Alumni A World Community

Kenneth Cornell Named to Key Role

Alumni's New Leader

By Clint Kelly (ckelly@spu.edu) | Photo by Luke Rutan

Kenneth Cornell joins Laila Sharpe (left), associate director of alumni and parent relations; Linda Nolte (second from left), office manager; and Bobbie Taylor (right), program manager, for a fully staffed Alumni Center.

He's a true Renaissance man, with expertise and interests that span a broad range of subject areas. A husband, father, hiker, and Anglophile who's made multiple trips to the British Isles, Kenneth Cornell '85 is also exceedingly loyal to Seattle Pacific University. For the past 21 years, he has played key roles in shaping SPU's mission in such areas as admissions, undergraduate marketing, external relations, and fundraising.

As Seattle Pacific's recently appointed director of alumni and parent relations, Ken now serves more than 30,000 alumni and the parents of SPU students. He relishes helping them connect with what's happening on campus and developing meaningful programs, including events such as Homecoming, Mom's Day, and Dad's Day.

"Ken is a strong leader who is committed to SPU, and to strengthening relationships with alumni and parents," says Tom Box, vice president for university advancement. Joining Cornell in that mission is Jennifer Feddern Kenney '91, the new Alumni Association Board president.