The 11th Annual Student and Alumni Networking Mixer
The 11th Annual Student and Alumni Networking Mixer surpassed expectations on Tuesday, April 4, delivering an exhilarating experience for all, bringing together students and alumni to build connections, exchange mentorship and discover the power of networking. With the Alumni Association and Career Center’s ongoing collaboration, Senior Alumni Career Coach Marie Parziale and Senior Associate Director of Alumni Relations Kristin Matthews ensured all attendees experienced a smooth and engaging experience.
With an impressive turnout of 120 mentees and 65 mentors, the Mixer successfully fostered meaningful connections that sparked invaluable conversations. Generous sponsorship from Balfour and Island Federal significantly contributed to the event’s impact and reach.
An exceptional lineup of speakers, including Simone Archer, Esq. ‘02, attorney at Archer Harvey & Smith LLC, Ericka Bolte ‘09, a benefits advisor professional at AFLAC, Boyan Doytchinov, ‘08, ‘10, director of financial planning at Snyder Financial Management, and Shahnilla Jamal ‘00, executive director with Commercial Banking at JPMorgan Chase, captivated the audience with their wisdom and left a lasting impression on all present. A memorable moment of the evening was when students had the opportunity to meet and learn from Stony Brook Medicine’s CEO, Carol Gomes ‘90, ‘97, the chief executive officer and chief operating officer of Stony Brook University Hospital. Mentee Dino Vidaich, who conversed with Gomes during one of the networking rounds, enthusiastically stated, “I’d give the event a 10 out of 10 and will definitely do it again!” First-year student India Carranza shared, “Being outside of my comfort zone has never been so fun!”
Mentors also found the event rewarding. Alumni mentor, Daniel Emerso ‘17, a social worker at the Stony Brook Center for Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease, shared, “I attended this event as a student mentee, and it was so gratifying to give back as an alumni mentor.” Similar feelings resonated throughout the evening, with students and alumni expressing their gratitude for the opportunities provided.
The Associate Dean of Students and Director of Multicultural Affairs, Dr. Cheryl Chambers ‘01, commended the Mixer, stating, “The speakers were wonderful! They gave the students important and practical advice that was authentic and inspiring. They also represented diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, which enriched the event. The food was excellent! Thank you for a great event.”
The Annual Student and Alumni Networking Mixer serves as a shining example of the importance of mentorship and networking, and the value of fostering connections across generations. As a collaborative effort between the Career Center and the Alumni Relations Teams, the Mixer will undoubtedly continue to be a cherished event for both students and alumni, offering unparalleled opportunities for growth, mentorship and community building for years to come.
The Mixer’s mentors, faculty and staff were highly regarded and appreciated for their crucial contribution to the event’s success. Click here to learn how to get involved and share your time and talent with Stony Brook students.
View photos from the 11th Annual Students and Alumni Networking Mixer here.
