"One of the most valuable resources we offer you is the opportunity to network with previous graduates of Longwood," states an email sent to students through the Academic & Career Advising Center (ACAC). On Friday, Feb. 24 from 1-4:30 p.m., Longwood students can mix and mingle with visiting alumni in the Lankford Ballroom with the opportunity to ask questions on academic and career related experiences face to face with those who have accomplished citizen leadership past the classroom and into the real world. "The Student Alumni Networking Event (SANE) is an annual event where alums return to campus specifically to speak with current students. They come to share their academic and career-related experiences with you and are available to answer whatever questions you might have," states the email. Described as a "social networking opportunity" on the Longwood website, SANE is an easygoing way for students to find answers to questions on careers, internships and more. These questions can be easily answered by those who have experience in the matter. SANE will not contain formal speeches or presentations, but is simply a meet and greet event. The ACAC suggests students prepare before the event by checking out the list of alumni registered to attend, including their major and occupation. Also suggested is developing a list of questions before the event to ensure what information you want gets covered. Additionally, there might not be alumni whose career activities match specifically with yours, so you should keep an open mind. "Think beyond the company name," the Longwood website says. Lastly, the Academic & Career Advising Center suggests students check out the Networking and Informational Interviewing handouts on the Longwood website, offering tips on how to best present yourself. Students are given the opportunity to register to attend the event beforehand to have the opportunity to obtain a free professional name tag, including one's name, email address, phone number, major and graduation date. If interested in learning more information on the Student Alumni Networking Event, the alumni attending or the available informational handouts offered to students to better prepare themselves professionally before the event, feel free to go online to www.longwood.edu/career/36259.htm. Below is a list of Longwood alumni attending, along with their major and industry or job title:
• Dale Baake, Business, Financial Representative
• Jackie Waddell, English, Support/Testing Manager – Mapcom Systems
• Marquis Mapp, Sociology, Crossroads Prevention Services
• Robert Parker, Biology, Diabetes Care Specialist
• Mary-Chris Escobar, Psychology, Higher Education
• Taylor Hines, Business, Recruiting
• Matt Beach, Business, Assistant Manager – Jason's Deli
• Patrice Carter, Sociology, Museum Program Coordinator
• Matthew Brashares, Art, Sales Engineer
• Randi Zaremba, Business Admin – MIS, Senior Developer
• Michelle Sanchez, Political Science, Client Pricing, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
• Lynne Grosso, Modern Languages – German, Teaching
• Robert Wilson, Liberal Studies – Pre-K-8, Federal Government
• Cameron Patterson, History, Disability Resources
• Tara Carr, Communication Studies, Admissions
• Mary Beth Groarke, Social Work, Federal Government
• Michelle Dalton, Chemistry, Lab Director
