Alumni Board Welcomes New Members
Four returning members and two newly elected alumni will begin new three-year terms on the Alumni Association Board of Directors this summer.
Monmouth University has announced the results of this spring’s Alumni Association Board of Directors election. Six alumni have been selected to serve three-year terms beginning July 1, 2026.
The group includes four returning incumbents—Leslie Fornino ’96, Marissa Purdy ’14, André Renaudo ’11, and Jessica Kavanagh ’16, ’20M—and two newly elected members: Candice Bidner ’98 and Frankie Morales ’09.
Members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors serve as ambassadors for the University’s 60,000-plus alumni community. Elected by their peers each spring, board members work closely with Monmouth leadership to engage alumni through events, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising initiatives. More information can be found here.
Candice Bidner ’98
Degree: B.A. in Education
Occupation: Teacher, Long Branch Board of Education
Activities as a Student: Zeta Phi Eta (Communications), Student Government Association, The Outlook, WMCX, Delta Phi Epsilon
Personal Statement: My connection to Monmouth University is rooted in a deep sense of pride and appreciation for the institution. I remain actively engaged with the University and enjoy sharing that connection with my family and community. As a Girl Scout troop leader for three troops, I have organized visits to campus to introduce students to Monmouth’s history and landmarks such as the Great Hall and Martin Luther King Jr.’s podium. My daughters have also had the opportunity to participate in campus events including Girls in Sports Day, where they sang the national anthem.
As a parent, I hope to pass along the values, memories, and sense of belonging that Monmouth provided me. Serving on the Alumni Association Board of Directors will allow me to give back to a university that has meant so much to me while helping strengthen alumni engagement and community connections.As a local alumna, I bring dedication, creativity, and a genuine passion for Monmouth. I am committed to supporting initiatives that build pride in the alumni community and encourage lifelong connections to the University.
Leslie Fornino ’96 (Incumbent)
Degree: B.S. in Business
Occupation: Managing Director, Michael Simon Interiors, Inc.
Personal Statement: I’ve been fortunate to have mentors and coaches throughout my career, many connected to the Monmouth community, who helped shape my path. I believe strongly in paying that forward.
Over the past three years, I’ve served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, including as chair of the Philanthropic Committee, helping drive alumni engagement and giving initiatives. My husband and I also sponsor an annual Performing Arts Scholarship supporting students in music and theater arts.
I remain actively engaged in alumni events and initiatives and bring experience in strategic planning and organizational leadership. I value the opportunity to continue contributing to Monmouth and its alumni community through another term of service.
Jessica Kavanagh ’16, ’20M (Incumbent)
Degrees: B.A. in Communication, MBA
Occupation: Assistant General Manager, Trump National Golf Club, Colts Neck
Activities as a Student: Women’s Golf, Verge/Online News
Personal Statement: Monmouth has helped me in many ways, not only in the classroom but through the first years of my career. The experiences and lessons the professors shared with us, and the experiences and lessons I learned while working, have led me to be a confident, strong, and successful businesswoman.
Monmouth has been my second home. It started my freshman year then continued to my first job out of college. Having served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors has enabled me to continue my residency with the Monmouth University community for the past 10-plus years.
I look forward to remaining on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and continuing the legacy that was created by those who came before me. I am interested in continuing to stay connected with my alma mater and spreading the word on the amazing things the University is doing throughout the community.
Frankie Morales ’09
Degree: B.A. in Communication
Occupation: Producer, World Wrestling Entertainment
Activities as a Student: Educational Opportunity Fund, Ice Hockey Club, The Outlook, WMCX
Personal Statement: My connection to Monmouth University has remained strong since graduation through my continued involvement with the Department of Communication. I’ve returned for panels, networking events, and alumni nights in the HawkTV studio and have also hosted shows on WMCX.
I came to Monmouth by chance, but it became one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. As an EOF student, I was given opportunities that shaped my journey, allowing me to fully immerse myself in campus life and build lifelong friendships.
Giving back feels like a calling. “Monmouth University, Can You Feel It?” was more than a tagline—it reflected the pride and connection I felt as a student and that I still carry today. Through ongoing alumni engagement, I remain committed to supporting current students; serving on the Alumni Board will allow me to deepen that impact and give back to the place that shaped me.
Marissa Purdy ’14 (Incumbent)
Degree: B.S. in Business
Occupation: Financial Project Manager
Activities as a Student: Alpha Kappa Psi, Circle K, Student Activities Board, International Business Network, American Marketing Association
Personal Statement: I have been an involved member of the Alumni Association, serving as a board member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors for the past six years as well as serving as co-chair of the Strategic Engagement Committee of the Alumni Association for the last nine years. I am always helping and volunteering at the various events throughout the year, taking a very active role in the planning of Homecoming and other flagship events the Alumni Association puts on. I always promote my alma mater with pride and give back to the University whenever I can in any capacity. I look forward to continuing my service with the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
André Renaudo ’11 (Incumbent)
Degree: B.S. in Business Administraiton
Occupation: Relationship Director, Barclays
Activities as a Student: Honors Program, Student Government Association, Tau Kappa Epsilon
Personal Statement: Since I first received my acceptance letter, Monmouth has been my second home and has provided me the opportunity to see the University through various lenses over the years as a student leader (SGA finance chair/TKE president) and as an active alumnus. I look forward to promoting networking and career development opportunities for both alumni and current students.
In addition to attending key alumni events, I am connected to Monmouth through the Leon Hess Business School as a mentor for the Student Enrichment and Engagement through Mentoring Activities (SEEMA), and I actively support Monmouth’s Office of Career Development by helping identify opportunities for current students.
Monmouth provided a community and helped me connect with a wide range of individuals from different backgrounds. I still attribute my success in relationship building and problem solving from my participation and leadership roles within clubs/organizations as a student.