CANR Alumni Board Spotlight – Jessie Lewis
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EmailCANR is releasing a series of spotlights on Alumni Board members. Jessie Lewis (Packaging, '92 B.S., '94 M.S.) is currently an Executive Board member representing the School of Packaging.
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) has nearly 60,000 alumni living around the world. The CANR Alumni Board plays a critical role connecting this large and diverse alumni community to meaningful ways to engage with the college after graduation.
The mission of the CANR Alumni Board is to build relationships that serve the college, alumni, students and friends of MSU. The board consists of volunteer members representing each of the college departments, MSU Extension, young alumni and at-large members. These members meet four times a year: September, December, March and July in East Lansing.
Alumni Board members have a variety of responsibilities, including promoting college events and philanthropic opportunities. They also serve as liaisons between the college, academic departments, alumni, and the agriculture and natural resources industries, among other duties. The work of the Alumni Board helps to keep the CANR community vibrant and connected.
CANR is releasing a series of spotlights on Alumni Board members. These stories will highlight each member's motivation for joining the board and share their experiences in this role.
Jessie Lewis (Packaging, '92 B.S.,'94 M.S.) serves as an Executive Board member representing the School of Packaging. She is currently a director for Americas Procurement Services Delivery. Lewis is a member of the Student Club Grants committee as a part of the CANR Alumni Board. In 2021, Lewis was one of the first two alumni to make campaign gifts for the Packaging Building renovation, supporting student success by providing renovated spaces for studying and collaboration. She also established the Layfield-Lewis Endowed Scholarship for School of Packaging students from the Saginaw, Michigan area.
What inspired you to become a CANR Alumni Board member?
I was inspired to become a CANR Alumni Board member by my desire to give back to the place I love, MSU.
What kind of impact do you hope to have as a member of the CANR Alumni Board?
In my role on the Alumni board, I hope to provide an industry perspective and ensure there is a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.
How did your experience at CANR set you up for success in your career after graduation?
The School of Packaging provided relevant hands-on experience and talented professors who helped forge my foundation for a successful career after graduating from MSU
What advice or insights do you have for CANR current students?
Take advantage of all the opportunities at MSU and CANR. Make your MSU bucket list. You are making memories that will last a lifetime!
Learn more about the responsibilities and mission of the CANR Alumni Board and its members. To learn more about how you can get involved or serve on the CANR Alumni Board, please contact the CANR Advancement team.
