Alumna Named Inaugural Aspen Index Senior Impact Fellow

Teri Bump ’86

Theresa “Teri” Bump ’86, vice president of university relations and student affairs at American Campus Communities, was selected to serve as a 2022 Senior Impact Fellow with the Aspen Institute Development Leadership Index.

The 2022 Aspen Index Impact Fellowship brings together more than 90 community stakeholders in a movement to advance the future of youth leadership development across the country. The fellows include college presidents, senior leaders, educators and youth.

“The Aspen Index Impact Fellowship is a unique opportunity to shepherd in the next generation of talent, and set them up for success,” said Bump, who lives in Phoenix, Ariz. “There are millions of young adults across the country who have so much to offer yet few resources are available to them. I want to play a part in leveling the playing field for all students, by fostering their development of social capital, as well as the skills necessary to be effective in the workplace and in life.”

According to the Aspen Institute, fewer than 32% of youth under the age of 25 in the United States are exposed to any form of leadership development. Even fewer are exposed to programs with the necessary quality to make a meaningful difference in participants’ lives.

Bump said her SUNY Oswego experience provided her with many leadership opportunities that helped her develop skills and grow as a leader.

“As a first-generation college student, Oswego was an accessible university with a great reputation, a beautiful campus and friendly people,” said Bump, who was involved with the Orientation Office and Student Alumni Board and as a resident assistant. “As a small-town kid in upstate New York, my time at Oswego helped broaden my world perspective and exposed me to different people and mind-opening conversations. Oswego also gave me the opportunity to build my leadership skills and diversify my interests.

“Oswego reinforced the values of my family,” she said. “Work hard, contribute, treat everyone with respect and keep learning.”

She said her connection to Oswego strengthened even more when she was hired after graduation by the Admissions Office.

“I was the rookie admissions counselor on a team of deeply caring and creative professionals,” Bump said. “I have never forgotten their great leadership or the kindness demonstrated when I succeeded or failed. I brought this standard to my graduate work, professional positions at universities and for the last 22 years to the corporate world.”

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