Alumni society
The CEHD Alumni Society was established in 1956, and continues to engage alumni with the college and university through programs and outreach.
As a graduate of CEHD, all alumni are automatically a part of the CEHD Alumni Society. There’s no need to sign up or fill out a form.
We invite you to connect with this amazing network. The CEHD Alumni Society is a place where you can both give and get back.
Dear Fellow CEHD Alumni,
I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the incoming president of the CEHD Alumni Society Board (ASB) for the 2024–25 year. I’ve been an active board member since summer 2021, serving on the University Relations and Engagement Committees. I’m honored to take on this leadership role and extend my sincere thanks to Dr. Jenna Mitchler for her previous service as ASB president.
The Alumni Society Board focuses on three key areas: (a) Advocating for the college and University; (b) Creating and fostering lifelong connections with alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends; and, (c) Enhancing the student experience. Our dedicated board members range from recent graduates to newly retired alumni, united in their commitment to advancing the society’s mission.
My goals for the board build upon my predecessor’s vision: to cultivate a vibrant community of lifelong connections that embodies the society’s purpose. We’re already planning exciting ac- tivities for the year, including homecoming (October 25) and student-alumni engagement events.
I’m incredibly proud to be part of the CEHD community, known for its dedication to student success under the leadership of Dean Michael C. Rodriguez.
Please share your ideas, memories, and feedback anytime at cehdas@umn.edu. We value your input and want to stay connected with your interests.
Thank you for your continued loyalty and support.
Julio Caésar, Ph.D.
CEHD Alumni Society President
PhD '20, Educational Psychology
Executive Director, Research, Evaluation, Assessment - Bloomington Public Schools
cehdas@umn.edu
Get involved
The CEHD Alumni Society is seeking interested candidates for open board positions. Applicants should be a CEHD graduate, faculty, former student, or friend of CEHD. Applications to join the board for 2025 will open in early spring in 2025. Terms last three years, starting July 1. Please fill out this form to be notified when applications open.
The CEHD Alumni Society Board of Directors is composed of dynamic leaders from around the world. Directors promote the ongoing excellence of CEHD by enlisting the support and participation of CEHD alumni. Board members volunteer their time, talent, and resources to assist in building an alumni-centered culture within the College.
If you have questions or are interested in learning more, please contact Sara Pennebecker at penne048@umn.edu
- Network with alumni, students, faculty/staff, community members, and board members.
- Increase involvement and awareness of education and human development related issues.
- Help increase the visibility of the CEHD Alumni Society among alumni and the greater community.
- Greater connection with the college and the university.
- Complimentary admission to various educational and social events, including the Annual Alumni Association celebration.
In general, the time commitment is approximately 3-5 hours a month. All board members are expected to serve on a committee (engagement, international relations, student relations, or university relations) in addition to their board service. Board meetings take place (hybrid format) on the second Wednesday every other month in the evening, and committees are expected to meet separately. Board members are encouraged to attend the board’s annual planning retreat held in the late summer, as well as other CEHD events throughout the year. Members serve a three-year term (July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027) and are eligible to serve two consecutive terms. Board members do not need to live locally to participate.
- Interest in education, human development, community engagement, leadership opportunities, and giving back to CEHD.
- Team-oriented work style and strong interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to ask questions and receive feedback.
- UMAA membership is encouraged.
- Deepen and foster engagement among fellow alumni and friends in CEHD Alumni Society sponsored activities including events
- Work to increase visibility of the CEHD Alumni Society to encourage engagement and elevate the prominence of CEHD alumni
- Support CEHD and its students through Give to the Max Day activities
- Advocate for legislation and state support for the U of M and CEHD
Consider nominating an alum to apply for the CEHD Alumni Society Board of Directors. CEHD Alumni Relations staff will follow up with them directly to ask them to apply.
Alumni society board
The CEHD Alumni Society Board is made up of volunteers who create lifelong connections with alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the college; enhance the student experience and advocate for the college and University.
Officers
- Julio Caésar (PhD ’20, educational psychology), president
- Louellen Essex (BS ’70, speech; PhD ’79, educational administration), vice-president
- Jenna Mitchler (PhD ’15, curriculum & instruction), past-president
- Carlos Reyes (BS ’13, business marketing and education), secretary
Dean's designee
- Professor Stephanie Sisco (PhD '19, human resource development)
Student representatives
- Graduate student representative: Cody Freeman (PhD student, comparative & international development education)
- Undergraduate Student Board representative: Nadia Testut (BA student, English; DirecTrack to Teaching program)
Board members
- Ron Anderson (MA ’90, education; PhD ’94, educational psychology)
- Emily DePalma Mance (BS ’12 and MEd ’13, elementary education)
- Sousada Grande (PhD ’16, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education)
- Danielle Hegseth (MSW ’11, social work)
- Kim Jenkins (BS ’99, family social science)
- Yiting Li (MA ’17 and PhD ’22, family social science)
- Kristin Morris (BS ’05 and MEd ’08, human resource development)
- Jenni Norlin-Weaver (MEd ’89, curriculum and instruction; EdD ’99, educational administration)
- Jonathan J. Okstad (MEd ’16, youth development leadership)
- Rand Park (PhD ’18, organizational leadership, policy & development)
- Deb Salls (MEd ’97, youth development leadership)
- Allen Shen (BS ’11, business marketing and education)
- La Tasha Shevlin (BS '08, human resource development; MEd '13, family education)
- Mitch Trockman (BS ’62, elementary education; MA ’72 secondary education; MA ’75, educational administration)
- Mallory Tuominen (MEd ’07, teaching)
- Marina Uehara (MSW ’12, social work; MA ’15, organizational leadership, policy, and development)