Spotlight on MBU Alumni
MBU alumni are extraordinary: as doubt-defying leaders, military service members, community organizers, public servants, and artistic forces. Below is a selection of alumni achievements from throughout the year, spanning more than 50 class years across a variety of fields and interests.
From the Democratic Party of Virginia and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta to Broadway in New York and the Tulsa District Army Corps of Engineers, meet these standout alumni and see how the MBU community has been changing the world.
Lifetimes of Achievement
Noted Alumna Recognized for Career of Leadership
Claire “Yum” Arnold ’69 is recognized for her extensive leadership across business and civic sectors. After founding and growing NCC LP, she later co-founded Leapfrog Services, a prominent IT firm, where she is CEO. Her journey, shaped by early lessons from her father, includes mentoring women and serving on influential boards, like the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Known for her strong values and commitment to supporting women and nonprofits, Arnold emphasizes authentic leadership and women’s voices in professional spaces.
Susan Swecker ’77 Steps Down After Decade as VA Democratic Party Chair
After a career dedicated to public service, Susan Swecker was elected the chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia in 2015, and reelected in 2022.
Elizabeth Oliver ’72 Receives Lifetime Service Award
Elizabeth Oliver was presented with the American Accounting Association’s Jim Benjamin Lifetime Service Award at the organization’s Leadership in Accounting Education Section Seminar on Feb. 14.
Professional Success
Colonel Jessica Goffena ’02 Takes Command of Tulsa Army Corps of Engineers
Colonel Goffena has served in a variety of locales on her way to a command position with the Tulsa District Army Corps of Engineers, most recently as a Division Chief at the Joint Operations Division Europe.
Katherine Pickus ’84 Named Among Arkansas’ Top 50 Women Leaders
Katherine Pickus is the vice president of sustainability and global impact at Tyson Foods, a role she has held since 2021.
Lael A. Mohib ’08 Named Marketing Director at the Sarasota Opera
The Sarasota Opera expanded its marketing and communications department by adding MBU alumna Lael A. Mohib ’08.
Alumna to Serve as First Director of Pulaski County Drug Prevention and Recovery Office
Pulaski County has appointed Katie Thompson OTD ’19 as the first director of its Office of Drug Prevention and Recovery. Thompson, a Pulaski native with a background in education and social services, will focus on addressing the impact of opioids by coordinating prevention, recovery, and restoration efforts. Her role, funded through the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority, will involve collaboration with community partners to create effective local programs and resources.
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Arts and Performance
Stori Ayers Nominated for Home on Broadway
MBU Alum Stori Ayers ’09 can cross another dream accomplishment off her bucket list — she was nominated for the Distinguished Performance award at the 2025 Drama League Awards. Ayers was nominated alongside acting titans like George Clooney, Sandra Oh, Idina Menzel, and Denzel Washington.
Shakespeare and Performance Alum Finds Home in North Carolina
Jeremy Fiebig MFA ’07, a graduate of the Shakespeare and Performance Program, shares the power of community and self-expression that he has found at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina.
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Have News of Your Own?
MBU strives to feature as many stories of alumni success as possible, but some news items never find their way back to your home on the hill. If you have news that you would like to share or to have considered as a feature in future alumni news roundups, please reach out to the Office of Integrated Communication and the MBU Office of Alumni Engagement.