Although Shakirah Kellam has been a member of Indiana Tech’s Department of Institutional Advancement for just six months, she has a firm grasp on what makes this university tick.
Shakirah, a Jacksonville, Florida, native, earned two degrees from Indiana Tech—a bachelor’s in fashion marketing and management (2020), and a Master of Business Administration (2021). She was an award-winning track athlete for the Warriors from 2016 to 2019, a recipient of several academic honors, a residence assistant and a well-immersed member of the campus community during her time at Tech.
So, when Shakirah became assistant director of alumni relations in February, it was a homecoming of sorts.
“This role is a great fit for me because I understand the culture of Tech,” Shakirah said. “As a former student who graduated and moved on, something kept pulling me back. I wanted to get involved but didn’t know how. Now, with this understanding, I can help other alumni who feel the same way.”
Six months into her role, she is loving the opportunity to meet Indiana Tech alumni, build new relationships and share her affinity for this university.
Indiana Tech Magazine
Shakirah, what do you do in this role?
Shakirah Kellam
As assistant director of alumni relations, I focus on building and maintaining strong relationships with our alumni community. This involves planning and organizing events, engaging with alumni through various communication channels and fostering a sense of connection and loyalty to Indiana Tech. I also collaborate with other departments to create opportunities for alumni to stay involved with the university.
Indiana Tech Magazine
Shakirah, what do you do in this role?
Shakirah Kellam
As assistant director of alumni relations, I focus on building and maintaining strong relationships with our alumni community. This involves planning and organizing events, engaging with alumni through various communication channels and fostering a sense of connection and loyalty to Indiana Tech. I also collaborate with other departments to create opportunities for alumni to stay involved with the university.
Indiana Tech Magazine
How is this position going for you?
Shakirah Kellam
The job is going great so far, and I truly enjoy what I am doing. I love how every day is different from the next. I also love hearing the history, traditions, and memories from other alumni. I am proud to be an Indiana Tech Warrior, and it’s always wonderful to connect with alumni who share that pride.
Indiana Tech Magazine
What are some of the most memorable experiences you have encountered since starting this role?
Shakirah Kellam
One of my most memorable experiences was attending my first alumni event. This event celebrated an athletic director from the 1980s who coached numerous sports at Tech. He had a significant positive impact on all the students he coached, many of whom I had the pleasure of meeting at the event. It was wonderful to hear their stories, especially as a fellow athlete, and to see how much this coach meant to them. To many alumni, he was more than a coach; he was a father figure. We also reminisced about the campus, discussing buildings that are no longer here. It was heartwarming to share and hear stories about our different periods at Indiana Tech.
Indiana Tech Magazine
Homecoming is the biggest event of the year for Institutional Advancement. Are you looking forward to your first homecoming this fall?
Shakirah Kellam
Attending homecoming as a student was always an exciting time for me. I remember meeting up with friends and teammates for the pep rally in the gym and participating in all the activities happening around campus. Now, I’m really looking forward to experiencing the Athletics Hall of Fame and Alumni Reunion events. As a student, I had no idea this side of homecoming even existed. It will be nice to see how everything ties together since this is my first homecoming on the alumni relations side of things.
Indiana Tech Magazine
What do you like to do when you are not at work?
Shakirah Kellam
Outside of work, I enjoy working out and being adventurous with activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, horseback riding, hiking, and biking. I also love spending time with my family and gardening. This is my second year growing most of my fruits and vegetables, and it’s such a rewarding experience. My husband and I love embarking on fun adventures that include our 1-year-old son. He has traveled from state to state, gone kayaking, visited the movies, beaches, pools and zoos, and will continue to do much more. I love all things outdoors and family-oriented activities, so that’s how I spend most of my time outside of work.