Jenn Thorpe ’93 has joined the Rosemont community as Director of Alumni Relations. Jenn brings more than 28 years of experience in higher education to Rosemont.
“I love this place,” she said. “I have a unique advantage that I already know Rosemont as an alum. I was active in the Rosemont community as a student. I was on the softball team, a member of SGA and campus ministry and a student ambassador. I was also a transfer and commuter student, so I have a lot of varied experience from Rosemont. Now I’m excited to be immersed in the community again as an employee.”
Jenn’s primary responsibility will be to engage the alumni community through events, special programs, and communications.
“It’s all about building relationships,” she said. “I’m looking forward to getting involved in the community.
Alumni Relations Director Jenn Thorpe
I plan to not only engage with our alumni but to also plant the seeds with our current students and find ways to engage with them now because one day they will be members of our alumni community.”
Before Rosemont, Jenn worked for more than 28 years as a residence life and housing administrator, most recently overseeing residence life at Chestnut Hill College for 16 years. She has also held roles in residence life and housing at Drexel University, Harcum College, Philadelphia University, and Shippensburg University.
“I loved working in residence life for so long,” she said. “It’s all about the students – they are why I’ve been in higher education for as long as I have. At the same time, I’m ready for a new challenge to work directly with the alumni.”
Outside of work, Jenn enjoys playing recreational softball, quilting, going to shows, and spending time with friends and family – including her nine nieces and nephews.
“My favorite job is being an aunt,” she said. “They are my world. I’m always at one of their sports games, theater productions, meeting them for dinner, or a birthday celebration.”
She is also the co-founder of the Zachary Wallace Fund, a nonprofit that supports children with special needs. The organization was established in honor of her nephew who passed away from a rare blood disease. Jenn is also an active member on the board of directors of the Blind Sports Organization.
“Whether it’s for fun or a fundraiser, I enjoy being with people,” she said. “I’m always busy, and I’m always somewhere.”
Jenn earned her bachelor’s degree from Rosemont in history and her master’s degree from Shippensburg University in counseling with a concentration in college student personnel.
“I’m just excited to be here and to be part of the community,” she said. “I already feel like I belong here. I look forward to collaborating with everyone on campus, meeting more alumni, getting to know their experiences as alums, and creating opportunities to bring people together.”
