Troy University Athletics
Fan Feature: Faith Ward
8/17/2017 2:37:00 PM | General
Pulling out the confetti from her desk that fell from the ceiling after the Troy men's and women's basketball teams won the Sun Belt Conference championship in New Orleans perfectly characterizes Faith Ward's love and passion for the Troy Trojans. Troy memorabilia covers the walls of her office and cardinal and silver gifts from friends hang on her wall and sit on her desk next to photos of her family. Her grandmother's Troy diploma hangs next to hers on the wall adjacent to a window that overlooks Veterans-Memorial Stadium.
Many of those familiar with Troy know Ward well. For over 20 years, she has served as the Alumni Director for Troy, a job that she was made for. She evens wears Troy colors everyday. A proud alumna herself, Ward leads 64 alumni chapters all over the country. She grew up just miles down the road from Troy in Glenwood, Ala.
"Growing up, my father always took us to Troy events. As long as I can remember, I have been a Troy fan. I thought I would want to do something else when I graduated, but my heart was still in Troy and I just couldn't leave."
Ward came to Troy in 1976 as an only child, however after rushing Alpha Delta Pi she soon found a sisterhood that she would forever embrace. Her Troy family meant everything to her, as a student, an employee and a fan.
"I felt like I had a family at Troy," Ward said. "It still has the very same atmosphere as it did when I was a student here. The school wasn't as big back then, but we had that home town feel of being loved by everyone on campus, and that hasn't changed."
Ward graduated from Troy with a degree in journalism that she uses everyday. Much of her position requires strong PR and communication skills to encourage others to experience Troy as one of the premier universities in the state.
"I have the best of both worlds," Ward said. "I love what I do for my job and who I do it for. I love the fact that I don't miss any sporting events because I am already here. I love that I can cheer for my Trojans for my job. Working for Troy also allows me to be up close and personal with Troy Athletics. I love that I can be close with the coaches and administration here. Not everybody gets to have an opportunity like that."
Ward plays a huge role in planning and hosting reunions for Troy Alumni. She loves being in involved with former students returning home to Troy where they have so many fond memories. To hear former students relive stories of his or her time at Troy never yields to be special for Ward.
A typical day for Ward involves meeting with, taking calls, and planning activities for Troy alumni, or anyone interested in joining the Troy Alumni Association. If an alum needs any assistance or has a question about anything relating to the university, Ward and her staff are there to lend a helping hand.
"We are like a customer service center for the university. When someone doesn't know where to find something or they need to know an answer to a question, we provide that for them. We also do a lot of public relations for the university."
Raising money for scholarships is one of Ward's favorite parts of the job. The 64 chapters of the Troy Alumni Association raise money for college bound students in their local area. Fundraising events range from golf tournaments to wine tasting. Ward plays a huge role in coordinating these events for all of the chapters to send students to the school she cherishes so much to receive quality educations and a one-of-a-kind college experience.
"It brings me so much joy to be able to help students come to school here," Ward said.
Game days are like holidays for Ward, a day full of family, food and fun. The Alumni Association hosts a tailgate for all members two hours prior to kickoff. The alumni house becomes home away from home for all those who want it.
"I love to tailgate, so I still get to participate with that on game days," Ward said. "Everyone is so excited and looking forward to winning. There is so much excitement in the air."
While football holds a special place in Ward's heart, other Troy sports have given Ward some of her best memories.
"When the men's and women's basketball teams both won the conference tournament in New Orleans, that was one of the greatest moments for me. I got to feel to confetti come down not once, but twice. That will always be one of the highlights of my time at Troy."
Win or lose, Ward will always be faithful to the Trojans and Troy University. She has dedicated her life to sharing her passion of Troy with others and helping them fall in love with the place she calls home.
"Troy will always be family to me and it will always be a huge part of my life."
Many of those familiar with Troy know Ward well. For over 20 years, she has served as the Alumni Director for Troy, a job that she was made for. She evens wears Troy colors everyday. A proud alumna herself, Ward leads 64 alumni chapters all over the country. She grew up just miles down the road from Troy in Glenwood, Ala.
"Growing up, my father always took us to Troy events. As long as I can remember, I have been a Troy fan. I thought I would want to do something else when I graduated, but my heart was still in Troy and I just couldn't leave."
Ward came to Troy in 1976 as an only child, however after rushing Alpha Delta Pi she soon found a sisterhood that she would forever embrace. Her Troy family meant everything to her, as a student, an employee and a fan.
"I felt like I had a family at Troy," Ward said. "It still has the very same atmosphere as it did when I was a student here. The school wasn't as big back then, but we had that home town feel of being loved by everyone on campus, and that hasn't changed."
Ward graduated from Troy with a degree in journalism that she uses everyday. Much of her position requires strong PR and communication skills to encourage others to experience Troy as one of the premier universities in the state.
"I have the best of both worlds," Ward said. "I love what I do for my job and who I do it for. I love the fact that I don't miss any sporting events because I am already here. I love that I can cheer for my Trojans for my job. Working for Troy also allows me to be up close and personal with Troy Athletics. I love that I can be close with the coaches and administration here. Not everybody gets to have an opportunity like that."
Ward plays a huge role in planning and hosting reunions for Troy Alumni. She loves being in involved with former students returning home to Troy where they have so many fond memories. To hear former students relive stories of his or her time at Troy never yields to be special for Ward.
A typical day for Ward involves meeting with, taking calls, and planning activities for Troy alumni, or anyone interested in joining the Troy Alumni Association. If an alum needs any assistance or has a question about anything relating to the university, Ward and her staff are there to lend a helping hand.
"We are like a customer service center for the university. When someone doesn't know where to find something or they need to know an answer to a question, we provide that for them. We also do a lot of public relations for the university."
Raising money for scholarships is one of Ward's favorite parts of the job. The 64 chapters of the Troy Alumni Association raise money for college bound students in their local area. Fundraising events range from golf tournaments to wine tasting. Ward plays a huge role in coordinating these events for all of the chapters to send students to the school she cherishes so much to receive quality educations and a one-of-a-kind college experience.
"It brings me so much joy to be able to help students come to school here," Ward said.
Game days are like holidays for Ward, a day full of family, food and fun. The Alumni Association hosts a tailgate for all members two hours prior to kickoff. The alumni house becomes home away from home for all those who want it.
"I love to tailgate, so I still get to participate with that on game days," Ward said. "Everyone is so excited and looking forward to winning. There is so much excitement in the air."
While football holds a special place in Ward's heart, other Troy sports have given Ward some of her best memories.
"When the men's and women's basketball teams both won the conference tournament in New Orleans, that was one of the greatest moments for me. I got to feel to confetti come down not once, but twice. That will always be one of the highlights of my time at Troy."
Win or lose, Ward will always be faithful to the Trojans and Troy University. She has dedicated her life to sharing her passion of Troy with others and helping them fall in love with the place she calls home.
"Troy will always be family to me and it will always be a huge part of my life."
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