Link family of 5 named Appalachian’s 2018 Family of the Year

View larger image — The Link family poses together in Appalachian’s Kidd Brewer Stadium during the Mountaineers football game held Saturday. The Links received Appalachian’s 2018 Family of the Year Award during Appalachian’s Family Weekend Oct. 19–21 and were honored during Sunday’s Family Weekend Recognition Breakfast. Pictured, from left to right, are Tanner Link, a first-year building sciences major; Jeff Link ’90; Sonja Link; Allie Link, a senior communication, public relations major; and Noah Link. Photo by Marie Freeman

“Through my dad, my family has found such a passion for Appalachian State.”

Allie Link, senior communication, public relations major

By Jessica Stump

Posted Oct. 24, 2018 at 5:15 p.m.

BOONE, N.C. — Allie Link, a senior communication, public relations major, and her brother, Tanner Link, a first-year building sciences major, carry their father’s passion for his alma mater. “We love Appalachian and want to share that love with others,” she said.

Appalachian State University’s Office of Parent and Family Services, which is part of the Division of Student Affairs, recognized the Links’ love for Appalachian with the 2018 Family of the Year Award. The award was conferred during the Family Weekend Recognition Breakfast held Sunday on Appalachian’s campus as part of Family Weekend.

The purpose of the Family of the Year Award is to recognize and celebrate the impact of families on the experience of Appalachian students. Students are invited to nominate a family — either their own, or another family who has had a positive impact on their journey — for the award. All submissions are evaluated by a selection committee on the family’s support for the student’s college success and the family’s enthusiasm for Appalachian.

The Link family comprises Allie Link, her father, Appalachian alumnus Jeff Link ’90, her mother, Sonja Link, and her two brothers, Tanner Link and Noah Link.

“Through my dad, my family has found such a passion for Appalachian State,” Allie Link said. “His support and love is what builds our family up and his love for Appalachian is truly contagious.”

Her father’s support extends to other Appalachian students as well.

She said whenever her father learns that someone in their hometown of Greenville has decided to attend Appalachian, he reaches out to offer support in a variety of ways.

“He is always the first to encourage them, be there for them and tell them that if they need any help, he is always there — and he really is,” she said. “Whether it’s to give their parents restaurant recommendations, hotel advice or just to give them directions to Boone, he is the first to be there for others.

“I love that about my dad — that he’s passionate about something (Appalachian) that is so great and wants to pass that passion on to others,” she said. “I look up to him for this quality.”

Family Weekend

Immerse yourself in the Appalachian Experience and join other Appalachian parents, families, and friends for a wonderful, fun-filled weekend on campus during one of the High Country’s most beautiful seasons. This special weekend is your opportunity for a taste of campus life. Visit your son's or daughter's favorite spots on campus, get to know university administrators, faculty and staff members, and cheer on the Mountaineers to a football victory on Saturday!

Learn more

Appalachian recognizes Summeys as Family of the Year

Nov. 3, 2017

The Summey family’s dedication to Appalachian, and each other, was recognized by the Office of Parent and Family Services when they received the inaugural Family of the Year Award at the Family Recognition Breakfast on Oct. 21. The new award recognizes the important role students’ families play in their college success and is open to all Appalachian students.

Read the story

About the Office of Parent and Family Services

Appalachian State University’s Office of Parent and Family Services is committed to keeping the families of App State students informed, engaged and supported throughout their students’ educational experience. From Family Orientation to Family Weekend programming, to monthly newsletters and important updates on campus issues, Parent and Family Services serves as a liaison between the university and the parents and families of students. Learn more at https://parents.appstate.edu.

About Student Affairs at App State

Student Affairs at App State supports student success and well-being by fostering a culture of care, inclusion and engagement. Its mission is to develop lifelong learners and dynamic leaders through meaningful experiences that challenge and support students. Grounded in a commitment to care, engage and transform, Student Affairs creates a student-centered environment that encourages resilience, leadership, service and global learning. Student Affairs encompasses the following units: Campus Activities, Case Management, the Child Development Center, Community-Engaged Leadership, Counseling and Psychological Services, Office of the Dean of Students, New Mountaineer and Family Engagement, Off-Campus Student Services, Plemmons Student Union, Student Conduct, M.S. Shook Student Health Service, Student Legal Services, Student Veteran Services, University Recreation, and Wellness and Prevention Services. Learn more at https://studentaffairs.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.