Spring 2009 - Seattle University

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employers and mentors but also improve their
networking and presentation skills. Recently
Career Services presented “What’s Next,” a
daylong seminar for seniors and alumni with
sessions on professional networking, personal
finance and investments for beginners, and the
timely topic of “Surviving the Recession,” among
other choices. Through another Career Services
event, the Etiquette and Networking Dinner,
alumni shared their career experience, including
networking acumen, with students who will
soon enter the job market.
For the many alumni who prefer to network
and job-hunt online, Alumni Relations offers an
outlet through alumniweb (http://alumniweb.
seattleu.edu). Here, members receive quarterly
e-newsletters about upcoming events and
can contact alumni and friends by way of an
online directory. Alumni also have a presence
on Facebook and LinkedIn. Career Services, in
conjunction with Alumni Relations, created The
Redhawk Network, which provides a forum for
students, alumni, prospective employers and
recruiters to swap ideas, share resources and
forge new connections that may benefit their
personal and professional growth.
If you are a bit timid about networking or
meeting new people, alumni chapters are a
good starting point (see sidebar for a sampling
of chapters). These affinity and regional chapters
offer regular social events, organize fundraising
initiatives and participate in community outreach.
The chapters aren’t limited to alumni.
Erin Beary, ’96, a leader of the faculty and staff
chapter, says being involved allows her to reach
out to colleagues. “It’s nice to be able to connect
with folks across campus in ways we wouldn’t
otherwise, particularly in social situations and in
doing service work,” she says. “The people who
graduate from Seattle University have a particular
bent about justice issues. …Being involved with an
alumni chapter is a great way to stay connected to
that mission and stay connected to these values.”
—Chelan David
Tina Potterf contributed to this story
Check out www.seattleu.edu/magazine/ for
a profile of Daniel Pascoe Aguilar, executive
director of SU’s Career Services.
Alumni Chapters
A number of alumni chapters are active in the Seattle area
and across the country. Here’s a sampling:
African American Alumni Chapter
Participants in this chapter have the opportunity to meet
and share ideas and experiences with other African American
alumni of Seattle University.
Boeing Corporate Alumni Chapter
Serves alumni employed by Boeing.
Costco Scholars Alumni Chapter
A forum for Costco Scholars alumni to gather, network and
build community; provides role models and advisers
to current Costco Scholars.
Educational Leadership Doctorate (ELDR)
Alumni Chapter
Dedicated to alumni from the ELDR cohort, this chapter
focuses on educational outreach, professional career
building and continuing education.
Filipino Alumni Chapter
In addition to serving as a way for Filipino alumni to connect
with each other, this chapter provides service opportunities,
mentors current and new graduates, and coordinates an
annual event that raises funds for Filipino/Filipino American
student scholarships.
ROTC Alumni Chapter
Serves alumni of the ROTC program.
Social Work Alumni Chapter
Consisting of graduates of the social work program, this
chapter focuses on social outreach to the Seattle community.
Starbucks Corporate Alumni Chapter
Serves alumni employed by Starbucks.
SU Faculty and Staff Alumni Chapter
This chapter facilitates the building and growth of relationships
among alumni working at Seattle University. It engages
alumni as volunteer leaders in activities that support the
university’s mission and goals, and encourages involvement
in activities that support personal and professional goals.
Young Alumni Chapter
Consisting of recent grads, this chapter focuses on
professional career building, social networking and
community outreach and service.
Learn more about these and other alumni chapters at
www.seattleu.edu/alumni/, or contact Alumni Relations
at (206) 296-6127.
SU Magazine Spring 2009 | 29