Five Questions for Ann Pryor ’83, Vice President of Alumni Affairs

What is your favorite alumni event and why?

A Charleston Affair, for sure. The Alumni Association has hosted it since 1900 and transformed it into a much larger event in 2008, and we work to improve it every year. My College friends and I first attended in 2012 as guests, years before I ever dreamt of working here. The moment we stepped on campus, the sense of connection and belonging was overwhelming. I love sharing that feeling with alumni and new graduates every year. It never gets old.

What does it mean to be a Cougar?

To appreciate the gifts the College gave us and pay it forward. We have an incredibly strong and grateful alumni network. More alumni are giving back every year to support scholarships, programs and students. In the seven years I’ve worked here, I’ve never had a fellow alumnus turn down a request for assistance. Just yesterday, I cold-emailed an alumna to ask her to help a student get an interview with her company. She responded immediately, “Of course, that’s what Cougars do for each other.”

What makes the College so special?

It’s not just one thing; it’s a formula few universities can match. First, it’s the academics: The amazing faculty, the small class sizes and the strong core curriculum provide a top-notch education. Second, the tradition of getting involved on campus through hundreds of organizations teaches us to work well with others, provides leadership opportunities and makes it fun. And third, Charleston is a world-class city, providing jobs and internships where students not only gain work experience; they also acquire confidence and professional polish. The combination of education, life skills and panache is what makes the College distinctive.

What brought you back to the College after your career in Washington, D.C.?

I owe everything I have to the College, and I don’t say that lightly. It prepared me to succeed throughout my career and gave me a network of connections upon whom I still rely. What better way to show my gratitude than to use my experience in fundraising, marketing and event production to engage fellow alumni to stay informed, get involved and give back to the College?

What’s your favorite place on campus and why?

The steps of Randolph Hall. I have a photo of my dad when he was a student here in 1946, standing on those steps with other candidates for “Mr. College of Charleston.” He passed away in 2002, but I think of him every day, particularly whenever I walk up or down those steps.