BUTLER TWP - For nine years, she served as the advocate for Butler County's senior citizens.

Now, Michelle Jamieson is using her talents to sing praises to Butler County Community College alumni in hopes of gaining support for the college.

Jamieson started March 15 as BC3's new alumni affairs director.

A BC3 alumni herself, Jamieson said she felt well suited for the position: "It was just the opportunity to become a part of the college. I never thought I'd be able to do it without coming back as a teacher."

Jamieson graduated in 1984 with as associate's degree in applied science.

As part of her job, Jamieson works with the BC3 Foundation to help encourage alumni to contribute financially to the college.

Bill Speidel, foundation executive director and vice president for institutional advancement, said Jamieson's job duties encompass two specific areas.

First, she will be responsible for developing an alumni association program based on the alumni association group started in 1997 at BC3.

"That's going to be a big portion of her job," Speidel said.

Jamieson can accomplish that by establishing mentoring programs with alumni for current students, career advice and financial goals.

Getting the support of other alumni, Speidel said, would provides a huge advantage in helping get more students to consider attending BC3 because they'll see the success of those who went before them.

"It's so much more valuable to have a graduate tell future students what a great place this is to come," Speidel said. "We can tell them that, but we're paid to tell them that."

The second aspect of Jamieson's job is to help with the foundation's annual fund-raising campaign, Speidel said.

Jamieson said she's looking forward to finding ways to get alumni back on campus so they can see all the positive changes that have occurred.

"It's nice to be in the position where I can actually make it happen," she said.