This past week marked the annual return of the College’s Alumni Board to campus and with only three weeks of classes left, members of the Alumni Board have been eager to work closely with students and especially with seniors on figuring out post-graduation plans.
Sandy Nichols, ’94 and Director of Alumni Relations defines the Alumni Board as “an advisory board to the College and the Board of Trustees. They advise the Office of Alumni Relations on key issues surrounding the College, represent over 50 years of alumni and assist with activities and events while on campus.” Currently, the different class years featured within the Alumni Board range from 1953 to 2006.
The Alumni Association and Alumni Board were both established in 1884 and members of the Alumni Board have been making trips back to campus since then. In total, there are 23 members within the Alumni Board, 15 of whom each serve a three year term. There are six Alumni Trustees, who are members of the Board of Trustees as well, one President of the Alumni Association who oversees all meetings and alumni programs on campus and finally, a president elect.
In the past week, members of the alumni board have participated in and organized a number of different events. Yesterday, Real World 101 took place from 5-6:30 p.m.† in Lowry Pit where seniors were given the opportunity to meet and network with members of the Alumni Board while receiving helpful tips about apartment hunting, cooking basics, job placements, finances and especially how to integrate I.S. into the daily real world lifestyle.
Carolyn Ciriegio ’08, the Development Assistant of Alumni Relations says the best way for students to become involved with members of the Alumni Board is to simply start up a conversation with one of them. “I can guarantee you would find an instant connection with them because you have the Wooster connection and everyone has a story to share. One of my favorite things about working with alumni and in particular the alumni board, is learning about their career paths ó which can be inspiring and helpful for maybe a first-year or even a senior who doesn’t have a set career plan.”
Members of the Alumni Board also worked closely with the Admissions Committee this past week when they attended a phonathon in the Admissions office, calling different alumni and asking them for donations in The Wooster Fund as well as discussing the importance of the Alumni Association. Additionally, members of the Alumni Board worked closely with seniors in the Career Services department, helping assist with mock job interviews as well as mentoring.
With many of the new initiatives and strategic planning occurring on campus, members of the Alumni Board were also fortunate enough to speak with President Grant Cornwell and learn more about upcoming events and changes occurring to the campus, especially the available updates regarding the Student Recreation Center and P.E.C.
“Members of the Alumni Board, as well as the general alumni population, love to connect with current students. Their goal is to assist current students with their post graduate life Ö the response from both alumni and students has been extremely positive,” added Nichols.
With the end of the year quickly approaching, Ciriegio encourages students, all years alike, to remember to take advantage of what the alumni office and alumni association has to offer. “Whether you are a recent grad moving to a new city and want to make connections, or a first year student thinking about going into a particular field, we probably have an alum who would love to make a connection with you.”
