Good fun, good food and good friends – that’s how a group of close to 200 students spent the evening of October 6th at Loyalist College. A spaghetti dinner, followed by an evening’s entertainment featuring comedian Aaron Birg, was co-sponsored by the College’s Alumni Association and the Student Government.
Alumni President Rosemary Rooke extended a warm welcome to the group. “Your relationship with Loyalist does not end when you leave, you’ll always have a place here. Some graduates choose to become a part of the Alumni Executive, some serve on program advisory committees and others contribute to bursaries to help students complete their studies here. I think this is a great college – when you leave, don’t forget us, we need your involvement. You’re an important part of Loyalist.”
Chris Barnim, President of the Student Government, current Public Relations student and a 2011 Radio Broadcasting graduate, felt the evening was a great opportunity for students to learn about the benefits that Loyalist graduates enjoy. “Tonight is intended to be a casual, relaxing evening where students can make new friends, and learn how the College is there for them – now and in the future. They will always have access to the Alumni Association and the benefits that come with that affiliation – job search and career planning support, insurance packages, campus discounts and alumni events. I know that I will always have strong ties to Loyalist.”
One of the students who attended the dinner was Shannon Powell, a second year Customs Border Services student. “It feels good knowing that the College will continue to be supportive after I graduate. Loyalist really does a lot for their students and I would like to be a part of that in the future.”
“Initially I went to university in Ottawa but it just didn’t click – then I came to Loyalist and it is amazing here,” said Adam Radziwinowski, a third year Television and New Media Production student. “We have wonderful internships built into our program and many of them are arranged through past graduates. They know that Loyalist students are being well trained to meet industry standards and they help us to get our start in the field. I love coming to events like the one here tonight. It’s a great way to build school spirit and get people involved in campus life outside the classroom.”
The College Alumni Services office works closely with the Loyalist Alumni Association to provide opportunities for Loyalist alumni to stay actively engaged with the College and one another after graduation. It also coordinates a range of initiatives, including benefit programs, events, and affinity programs. The office maintains up-to-date alumni records and publishes the alumni magazine Lasting Connections, which is mailed to all alumni twice each year. Loyalist graduates are encouraged to update their contact information – or stop by and discover the ways they can continue to be a part of the college community.