Chat with University Relations Dean Mary Lou LaPierre

Strengthening alumni and community connections

Visibility is at the heart of Antioch Seattle’s future, according to Mary Lou LaPierre, dean of university relations on the Seattle campus.

"Unless prospective students know about Antioch’s quality graduate and B.A. programs, they can’t compare us and make a well-informed decision about their next educational step,” she says.

Since joining Antioch in 2002, LaPierre is credited with developing more active and stronger partnerships with AUS alumni. It’s a task that’s a natural for her.

"Our alums tell us they value their Antioch education. Now we want to invite them to give back – intellectually, emotionally and financially,” says the 1983 alumna of the Antioch psychology program, who served on the AUS Board of Visitors before becoming dean.

"We have dynamic programs at Antioch that offer great professional and personal growth,” she says, adding, "Those who give to Antioch invest in the success of our future students.”

LaPierre envisions building a strong endowment so Antioch can offer larger scholarships.

"Today, many of our students graduate with large student loans. We want to decrease their education loans by providing bigger scholarships, " she says.

LaPierre has had a lively career in higher education. She served for 17 years at the University of Washington in a variety of positions, including director of the university information center, director of enrollment control and executive assistant to the vice provost.

She was founding director of Washington State University West, a position she held for more than 12 years. She supervised WSU West’s fund-raising efforts, alumni relations and admissions outreach. She also designed and directed the regional part of Campaign WSU that raised $30 million from its alums.

Community involvement, she notes, is key to Antioch’s visibility in the downtown core. "We want to play a bigger role in the community and make stronger connections throughout the business community. We have some great programs to offer their employees. Seattle’s business leaders, in turn, have the expertise to engage us more effectively with the downtown community.”

LaPierre has served in leadership roles with numerous Seattle organizations, including: Intercommunity Mercy Housing, Seattle #4 Rotary, Northwest Enological Society and Northwest Development Officers’ Association.

LaPierre’s rich history with Antioch prompted AUS President Toni Murdock to say, "Mary Lou knows Antioch Seattle well and has rejoined us in a position that allows her to share her expertise and knowledge to ensure our future.”