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Comeback kids By Patti Cudney ’96 After four or more years of lectures, labs, all-nighters, and finals, graduation seems the perfect break from college life. For many, it represents a chance to dive into the “real world” of work, move on to graduate school, or simply to put a bit of distance between themselves and the University. But many young alumni are finding that participation in the California Alumni Association (CAA) and its programs provides useful career services, fun social events, and rewarding volunteer opportunities. In the 1980s, CAA created the Young Alumni Council (YAC) to address recent graduates’ historically low level of involvement with the association and the University. YAC’s 24 members serve three-year terms, working with CAA’s board of directors to develop programs of specific interest to young alumni—loosely defined as those who have graduated in the last ten years. YAC has now become an integral part of CAA, working to shape the future of the alumni association and to
“One of CAA’s challenges is finding ways to reach out to all young alumni,” says Steve Fichtelberg ’91, YAC chair. “By developing and promoting activities targeted to younger CAA members, YAC aims to encourage alumni to participate in the CAA early, and hopefully for life.” Becoming involved in the association does not require a great commitment of time, money, or energy, but can provide a wealth of benefits. “Even participating in CAA once a year will help you make connections with an array of alumni from all backgrounds,” says Jefferson Coombs ’89, current CAA board member and former YAC chair. “Simply placing your name on a list such as Bear Connections allows both alumni and students the opportunity to reach out to you and develop relationships as part of a network you can’t find anywhere else,” he adds. Bear Connections has a database of alumni who are willing to provide informational interviews; other career services include discounted access to a number of career development centers and online job resources. Young alums don’t have to live in the Bay Area to become active members of Cal’s alumni family. Alumni clubs throughout the nation and around the world provide a way to keep a connection to Cal. The Cal Alumni Club of New England (CACNE), for example, draws members from Connecticut to Maine, and the club hosts informal happy hours and special events. Club members give back to Cal by conducting scholarship interviews and hosting receptions for newly admitted Cal students. Co-chair Vidya Ramanjaneya Kagan ’90 says that young alumni are a strong force in the club: Many of the club’s members are grad students in the area, and Kagan herself joined the CACNE board to get involved on a local level. Bay Area young alum Nicole Joyner ’92, who works to prepare middle school students for successful college careers, finds that CAA-sponsored student recruitment programs go hand-in-hand with her professional goals. She recently brought several students to CAA’s “We’re Going to Cal” program, in which 250 Bay Area middle school students were introduced to college life through student speakers, a campus tour, and a football game. Joyner, WGTC co-chair John Stevens ’93, and other volunteers all say they participate in this and other outreach events to promote the idea of higher education for all students and to reach out to the next generation of Cal students.
Joyner has also volunteered to interview students applying for CAA’s Achievement Award scholarship. “I have a similar background to many of the applicants,” she says, “and I like the fact that students applying for this scholarship have been active in community service.” The financial support that scholarships provide can make the difference in a student’s decision to come to Berkeley; acting as an interviewer is a rewarding way to influence the make-up of the student body at Cal. Young alumni also provide a natural link to current students, and CAA offers many ways for young alums to get involved. The Student Alumni Mentorship Program pairs alumni from all walks of life with current students to share experiences, advice, and support. Again, young alumni don’t have to live in the Bay Area; many mentors are very successful communicating with their mentees via telephone or e-mail. In addition, CAA student groups frequently look to young alumni to assist their members in planning and executing events. “This is a great opportunity for young alums to give back to Cal,” says Kanaka Rajagopal ’97. “It is important to work with students who are involved in CAA as undergrads. Through sharing our leadership experiences with them, we have an opportunity to touch many students and show them the opportunities that await them as alumni.” From taking advantage of the Cal alumni network to contributing their energy in volunteer programs, today’s young alumni find that maintaining their ties to Cal is valuable and rewarding. Through young alumni involvement, the CAA will continue to be a relevant resource. We can anticipate that the next groups of young alumni will become active in the CAA as soon as they receive their diplomas. YAC is accepting applications through December 31, 2001 for its 2002–2005 class. Applicants from diverse backgrounds, those with Lair of the Golden Bear experience, and those who have graduated in the last five years are especially encouraged to apply. For more information on YAC and to apply online, visit www.alumni.berkeley.edu, and click on “Young Alumni” on the Alumni page. Questions on this or other CAA programs? Call 1-888-CAL-ALUM.  Return to Top |
 In September, YAC members also helped out with “We’re Going to Cal,” an annual CAA outreach event, which brings hundreds of sixth to eighth graders to the campus and to Memorial Stadium. (Photo by Mike Wondolowski)
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