Alumni Gather to Meet, Mingle — and Network

<img src=View photos“/>

October 14, 2009

A lot can happen in ten years 
If you graduated from college ten years ago, you’ve probably changed careers at least once.

Nancy Maldonado, class of ’97 says, “Social work can shift right into communications,” explaining how her BMCC associate’s degree in Human Services landed her on Wall Street as an FYI Operator.

Her co-alum Valerie Tomlin earned a Computer Operations degree at BMCC, and today attends the Urban Studies program at Queens College—applying what she’s learning to build an administrative career at the New York City Police Department.

“I worked there for 21 years, even when I was a BMCC student,” she says, noting that her role at work has grown along with her education.

You pushed us—now we push ourselves
Hard work doesn’t end at graduation. Shantele Williams, a BMCC Early Childhood Education graduate, shifted from teaching small children, to earning a bachelor’s degree at York College, to working with out-of-school youth at the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development.

“I love it,” she says.

BMCC nineties graduate Alex Livak, equipped with an associate’s degree in Business Management, found a career as an office manager. “I used to say, ‘Oh, you push us so hard,'” he remembers of his professors. “Now I realize how useful the classes were.”

Steven Ramos, who earned a BMCC degree in Health and Fitness, became a certified fitness instructor at the American College of Sports Medicine. “Most of my clients are seniors,” he says. “If you sit on a couch too long, you’re like a bicycle left out in the rain.”

Ramos is impressed by BMCC’s newly renovated swimming pool, which alums have access to. Other alumni perks include discounts on BMCC/Tribeca Performing Arts Center (TPAC), and Nets tickets, and a 25% discount on BMCC Continuing Education classes.

Making connections, in a digital world
Africa Allah graduated from BMCC with a degree in Corporate and Cable Communications, and stays current with fellow alumni through the Facebook page, “Friends of BMCC.”

“While you’re here, make sure you exchange email addresses,” she advised Reunion attendees, explaining that she was filming the event, and it was “streaming live” for online viewing.

“We’ve become a digital world,” she says. “Get friendly with the camera.”

Patricia Splendore, Director of BMCC Alumni Affairs, is excited about the networking opportunities technology provides. “There are 55,000 alumni we’ve contacted in one way or another,” she says.

Her office is creating a Future Alumni Club, and an online community so each graduating class can easily access current information about events, resources—and each other.

Networking also happens right across the table
“I’m here to see if there is something I can do to upgrade my job and my education, by keeping in touch with people,” said BMCC alum Ann-Marie Alexander.

Alexander holds two jobs—both in hospital or clinic admissions—and is interested in electronic medical records, a course of study available through BMCC’s Health Information Technology program.

Cecily Hernandez went from BMCC to complete a Masters in Public Administration at New York Metropolitan College, and plans to open a non-profit residential facility for victims of domestic violence.

“I’ve already got it registered as a 501-C3,” she says. “Now we’re creating the by-laws.”

At the reunion, Hernandez learned of the Domestic Violence Silent Walk the BMCC Women’s Resource Center is planning for Wednesday, October 28. “I’ll definitely be there,” she said.

 

share this story »