Amid the buzz of Bid Week, where potential members of Trinity’s Greek organizations looked forward to a possible future in various sororities and fraternities, Trinity’s Greek community had the opportunity to recognize someone who had gone before them for her hard work and support of Greek Life at the university.

Last Thursday, Jeanne McGee Culver was named Fraternity and Sorority Alumni Advisor of the Year. Culver graduated from Trinity in 1982 with a degree in sociology. During her time at the university she was a member of TUVAC and Chi Beta Epsilon sorority, and served in leadership roles during the organization of various campus events such as the talent show.

Culver’s involvement with Trinity continued even after she graduated through her service as an alumni advisor to the Chi Beta Epsilon sorority. Through this service, she realized the need for alumni involvement in all fraternities and sororities. As a result, she became a founding member of the Greek Alumni Advisory Council, or GAAC.

“When my daughter went to Trinity, I noticed that none of the alumni were involved with Greek Life,” Culver said. “At first I just volunteered with Chi Beta. Later, we contacted members of the Greek Council and they were all very interested in alumni advisors.”

The Greek Alumni Advisory Council, as well as members of the Greek Council, feel that the relationships between students and alumni are important and valuable.

“It is helpful to have someone who understands what it is like to be in their shoes,” Culver said. “It can also be helpful with things like job networking.”

In fact, some students keep relationships with Culver have helped them land jobs after graduating from Trinity.

“I’ve been able to work with two Chi Betas that graduated. One got hired by a PR agency in San Antonio that my firm collaborated with. Another was hired by a non-profit organization in Dallas where I am on the board,” Culver said. “Relationships and connections like this are the most rewarding part of being an alumni advisor.”

Culver currently lives in Dallas with her husband, Ken, and three daughters, and is the president and owner of Culver Public Relations.