Michelle Leen, Staff Writer

Barbara Burgin has been named assistant vice chancellor for alumni affairs at Appalachian State University.  Burgin was promoted  Jan. 22 at a foundation board meeting.

“Finding out about my promotion shocked and surprised me,” said Burgin.

“It has been quite overwhelming,” she said.

The promotion was based on past accomplishments and success, Burgin said.

She will be working out of her office more, continuing fundraising as well as working and visiting with ASU alumni.

“My responsibilities as the assistant vice chancellor give me the opportunity to meet various alumni on a personal basis,” said Burgin.

Burgin’s new responsibilities include greater emphasis on strengthening alumni and staff support for Appalachian’s centennial campaign.
 
She will be responsible for raising funds of up to $500,000 for the alumni endowment for the centennial campaign.

The alumni endowment supports numerous alumni programs throughout the year.

Some of the programs include travel programs, awards and recognition, reunion programs and alumni scholarship funds.

Burgin said she enjoys getting to know alumni and working one on one with them.
 
She also added that she looks forward to enhancing alumni programs at ASU and continuing to get more alumni involved in participating and supporting ASU programs and activities.

Burgin has been the alumni director at ASU since 1982.

Her most noticeable accomplishment as the director of alumni affairs is the McKinney Alumni Center, which Burgin coordinated the architectural and fundraising project for, and raised $1.8 million in private funds to build the center.

Burgin said that the alumni that she meets with from all over the country and world, enjoy promoting ASU and supporting their alma mater.

“With years of experience in developing numerous personal relationships with alumni, I have seen tremendous results for support for ASU,” said Bugin.

Before Burgin became director for alumni affairs, she served as a volunteer in Catawba County, representing Catawba on the ASU alumni council in 1980-81.

The position for director became available, so Burgin was encouraged to apply by peers, and she received the job.

Burgin has also taught business for 12 years at Newton-Conover High School in Catawba County.

Burgin graduated from ASU in 1971 with a bachelor of science degree in business education and received a master’s in business and economics in 1974.

Vice Chancellor for Univeristy Advancement,  Siegfried Herrmann, looks forward to working with Burgin.

“Barbara has made significant contributions to Appalachian, and her promotion recognizes her accomplishments,” said Herrmann.

“This position makes a statement about the importance of our alumni and their loyal and dedicated work in support of the university’s mission,” he said.

“The bottom line is that I look forward to work for the betterment of ASU,” said Burgin.

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