Raelene Brower. [Darren Heslop]
Raelene, who returns to Andrews after a successful administrative career in higher education, will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the University’s relationships with alumni.
An alumna of Andrews herself, Raelene’s first job as a student was in the Public Relations office (now University Communication). She loved the variety of assignments and PR-related tasks. “That was my first affirmation that my career would be somehow interactive, collaborative, creative and mission-driven!” she recalls. “This has been reaffirmed throughout my career, and these are still the pillars of my life, personally and professionally.”
In the late 1980s, Raelene began working for Andrews as a financial aid administrator, helping students navigate the process and acquire resources. Four years later, she transitioned to recruitment and enrollment, focusing primarily on the upcoming freshman classes from Lake Union academies. She is proud to hold the record for recruiting the largest Andrews freshman class, at 438 students.
Raelene went on to work in the physical therapy program as director of enrollment services for six years. She completed 15 years of service at Andrews, then chose to explore a variety of career paths. Her experiences include direct sales, a family-owned business, and multiple administrative positions. She has utilized her skills at Midwestern University, Loma Linda University and two North American Division academies. “My parents were children of immigrants who came to America with nothing, worked hard and believed fiercely in God and the SDA message,” she shares. “I remain strongly committed to my church and Adventist education.”
In 2019, Raelene retired and returned to Michigan to be with her family. After going through COVID-19 pandemic lockdown isolation, she realized that she missed her interactions with students and colleagues, as well as the mission of Adventist higher education. “I believe God brought me directly to the role of director of Alumni Services,” she says. “It seems a natural and timely new chapter, and I am grateful to serve Andrews University again.”
In her role, Raelene will have a variety of responsibilities, including welcoming new alumni at Commencement ceremonies, arranging regional events, recognizing honored alumni and planning the annual Homecoming Weekend. She is excited about several current initiatives in the office, including an “Up-and-Coming” Honored Alumni award and AU Network, which connects current students with alumni mentors. “It has always seemed like my ‘mission field’ is to serve families and help them feel connected to the Andrews community,” she affirms. “For me, it’s all about relationships.”
Throughout her life and career, Raelene has been guided by God’s promises in Jeremiah 29:11. “Like everyone, my life has peaks and valleys. I know where I am headed and who has promised me it’s all going to be okay in the end. I receive continual reminders, which I call ‘hugs from God,’” she notes. Raelene sees these promises in her new role, enthusing, “Working at Andrews University—again—is truly one of those ‘hugs from God.’”
Isabella Koh is a writer for the Office of University Communication.
