This piece is the first in a series of “Ask an Alum” columns that will be periodically published online through a partnership between Elon University’s Young Alumni Council and The Pendulum.

As graduation approaches on college campuses each year, the all-too-common reaction for seniors is to feel that one’s college career — and one’s connection to campus and the university in general — is coming to an end.

While certainly true to the extent of classes being completed and not having access to campus dining halls and meal dollars, one’s relationship to their alma mater should only strengthen, not become more distant, after graduation.

In 2007, Elon University’s Young Alumni Council was created by a dedicated group of volunteers to ensure that Elon placed a proper focus on communicating and engaging with the university’s sizable and ever-growing young alumni population.

Having expanded to 35 members since its humble beginnings, the Council is comprised of Elon alumni who graduated within the past 10 years. Each member brings a unique perspective of their Elon experience, young alumni experience and professional/community experience to the table to create meaningful events and activities for fellow young alumni. Members of the Council live across the globe and not only participate in events on campus, but also within their own communities through Elon’s regional alumni chapters and clubs.

In its simplest sense, the Young Alumni Council collaborates with Elon’s Office of Alumni Engagement and Office of Advancement to provide relevant and focused programs that continue to support, inspire and engage alumni as they transition into their lives after they graduate.

But it doesn’t stop there.  A second and equally important role for the Council is to serve as a sounding board in order to inform the university on the effectiveness of what it’s doing to communicate and engage with young alumni. The Council is there to make the connection and facilitate that give and take.

We do this by focusing on three priority areas integral to any alumni experience:  Career networking and student transitions, development and programming. Examples of the Council’s work include:

  • Career Networking and Student Transitions:  “Destination” events for current students interested in moving to a certain city after graduation, a mentor program for young alumni getting started in a certain profession and facilitating ongoing communications sessions (like Twitter chats) with established professionals in certain fields. It’s all about finding ways to “open doors” for young alumni as they begin their careers.
  • Development: First-time donor thank you calls, social media giving campaigns and creating materials to better educate young alumni on the importance of supporting Elon University after graduation.
  • Programming:  Top 10 Under 10 Awards to recognize the great work young alumni are doing in their careers and communities, hosting a young alumni party at Homecoming and creating an Elon traditions book to ensure some of the best things about Elon are never forgotten as the years pass.
As you start to think about life after Elon, remember that Elon will always be with you.  In your first years after graduation, consider joining the Council to establish a link between your undergraduate and alumni experiences so you can continue forming a lifelong bond between you and Elon. Long live Elon!

Join us for our first  "Twitter Chat" of the year scheduled for Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m. You can find us at #Elontweets. Bring your questions and we will bring the answers!