College of Charleston Holds Volunteer Leadership Summit

^{Above (l–r): Angela Lindner ’83, Charles Mosteller ’81 and Beth Burke ’94}

The College of Charleston held its inaugural Volunteer Leadership Summit in May 2025. Representing 26 boards and 20 alumni clubs, more than 150 volunteer leaders came together to network and learn more about the opportunities and challenges the College faces in the coming years.

“I am so thankful for the effort of our volunteer leaders and grateful that we were able to convene so many of them under one roof at our first Volunteer Leadership Summit,” says Dan Frezza, chief advancement officer. 

Kicking off the program, President Andrew T. Hsu shared that the College is in a transformative period with new programs strengthening the student experience. He then had Jimmie Foster, vice president of enrollment planning; Alicia Caudill, executive vice president for student affairs; and Matt Roberts, vice president and director of athletics, share the challenges and opportunities facing both the College and students.

With Laurie Minges ’83, president of the Alumni Association, as the moderator, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Suzanne Austin and University of Florida Interim Provost Angela Lindner ’83 spoke about the state of higher education. They emphasized that every university department needs alumni to engage with students and share their career path and resources. That engagement delivers a personal experience and helps students thrive in a competitive environment.

Frezza closed out the day encouraging the College’s volunteer leaders to become peer-to-peer fundraisers because people are 44% more likely to make a gift if asked by someone they know. At the event, 18 leaders signed up and more are joining.

Bringing the College’s volunteer leaders together to hear the state of the College and higher education equips all leaders with the same information and expands their network of people with a passion for the College. Plans are to make the summit an annual event, with next year’s summit scheduled for May 1, 2026.

“There is no stronger presence than a volunteer body, mobilized and galvanized under a common goal,” says Frezza. “The College of Charleston’s future is beyond bright due to the hundreds of volunteers who fill the many ranks of boards, councils and alumni clubs.”