This month, we sat down with the Director of Alumni Development Julease Graham to hear more about her passion for the Fresno Pacific community. Julease began work in December and is already bringing energy, passion and new ideas to her role.

Q: Could you share a bit about your background and what attracted you to this role at Fresno Pacific?

My career journey has been quite diverse—some might even call it eclectic. It began in journalism, both print and broadcast, and then shifted into marketing and communications, specifically social media management and content creation to support my family’s small businesses. This path led me through higher education, nonprofit program management and consulting. I had the pleasure of working for and with national and local organizations like uAspire, Missio Alliance, Fresno State and Fresno Unified School District. Collectively, these experiences have taught me the importance of building strong connections and bringing communities together.

This role felt like a perfect combination of my past experiences and current passions. It beautifully aligns with my personal values and professional aspirations. Given my ties to Fresno and the school, joining FPU feels like coming home in many ways—a full-circle moment. I love that this institution is deeply rooted in not just my story but Fresno’s story.

Q: What unique perspective or experiences do you bring to this position?

As I mentioned, my career journey has been a mix of experiences. Each one has taught me that every interaction contributes to a bigger story. That’s how I see alumni development—not just as a role but as an opportunity to intertwine individual narratives, creating a diverse and connected alumni community of shared experiences.

Also, coming into this role without being an alumna adds an interesting twist. It allows me to offer a different perspective and approach things from a unique angle.

Growing up, my parents were actively involved in local ministry work, which meant we frequented conferences hosted at the university. Through the relationships they built here, my parents had the opportunities to guest speak in multiple FPU classes and during chapel.

One of the most memorable experiences I had here was my first trip out of the country with an FPU professor and her class to Colombia. My mother went along as an interpreter, and I was lucky enough to tag along. My sister was also fortunate to attend and cheer here.

Fresno Pacific holds a special place in my journey. I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible opportunities that stem from being a part of this school, and I’m excited to bring that perspective into my work.

Q: What goals do you have for your position, and what excites you the most about your current work?

I’m most excited about showing the value of ongoing involvement from alumni and the impact it has on shaping the university’s future. To do this I believe the most effective approach involves telling powerful stories, building connections with current university activities and maintaining a strong sense of community among our alumni. If I’m able to strengthen the alumni community while contributing to the university’s legacy positively, I’ll feel like I’m really hitting the mark in my role.

Q: What are your interests and hobbies outside of the workplace?

I’m a proud wife and mom of three wonderful kids, which means my interests and hobbies mostly revolve around them—they keep me busy and laughing! Family is a huge part of who I am, so outside of work, you’ll often find me wrapped up in activities and adventures with my loved ones.

Q: Any final thoughts or messages you’d like to share with the Fresno Pacific community?

I want people connected to FPU to feel welcome to reach out anytime—email me or give me a call. I’m eager to connect with our students, faculty and staff to engage the alumni. I feel incredibly fortunate and excited to be a part of this community.