Events across the country help Elon alumni expand professional circles and gain career insight.
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Following the success of its first National Networking Day in 2012, Elon’s Alumni Association recently hosted an expanded schedule of events designed to connect Elon graduates to the university’s growing professional network.
From Jan. 28-31, nearly 650 alumni and friends observed National Networking Week at events in 15 cities around the country. Here are some highlights:
New York City – Jan. 30
Alumni in New York City heard from President Leo M. Lambert and Max Cantor ’10, a filmmaker and writer who, alongside Tim Johnson ’09, produced Elon’s new admissions video and is working on a new alumni video for the university. Cantor’s remarks touched on the common connection shared by Elon alumni of all generations, and how his work on the films deepened his knowledge of that bond. Tom Brinkley, Elon’s director of employer and foundation relations, met alumni and talked about new opportunities for career services at Elon.
Baltimore – Jan. 30
Baltimore-area alumni gathered at Carrol’s Creek Café in Annapolis, Md., to hear keynote speaker Kent Strosnider ’91 discuss the impact networking can have on career path and share his personal experience with the power of networking. Strosnider is executive director of wealth management at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC and a member of the Elon Alumni Board. Lauren Limerick ’09, associate director of corporate and employer relations, represented Elon’s Student Professional Development Center at the event.
“The Baltimore networking event was a wonderful opportunity for alumni genuine in their love of Elon to come together, enjoy each other’s company and learn more about opening doors for fellow alumni and current students,” said Limerick, who also attended networking events hosted by the Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and Triangle Alumni chapters.
Philadelphia – Jan. 28
The Philadelphia Alumni Chapter adopted a speed-networking model for an event held at The Union League, with attendees rotating between six different small groups for five-minute networking sessions. Event organizers also allotted time for a general networking reception.
“We had a great turnout for the event,” said Breanna Hart Raue ’07, president of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter. “The speed-networking format allowed our attendees to branch out from their comfort zones, and make new connections with each person at the event.”
Los Angeles – Jan. 31
Seventy-five attendees took part in an event at the Hotel Roosevelt as President Lambert shared his insights on the power of networking. The event also marked the relaunch of the Los Angeles Chapter, which will partner with Elon in Los Angeles program director Jay McMerty ’00 to more closely connect Los Angeles-based alumni with students enrolled in the program.
Charleston – Jan. 30
A networking social held at Stars Restaurant in Charleston brought together alumni from the 1970s, ’80s, ’90s and ’00s, and featured a performance by the Elon Music Ambassadors. The select group of music majors performed songs from their “One World, One Voice” program, which highlights music from around the world, and interacted with alumni in attendance.
For more on Elon’s National Networking week, visit www.elon.edu/alumninetworking.