Being selected Young Alumnus of the Year came “totally out of the blue” to Allison Yoder Seabeck, who would prefer to play down her exceptional high school and professional accomplishments.
“I valued every opportunity to be involved at EMS—service, Touring Choir, orchestra, plays, sports, model UN, French Club—grabbing the chance to dabble in new things and explore my varied interests and curiosities. I’m astounded at how similar to an undergraduate liberals arts experience high school was for me.”
That quest to lead and know more led Allison to the College of William & Mary, where she studied linguistics and international relations. Unsure of what would be in store for her upon graduation, Allison now recalls, “God has an interesting way of planting things in your path to help you discover his purpose for you along the way.” As a linguist interested in the systematic side of language, previous study in Japanese enabled Allison to teach English in Japan. There God opened her eyes “to the beauty of cultural differences” and led her to meet her husband, who was also teaching in Japan.
An eventual move to Colorado afforded the opportunity to work for Prosci, a change management company, of which she is now President. There Allison applies her analytical and communications skills to help businesses produce effective change through communications and team development. Allison’s demanding client-driven career is augmented by the support of her husband and parents, who help Allison balance work with the care of infant daughter, Eliza. Staying connected in faith and serving a church community through praise and worship helps Allison stay grounded and focused on a greater call.
“It feels a little awkward and extremely humbling to receive this award. Although appreciative of the opportunity, I wondered if I should accept? Then I remembered chapels at EMHS and thought —if I could impact just one student through my presentation and show them that you can live
a life rich with faith, family and business—in tandem….if that encourages just one student pondering about his or her future—I accept and take this gratefully.”
