Lucas Appointed to AVP of Alumni Engagement Position

Michigan Technological University announces the appointment of Jennifer (Jung) Lucas ’09 as Assistant Vice President of Alumni Engagement, effective November 15. Lucas joins Michigan Tech after an extensive national search.

“I appreciate and thank the campus community, members of the Alumni Board, and the Advancement and Alumni Engagement team for their efforts in selecting Jen to lead our alumni engagement activities,” said Bill Roberts, Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement. “Jen has a depth of experience in fundraising and alumni relations and an exciting vision for engaging Michigan Tech Alumni. I am so pleased to welcome her to the team.” 

Lucas brings nearly 10 years of leadership and management experience in alumni engagement and annual giving to Michigan Tech. She got her start in Advancement working as a student caller for the Michigan Tech Telefund, eventually moving into the call center manager role following her graduation. She went on to work in alumni engagement and annual giving roles at several educational institutions before spending the last two years in industry relations at 3M.

“I am both honored and excited to come back and work for an institution whose mission I truly believe in,” said Lucas. “The Tech alumni community is a special one, and I hope to build on the foundation and traditions already in place while engaging in new ways with my fellow Huskies.”

Lucas will lead the University’s alumni engagement efforts including strategic planning, alumni reunion, academic affairs partnerships, and administrative oversight of the Alumni Board of Directors and regional alumni chapters.   

Examples of Lucas’s career accomplishments include maintaining an annual giving pace of over $1 million, volunteer and cross-functional team management, and extensive large-scale coordination and execution of both in-person and virtual events.

A Minnesota native, Lucas earned her B.S. in Scientific and Technical Communication graduating magna cum laude.  Jen was also a standout on the volleyball team earning many honors including all-America honorable mention and all-region. She received Michigan Tech’s Raymond L. Smith Award as the outstanding female senior student-athlete in 2009.

“Michigan Tech quite literally changed my life. My experiences as a student-athlete, Blue Key Honor Society member, and employee all are treasured memories,” said Lucas.

Lucas begins her duties on Monday, November 15. Roberts thanked Brenda Rudiger, Vice President for Advancement Services, for graciously agreeing to assist in the transition following Paula Nutini’s recent retirement.