Alumni Executive Council Members

Job/Title: Former Marketing and Product Development at AT&T

Major: English

SLU Activities:  Member of Kappa Delta Sigma, Women’s Swimming Team, Vienna Abroad Program

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because my experience at St. Lawrence represented a time of great personal growth.  While continuing my education, I learned how to have a stronger voice and to not only show up for myself, but for a larger community. As an alum, I've come to appreciate the feeling of SLU as "HOME" base. Working on Council provides the opportunity to ensure this experience for current students and deepen that feeling across our alumni body. My time on the AEC has been immensely rewarding and easily the best volunteer opportunity I have ever had!

Job/Title: Attending Emergency Physician at Danbury Hospital in Danbury, CT and the Director of Emergency Medicine and EMS Medical Director at New Milford Hospital

Major: Neuroscience

SLU Activities:  Men’s Rowing Team, Campus EMS Squad, Outing Club

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because St. Lawrence shaped my character, launched my academic path, and built the relationships that define my life today. As a member of the Alumni Council, I’m committed to paying that forward by actively supporting and mentoring current students—especially those pursuing careers in science and healthcare—so they can access the same opportunities and thrive beyond campus.

Job/Title: Manager and Community Events Lead at New England Running Company

Major: Government

Minor: African Studies & History

SLU Activities:  Kenya Semester Program (KSP), Outing Club, Campus EMS Squad

I joined the Alumni Council because I enjoy leveraging my own SLU network to connect younger Laurentians with alumni across a range of years and professional fields.

Job/Title: Director of Impact and Inclusion  at Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment

Major: Government and Psychology

SLU Activities:  Sister of Kappa Delta Sigma, Admissions Ambassador, Orientation Leader

I joined the Alumni Executive Council to stay connected and give back to the community that grew and supported me, and I’m proud to be part of a university with the #1 alumni network; one that helped me along the way and inspires me to pay it forward.

Job/Title: Founder and CEO of POV Sports Marketing

Major: Government and Spanish

SLU Activities: Member of Kappa Delta Sigma, studied abroad in Madrid, Spain

I joined Alumni Executive Council to more actively support alumni, faculty, and student connections at St. Lawrence. I wanted to go beyond just making an annual donation to lend my time and resources to making a difference. 

Job/Title: Chief Executive Officer, Attarian LLC

Major: English

SLU Activities: Class President, Beta Theta Pi, Residence Assistant in Sykes

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because it’s a meaningful way to stay connected to the University community; and give back, contribute ideas, and strengthen the long-term success and network of St. Lawrence University.

Job/Title: Senior Environmental Professional, Consultant for EnSafe (Retired)

Major: Geology

SLU Activities:  Geology Club, Admissions Ambassador, Outing Club

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because I want to continue supporting St. Lawrence by enhancing alumni engagement and by working with recently merged Departments to help them thrive/be better than the sum of their parts.

Job/Title: Founder and CEO of Sydney Baker Creative

Major: Conservation Biology and Global Studies

Minor: African Studies

SLU Activities:  Class of 2020 Student Council, Sister of Kappa Delta Sigma, SLU EMS

I joined the Alumni Executive Council to give back to a community that had such a meaningful impact on me. It’s important to me to help create opportunities for alumni to stay connected and support current students in their own St. Lawrence journeys.

Major: Environmental Students and Economics Combined

SLU Activities: Crown Royalties Investment Club, Freeman Foundation Scholar, Studied off-campus in the NYC Semester

I joined the Alumni Executive Council as a Student Delegate because I care deeply about building a more connected and inclusive SLU community. As an international student, I’ve seen how impactful alumni support can be, and I want to help create that sense of belonging and opportunity for others.

Mary Baucom '13 is an Associate Marketing Director at Hearst in New York City where she crafts pitches and proposals for potential pharma and healthcare advertisers. She attended Northwestern University immediately following SLU where she earned a Master of Science from the Medill School of Journalism. She was previously at Healthline -- the #1 health site -- holding positions on the marketing and editorial teams. While at St. Lawrence, she double majored in English and Government. She was an active member of the Thelomathesian Society, editor of the Gridiron Yearbook, and Student Director of the WORD Studio.

Job/Title: Senior Pastor at the Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis; Conference and Meeting Coordinator, MCC

Major: Global Studies

Minor: Economics and Francophone Studies

SLU Activities:  Sister of Chi Omega, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, studied abroad in France

I joined the Alumni Executive because I wanted to rekindle the flame of connection between me and St. Lawrence while giving back to our Alma Mater. I can think of few more consequential and formative times or spaces in my life than being a student at SLU, so understanding more about campus life today, academic changes, and getting to know students have allowed me to be more informed about a space that has shaped me so profoundly. 

Job/Title: Associate Director of Class Giving at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Major: Biology

Minor: Public Health and Statistics

SLU Activities: Admissions Ambassador, Student Alumni Association, Orientation Leader

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because the St. Lawrence experience and community set a meaningful course for me, both personally and professionally, and continue to have a lasting, positive impact on my life. I'm grateful for the opportunity to help advance and strengthen an experience and network I truly believe in. 

Anne Ferris Cassidy '74 earned a B.A. at St. Lawrence with a multi-field major in radio/television and speech.  She was active at KSLU and The Gridiron.  She participated in CDC's tutoring outreach efforts with an eight child family in Hermon.  Anne began her working life in Macy's Executive Training Program.  After more than a decade in Macy stores, she pivoted to the non-profit world.  She was an active volunteer at Earthplace in Westport, Connecticut, culminating with a successful building campaign.  Anne then returned to the business world as a paralegal.  She retired after 29 years as a paralegal, the last 13 as a senior paralegal at Pullman & Comley, LLC in its Stamford and Westport offices. Since leaving St. Lawrence, Anne has been an active alumna, participating in regional alumni events.  She has been a reunion class co-chair, co-chair of the Laurentians Give Committee, and is a member of the Manley Society.  Anne lives in Norwalk, Connecticut with her husband Ray.

Job/Title: Partner at Willkie, Farr & Gallagher LLP 

Major: Government and Sociology

SLU Activities:  SLU Advocates, Center for Civic Engagement Mentor, study abroad in Denmark and China  

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because attending SLU changed the trajectory of my whole life, and I want to further develop and enhance its ability to have that effect on future students. Investing in the community that shaped me personally, and professionally, and continuing to build connections with other alumni is very important to me and the AEC is a great way to do that.

Samantha Colton '16 is an Account Executive at Edelman, a global public relations agency. There she specializes in communications for some of the largest names in the beauty industry such as Dove, and for up and coming Unilever hair and skincare brands like AHC, Emerge and The Good Stuff. Prior to this role, Samantha was an Assistant Account Executive at Ogilvy Public Relations supporting healthcare clients like Bristol-Myers Squibb.  Samantha graduated from St. Lawrence with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a double minor in Gender & Sexuality and Film Studies. After graduation, she moved back to her hometown, Syracuse, NY, and completed a Master of Science in Public Relations at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.  While at St. Lawrence, Samantha was a Presidential Diversity Scholar and stayed busy outside of the classroom as an active member of ACE, SLU Advocates, Senior/Junior Class Council, and as the founding chair of the Thelomathesian Society’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. She also served as an Admissions Ambassador, Community Assistant, Student Activities Assistant, and participated in the New York City Semester program.

Job/Title: Director of Systems & Change Management at CCS Fundraising

Major: Art & Art History and Government

Minor: Asian Studies

SLU Activities: SLU Connect Burlington, Boston, and Albany programs, sister of Kappa Delta Sigma, Saints Riding team

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because I want to support and give back to the University and Alumni Association that has opened so many doors for me. 

Job/Title: Deputy Director, Climate & Energy Program, at Union of Concerned Scientists

Major: Environmental Studies & Government

Minor: Mathematics

SLU Activities: Brother of Alpha Tau Omega, studied off-campus in Washington D.C., singing “Jeff Deyette” over “Lafayette” in the Hamilton soundtrack “Guns and Ships”

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because my undergraduate experience at St. Lawrence played a pivotal role in defining and enriching my life's journey, for which I hold deep and lasting gratitude. Participating in the Alumni Council allows me to say "thank you" in a meaningful way, paying it forward to today's students while also staying connected with alumni, and supporting faculty, staff, and administration leaders so that the University can be a thriving place for growth, discovery, and learning for future generations. 

Job/Title: Global Lead of Customer Success at Tinubu

Major: Sociology

Minor: Gender & Sexuality Studies, Speech and Theatre

SLU Activities:  Gospel Choir, Advocates, studied abroad in London

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because St. Lawrence has always felt like home to me, even years after graduating. After losing that connection for a few years, joining the Alumni Executive Council felt like a natural way to reconnect, get involved, give back, and help create that same sense of belonging for students and alumni who may not feel as connected today.

Job/Title: Senior Scientist at the NASA Johnson Space Center (Retired)

Major: Geology

SLU Activities:  Geology Club, ROTC, Outing Club

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because I feel very strongly about the quality of the education and the educational environment our undergraduates receive.  After earning two separate degrees at large state universities, I’ve seen how easy it is to treat undergrads as a “cash cow” rather than as young adults who can move on to have an important role in society. Helping keep our educational environment strong and helping ensure that our undergraduates get the best of not only teaching, but mentoring by alumni is the main reason I joined Alumni Council.

Meca Francis '20 graduated from St. Lawrence with a double major in Global Studies and Communications as well as a minor in Government. She was a Kirk Douglas Scholar, Admissions Ambassador, Resident Assistant, Advocate, and studied abroad in Spain during her time at St. Lawrence. Meca resides in Washington, D.C. where she works remotely as a Cybersecurity Analyst. In her free time, Meca enjoys yoga, travel, and brainstorming ideas for project management.

Job/Title: Associate Director at Harvard Ed Portal 

Major: Government

Minor: European Studies and Religious Studies

SLU Activities:  Member of the Saints Rowing Team, studied abroad in Denmark

I joined the Alumni Executive Council to pay forward all that St. Lawrence has given me. St. Lawrence brought me together with my closest friends, broadened my perspective through both study abroad and classroom learning, and welcomed me into a rich, vibrant community.

Job/Title: Account Executive at FinTech

Major: Government

SLU Activities: Vienna Semester Abroad, Student Delegate to the Board of Trustees & President of the Thelomathesian Society, Brother of Alpha Tau Omega

I joined the Alumni Executive Council to pay it forward. 

Job/Title: Special Education Teacher

Major: History

Minor: Sociology

SLU Activities:  Member of the Thelomathesian Society, the Black Student Union, International House, Alpha Phi Omega, and Commons College

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because I wanted to give back to my alma mater and help connect with current Laurentians and future alumni. My experiences at St. Lawrence played an integral role in shaping me into the person that I've become. I value the need to give back to SLU, especially as it pertains to representation and paying it forward as a steward for change and belonging. 

Job/Title: Owner of Hetzel Educational Consulting

Major: Psychology

SLU Activities:  Member of the Saints Track & Field team, studied abroad in Kenya, Brother of Phi Kappa Sigma

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because St. Lawrence changed the trajectory of my life in ways that are immeasurable. My college journey had its ups and downs, and SLU met me at every step - and bump - along the way. People like Dr. Crosby, Dr. Searleman, Coach Mike Howard, and, most of all, John Meagher, inspired and encouraged me to be the best version of myself, even when I didn't yet see that version, and I will be forever grateful. Giving back to SLU will always be important to me and doing so as a member of the AEC is an honor I do not take for granted.

Job/Title: Freelance Photographer

Major: Biology and Multi-Field

SLU Activities:  Member of the Women’s Hockey and Alpine Ski teams, Sister of Tri Delta, SLU Photo Service

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because living in Canton and photographing sports on Campus, I am excited to further contribute to the health, well-being, and success of the students and the University. St. Lawrence gave me the confidence to pursue many options (vocational and avocational). The broad-based education and experiences provided at St. Lawrence are increasingly valuable in a world of technology and specialization. 

Job/Title: Chief Executive Officer at The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens 

Major: Biology

SLU Activities:  Inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, Career Planning Council, Class Reunion Committee

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because it gives me the opportunity to stay connected and give back to the SLU community.  I particularly enjoy networking with current students and recent graduates as they plan for and adjust to life after St. Lawrence.

Job/Title: Contractor for Department of State

Major: Economics and African Studies

Minor: Global Studies

SLU Activities:  Orientation Leader, Brother of Beta Theta Pi, Kenya Study Abroad

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because I enjoy advocating for students' needs and supporting them as they navigate life after graduation.

Job/Title: Assistant Vice President & Unit Business Officer at the University of Buffalo

Major: Sociology

Minor: Government and African Studies

SLU Activities:  Kenya Semester Program, Outing Club, Men’s Rugby Team 

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because my grandfather, Jim Maley ‘49, and I had a special and unique relationship. He always revered St. Lawrence and the mysticism of the place and the lifelong friends he made there.  I was fortunate enough to be able to drive him to Reunion every year from Buffalo and those hours in the car driving to campus are some of the most treasured I keep. He was honored to have served on the AEC, and always loved talking about the great times he had at Canaras. St. Lawrence has given me so much, and it’s such an incredible honor to be asked to join the Council and serve as he did.

Major: Government

SLU Activities:  Sister of Delta Delta Delta, member of the Saints Cross Country and Track and Field team, studied abroad in Austria

I joined the Alumni Council because I love the North Country and St. Lawrence University in equal measure. It’s been a wild compendium of information, ideas, connections, reexaminations, and fulfillments. In this thorough returning to all things St. Lawrence, I am honored to know the institution on a deeper level than I ever expected.

Major: Finance

SLU Activities: New York City Semester participant, Admissions Summer Intern, Thrive Mentor

I joined the Alumni Executive Council as a Student Delegate because I’ve seen firsthand how much a single conversation with an alum can shift how a student thinks about their path. There’s something valuable in every exchange, no matter who it’s with or where they ended up. I want to help make those moments more intentional, so students are connecting with alumni more consistently rather than by chance and learning about each other along the way. 

Job/Title: Founder of Bronx Mutual Aid Network and Bangladeshi Feminist Futures 

Major: Government 

SLU Activities: Admissions Ambassador and Community Assistant, Islamic Culture Club Co-Founder, studied abroad in France and Jordan 

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because St. Lawrence provided me many opportunities to grow as a person and I feel compelled to bring my intersectional, feminist lens to the alumni network. During my time at SLU, I was exposed to a myriad of diverse ideas, individuals from all around the globe and provided opportunities to travel abroad multiple times which allowed me to develop a nuanced reality of global affairs. As a SLU Alumni, I am proud of all these experiences and I would like to encourage the current and upcoming generations of students to be able to think broadly, progressively and expansively about our interconnected world and solidarity-building. 

Jennifer Hammer McGee '90 is the Global Chief Compliance Officer for Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company.  She has been at Otsuka for more than 13 years, and prior to Otsuka, was an attorney in the Washington, DC office of Shook, Hardy & Bacon.  She graduated with Honors from University of Maryland School of Law, and graduated magna cum laude from St. Lawrence, double majoring in Government and History, with a minor in Asian studies.  While at St. Lawrence, she was active in Chi Omega, Army ROTC, cross country, served as an admissions tour guide, and studied abroad in Vienna.  She met her husband, Bob McGee ’86, while serving in the Army. Both Jen and Bob have retired from the Army.  They have three adult children and currently split time between Annapolis, Maryland and Hilton Head Island, SC.

Job/Title: New York State Supreme Court Justice (Retired)

Major: Government

SLU Activities: Chapel Bell Ringer, Brother of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Co-Chair of the Alumni Telethon

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because I would like to see St. Lawrence continue providing its students with a great foundation to begin their careers and adult lives as I am one of its many beneficiaries. More importantly, to engage with fellow alumni to encourage their participation with the University and its students and continue strengthening our Alumni Network.

Susan Neiley Merrell '83, P'13, '18, '21, originally, from Lincoln MA, has lived in Lowville, New York for over 30 years. Susan currently works for U.S. Senator Gillibrand as her New York State Deputy Director. Previously Susan served as Senator Clinton’s North Country Director, and worked at the Merrell and Merrell Law Firm. While at St. Lawrence, she participated in the DIS Study Abroad program in Denmark, served on Study Abroad advisory committees, and was a member of KKG sorority.  Susan is married to Charles C. Merrell ’81, and has four children, Lindsay (Williams College ’10), C. Alexander '13, James ’18 and Elyse ’21. Fun fact, Elyse is the 19^th family member in Susan and Charlie’s combined families to attend St. Lawrence University.

Job/Title: Senior Director, Cybersecurity Digital Trust at Dick’s Sporting Goods

Major: Economics and Mathematics Combined

SLU Activities: Member of the Saints Lacrosse Team, Student Athletic Council Representative, Faculty Scholar

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because I have seen firsthand the power of the St. Lawrence Alumni Network and the lasting impact engaged alumni can have on the University. Giving back—whether through time, mentorship, or financial support—is one of the most meaningful ways to honor the extraordinary environment St. Lawrence provided for all of us to learn, grow, and become who we are today. I deeply value the opportunity to connect with students, whether over a casual coffee, by sharing my experience as a student‑athlete, helping them navigate career decisions, or simply serving as a trusted sounding board. After the passing of my late classmate and dear friend, Michael Craig ’00, I made a promise to honor our shared memories and experiences at SLU by giving back—now carrying that commitment forward for both of us.

Job/Title: Retired Director of Student Services, Fairfax County Public Schools

Major: Multifield; Japanese and Government

SLU Activities: Field Hockey, Thelomathesian Society, Sister of Chi Omega, studied abroad in Japan

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because I want to give back and continue to stay connected with SLU because it is a big part of who I am.  As an educator, I want to find opportunities to connect current high school students with St. Lawrence and promote the value of its liberal arts education, as well as its strengths in preparing future successful and fulfilled citizens both on campus and after with its continuing alumni support.  

Job/Title: Associate Vice President of Alumni Engagement and Donor Relations at SUNY Oswego (Retired) 

Major: English and Government

SLU Activities:  Studied off-campus in Washington, D.C., Sister of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Admissions Ambassador

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because SLU provided me with an excellent liberal arts education that developed my writing and critical thinking skills and prepared me for a fulfilling career and a commitment to service in my community. I also made great lifelong friends at St. Lawrence. 

Job/Title: CFO of Silecky Sports LLC; Principal of Koma Vita Vinna LLC

Major: Geology & Environmental Studies

SLU Activities:  Outing Club, Geology Club, Studied abroad in Canada

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because I'm honored to be a part of supporting SLU connections among alumni, faculty, and students which help to insure future generations of Laurentians have ample opportunities to benefit from their time at SLU.

Job/Title: Orthodontist at Longmont Braces 

Major: Biology and Mathematics

SLU Activities:  Studied abroad in Kenya, Outing Club, Outdoor Program Student Guide

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because  I have always been extremely grateful for my time at St. Lawerence, and when I was a student the SLU alumni network opened doors that allowed me to achieve my dreams of becoming an orthodontist. Now I have the same opportunity to not only help students who have similar aspirations as I did, but also to stay connected with the current student and faculty bodies!

Job/Title: Clinical Data Manager at American College of Radiology 

Major: Neuroscience

SLU Activities:  Member of the Thelomathesian Society and Student Delegate to the Board of Trustees, Student Activities Assistant, member of ACE

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because I loved my experience at SLU and wanted to stay involved in helping the institution continue to grow and thrive. I’m especially passionate about being a resource for current students and showing that young alumni of color are actively engaged and making an impact.

Job/Title: Earth Science Teacher/NPS Ranger/Mountain Host at Big Sky Resort (Retired)

Major: Geology

SLU Activities:  Sister of Kappa Delta Sigma, member of the Geology Club

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because  I believe it is important to give back to the institution that helped shape the person I am today. From the amazing courses I took, to the friends I made and personal growth I achieved while at St. Lawrence, it's only natural to give back to the school I love. 

Major: English and Political Science

SLU Activities: Studied abroad in England, France, and Germany, President of Men in Color, Community Assistant

I joined the Alumni Executive Council as a Student Delegate to help current students see alumni as valuable resources for mentorship and guidance. It’s a great opportunity to give back and stay connected to the multigenerational, tight-knit community that works to shape student growth.

Major: Finance and Business in the Liberal Arts

SLU Activities: Captain of the Saints Field Hockey team, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee representative, member of ODK honor society, studied and interned in the NYC Semester

I joined the Alumni Executive Council as a Student Delegate because I've seen firsthand how a single connection within the Laurentian network can change a student's trajectory, and I want to help make that experience accessible to every Saint. Serving as a bridge between current students and alumni is my way of giving back to a community that has shaped who I am, and I'm eager to strengthen those intergenerational ties that make the Laurentian network so powerful.

Job/Title: Research Analyst, Global Reproductive Health Initiative, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation

Major: Psychology

Minor: African Studies and Art & Art History

SLU Activities:  Studied abroad in Kenya, Sister of Kappa Delta Sigma, Panhellenic Council

I joined the Alumni Executive Council to strengthen engagement within the alumni community, help students navigate their next steps, and remain connected to the wonderfully rich SLU network that continues to inspire and feels like home.

Job/Title: Youth Services Librarian, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (Retired)

Major: Government and History

SLU Activities:  Sister of Kappa Delta Sigma, member of the Alpine Ski team, volunteered as a tutor on the Saint Regis Mohawk Reservation

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because I became familiar with AEC when my daughter, Beth '03, was on the Alumni Council. I was able to attend several functions with her and was incredibly impressed by the fellow Laurentians serving on council. Their dedication of time and resources to the University was outstanding, and when I was invited to join AEC, I jumped at the chance to give back to SLU.  It is a privilege to be able to contribute my perspective as both an alum and as a parent, to St. Lawrence, where I received a liberal arts education that prepared me both personally and professionally for life.

Job/Title: Senior Director of Sales for Veritas Software (Retired)

Major: Economics

SLU Activities:  Saints Wrestling Team, Brother of Beta Theta Pi, Orientation Leader

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because I loved the time I spent at St. Lawrence as a student and as an athlete, and I remain proud to be a Saint.  I joined the Alumni Council because I wanted to find a way to give back and help keep that SLU magic alive for future generations of students.

Job/Title: Associate Director of Alumni and Donor Relations at Shady Side Academy

Major: Fine Arts

Minor: Anthropology and Education

SLU Activities:  Admissions Ambassador, The Hill News, Student Alumni Association

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because I wanted to stay connected to St. Lawrence, engage with alumni across the decades, give back in a meaningful way, and help strengthen other alumni’s connection to the Laurentian network.  

Job/Title: Chaplain, Chair of the Committee for Preparation of Ministry, Presbytery of Northern New York

Major: Religious Studies

Minor: Music

SLU Activities:  Member of the Laurentian Singers and Gospel Choir, Sister of Chi Omega, studied abroad in both Denmark and Ireland, Orientation leader. 

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because  St. Lawrence university helped make me the moral human and leader I am today, and I want to help ensure that the strong liberal arts legacy continues for many more generations of students to become global citizens. I also love getting to spend more time networking with alumni and meeting current students! 

Job/Title: Owner of Cabinet IQ of Greensboro & Zōn Project Services

Major: Economics 

Minor: Psychology and Government

SLU Activities:  Vice President of Thelomathesian Society and of the Class of 2003, member of Omicron Delta Kappa, Community Assistant SLU Activities:  

I joined the Alumni Executive Council because  my love of St. Lawrence and the foundation it provided me drove my desire to join.  I wanted to play a part in ensuring current and future students had a similar experience and hopefully encourage fellow alumni to stay involved or get involved.