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Erin Verry, who has been a mainstay in Maryville’s Office of Institutional Advancement for more than 27 years, was recently named a 2016 Ageless Remarkable St. Louisan by St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors. The award recognizes St. Louisans who continue to live “active and vital lives” through ongoing careers and/or volunteerism. Verry was recognized at a ceremony held in October.

Verry says she was both humbled and delighted to be recognized as an Ageless Remarkable St. Louisan.

“The first time I visited campus I fell in love with Maryville,” Verry says. “I’m thrilled to assist with Maryville’s continuing growth, now more than ever.”

Verry is known for her long and successful tenure as director of alumni relations during a period in which many Maryville alumni re-engaged with the University, often at Verry’s personal invitation. When she took over as Maryville’s new director of alumni relations in 1988, alumni engagement was minimal — approximately 250 people would attend the annual Alumni Weekend and few were involved in committees or affinity groups on campus. Maryville now averages well over 1,000 attendees at this annual event each September and the weekend is filled with activities. Verry’s intentional efforts to bring alumni into the fold, expand volunteer opportunities and encourage alumni to become ambassadors for the University is largely credited for the increased numbers.

Over the years, Verry’s many duties have included planning and executing the annual Alumni Weekend, Alumni Trivia Night and Maryville’s sponsorship of the St. Louis Speakers Series. She has also spearheaded Maryville’s volunteer National Leadership Councils and Alumni Association, accompanied alumni on two university trips abroad and served on several University task forces. Rather than retreating in her spare time, she volunteers regularly for special Maryville events — such as those benefitting Kids Rock Cancer, Maryville’s music therapy outreach program.

Verry recently assumed new responsibilities within the Office of Institutional Advancement, helping to ensure that graduates from earlier years — when Maryville College first moved to West St. Louis County and later became Maryville University — continue to feel closely connected to today’s active, multi-dimensional campus.

This story also featured in the Fall 2016 edition of Maryville Magazine.