Established in 2018, the SML Alumni and Friends Association (AFA) is a volunteer-led initiative with the goal of engaging all members of the SML community in a manner that expresses the pride, tradition, and life-long learning that occurs on Appledore and stretches across time and space. Whether you are alum, past researcher, faculty member, staff, donor, or simply someone interested in SML, you are now a member of the Alumni and Friends Association (AFA)! The AFA Charter (2020) guides the operation of the organization (Click HERE for the 2026 updated AFA Charter).
Read the SML Newsletter and AFA emails for information about AFA activities designed to bring the SML community together and assist SML in carrying out its mission. If you have not been getting regular SML newsletters and announcements and want to stay informed about SML’s operations, programs, future events and fundraising opportunities, click here to add yourself to the newsletter list.
For more information and/or to volunteer for service on the AFA Council or on any of the committees, please write to Jackie Webb (Chair, AFA) – jwebb20 *at* cox.net
AFA Leadership Team (2025-2026)
Chair – Jackie Webb (SML ’77)
Vice Chair – vacant
Secretary – vacant (election pending – March 2026)
AFA Council
The AFA Council, a larger group composed of Shoals alumni from all eras of the Lab (1966-Present) elects the AFA leadership and guides the work of the AFA. The Council meets quarterly (January, April, August, November) via Zoom. Each member of the Council is also a member of one of the AFA Committees, which also include other members of the AFA.
- 1960’s: vacant
- 1970’s: Jack Cutler (1973), Jackie Webb (1977), Mike Coburn (1977), Tom Johnson (new, 1970’s)
- 1980’s: Mark Wiley (1986), Morgan Hardwick-Witman (‘80’s)
- 1990’s: Doug Fudge (1991), Kate Siler (1991), Jim Warren (new, 1991)
- 2000’s: Jarrett Byrnes (1999, 2000), Dani Neuharth-Keusch (2009, 2010), Justin Stillwell (2009)
- 2010’s: Vanessa Constant (2008-2011), Jason Button (2011), Amber Litterer (2014)
- 2020’s: vacant
- Faculty/Staff: Cam Ragland (new, staff, 2024), Ashley Stoehr (new, faculty, 2020’s)
- Friends: Rochelle Heath
Networking Committee
Co–Chairs: Vanessa Constant and Justin Stillwell
SML liaison: Amy Fish (Director of Community Relations, SML)
Goals:
- To develop & expand the AFA network for the overall benefit of the SML community
- To assist with fund-raising efforts (SML Annual Fund, Cornell Giving Day, UNH 603 Challenge)
- To plan on-island AFA Alumni Weekends & virtual community outreach events adn activities
Recruitment Committee
Chair: vacant
SML liaison: David Buck (Associate Director, SML)
Goals:
- To recruit students to SML’s undergraduate and high school courses
- To recruit participants to public programs
- To increase attendance at SML’s online Rock Talk Seminar Series and other SML events
Philanthropy Committee
Chair: vacant
SML liaison: Amy Fish (Director of Community Relations, SML)
Goals:
- To assist the SML staff in advertising giving opportunities and identifying donors.