The Waters Alumni Chapter seeks to support students through scholarships, reconnect alumni

March 15, 2024

The Waters Alumni Chapter has become the Troy University Alumni Association’s 69^th chapter.

The chapter was officially chartered on Thursday by Faith Byrd, Director of Alumni Affairs. The new chapter traces its origin to an alumni event held last May that saw close to 50 residents of the community attend. Those in attendance were surprised to learn that around 100 TROY alumni called The Waters home, leading to discussions about forming their own alumni chapter.

Jeannine Birmingham, a 1988 graduate with a degree in accounting and mathematics, will serve as the chapter’s president.

“Personally, I would like to see this chapter be an example of commitment to Troy University,” she said. “We’re in a unique community out here, and there are about 100 families that we know of that are TROY alumni. It would be fun having a community of friends in this area support TROY at a much higher level.” Birmingham said supporting students is a major goal of the new chapter.

“Ultimately, I think what we are doing here today is all about supporting students,” she said. “If this chapter can offer scholarships to students and encourage them while they are there and know their stories that just helps to build the next group of young professionals that will be in our workforce one day. With college enrollment overall declining, I believe it is really important for people to talk about higher education and career opportunities that can come from those types of degrees. When you have an incredible university that is 40 miles from where you live in Montgomery, Pike Road or the Waters, we should be encouraging families to think about TROY as an opportunity for their children.”

Jeff Dickey, a 1998 TROY alumnus, will serve as the chapter’s vice president. He sees the new chapter as an opportunity for alumni to reconnect.

“It is unique to have a chapter in its own neighborhood,” he said. “This will serve as a point for some people to reconnect with each other but also with the University.”

The other officers of the chapter are Brantley Leverette, treasurer, and Laura Chambliss, communications.

The chapter will hold its first scholarship presentation on April 11. For additional information about the event or how to become a member of the chapter, email troyatthewaters@gmail.com or visit the chapter’s Facebook page.

Source:
ANDY ELLIS
Director of Communications – Troy University.