Whether she’s welcoming alumni back to campus for ReUnion or cheering on her kids at a weekend sports game, Ashley Breslin thrives on building connections and celebrating community.
Ashley Breslin with her husband Derek, and children Reagan and Rory at the Grand Canyon.
Breslin recently marked 18 years at Union College, where she serves as director of Alumni and Parent Engagement in College Relations. In this role, she oversees signature traditions such as ReUnion and Homecoming & Family Weekend, while also traveling across the country to connect with alumni and host regional events. A recent highlight was organizing an alumni gathering in Phoenix, followed by time exploring Sedona and the Grand Canyon.
At home in Niskayuna, Breslin is mom to Reagan, 11, and Rory, who many may recognize zipping around campus on a golf cart during ReUnion and Homecoming. She and her husband, Derek, share their home with their doodle, Nina.
In her free time, she enjoys running, skiing, and golfing, though most days are spent shuttling her kids to their own sports and activities. It’s a busy season of life, but one she wouldn’t trade for anything.
FIRST APP YOU LOOK AT IN THE MORNING:
My calendar so I know how professional I need to dress or if it can be a comfy day.
WHAT ARE YOU READING?
I just finished “The Perfect Couple” by Elin Hilderbrand while I was on vacation.
WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING:
So I read “The Perfect Couple” because Netflix came out with a series based on the book and I want to start watching that. Otherwise, I can’t wait for “Landman” (Paramount+) to come back on!
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU RECEIVED:
I got a fortune cookie once that said “Fear is the darkroom where negatives are developed,” and that stuck with me….
ONE SKILL YOU WISH YOU HAD:
There are so many - we are finishing our basement, and I wish I knew carpentry. I would love to be able to build something.
THREE DINNER PARTY GUESTS (living or deceased) and WHY:
RBG, Margaret Thatcher - two badass females - and Anne Frank because I re-read "The Diary of Anne Frank” this summer and went to the exhibit in NYC.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU:
I have dressed as not one but two college mascots.
FAVORITE UNION MEMORY/EXPERIENCE:
Since starting at Union 18 years ago, every fall has felt a bit like going back to school myself. When the students return and the campus is framed by beautiful fall foliage, I think it’s when Union looks its best. It always brings me back to that “first day of school” feeling. And, of course, Homecoming and Family Weekend adds to that excitement, making it my favorite annual tradition.
ONE THING YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT: My kiddos - Reagan and Rory - this should be catching up with them because everyone at Union who has been here long enough remembers when I was pregnant with them and seeing them as babies.
WHICH LIVING PERSON DO YOU MOST ADMIRE:
Too many to count, but there are a lot of strong women in my life - I admire and am grateful for them.