Mary Galyean receives Alumni President’s Volunteer of the Year Award

The UL Lafayette Alumni Association takes great pride in providing quality engagement for our alumni locally and across the country. However, none of these activities would be possible if it weren't for the help of our exceptional volunteers. Mary Galyean has been named the 2022 Alumni President's Volunteer of the Year Award recipient.

Originally from Opelousas, Galyean '80 studied broadcasting while she was a student at the University. Now, she's an advertising account executive with Townsquare Media. Galyean gives back to the Alumni Association as a volunteer in many capacities. This includes serving as president of the Alumni Association from 2008 to 2009. We sat down with Galyean to learn more about her time as a volunteer and why she's so passionate about giving back to her alma mater.

Alumni Association: Congratulations on being named the 2022 Volunteer of the Year! Can you tell us about your time as a student at UL Lafayette?
Mary Galyean: I had a great time as a student! I enjoyed my classes, and I was very involved. Because of my involvement with the Student Government Association and the Union Program Council, I got to know a wide variety of people at school. I made lifelong friends throughout all of my activities at UL Lafayette.

AA: How did you reach your current job position?
MG: I started working in radio right out of college. I was doing the morning show on KSMB and working in advertising sales after I would get off the air. I [even] worked my way up to the general manager position. Next, I worked for LUS Fiber, where I was responsible for several areas, including outside sales, television programming, and marketing. In 2013, I came back to radio at Townsquare Media working in sales. Now, I offer marketing solutions using radio advertising and a wide array of digital offerings. I love working with my clients, and I love my co-workers!

AA: You've been a volunteer with the Alumni Association for many years. Do you have any favorite memories?
MG: My favorite things to work on involve the students, including working on the Outstanding Graduate interviews and the Scholarship Committee. During the Outstanding Graduate interviews, we meet some of the very impressive [students] coming out of UL Lafayette.

AA: What was your experience like being the president of the Alumni Association from 2008 to 2009?
MG: The year goes by very fast! Homecoming is always an exciting week with lots of events to attend. The highlight of my year, however, was speaking at Dr. Savoie's induction as president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. It was very special!

AA: Do you have a favorite Alumni Association event?
MG: I love everything the Alumni Association does. I even love our [Alumni Council meetings] because I get to see people I don't normally see in my everyday life. I think Spring Gala is my favorite, though, because I've been working on it for many years. 

AA: Why would you encourage someone to volunteer with the Alumni Association?
MG: [Because] you'll probably get to see old friends from your college days through your involvement. Plus, you'll make new friends, too, all while helping the University in its outreach efforts to our alumni. 

AA: That is such a great answer! Finally, what advice would you give to recent graduates?
MG: Even if you feel like you want to wait until you get your career going before you start volunteering, find some easy ways to start being involved with the Alumni Association. Whether you're a recent graduate or have been out for many years, it's never too early or too late to get involved. The relationships you'll renew, and those you'll cultivate will be enjoyable, memorable, and maybe even useful! 

Learn more about volunteering for the Alumni Association and our current volunteer leadership.

Photo Caption: Mary Galyean poses with her award in front of the Alumni Center. (Photo Credit: Courtney Bergeron / University of Louisiana at Lafayette)