LATROBE, PA – Warner Johnson, C’93, was recently named senior director of alumni relations in Saint Vincent College’s Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations.
In the position, Johnson is responsible for establishing and nurturing relationships with the alumni community while planning and implementing programs and projects that strategically engage alumni with the College. The senior director, who started in his position Monday, Jan. 12, will encourage alumni involvement in student recruitment, career development and mentorship, campus committee service and philanthropic support.
Johnson has 13 years of experience in alumni relations, including a prior stint as Saint Vincent College’s alumni relations director and later the role of director of development and alumni relations at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh. While serving at Saint Vincent from 2003-2006, Johnson coordinated communication and outreach services for the College’s alumni network and revitalized Homecoming and Family Weekend after a 50-year hiatus.
“As an alumnus of the College, I like the idea of coming back to the place that prepared me for my career. It’s like coming back home and doing your part to help the family stay strong,” Johnson said. “I want to build on the strong foundation of community already established by the Benedictines. We will work to cultivate a vibrant alumni community that stays connected to the College and its continued success.”
“We are delighted to welcome Warner Johnson back to his alma mater to serve as senior director of alumni relations,” said Michael Andreola, vice president for philanthropy and alumni relations. “Warner has had an impressive career in higher education advancement and will be able to hit the ground running given his familiarity with the Saint Vincent community and his professional background. We look forward to having him lead Saint Vincent’s efforts to strengthen our relationships with Bearcats everywhere.”
Johnson has more than 25 years of leadership experience, which includes his most recent role as family coordinator at the Macedonia Family and Community Enrichment Center in Pittsburgh where he routinely secured funding to assist families facing unexpected life challenges. He has also filled a variety of director positions from 1996-2003 for locations within the Metropolitan YMCA of Pittsburgh. From 1993-1996, Johnson served as student development coordinator at the Community College of Allegheny County, where he designed, planned and directed an innovative mentoring program for more than 300 urban youth.
Looking back at his first go-around at the College, the alumnus said he expects much of the same, including the work environment and colleagues who love their duties. Looking ahead, with the increased use of technology, Johnson eagerly anticipates strategically connecting with alumni in new and different ways.
Outside the office, Johnson mentors student-athletes as the director of basketball operations at East Allegheny School District in North Versailles. He serves as head coach of the boys varsity basketball team and previously served as assistant coach of the girls team.
Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science in sociology from Saint Vincent College and later earned a Master of Arts in social and public policy from Duquesne University in 2005. In 2008, he was named to the Saint Vincent College Athletic Hall of Fame for his contributions as a member of the Bearcat basketball team from 1990-1993. Johnson was also a member of the 1990-1991 basketball team that was enshrined into the Hall in 2016 as a group.
