The Catholic University of America's alumni engagement team is growing! We are excited to introduce Ross Boyle, B.A. 2015, and Katie Hurd, B.S.B.A. 2023, M.S.M. 2025, the newest additions helping connect graduates with their alma mater. In this Q&A, Ross and Katie share what drew them to alumni relations, what they're most excited to build in their new roles, and how they hope to strengthen the Catholic University alumni community in the years ahead.
Ross Boyle, Associate Director of Career and Professional Programming
Share a bit about yourself and what drew you to professional development.
Hi, all! I’m Ross, a 2015 alumnus. I am thrilled to be back at Catholic University after spending the last 10+ years in the world of HR , recruitment, and people operations. I am excited to bring my area of knowledge and passion back with me to our Cardinal community.
What has drawn me to professional development is the belief that a career is rarely a perfectly straight line. There are new opportunities one can pursue, unexpected turns life throws your way, and plenty of moments where a conversation with the right person in the right setting can make a huge difference in the trajectory of one's life. I love creating those opportunities and am eager to help our Catholic University community connect, learn, and grow.
Alumni are at wildly different career stages — some are five years in, some are looking to pivot after twenty. How are you thinking about building programming that serves both?
One of the most exciting things about working with alumni and professionals in all stages is that there really is no such thing as a “typical” career journey. Someone five years out may be trying to figure out how to take the next step while someone 20 years into a career may be thinking, “What’s next?” My goal is to build programming that meets alumni where they are, with the knowledge that not everyone is in the same place. That means a mix of practical career resources, industry-focused conversations, mentorship programs, leadership and professional development networking events, and initiatives designed specifically for career transitions or reinvention.
I hope to make these programs useful and productive for everyone, regardless of whether someone is actively job searching, happily employed, considering a change, or just curious about what’s out there. Professional development doesn’t just mean looking for a new job, it also means getting better at the job you already love. I’m eager to have people in the Catholic University community build one another up in this effort.
You are a Catholic University alumnus. What's it like being back on campus in a professional role after graduating from here?
It feels pretty surreal, to be honest. Catholic University has been an important part of my life since first stepping foot on campus in 2011. I met my wife at the University, got engaged on campus, have family members who are alumni, have weekly game nights with Cardinal friends, the godfathers to my children are alumni, the list goes on and on.This community has been important to me for a long time, and now being able to support it in a professional manner is fulfilling a dream I didn’t even necessarily know I had until the opportunity arose. That feeling of community walking around campus is just as strong now as it was when I first came to the University as a student.
Outside of the "official" programming, what's a piece of career advice you find yourself giving most often?
Don’t underestimate the power of a conversation.
A lot of career opportunities come from simply talking to people. Ask someone how they got where they are. Reach out to a person whose career interests you. Ask a colleague for advice. Tell people what you’re interested in.
I think it’s important to remember that networking shouldn’t feel like collecting business cards or asking everyone for a job. It’s about building relationships over time. Be curious, be generous, follow up, stay connected, and most important… Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
You don’t always need to have a five-year plan before you start making connections. This is what communities are for, and this is what the Catholic University Alumni Association is all about. From one Catholic University alum to another, I am excited to partner with you!
Katie Hurd, Associate Director of Early Alumni Engagement
Share a bit about yourself and what drew you to alumni engagement.
I love community and creating environments where people can connect and grow. While earning my M.S.M. in leadership and management from Catholic University in 2025, I worked in our athletics department as a graduate assistant in facilities and operations. That experience really drew me to the human side of operations management, creating environments and experiences that bring people together and make them feel connected.
That’s what ultimately attracted me to alumni engagement. I love the idea of continuing that sense of community beyond graduation and finding meaningful ways to help alumni stay connected to the University, to campus, and to one another. Coming back to Catholic University in this role feels especially meaningful because I’ve experienced that community firsthand, and I’m excited to help create those same connections and experiences for our alumni.
"Early alumni" can mean a lot of things. How does Catholic University define that group and what resources are unique to it?
Early alumni spans from our current students who will soon join our alumni community to alumni who are 1–10 years out of school. This is a really special group of alumni, and I’m not just saying that because I am one of them! They’re at such an exciting point in their lives, building careers, moving to new cities, getting married, starting families, and figuring out what comes next. My goal is to ensure we continue showing them that Catholic University is a place where they belong, even after graduation, while also serving as a resource and source of support as they navigate these pivotal milestones in their lives.
You’re not far removed from being a "new grad" yourself. What's it been like coming back to work at your alma mater so soon after walking across that stage?
It’s a really special feeling to be back at a place that feels like home! Since I’m only a few years out from graduating, I still remember what that transition was like, leaving campus, starting my career, and trying to figure out what comes next. I’ve experienced the University as a student, and now I get to experience it as a staff member, which I think gives me a good understanding of what our young alumni are going through and how we can help them stay connected to Catholic University.
What kinds of events or touchpoints are you hoping to create for early alumni?
I want to make sure our young alumni know that we are here for them in a multitude of ways. Every Cardinal has a unique connection to the University, and we want to take the time to understand what that connection looks like for them. From career support,networking, and events to volunteer opportunities, athletics, and simply finding ways to reconnect with the people and places that made their time at the University special, I want our alumni to know that there is always a place for them here.
Get Involved
We would love to have a conversation about what’s next for you! Here are three great ways to get started:
- Visit our alumni website: You can find upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, career resources, and other ways to stay connected with Catholic University.
- Follow us on social media: Stay up-to-date on what’s happening with the alumni community. We also want to hear about the journey you’re on after graduation!
- Email us: We want to connect with you and help support you in ANY way we can. Get in touch with our team at cua-alumni [at] cua.edu (cua-alumni[at]cua[dot]edu).
Published on: Thursday, August 20, 2026
Tags: Alumni Association, Young Alumni, Careers
