Meet the Team
and learn about our history
Many of you may remember Dr. Orrison as your principal, now he is graciously serving as alumni director. He coordinates alumni events, has established Leaders on Leadership and challenges alumni to become involved with their aluma mater. Assisting him with his duties is Krista (Randolph) Metzger (’88).
HISTORY OF THE ALUMNI DEPARTMENT
There was an effort in the early 60s to develop an active alumni program, but it was not until Charlene Vitrano volunteered her time in the late 60s that the alumni department was formalized. In 1973, Principal Orrison joined efforts with Vitrano and the alumni program expanded. During the 1986-87 school year the development program was initiated by Dr. Orrison during the Alumni Weekend. The program was responsible for undertaking fundraising endeavors for the advancement of Andrews Academy. Among the first ventures were the letter writing campaign, the citrus fruit program, the magazine campaign, and the annual appeal program to alumni and friends. These efforts funded projects such as the establishment of the athletic fields, the tennis courts, a sound system for the chapel, and bleachers for the gymnasium.
Charlene Vitrano was hired as the first part-time employee in the alumni and development area in 1988, after she retired from teaching. Her leadership of the program continued until the spring of 1996, when the position was turned over to Rebecca (Snyder) Becker (att.). Becker was employed full-time until the spring of 2005.
Orrison then returned to the position of Alumni & Development director and under his guidence new programs have been created such as Leaders on Leadership, and the EnVision Challenge Campaign. Beginning in 2005, a new endowment has been established each year, including the Class of 2005 Endowment, the Douglas R. Newberry Memorial Endowment, the Thomas & Eleanor Umek Memorial Endowment, and the C. Roy Smith & Charlene Vitrano Endowment. Alumni homecoming events have also been enhanced, culminating with the 2008-2009 alumni celebration concerts (Bach to Bluegrass) featuring the Silhouettes reunion. Orrision continues to speahead positive change at Andrews Academy.