Formerly the hospitality coordinator of Cornerstone admissions, Darci Irwin has been promoted to alumni director.

President Joe Stowell made the official announcement of Irwin’s promotion on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at the end of the chapel service.

“I cannot stop thinking about how wonderful it will be to celebrate the accomplishments of alumni in order to encourage both them and current students,” said Irwin of her promotion.

Irwin began her career at CU on Nov. 20, 2006, as a senior admissions counselor for the undergraduate admissions office. She was later promoted to hospitality coordinator, the last position she held before becoming alumni director.

It was Darci’s energy and positive view of Cornerstone that allowed her to stand out to others. One person in particular was Bill Knott, senior vice president for University Advancement.

“I saw a great person and schemed to draw her away from her current position,” Knott said.

Irwin was hand-selected from about 30 resumes applying for the job. When the group of applicants was narrowed down to three, Knott said that Irwin’s qualifications caused her to move to top position. She was then reviewed by the CU advancement team and given a final approval from President Stowell.

Irwin’s daily duties will change immensely. She will work with a largely volunteer team to reignite alumni passion for CU. Instead of recruiting high school students to enroll, she will be designing new communications avenues for alumni to stay connected.

“We want to leverage the experience all of our alumni have to make them into a formidable force for building the kingdom and being encouraged in that effort,” Knott said.

Irwin will also have a bit of freedom to define and implement her own role as alumni director as well. She understands the importance of her new role and is excited to make advancements with CU alumni.

“Alumni are the roots of a university. They reflect its history, steady its present and reproduce its future,” Irwin said. “With thousands of alumni represented through Cornerstone University, we must invest considerable wisdom, passion, love and time to earn their trust, celebrate their victories and support them.”

Irwin also expressed the desire to craft more opportunities that allow alumni to invest in CU outside of financial support.

“If clearly communicated and managed well, alumni can be incredible chapel speakers, mission trip leaders, dorm parents, recruiters, mentors and provide internship opportunities, just to name a few initial ideas,” Irwin said.

Many others are rallying behind Irwin as well.

“Darci is a visionary. She can look at a blank slate and see an elaborate blueprint,” said CU junior Lauren Hines, who has worked closely with Irwin through admissions. “She will do an excellent job in her new role as director of alumni relations. Advancement has gained an invaluable team member that will go above and beyond their expectations.”

Knott is feeling very confident in his selection of Irwin as well.

“This role is a critical piece of the success of Cornerstone. As we move out into a new chapter communicating to the alumni and drawing on their experience is vital to maintaining a vibrant life-giving community,” Knott said. “She is a great addition to a strong team God is building here at Cornerstone. ”