There's more than one way to give back to your alma mater.
Sure, giving money is traditional, appreciated and desired to better the institution. But what about those people who want to reach the students and community on a personal level?
Now more than ever alumni are getting creative and coming up with their own ideas to improve to their alma mater. From teaching students about real life experiences, and sharing their knowledge, to offering students an internship or job, Virginia Wesleyan alumni have redefined giving back in a new, innovative way.
During the 2006-07 academic year, several alumni returned to campus and spoke to students in various academic divisions. They shared their workforce experiences, gave advice on how to be successful and answered tough questions for students entering the job world.
Through streaming video over the Internet, Cam Garner ’72 addressed a class of marketing students from a computer in California for Dr. Linda Ferguson, professor of management/business and economics. Garner shared his early career experiences where he learned about product management and how to launch new products.
Now a pharmaceutical entrepreneur who has created specialty pharmaceutical companies, Garner stressed that flexibility is vital to success. Every venture he undertakes begins with a product that has a market and sound marketing plan, he said.
His last piece of advice to students was how important communications skills are in the workforce. "The ultimate success of the business is how well you can communicate within an organization as well as to your customers," he said.
Alumna Venetia Huffman ’80 who resides in Currituck, N.C. traveled to Virginia Wesleyan and was also a guest speaker in Ferguson's marketing class.
Huffman, the Vice President at CV International, gave an hour-long presentation about the supply chain, governmental imports/exports and ports on the East Coast. She spoke about careers available in the shipping industry and emphasized job security due to the continued growth of exports into the United States.
In April, George K. "Chip" Tsantes ’83 was a guest speaker in Dr. Kathy Stolley's Social Problems Class. The Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for INTERSECTIONS INC, an identity management company, Tsantes spoke about Internet security and identity theft.
In addition to sharing his knowledge, Tsantes' company also hired a recent graduate, Heather Grotheer ’07 as an infoSec paid intern for the summer. Grotheer works in the information security department where she conducts research and ensures the security and protection of her client's classified information.
"Coming into this position I had only basic computer skills, however, just after a few weeks I was thoroughly trained and became accustom to very extensive computer skilled work," she said. "This has been a very promising internship so far and I'm enjoying working in a small team atmosphere and learning a lot about criminal behavior."
A criminal justice major, Grotheer says the workforce is definitely a change from college life. "No more staying up late," she said. "But I'm gaining a lot of experience and skills training that will better prepare me for future career opportunities."
Also in April, the Career Services Center held a career panel for students in the computer science field. Alumnus Dan Iley ’87, an information technology project manager for Bank of America, was one of several speakers.
And earlier in the year a career panel for students in the communications field was held. Several alumni shared their experiences including John Doucette ’01, a reporter for The Virginian-Pilot; Michelle (Rogerson) Dragas ’00, APR and founder of Reina Communications; Jason Marks ’98, a reporter for WAVY-TV/Fox 43 News; and Sara Steil ’03 a copy editor for Link.
For Dr. Bill Ruehlmann, professor of journalism/communications, having alumni come back and share their knowledge is vital to the personal growth of the next generation of students.
"The importance of this is that these students [alumni] not only learn their craft, but also learn to share it," he said.
07/25/07