FIU seeking alumni recruiters


By Dana Ratliff

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions is looking for passionate alumni volunteers to help encourage the next generation of proud Panthers.

Graduates considering a way to give back to their alma mater may find a perfect fit with the Panther Alumni Recruitment Team (PART). With opportunities for long-distance Panthers or those who may not have a lot of time, PART makes it easy for all alumni to contribute by inspiring newly admitted students and staying connected to FIU.

Team members can choose any number of ways to get involved, including representing the university at local and regional college fairs by answering questions and sharing FIU’s Worlds Ahead vision with prospective high school students; serving as a speaker on an alumni panel at special events and information sessions; and hosting or attending local receptions for admitted students and their parents.

Another way to participate that requires very little time but packs a powerful punch: writing notes to admitted students to offer them a unique Panther perspective and welcome them to the FIU family. Hospitality alumna Marla Oliu ’09, MS ’13 has been writing to incoming students for the past two years. “I understand the importance of keeping students engaged from day one,” she says. “This program does a fantastic job reaching out and connecting them with industry professionals early on in their college career.”

While PART offers students a great way to learn about the university and begin networking within the FIU community, alumni also enjoy the benefits that come from cultivating these relationships.

“It’s a great feeling to know that students appreciate our support and look up to us for guidance,” says Oliu, who has received email follow-ups from grateful students. “I even had one student call my work phone to verbally thank me and connect. This is a great opportunity for students to interact with professionals as well as for us to connect with students who may potentially apply for our training programs in the future.”

Interested alumni should complete a contact form at go.fiu.edu/part. Ideas and suggestions for new ways to get involved are welcome.  

The power of a postcard: Alumni of the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management have made personal welcomes a priority.

 

 

 

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