Graduates, parents and friends in more than 15 cities around the country gathered to observe Elon's first National Networking Day on Jan. 25.
Alumni turned out in large numbers for events designed to connect them to Elon’s rapidly growing professional network. In several cities, special guest speakers offered words of wisdom for effective networking and tips for success in different industries. Here are some of the highlights:
Baltimore
Alumni gathered at Gin Mill for a networking social. More than 20 attendees enjoyed remarks from John Hill ’76, who shared best practices for networking in today’s professional climate.
Boston
“Our national networking day was a great success!” reports Meghan Cronen ’09, Boston Alumni Chapter president. The Boston event was hosted by Elon parent and trustee Dave Porter P’11 at the John Hancock Tower. More than 50 people attended, including special Elon guest John Barnhill ’92, assistant vice president for university advancement.
Charleston
Despite a last-minute venue change, says Charleston Chapter President Morgan Zech ’07, “our event had a great turnout!” Elon alumni from several eras working in varied professions were in attendance, she adds.
Charlotte
Eleven Elon graduates shared expertise from their specific industries at Charlotte’s networking event at Andrew Blair’s. Rick Snyder ’91, Mike Mooney ’93, Becky Farmer Crawford ’98, Jeff Bennett ’97, Al Riddick ’91, Tim Pacitto ’92, Rich Saner ’97, Rob Speir ’95, Vince Sumner ’96, Mark Turner ’92 and Lee Thomas ’91 led small-group discussions for attendees about communications, education, finance and banking, hospitality, real estate, and sales and marketing. Tom Brinkley, Elon’s new director of employer and foundation relations, attended to meet alumni and talk about new opportunities for career services at Elon.
Triangle
More than 60 Elon alumni and friends took part in the Triangle Alumni Chapter’s National Networking Day event. Keynote speaker Tim Moore ’78, owner of Dancing Elephants, Inc., focused on the importance of diversifying professional networks to achieve maximum success. Chapter Co-President Jeff Hendrick ’02 says “this event gave us the chance to connect alumni of all ages representing many different industries. It was a great success!”
Want to share photos of or thoughts on your city’s National Networking Day? Send an email to ksimonetti@elon.edu.