Alumni Counsel the Next Generation of Gator Leaders During 2023 Blue & Gold Weekend
Allegheny College alumni returned to campus on September 29 to connect and support the next generation of Gator leaders as part of the annual Blue & Gold Weekend: A Homecoming and Family Celebration.
The College’s Office of Institutional Advancement partnered with academic departments to facilitate class visits, practice interviews, and networking receptions throughout the day to learn about career pathways, particularly in:
- Biology
- Business and Economics
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Environmental Science and Sustainability (ESS)
- Global Health Studies
- History
- Political Science
- Psychology
One of the weekend events included an alumni panel, presented by the Department of Computer Information Science and their Technical Advisory Board. The discussion centered around opportunities, successes, and reflections on the student experience at Allegheny. Alumni represented companies including Google, Amazon Web Services, Fastly, and DeepLocal.
During the auspicious weekend, it was also revealed that the former office of Career Education has been reenvisioned as the Center for Career & Professional Development.
“Blue & Gold Weekend is a natural time to emphasize the supportive career ecosystem at Allegheny College,” says Allegheny Executive Director of Career and Professional Development Brian Collingwood. “Our new center signals a shift in how the College is evolving in its approach to career development work, as we work to demonstrate the dynamic nature of a liberal arts education from Allegheny.”
Here’s what alumni had to say about returning to their alma mater:
Ethan Woodfill ’22 says, “I was so excited to return to Allegheny to help ESS students realize how many different careers are in the field and ease their worries about life after graduation. I wanted to convey how the program and faculty truly prepare them to be changemakers in their communities.”
“It was wonderful reconnecting with everyone who made a difference in my education and life,” says Molly Tarvin ’22. “Seeing the ESS Department professors, especially Professor Pallant, reminded me of all the lessons and advice that shaped me into who I am today. As for the students, talking to the next generation was remarkably encouraging, as many are passionate and ambitious. Many years after I made my college choice, I’m proud to say that I’m certain Allegheny was the home for me and always will be!”
“As an alumnus, being asked to come back to campus as a member of the Board of Visitors is an honor, and having the opportunity to connect with the current generation of students and future leaders is very rewarding,” says Naveed Ismail ’12. “Allegheny uniquely prepares young adults for both the transition to and success in their careers, and being able to help them work on interviewing skills and share experiences from the workplace that help students prepare for their futures is something that we, as alumni, are thrilled to support.”