Five Questions With Director of Alumni & Parent Relations Don Scott ’91

Q: How does it feel to return to Puget Sound as a staff member?

A: When I saw the job posting, it was almost like a calling for me to come back to the university and be able to contribute to the success of a place that changed the trajectory of my life. Everybody has been so incredibly gracious. I learned that it's the first time in 30 or 40 years that there's been an alum in this position, which is exciting to think about. I view this as my opportunity to give back, but in a very different way than I did when I was a student or when I was an admission counselor for five years after I graduated. The same feeling of being part of a community and the relationships we create are things that I think most current and graduated students remember the most.

Q: Tell me about your new role as Director of Alumni & Parent Relations. What does that entail?

A: I came in thinking it was one thing, but I’m discovering that it’s actually something different—and more meaningful. A lot of what I get to do is help bust the myth that the only reason we want alumni to be involved is from a philanthropic perspective. While that’s certainly an important way to support the university and sustain it for the long term, there are so many other forms that engaging in a meaningful relationship with the university can take. We have opportunities for alumni to mentor current students, to welcome newly admitted students, to attend homecoming and Summer Reunion Weekend, or to simply reconnect with their friends at a regional event. I think people will be surprised, as I was, to see all the amazing things that are happening at Puget Sound.

Q: What would you like alumni to know about how they can be involved?

A: The team here is passionate about helping alumni connect with the university in whatever way they want to be connected. I want them to know that there are opportunities to get involved and be a part of the future of the university. That was a major factor for me in deciding to come back. I didn't want to be a part of a place that was just resting on its laurels. Puget Sound has a lot to be proud of, but I think Puget Sound also has an exciting vision for where it wants to be. We're here to help rekindle that pride.

Q: How do you spend your time outside of work?

A: I'm taking the chance to rediscover Tacoma. When I was a student, Tacoma had a reputation for being a rough town, but that’s changed so much since then. I really shortchanged myself in terms of not taking advantage of the amazing things Tacoma has to offer. I’ve seen more theater in the past seven weeks than I have in probably the last 15 years. It’s been fun to reconnect and see what I was missing.