Shawn is a fourth-generation entrepreneur who has the passion for creativity and a drive for results baked into his DNA. With nearly 20 years spent developing online experiences he is perhaps best known for his work in launching the global xbox.com experience before moving on to manage a number of other strategic online projects at Microsoft.com. Shawn is the Chief Experience Officer and co-founder of ActionSprout. Shawn and his wife, Misty Rae Kemp (’96), live in Bellingham.
New board member Lynn Macdonald (’73), of University Place, recently retired from the Washington Education Association where she served as a spokeswoman for WEA’s Tacoma chapter when it went on strike in 2011. Lynn, a Woodring grad and former high school teacher, also recently served as Governor Inslee’s interim education advisor, among many other duties.
Jody Mull (’84) has held leadership roles at every level of Parent-Teacher- Student Association and has served as President for the Issaquah Schools Foundation board of trustees as well as currently serving as their VP for Alumni Outreach. This College of Business and Economics grad also volunteers with the League of Education Voters and Stand for Children. Jody received a Smarter Government Washington Bright Light award from WA Attorney General Rob McKenna in 2016. She and her husband, Clifford (’85), live in Issaquah.
Each member brings a unique passion and love for Western and I look forward to sharing more about how these individuals will shape your future WWU Alumni Association. Please meet all of our board members by visiting wwualumni.com. Go Vikings!
