MALTA – Malerie Schumaker, a resident of Malta, recently accepted the newly-created role of alumni relations manager with the Kishwaukee College Foundation. In her role, Schumaker will work to connect and engage with alumni while building a sustainable program for long-term donor relations.

“We are very excited to welcome Malerie to our foundation team to help keep Kish’s robust alumni network connected with the college, the foundation and each other,” Dr. Kayte Hamel, executive director of the Kishwaukee College Foundation, said.

Schumaker was raised in Malta and attended Kishwaukee College while pursuing her bachelor’s degree. While attending Northern Illinois University, she took part in the study abroad program in Germany, where she met her husband.

Schumaker finished her bachelor’s degree in business communication and later completed a master’s degree in business administration through DeVry University. Previously, she has worked in a customer service capacity with Diamond Tour Golf and River Heights Golf Course.

As an event organizer interested in philanthropy, Schumaker has worked closely with the Malta Seedling Project, which promotes different events in the village, such as Music in the Park, Malta Garland Festival and the Tractor Trot Run. She has assisted with the annual Huskies Fore Hope Golf Outing, which benefits local community members through the support of Shriners Hospital for Children.

“I have strong roots in the community, which always draws me back home,” Schumaker said. “I appreciate the solid foundations of education and community support to attain goals in life. Through my years of education, our community has offered exceptional opportunities to grow and develop. I am honored to be part of the Kishwaukee College family, and am looking forward to further developing our alumni engagement in this new role for the foundation.”

The Kishwaukee College Foundation is the philanthropic branch of the college and plays an integral role in supporting the college’s mission to improve lives through quality, affordable education.

“Malerie’s knowledge of the local community and professional background will make her an important bridge between the foundation and our alumni,” Hamel said. “We are excited to see what fresh initiatives she will bring as we work to connect with the thousands of Kish alumni in our community and beyond.”

For more information or to share your Kish alumni story, email Schumaker at mschumaker@kish.edu.