Alfred University announces the election of alumni Christie A. Swarts ’96, and Donald F. Weaver ’81 to the university’s Board of Trustees. The Board elected the two new trustees at its May meeting; their terms commence on July 1.
Christie Swarts ’96 (left) and Don Weaver ’81 were elected to the Alfred University Board of Trustees in May. They will begin their terms on the board on July 1.
Swarts earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Alfred University, minoring in business administration. She currently serves as deputy director, Center Operations Directorate, at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA, where she resides. Prior to becoming Deputy Director in 2024, she had been Facilities Chief at Langley for three years.
“I am deeply honored and excited to join the Board of Trustees at Alfred University. During my time as a student at Alfred, I didn't just earn a degree; I developed a foundation of valuable skills—both analytical and interpersonal—that have been instrumental to my success throughout my career,” Swarts said. “The university provided me with an environment that fostered critical thinking, resilience, and a passion for lifelong learning. As a trustee my hope is to help preserve and expand those transformative opportunities for the next generation.”
Swarts has been with Langley since 2004 in positions of increasing responsibility. From 2004 -2017, she was a contractor serving as Recent Group manager with Dallas, TX-based Jacobs Technology, which supports Langley.
As a student, Swarts participated on the hybrid electric vehicle building project that competed in Detroit against much larger schools such as MIT and the University of Michigan. She credits this as a particularly important career-building experience.
Swarts regularly participates in DC Purple City Events and the annual DC Student Leadership Forum and has participated in Alfred University’s annual Mentorship Day. In February, she participated in a forum discussion with Erin Martinovich on the Future of Volunteering, during which she discussed her time on the Alumni Council at Alfred University and her work volunteering with her AKO sisters.
Weaver graduated from Alfred University with a bachelor’s degree in economics and went on to earn a master’s degree in financial services from American College in Bryn Mawr, PA. He resides in Lewisberry, PA, and is a Certified Financial Planner based in Mechanicsburg, PA. He has been affiliated with Ameriprise Financial for more than 44 years.
“I am honored to join the Alfred University Board of Trustees,” Weaver commented. “In these challenging times for higher education, I am committed to supporting AU through advocacy, mentorship, volunteer service, and philanthropic engagement to help ensure its continued success and impact for future generations.”
As a student, Weaver was a telethon volunteer and a “roving reporter” for the Fiat Lux student newspaper. He has remained connected to his alma mater, returning for Alumni Reunion, and has given multiple talks to Alfred University students on how to start a career in the financial service industry.
In the context of electing two new trustees, Alfred University also announced that Dennis Kessler, who was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2020, will be concluding his most recent three-year term on June 30.
“We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Dennis for his six years of dedicated service as trustee,” said Mark Zupan, Alfred University president. “His leadership and guidance have been invaluable to our organization, and we look forward to his ongoing engagement with, counsel to, and support of our university over the years to come.”
