Susquehanna Welcomes Alumni Relations Staff
Joining the campus community in November as director of alumni engagement, Haden brings with her nearly 20 years of alumni and parent relations, event planning and volunteer management experience. She has previously served at King’s College, Wilkes University and Bucknell University.
Updike, associate director of alumni relations, brings more than 10 years of alumni relations, event and facilities management, and athletic operations experience. He previously served at Penn State University before joining Susquehanna in October. Throughout his career, James has also held positions at Marshall University, Florida Atlantic University, Wagner College and Bloomsburg University.
What encouraged you to join the Susquehanna community?
Haden: I was immediately drawn to Susquehanna’s strong sense of community and its commitment to creating meaningful, lasting connections among students, alumni and families. Throughout my career in alumni engagement, I’ve always been inspired by institutions where relationships truly matter, and that authentic and welcoming spirit is felt everywhere at SU. The opportunity to join a university that values tradition and belonging, while also embracing fresh ideas and innovation, made this role an exciting next step. I knew right away that this was a community I wanted to be part of.
Updike: Susquehanna is a great institution, and I felt this was an excellent opportunity to expand my professional portfolio within alumni engagement. My background in higher education has centered on event and facilities management, but I’ve always been passionate about creating meaningful experiences for the people I serve. I’m excited to build on that foundation and to gain valuable experience supporting our alumni and current students.
What do you hope to accomplish in the coming year?
Updike: I hope to build strong, collaborative relationships with alumni, students, faculty and staff, and really learn how I can best support them. Understanding their needs and perspectives will help me shape programs and experiences that feel personal and meaningful to the Susquehanna community.
Haden: In the year ahead, my goal is to deepen and expand the ways alumni engage with the university and with one another. I’ll be working closely with the Alumni Association Board, focusing on opportunities to strengthen alumni programming — both in person and online — striving for more student-alumni connections and using data to shape events and initiatives that truly reflect what Susquehanna alumni value. Ultimately, I want to build a foundation that supports both meaningful traditions and fresh, exciting engagement opportunities.
What are you most looking forward to as you connect with Susquehanna alumni?
Haden: I’m genuinely excited to meet the alumni who make this community so special. Every conversation reveals a new story, a shared memory or a unique path shaped by a Susquehanna education. I’m looking forward to hearing those stories, celebrating their successes and finding energizing and authentic ways to bring alumni together. Whether it’s at regional events, on campus or through virtual programs, I’m eager to build relationships and help alumni feel appreciated and proud to be part of the Susquehanna community.
Updike: I’m looking forward to hearing what their time at Susquehanna was like and what moments or relationships shaped their experience. I’m also excited to create opportunities that encourage alumni to stay engaged, whether through events, activities or new initiatives that help them stay connected to Susquehanna and to one another.
Join us in welcoming Laura and James to the Susquehanna community — contact them via their respective emails at or .
