When Kasey Johnston Walther ’69 was elected to the Alumni Association Executive Board, she knew this was her opportunity to give back to Winthrop.

“Winthrop gave me so much. My professors not only prepared me for a teaching profession, they demonstrated the value of a work ethic and gave me the confidence to succeed in what ever I chose to do. They prepared me for life."

On July 1, Walther began her two-year tenure as president of the Alumni Association Executive Board. She has served on the board in other positions since 2001.

Although her term just began, Walther already has ideas for the future of the Alumni Association.

“We really want to reach out to our alumni and get them involved,” said Walther, who also serves on the Winthrop Foundation Board. “It is important that the Alumni Association provide the activities and reunions to bring our graduates back to Winthrop. We’d like our alumni to see the Winthrop of today and help us build the Winthrop of tomorrow.”

As a Winthrop student, Walther was an active physical education major, working with the Winthrop Recreation Association and the volleyball intramural program. She also served as a hall representative and worked with her class on Junior Follies and Classes Night.

Walther and husband John, a retired Air Force colonel, moved 15 times in 29 years in the military with their two children, Greer and Jay. She worked in education, real estate and sales and received her master’s of education degree with an emphasis in counseling in 1974 from Arizona State University.

“We moved so frequently that a career wasn’t really an option,” said Walther.

However, volunteering was an option, and it quickly became her passion. She served as a case worker with the American Red Cross and volunteered with military thrift stores, military support groups and the military wives club. Walther also has been an Atlanta-area contact for the Alumni Association.

Walther replaces outgoing Alumni Executive Board president Tim Sease ’87 who served from 2005-07. The Alumni Executive Board is composed of elected officers and members-at-large who represent the Winthrop Alumni Association. They meet throughout the year to continually enhance the relationship between the university and alumni.

“I am honored to be a part of the executive board and am excited about serving as president these next two years,” said Walther.