Divisions come together for Alumni/Student Networking Dinner

^{By:  Andrew Mees, Director of College and Athletics Communications                          communications@bloomfield.edu}

The Bloomfield College Office of Institutional Advancement and the Center for Career Development came together to provide students with an influential evening Mar. 27, as the divisions hosted the annual Alumni/Student Networking Dinner in the College’s Student Center.

“The Bloomfield College undergraduates are very aware of the importance of networking, which accounts for the great turnout we had at the Dinner,” Center director Carol Ruiz said of the festivities.  “Students, freshmen to seniors, were excited to meet alumni from their respective career fields and have the opportunity to actually dine at a table with them. From the minute the students and alums entered the room, you could feel the energy. Our two divisions complement each other, and it is only natural that we partner for wonderful events like this dinner. “

Creating connections was the essence of the gathering, as nearly 70 current students joined with 20 Bloomfield alumni to discuss life as a professional. Future alums were able to gain valuable insight into life after college and foster powerful relationships with distinguished alums, beginning the lifelong journey of creating their professional networks.

The night was equally beneficial for the graduates in attendance, who had an opportunity to share their journeys through the professional world – and even renew old, meaningful relationships with special people in their lives.

“Through this networking event, I found out I was sitting next to my first cousin’s son, who I haven’t seen since he was a little boy,” participant Ellen Fuentes ’10 said during her remarks to the crowd. “That is the power of what we are doing here tonight. You never know who is sitting next to you, and simply networking can change your entire life.”

“The Alumni/Student Networking Dinner offered alumni the opportunity to see the tangible results of their continued involvement with their alma mater,” director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations Janis Oolie said. “The excitement of the students was easily matched by the enthusiasm of the alumni who were energized by sharing their experiences. For the students, the event offered a unique chance to learn the types of things that aren't taught in the classroom, and to make the types of contacts that will help them as they pursue their career ambitions. We had a wonderful turnout this year, and are looking forward to an even bigger and better event in 2015.”

The Center for Career Development will host its next event on Thursday, April 10, when on-campus student workers are recognized for their contributions at the Annual BEST Program Awards and Recognition Breakfast. The Bloomfield College Alumni Association (BCAA) will host its next event, the annual Spring Gala at Galloping Hill Country Club (Kenilworth, N.J.), on Saturday, April 12. 

Click here to view our Flickr Photo Gallery of the Alumni/Student Networking Dinner.