Megan Ward, a communications specialist in Alumnae/i Relations and Development (ARD), is one of five staff members celebrating their 25th year at the College. In her Staff Spotlight, Ward reflects on her favorite memories and accomplishments and shares her interests outside of work.
Were you always in the position/department you are in now? If not, can you talk about your path to get here?
I started in 1998 as the database and electronic communications coordinator in the Alumnae/i Association (AA). At the time, the Alumnae/i Association was a separate, independent organization. I managed all alumnae/i non-gift or academic data and introduced email marketing for alumnae/i communications for the AA and other departments on campus.
AA eventually merged with Development, and my job title changed to information systems specialist and online outreach for the operations group of ARD. I managed data, and event and email marketing, which was a wonderful combination of my skill sets. I loved combining data management and design.
Now, I am the communication specialist in the communications group, with my amazing colleagues, Meredith McAloon and Cayla McNally. I am responsible for all event registration forms used to manage events like Reunion, Owls Fest, and Presidential visits.
Do you have any accomplishments that you are particularly proud of?
I was one of the first people who was specifically hired to be an official liaison between a department and administrative computing. My role was to represent the technical needs of the Alumnae/i Association and the entire alumnae/i community.
I have worked on the implementation of quite a few major computer systems. I was the co-convener of the first data standards group with the former registrar, Julie Painter. Our first project was Y2K!
I have helped or led the implementation of Bionic, Harris Connect, iModules, and finally Net Community. I love this part of my job. I love setting up computer systems to help end users accomplish their work with as little fuss as possible.
Was there anyone you worked with who inspired or mentored you?
I want to mention Cynthia Washington. She started one year after me in the Alumnae/i Association and continues to work with me now in ARD. We have faced so much in our years together—stressful staffing challenges, family illnesses and deaths, campus crises—and still have each other’s backs. Thank you, Cynthia!
What are some of the significant milestones or changes you've witnessed during your tenure?
Office equipment and processes have completely changed. Gone are the dozens of filing cabinets filled with newspaper clippings and reports. Now, it’s all digital. We used to use huge, noisy dot-matrix printers that used continuous-feed green bar paper or labels. It made an enormous racket. The last step for every print job was to tear off the perforated edges. Now, I hardly ever print anything. I don’t mail anything anymore to club volunteers—it’s all via email.
Can you share a favorite BMC memory from your time working here so far?
When the Welsh flags are flown from the tops of the buildings, Bryn Mawr becomes an absolutely magical world of castles and towers.
Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for staff new to the College?
Find a work ally. Venting will keep you sane.
What are your interests outside of work? What's something that most people at the College wouldn't know about you?
My field did not exist when I was in college. My undergraduate degree was in fine arts with a printmaking concentration. I am an avid genealogist, which dovetails with my love of clean, ordered data. I also paint dot mandalas on old vinyl records. My mandalas are all painted in metallic acrylics against a black background. The colors are amazing and just pop.
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