Networking night a success

EOU photo by Yeonhee Yiu / Graduating seniors had the opportunity to meet alumni and workforce development partners during a recent networking event on campus.

Networking night for EOU seniors and alumni a success

December 2, 2015

LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) – Eastern Oregon University’s Alumni Association and Career Services Center hosted a networking night last month for seniors and alumni.

Intended to connect current EOU students with alumni and university leadership, the event drew graduating seniors and alumni, along with workforce development partners.

Students dressed in professional attire shared résumés over refreshments in the Hoke Community Room on campus, and door prizes and a raffle provided extra incentive.

“Our hope is to facilitate conversations and provide networking opportunities that will help students find successful and rewarding careers when they graduate,” explained Jessie Bowman, alumni coordinator. “Our alumni are great mentors and we want to utilize their knowledge, experience and connections in the workforce to benefit our students.”

John Garlitz, a 1993 EOU graduate and engineering manager of J-U-B Engineers in La Grande, said he enjoyed talking with students at the event.

“As an alumnus and employer, I am pleased the university is providing students direct access to companies that operate locally, regionally and across the Western U.S.,” Garlitz said. “I believe it is important that students practice networking with businesses while attending EOU. Events like these will provide lasting benefits to students, our companies and our economy.”

Garlitz has 20 years of experience as a consultant civil engineer and is currently serving on the EOU Foundation board of trustees.

“It was great to see our alumni and leadership give the most sincere, impactful and meaningful contribution to our students – their time and input,” said Justin Chin, Career Center director. “Students are ‘time beings’ and thrive when they know that they have a network supporting their past, present and future selves.”

Career Services and Alumni Programs plan to grow the Senior and Alumni Networking Night into a more frequent event.

For more information about this and other opportunities available through the Alumni Association and Career Services Center, e-mail alumni@eou.edu or careers-group@eou.edu.