From the Nominator

"After conducting focus groups, analyzing survey data, and gathering individual feedback from young alumni, we realized there was a gap in our career programming. Students were being catapulted into adulthood (and alumni status) without any real guidelines about what the “real world” brings. As young alumni started new jobs, moved to new cities, and left College Park, they were left with questions like: 

“What is a 401K?”

“How do I make friends in a new city where I don’t know anyone?”

“What if my job has nothing to do with my major?”

“How do I grocery shop for one?” 

With these questions at the top of our minds, we created the Young Alumni Conference—a one-day conference dedicated to young alumni where they could connect, network, and attend sessions relevant to them.   

Throughout the day, they heard from expert speakers on topics ranging from “Making Money Moves” to “Pivoting on Purpose.” At our resource fair, they had the chance to partake in mock interviews, meet one-on-one with career coaches, hear from mental health organizations or talk with our regional team on how to build community across the United States. At the end of the day, they were able to network with fellow alumni and connect at an alumni event that felt approachable, impactful, and built for them.   

With over 100 attendees at this first-ever event, we confirmed for many alumni that support from UMD doesn’t end when you get your diploma."

From the Judges

The judges agreed that many institutions wrestle with how to meaningfully engage young alumni. This entry stood out to the panel, some of whom have served, themselves, on alumni boards, as an excellent young alumni engagement tool that could be easily adopted or adapted by other institutions. They specifically commended the mutual benefit to the alum and the school—there was something of value from both perspectives.