When asked, graduating Class of 2011 members reply with anything from excitement, to hesitation, to slight sadness at the thought of leaving behind a life as a Mustang for one in the working world.
For many, it is the end of an academic career, but there are a few important ways future alumni can stay involved with Cal Poly: through the Cal Poly Alumni Association (CPAA), by becoming a donor and by donating time as a volunteer or mentor, among others, according to Chris McBride, assistant director of the CPAA and Poly Reps adviser.
“Whether it’s from supporting Cal Poly where they live by wearing a Cal Poly shirt, to being able to come back to campus and participate in a mentoring day,” she said. “Just those connections are very valuable.”
McBride, who is also a Cal Poly alumna, said she is still involved at Cal Poly because it provided more than just a degree to her — it provided a “life long education,” and she said it is important to see people stay connected.
“When you graduate, one of the most important reasons to stay connected with campus and the community is staying in touch, learning and meeting other alumni,” McBride said. “That networking can help in your career or personal life.”
Staying connected is exactly what John Sweeney, an alumnus and the current CEO of Dairy Procurement Group, LLC, said he felt was important to do after graduating with his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He said there are three main reasons he, and other alumni, stay involved with Cal Poly.
“Mentoring, help with jobs and (the desire) to implement things back on campus, and that’s also how (alumni) get reconnected,” Sweeney said. “I give back because of all the things people have done for me, and it’s important to give the university unrestricted donations, so they can give it to the advantage of the college.”
Sweeney, who also served as the CPAA president from 2008 to 2010, gives his time back through mentoring and serving on the college of engineering dean advisory board. Both of which improve the college experience and help prepare future graduates for the working world.
“Cal Poly is essentially an extended family, and it’s important to stay connected because you continue to help your extended family,” he said.
Associated Students Inc. President Sarah Storelli said she agreed it is important to not toss a connection to this extended family along with caps on graduation day.
“I love Cal Poly; I feel like the university has given me so much, and I can’t wait to give back so much, not only monetarily but with my time as well,” she said. “I think it’s important for students in general, after spending four, five, six years here and all the people you meet, to stay plugged into the place where you spend some of the best years of your life.”
For Storelli, the thought of graduation is bittersweet, but she said it is also exciting to see what accomplishments will be made in the future, and how that might translate into giving back to Cal Poly.
“People need to realize that this is a place where we grew so much as individuals; where we really learned about ourselves and grew,” she said. “So many people get caught up in the monetary factor (when staying involved with Cal Poly after graduation), but it goes beyond that.”
Although Storelli might not represent each and every student on campus, her desire to stay involved and influence student’s experiences at Cal Poly in years to come is shared among many alumni.
“You get out what you put in, and you have to recognize the university isn’t perfect,” Sweeney said. “It’s perfectable. If you can get involved and stay involved, even at a low level, you will make a difference in other peoples’ lives.”