An alumna working in the Alumni Association is not unheard of.

Recent Missouri Southern graduate Elisa Bryant, has become the new alumni relations coordinator.

Bryant graduated in December 2004 with a bachelor’s of science in business administration with an emphasis on marketing.

“My degree is paying off,” Bryant said.

Bryant said she heard about the opening in the position from a friend, and she is glad she took it.

“I was really excited,” she said.

Bryant was working in an internship during her time after graduation, but she said her current job utilizes the things she learned in school as well as the aspects of the internship.

Lee Pound, director of the Alumni Association, said Bryant is

doing her job well.

“She has hit the ground running,” Pound said.

Pound said Bryant is willing to work and uses her position as a recent graduate to its fullest.

“We’re excited to have Elisa as a recent graduate,” Pound said. “She will represent the younger alumni.”

Pound and Bryant have been working together to create new incentives for students to join the Student Alumni Association, an association for students to become more involved in alumni activities before graduating.

The incentives include discounts at local businesses including restaurants as well as community events and receptions.

Both said students should look for upcoming events sponsored by the Alumni Association and tailored for the students.

Bryant is focusing on the younger alumni as well.

“We need a lot more alumni to become members,” she said. “It’s the number one thing I’m focusing on.”

Bryant said she did not see herself working at Southern when she graduated, but she is glad to be back.

“It doesn’t feel really weird because I really love Missouri Southern,” she said.

Pound is also glad to have Bryant on board.

“She brings back a recent perspective,” Pound said. “She is a workhorse.”

Pound said because Bryant also played soccer during her time at Southern, she is a good choice to work with several coaches on preparing an Athletic Alumni Association.

Pound and Bryant would also like to let the students know the office is always open to them.

“We’d like students to feel they can come into the office with ideas they have for the Alumni Association,” Pound said.