Program Connects Alumni to Students
The NMU Alumni Association this week hosted an inaugural program titled “WildCATS: Connecting Alumni to Students.” NMU graduates who serve on the Alumni Association board returned to campus to share their advice, life lessons and professional experience. They interacted with students through classroom visits, Skill Builders workshops, meetings with student organizations and networking events.
“We hear from alumni daily who have a great interest in connecting with students,” said Marina Dupler (Alumni Relations). “Each of us can remember that one person who gave us sage advice or that first opportunity that jumpstarted our careers. Alumni want to give back to their alma mater and be that one person for a student today. We want to facilitate that connection and it's also important for us to help students make the connection that they are future alumni and that they realize the impact of giving back.”
Dupler said Alumni Relations staff will collect feedback from participants to assess what went well and what can be improved upon for future WildCATS events. “We hope to do more outreach to students, faculty and staff on campus next year to see what their needs are and how we can match them, and use this data to build our programming.”