The backbone of CEU’s alumni family are those grads who work hard to keep their fellow grads worldwide connected with our university.
From May 2-3 we welcomed them back to campus for Alumni Leadership Forum. Part of Alumni Reunion Weekend, this year’s forum drew nearly 20 volunteers and chapter leaders for two days focused on the art of community building and giving back.
Focused on ‘achievements, challenges and goals’ this year’s forum was a chance to honor volunteers for the work they do, and to hear directly from them about their experiences and what works – and what doesn’t – in the field.
Volunteers met with President and Rector Michael Ignatieff for a lively Q&A about the future of CEU, its mission, the important role alumni volunteers play in it – and how to communicate that with fellow alumni and prospective students. Chapter leaders and volunteers also met with university teams working with alumni volunteers to discuss greater cooperation.
This year’s forum saw new programs – such as the release of a new Alumni Volunteer Engagement Strategy – and new faces! Five new chapter leaders, including those from places formerly without chapters, like India and St. Petersburg, attended. Even more encouraging: several chapter leaders are former Alumni Scholarship Recipients, demonstrating the program’s positive impact for turning students into volunteers and leaders.
The forum also included a focus group discussions on strategy, and structures to better engage and reward volunteers. On Thursday evening, Business School alumna and iLab resident, Jelena Langer (BUSI ’15), delivered a workshop on the importance of a healthy lifestyle for being an effective leader
HUGE THANKS to all volunteers for the great work you do year round!