Robyn Florian returns to Greenville University as director for alumni relations

Published: December 05, 2024

Author: Liz Dowell

For Robyn (Jaenke ‘88) Florian, Greenville University has always been more than just a school; it has been a home—a place of growth, healing, and lifelong connection. Recently appointed director of alumni relations, Robyn is eager to extend the same nurturing spirit she’s experienced at GU to alumni around the globe. She shares, “The Latin term alma mater means ‘nourishing mother,’ and, on this commitment, ‘stands our noble alma mater, glorious to view.’”

Reflecting on her first encounter with Greenville, Robyn recalls stepping onto campus as a high school sophomore for Greenville Youth Advance and Agape Music Festival.

"From the moment I arrived, I knew I was home," she shared.

That feeling of belonging persisted throughout her time as a student from 1984 to 1988. After graduation, Robyn’s career shifted from education to public relations and marketing. Then, she returned to the university to serve in the College Relations & Marketing Department from 1997 to 2009.

After departing from GU once again, God led her to spend the last 15 years in what C.S. Lewis describes as ‘pleasant inns’—most notably, Michigan, Virginia, Dallas, and most recently, completing doctoral work at Asbury Seminary in Kentucky—but she always had a home in Greenville.

A PLACE OF REPAIR AND REDEMPTION

Robyn credits GU with shaping her personally and professionally. "When life broke, GU was a place of repair and resilience," she reflected.

Returning in 1997 as a newly single mother of three sons, she joined the staff in public relations under the leadership of David Hoag, who recognized her passion for the University.

"GU has always been a good place where ruptures can be repaired, and resilience can grow," she said. “It’s not a perfect place, but it is a very good place,” she continues, “and I define a good place as one where imperfect human relationships can heal and flourish when they’re nurtured in the soil of a common hope … the One Hope of God’s promised ‘withness’ to which we are called to ‘witness’ (Ephesians 4:4).”

“Every person—thus every home filled with people— experiences seasons of strengths and struggle, as well as beauty and brokenness. When we entrust all our lives to our One Hope, God shows up in powerful and purposeful ways to advance His Word for us, His will in us, and His work among us so that He can inspire, influence, and impact His world through us. This is how, as Jewish theologian Abraham Heschel states, ‘words create worlds.’”

“We want ‘our college home’ to continue to serve alumni as a ‘soil space’ filled with a Gospel-rooted hope where Christ-like character continues to form and Kingdom service continues to flourish.”

Robyn’s experiences have fueled her vision for alumni relations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining deeply-rooted connections and fostering widely-reaching growth.

"Home is a place where repair, redemption, and restoration happen in ways that shift stories and transform trajectories," Robyn explained.

VISION FOR ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

As she enters her new role, Robyn brings a fresh perspective to Greenville University’s alumni relations, emphasizing innovative communication, immersive community experiences, and interconnected commission.

Under her leadership, alumni will experience a renewed sense of belonging through cutting-edge initiatives that leverage digital platforms and personalized engagement.

Robyn plans to create dynamic, immersive experiences that allow alumni to reconnect with Greenville’s mission, whether through virtual networking events, interactive workshops, or storytelling campaigns showcasing the diverse achievements of the university’s graduates.

“Innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about thinking creatively to strengthen relationships,” Robyn explains.

By fostering connections among alumni worldwide, she aims to cultivate an interconnected community that reflects Greenville University’s mission.

Her plans include creating mentorship opportunities, regional alumni hubs, and partnerships that enable graduates to support one another personally and professionally. Robyn’s approach ensures that Greenville University alumni will continue to feel seen, known, and inspired, no matter where life takes them.

She envisions alumni relations as a ministry of nurturing and extending care to alumni spiritually, emotionally, and vocationally.

“GU has always been about transformation—spirit, soul, and body. My goal is to continue that work, ensuring our alumni remain deeply connected to their faith and calling, no matter where life takes them," Robyn said.

She also introduced a new tagline, #GU4U, as a rallying cry for alumni engagement. "It’s a reminder that GU is for our alumni, wherever they are in their journey," she noted.

FUTURE PLANS

Building on the university’s Rise Up 2030 strategic plan, Robyn plans to facilitate immersive alumni experiences on campus and in communities nationwide. Events like Homecoming, Messiah Weekend, and other reunions will reconnect and celebrate Greenville's mission. She is also exploring new ways to engage alumni online and through regional gatherings.

Her ultimate goal? To help alumni live wholehearted lives marked by a rich and lasting legacy of hope, Christ-transformed character, and inspired, influential, and impactful Kingdom service.

"GU was just the beginning of a story that continues to unfold in the lives of our alumni, individually and in community with each other," Robyn said. "We want to be there for our alumni every step of the way."

AN INVITATION

Robyn invites alumni to reconnect with Greenville University through events, publications, and personal outreach. "Whether through our alumni newsletter, an event on campus, or showing up for alumni where they live, we want to stay connected," she said.

"Greenville University has always been more than a place—a family. I’m honored to return and help our alumni rediscover the profound connections and shared purpose that make this community so remarkable. Together, we’ll continue celebrating our legacy and creating opportunities for generations to come," said Robyn.