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 NAA Volunteer Spotlight on
Kathy Dedo (C90)
Occupation: Corporate Ladder Climber Turned Full-Time Mother (working as organizational change and communication consultant in both roles!)
NU Affiliation: NAA Board
Title: Director-at-Large 2001-2005
How did you get involved as an NAA volunteer and how long have you been affiliated with this, or other, NAA organizations?
My earliest alum memory is interviewing prospective students as a Chicago AAC (Alumni Admissions Council) member. Somehow I was invited to join the NU Club of Chicago Board in the early 90s, and ended up as VP of Membership, then VP of Programming. Also helped kick off the Young Alumni concept in Chicago before leaving for London, where I was President of that NU Club. Then moved to San Francisco in the late 90s and joined the NU Club Board there. The NAA Board was next, and I’ve maintained that role while living in New Zealand for the past three years. I’ve kept an AAC role during my world tour, but haven’t interviewed any Kiwis yet. And I co-chaired my 15th Reunion this year.
What was one of your most rewarding experiences as an alumni volunteer?
It’s always been a buzz to welcome people to an NAA event, whether it was the San Francisco Club’s Alamo Bowl party, a Chicago Art Institute lecture, a wine bar social in London, or parents accompanying prospective students on an admissions interview. It’s exciting to see people discovering or rediscovering the Northwestern connection. Helping develop the annual Alumni Leadership Conference on campus the past three years has also been a highlight.
What keeps you involved with NAA?
Probably that buzz! Like any professional organization, the NAA is always evolving, which means new challenges for volunteers. I’ve been fortunate to stay involved over the past 15 years without getting bored because of the different roles I’ve been able to take on, and because of the interesting and talented people I meet.
What do you get from being involved with Northwestern that you normally wouldn’t get anywhere else?
Shared history – even if we didn’t cross paths on campus as students, I automatically have something in common with people I meet through the NAA. Also the shared pride in an institution that helped make us who we are.
What are your other interests?
My family is both my vocation and avocation these days… my daughter Isobel is 2.5 years old, and my son Luke is 9 months. We live in a beautiful place called Wanaka in New Zealand – I describe it as a small Lake Tahoe, as the town is on a glacial lake surrounded by mountains. We’re into summer now, which means walks, boating, fishing, waterskiing, etc. I’m involved in church and community activities, and do the odd bit of singing and theater. And my Kiwi husband Phil is a major interest – he patiently puts up with early morning NAA conference calls and trips to Chicago.
How has your NAA experience benefited you personally and/or professionally?
It’s provided wonderful friendships, leadership opportunities, and fun! I’ve learned a lot, and have had very helpful mentors who have helped me grow. With a move back to the US on the horizon sometime next year, I hope NAA connections will continue to help professionally, since I’ll be job hunting!
What advice would you give to an alumnus new to your area?
Give it a go! Attend an event or two, meet a few new people, tap that purple blood that runs through your veins. Joining your local Club hooks you up with a variety of fascinating folks who will be happy to help you make connections in your new city.
What advice would you give to an alumnus new to volunteering?
New people provide new ideas and energy which are essential, so bring them to the table along with a respect for the institutional knowledge that already exists in your local NAA organization. Also, our colleagues on the NAA staff are invaluable resources, so get to know and appreciate their talent.
How often do you get back to campus? What brings you back?
Since moving to New Zealand, I’ve been back at least once a year for Board meetings and the annual Alumni Leadership Conference. And of course football games!
What is your favorite memory of Northwestern as a student?
The everyday moments we took for granted then… “studying” til 2am in the Willard Common Room, long chats with residents when I was an RA, lingering meals at Saga (the attraction was the conversation, not the food, in those days!), long walks on the lakefront, the passion with which people discussed their ideas in and out of class. We were basically a bunch of kids sharing hopes, dreams, and friendships while learning a thing or two about life… a short but intense few years that created memories to last a lifetime.
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