[ Alumni News Archive ]

The Alumni Networking Series

Elmhurst's alumni are getting together to meet friends, influence each other, and have a good time.

“It’s not what you know, but who you know.”

Or so the saying goes. 

That old quote may have prompted some Elmhurst College graduates to attend the first networking event on February 26, 2009. Hosted by the Alumni Association and the Center for Professional Excellence at a local restaurant, the night offered wine, appetizers, and stimulating conversation on professional networking from a panel of successful business leaders.

For the 55 alumni in attendance, the evening proved practical, important, and fun.

René Bernal ’07 spoke of the night’s success. “As a recent veteran returning from Iraq, the event was a good way to begin the transition from soldier to professional civilian,” said Bernal. “I had the opportunity to speak with three of the four panelists and they all provided great insight on approaching new career paths, making oneself marketable, as well as making the best of the bleak financial times we find ourselves in.

“It was also a great inspiration to see Elmhurst alumni share their success stories with young professionals,” he added. “It helped to foster a sense of endless opportunities for us.”

The featured guests of the evening were Elmhurst alumni Karry Kleeman '85, Vice President of Worldwide Sales at Open Kernel Labs; Greg Puchalski '76, Vice President of Human Resources at USG; Linda Schiff '90, the retired President of Barrington Bank; and Adam Warner '00, President of Key Equipment Finance. The panel spoke on various career-oriented topics but their theme was clear: buidling a professional network—though both formal contacts and informal friendships—is particularly beneficial during a time of such widespread financial and professional uncertainty.

The key, said Schiff, is making sure you stay connected to your contacts, and keeping them abreast of your interests and talents. “The people you know could help to point you in the direction of your next job," Schiff said. "But how will you know if you don’t seek them out and express your goals?”

The panel touched on topics ranging from social networking and online profiles to the ten groups one should tap into while in job transition. The panel helped to provide insight on weathering the current economy and how networking can increase one's professional worth.

The evening was so successful, the Office of Alumni Relations is planning a series of similar networking events in May, June, and August. Two of these outings will be held in Chicago to accommodate the large number of alumni who live in the city.

The next alumni networking event is set for May 13 at 6 p.m., at O'Callaghan's Pub, 29 W. Hubbard, in downtown Chicago. To learn more, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@elmhurst.edu, or click here.

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