The College of Arts and Sciences wishes to recognize young alumna Karlene Noel Jennings of Williamsburg, VA. Karlene has been a loyal annual donor to several areas of the university since her days as a graduate student in the McKissick Museum Management Program and the Higher Education Administration program. Through an estate gift, Karlene recently established the Lynn Robertson and George D. Terry McKissick Museum Fellowship in Museum Management in honor of Lynn Robertson--recently retired executive director of the McKissick Museum--and Lynn's late husband, George D. Terry--former dean of libraries at USC. Because of a generous dollar-for-dollar matching gift opportunity to enhance McKissick Museum acquisitions, Karlene's gift also has an immediate positive impact on McKissick.

"Lynn and George established the Museum Management Program and offered a different perspective on careers in academia. I have fond memories of my classes with them --they were always willing to go the extra mile to assist their students.," recalls Karlene. "I was awarded a graduate fellowship upon starting my graduate programs here, so I wanted to give back in this way. Without the graduate fellowship, I may never have attended Carolina. Lynn and George always felt strongly about graduate study, so I thought this was a great way to honor them."

After finishing her master's degree at USC, Karlene went on to receive a Ph.D. in higher education administration from Iowa State and also holds a Certified Fund Raising Executive credential (CFRE). As a development professional herself, who has served several public institutions around the country, Karlene said that it was a great experience to be on the other side of the process as a donor.

"USC was a wonderful educational opportunity," says Karlene, "and I have wonderful memories of my time on campus and in The Vista." Karlene is active in the Hampton Roads Carolina Club through the Carolina Alumni Association.

We are proud to honor Karlene Noel Jennings as Alumni of the Month and thank her for her loyal support and generosity to The College of Arts and Sciences and the entire University!

Click here to see a list of previous Alumni/Friends of the Month