Meet our new director of alumni engagement
Lauren McKay will oversee the planning, strategy and execution of all things alumni engagement and donor relations in the college. She joined the team at the end of March — read on for more on her background and what she’s excited about with CU Engineering.
Tell us a bit about yourself. Where did you work before joining CU Boulder?
I grew up in Evergreen, Colorado, but for the past 17 years, Montana has been home. I earned my undergraduate degree in business marketing from Montana State University-Bozeman and later went on to complete my MBA at the University of Montana. I also hold a certification in entertainment and event management. My professional journey began at the Montana State University Alumni Foundation, where I started as a student and was fortunate to be hired full-time after graduation. Over the next 15 years, I had the opportunity to take on various roles, most recently overseeing MSU's regional and chapter events, which allowed me to work closely with alumni to strengthen their connections across the country. I'm excited to bring my experience and passion for community engagement to CU Boulder.
What excites you most about working at the College of Engineering and Applied Science?
I'm excited to join a team that is not only committed to innovation, collaboration and excellence but also actively shaping the future of engineering across the globe. I'm eager to contribute to the college's vision by leveraging my experience in alumni engagement to continue to grow and enhance programs that connect alumni with current students and faculty, helping to further strengthen the college's impact and reach.
What drives you to make an impact?
I'm driven by the opportunity to be part of something that truly matters. Knowing that our efforts can strengthen connections, build communities and create lasting opportunities is what motivates me every day. It's incredibly fulfilling to contribute to causes that have a lasting effect, and I'm passionate about leaving things better off than I found them.
Meet the Rest of the Team!
Ellie Busch, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement
Ellie manages the volunteer and communication efforts of the alumni engagement team. She has been on the team for two years and transitioned into the assistant director role in February.
Jessica Tooker, Engagement Assistant for Alumni Engagement
Jessica supports the alumni engagement team with event planning, volunteer engagement and data integrity. She joined the team in March and previously worked in events with CU Boulder’s Events Planning and Catering department.