The SUNY New Paltz Office of Alumni Relations and the Career Resource Center hosted a multi-generational alumni reception in New York City on Jan. 16 to connect students and alumni professionals from top companies like Viacom, AMC Networks and The Skimm. Sterling Equities, which owns the New York Mets, was also co-represented at the event.
“Our alumni community can be a great resource for anyone,” said Kevin Sanchez ’15, a member of the Alumni Council. “An event like this is the perfect setting and atmosphere to exchange all types of information. Most importantly, you are able to meet current students and recent grads, learn about their goals and interests, and connect them to someone in the New Paltz alumni community. These New Paltz connections are fruitful through sharing career advice and mentorship as well as insider knowledge on open positions.”
In attendance were 40 alumni and 20 students; the event was held at Legends New York City on West 33rd Street. The College has hosted several similar events in order to help students forge connections in the alumni community and give alumni an opportunity to give back in a sincere and meaningful way. Alumni also benefit from making connections with each other and sharing opportunities in common industries.
“I attended the meet-up in NYC because I wanted to make professional connections with New Paltz alumni who have made a life after graduating,” said current student Halimat Sulayman ’18. “These people have led successful careers, with some of them being CEOs and managers of their companies. You can see that these alumni are really willing to help New Paltz students in their various fields.”
Current student Sarah Sachs ’18 also attended the event and thinks it’s essential for the College to foster such connections among students and alumni. “It is imperative for students to feel confident enough to approach and meet business professionals,” she said. “This event was perfect practice for students who might be shy when it comes to networking. The environment was laid-back and the alumni were very engaging. The students who attended were able to stand out as potential candidates for future jobs because they had that confidence.”
View a photo gallery from the networking session.
Learn more about the Career Resource Center at SUNY New Paltz.
