Friday, May 16, 2008
by: Isabel Bauer

Jennifer Lackie '08 with her parents

The Things She Does
This year’s valedictorian, Jennifer Lackie, has given the expression “student involvement” new meaning. As if a double major in international relations and French wasn’t enough to keep her busy, during her time at Seton Hall Lackie advised her peers in freshmen studies, managed both events and finances for the student government association, played the trumpet in the pep band, oversaw finances and community relations of the village liaison committee and planned events for the Student Alumni Association (SAA). Phew, what a list… Needless to say, this recent graduate has been an integral part of Seton Hall’s campus life for the past four years. 

A Step Ahead
Lackie did not wait until graduation to meet fellow alumni. She was one of the first members to join SAA four years ago. “It sounded like a fantastic opportunity to connect current students with alumni, increase school spirit and keep alumni linked to their alma mater.” This mutually beneficial relationship has proven essential to students’ professional development. Take, for example, the etiquette dinner hosted by SAA, where an expert in the field explains the ins and outs of proper etiquette for a business meeting held at the dining table. “Those skills were very useful during my graduate school interviews and visits this semester,” says Lackie.

Setting Examples
Over the years, Lackie has gained a greater appreciation of herself and what is important to her. “I know that the constant involvement of alumni has made my experience and that of other students richer,” she says. Now a proud graduate, Lackie plans to join the Pirate mentoring program to do her part in ensuring that students get as much out of their time at Seton Hall as she did. “I hope to get involved in an alumni regional chapter somewhere around Boston, Mass. when attending Boston College next semester.” There, Lackie will be pursuing her master’s degree in higher education administration — a degree that prepares her to work for any university administration.  

School Spirit
“One thing that I will never forget about Seton Hall was attending the NCAA first-round [men’s basketball] tournament in 2006.” As a member of the pep band, Seton Hall picked her to perform at the tournament. Before embarking an eleven-hour bus trip to North Carolina, everyone, including the cheerleaders, pep band and WSOU broadcasters, rubbed the foot of the Pirate statue outside of the gym for good luck. “It was so exciting to be at the tournament — the teams, the fans, the anticipation of the game.” The Seton Hall gang, with painted faces and all, cheered as loud as possible. “We were superfans and had a blast.”

Lackie's Tip
Watching the men’s basketball away games at Pirate’s Cove is a relaxing way to get to know current students and to network with some of Seton Hall’s most prominent and active alumni. “SAA is made up of students from all parts of the University: different majors, different years, different everything. But we all love working together and giving back to Seton Hall in a number of different ways.”

For more information please contact:
Alumni Relations
(800) 992-4723
alumni@shu.edu