(Richmond, VA) - Virginia Union University (VUU) announces the appointment of Deborah Alston to Senior Director for Alumni Relations and Advancement Services effective September 1, 2020. Alston will manage alumni engagement, programs, and events and the recording and reporting of philanthropic gifts and development.
“Ms. Alston’s dedicated work is proof that she is the right match for this appointment. I am confident she will help deliver our alumni engagement and philanthropy initiatives to our goal of being recognized as Best in Class,” said Hakim J. Lucas, President & CEO. “
Alston has been an employee of VUU for more than 33 years and has experience in fundraising, alumni relations, prospect research, and advancement services. She has held the role of Director, Prospect Research and Gifts Management since 2010. Over the years, she has been actively involved in fundraising initiatives, alumni initiatives, special events and has the supported the Athletic Office with football and basketball games. Prior to VUU, she was employed as a staff accountant for the State of Louisiana Board of CPAs in New Orleans, LA.
Alston is a graduate of Virginia State University with a bachelor's in accounting. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Tau Gamma Delta Sorority, Inc., and St. Paul’s Baptist Church. She has two sons Joseph Thompson of Washington, DC, and Michael Alston of Atlanta, GA.
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About VUU: Virginia Union University is a premier liberal arts urban institution of higher education and center of excellence for the preparation of students and the development of leaders for tomorrow’s world. It was founded in 1865 to give newly emancipated slaves an opportunity for education and advancement. Virginia Union University offers a broad range of educational opportunities that advance liberal arts education, teaching, research, science, technology, continuing education, civic engagement, and international experiences. Visit https://www.vuu.edu/ for more information.