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October 29, 2010

Lockhart named ULM 2010 Alumni Association Service Award recipient

Those who know Anne Lockhart, ULM’s Director of Development, have probably noticed how hard it is not to break into a broad-faced smile when talking with her. That’s because, no matter how serious the topic or issue at hand, Lockhart herself is almost always wearing a gracious smile, putting those around her instantly at ease.

Her friendly and approachable manner is only one reason she has so successfully built public and private enthusiasm for the University of Louisiana at Monroe through the years, establishing a foundation for giving to ULM that was unprecedented before her arrival.

It also factored into her selection for the 2010 Alumni Association’s Service Award, an award her supervisor said he will be pleased to present her with at the annual Alumni Association Awards Brunch at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 30.

“Anne is a great choice and a deserving recipient of this year’s Alumni Association Service Award,” said Dr. Don Skelton, vice president of University Advancement and External Affairs.

“Whether providing assistance to ULM’s many constituents or serving in a volunteer capacity throughout the twin cities, Anne, in many ways, has become the ‘go to’ person in representing the University to its public.”   

Since 1997, the Association has annually selected a ULM staff member for outstanding service to the university. Service award recipients must have completed at least three consecutive years at ULM and have contributed to the betterment of the campus community.   

Lockhart, who graduated from ULM in 1986 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, has been touting her alma mater for 14 years now.

In her job, she is responsible for directing and evaluating all initiatives to raise private funds in support of the university’s strategic initiatives, specifically, the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major and estate or planned gifts. She also assists in the management of the George T. Walker Heritage Society and is responsible for promoting and supporting all initiatives of the ULM Foundation.

But Lockhart is quick to point out that it is as much the donor’s generosity as it is her fundraising ability that has created so many opportunities to help fund the university.

“I hear the most wonderful, heartwarming stories from our alumni; their entire college experience is one they are so happy about,” Lockhart said. “They receive so much here and feel compelled to give back. I am very fortunate to be a part of that. We’re just a vehicle for helping people realize their dreams.”

Lockhart herself is quite the giver, in terms of time spent serving university and community service organizations, something she says is “really the best way to get to know” colleagues across campus.

Among the numerous university boards she is currently affiliated with are the ULM Magazine Editorial Board, University Naming Opportunities Advisory Committee, Envision ULM Executive Committee, Presidential Lyceum Committee and the ULM Hall of Distinction Committee.

Past committee assignments have included the “Reclaiming our Campus” Implementation Committee, University Millennium Celebration Steering Committee, Library Dedication Committee Chair and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Strategic Planning Committee, just to name a few.

Off campus, Lockhart is equally engaged with the community, serving in leadership roles for the United Way of Northeast Louisiana, Monroe Chamber of Commerce, First Presbyterian Church Stewardship and Nominating Committees, and the Junior League of Monroe Inc.

Lockhart is married to fellow ULM Alum Jim Lockhart, a 1973 Bachelor’s of Art graduate, and they have a daughter, Lauren, a commercial banker in Austin, Texas. When she can carve out some down time, Lockhart enjoys being with her family and taking time to travel. Ultimately, though, it is dedication to her job that shines through.

“I do it with great joy,” Lockhart said. “The opportunity to help those who want to leave a legacy or some meaningful gift to ULM is absolutely wonderful. I guess the best part about my job is that it provides me a chance to become friends with people who are also passionate about this university.”

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