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Our goal is to introduce students to the multiple opportunities that exist not only for their education, but for where they choose to live and work.

The »»ÆÞÉçÇø Connection LIVE!: Phelps Scholars April 9, 2024

A virtual panel of accomplished alumni who shared their unique post-college journeys and offered insights into the lasting impact of their student learning community experiences. Gain valuable insights, hear their experiences and receive advice to help you navigate your journey. Panelists include:

• Tara Everts ’04
• Cameron Geddes ’21
• Kristina Kyles- Smith ’04

This event was co-sponsored by the Phelps Scholars Program, the Alumni and Family Engagement team, and the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career at »»ÆÞÉçÇø.

The »»ÆÞÉçÇø Connection LIVE!: Working Around the WorldFebruary 29, 2024

A panel of accomplished alumni share how they have successfully built their careers outside the United States. Gain valuable insights, hear their experiences, and receive advice to help you navigate your journey. Panelists include:

• Mitchel Achien’g ’20
• Brian Gibbs ’84
• Mike Magan ’88
• Hani Szymczak ’16

This event was part of Going Global week and co-sponsored by The Center for Global Engagement, the Alumni and Family Engagement team, and the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career at »»ÆÞÉçÇø.

The »»ÆÞÉçÇø Connection Live: SustainabilityOctober 3, 2023

Sustainability is a growing interest within the modern workforce, and we want to help create connections for students and alumni to work together for brighter and cleaner professional futures.

A panel of Hope alumni share how they support Hope’s sustainability goals. They share their experiences, insights and advice. Panelists include:

• Karey Frink ’19 Stid
• Joel Schoon-Tanis ’89
• Jacob Stid ’19
• Avril Wiers ’10
• Lynn Zimmerman ’83

This is a collaboration between the »»ÆÞÉçÇø Alumni Sustainability Group, the Boerigter Center and the Alumni Engagement Office.

The »»ÆÞÉçÇø Connection Live: Balancing Passion and PurposeNovember 3, 2022

A panel of Hope alumni share how they balance passion and purpose in their lives. They share their experiences, insights and advice. Panelists include:

• Caroline Askonas ’15
• David Lee ’08
• Angela Matusiak ’04
• Paola Munoz ’11
• Tyson Walton ’17

This webinar is sponsored by Versiti Blood Center of Michigan.

This is a collaboration by the Alumni of Color Advisory Council, the Alumni and Family Engagement team, and the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career.

The »»ÆÞÉçÇø Connection Live: Global After GraduationMarch 8, 2022

College is a grand adventure — and many students leave looking for another area of the world to explore after graduation! Some consider leaving the United States to live and work. This event features alumni panelists who grew up in the United States but made a career for themselves outside of it. They share their experiences, insights and advice.


Panelists include:

• Justin Bussies ’10
• Seth Gray ’08
• Lora Nelson ’11
• Laura Slater ’91
• Jill Zappia ’10

This event is co-sponsored by The Center for Global Engagement, Alumni and Family Engagement team, and the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career.

The »»ÆÞÉçÇø Connection Live: Creative Jobs for English MajorsNovember 18, 2021

As it turns out, there are actually dozens of career fields available to English majors that span well beyond teaching English or running a bookstore. Enter, The »»ÆÞÉçÇø Connection LIVE: Creative Jobs for English majors. Join us for a dynamic virtual event featuring a panel of alumni ready to share their advice and give some direction for landing an exciting and rewarding career.

Panelists include:

• Annette Bourland ’94 | Founder, Bourland Strategic Advisors
• Matthew Baker ’09 | Author & Screenwriter
• Natalie Brown ’17 | Freelance Writer & Author
• Chris O’Brien ’12 | Editor, Writer, and Owner of Long Overdue Publishing Company

This event is co-sponsored by the English Department, Alumni and Family Engagement team, and the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career at »»ÆÞÉçÇø.

The »»ÆÞÉçÇø Connection Live: The Art of NetworkingNovember 3, 2021

Many people express being uncomfortable when interacting with individuals they do not know, let alone attending networking events. Growing one's network requires time, effort, patience and commitment. During this virtual event, alumni panelists will share their personal advice as well as share tips to make it easier to meet new people (in person and virtually) as well as open the door to new opportunities through networking.

Panelists Include:

• Bekah Fehsenfeld ’18 |  Key Account Manager |  iRhythm Technologies, Inc.
• Taylor deRoo ’05 | VP of Strategic Relationships | Worden
• Jesus Romero ’16 | Global Talent Acquisition | Amazon
• David Lee ’09 | Development and Communications Officer |  Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates

The »»ÆÞÉçÇø Connection Live: Building Community for Lasting ChangeOctober 4, 2021

People become part of communities to learn, to share experiences and to connect with more people. Communities in the workplace can be used for re-alignment, to get motivated, to find empathy and so much more! So where does one begin? How does one enact or react to change within their community? Join us to listen in on a group of Phelps Scholars alumni willing to share their advice on building community and being an agent of change. In addition to our panelist’s insights, all alumni will have the opportunity to share their perspective as well as answer student questions or submit one of their own.

Panelists Include:

• Diego Romero ’09 | Elementary School Principal | Sheridan School District No. 2
• Luis Silva ’10 | Human Resources Business Partner | Geiger
• Alejandra Gomez Limon ’18 | Immigration Paralegal | Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

This event is co-sponsored by the Phelps Scholars Program, Alumni and Family Engagement team, and the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career at »»ÆÞÉçÇø.

The »»ÆÞÉçÇø Connection Live: Chemistry in the Health IndustryFebruary 12, 2021

Calling all chemistry alumni working in or interested in a health related industry. During this virtual panel-style event, students and alumni learn and share practical professional insight about careers, skills and experiences that are important to obtain as you consider opportunities in the health field. This event is co-sponsored by the Department of Chemistry, the Alumni and Family Engagement team and the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career at »»ÆÞÉçÇø.

The »»ÆÞÉçÇø Connection Live: Sports & RecreationMarch 10, 2021

Students and alumni meet and discuss life after Hope and look at the world of sports in a new way!
Panelists include:

• Kasidee Karsten ’13 - Social Media & Content Manager | NFL Players Association
• Angelique Gaddy ’17 - Former Compliance Specialist, GVSU Athletics | Current Regional Admissions Representative, »»ÆÞÉçÇø
• Andy Frushour ’99 - Director of Brand Management | Michigan High School Athletic Association
• Stephen Cramer ’07 - Owner & Coach | Cramer Basketball
• Brandon Siakel ’11 - Strength & Conditioning Coach | US Olympic Committee

This event is co-sponsored by the »»ÆÞÉçÇø Athletics, the Alumni and Family Engagement team and the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career at »»ÆÞÉçÇø. 

The »»ÆÞÉçÇø Connection Live! Industry Focus: Non-ProfitsMarch 30, 2021

If you find yourself called to spend your days helping people, working for a cause or improving your community, working in the nonprofit sector might be for you. Engage with a group of alumni willing to share their advice and the amazing career pathways within the nonprofit world. This event is co-sponsored by the Department of Sociology and Social Work, the Ministry Minor, the Department of Psychology, the Alumni and Family Engagement team and the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career at »»ÆÞÉçÇø. 

The »»ÆÞÉçÇø Connection Live: Tools for Tackling Micro-Aggressions in the WorkforceApril 12, 2021

This event is co-sponsored by the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, the Office of Alumni Engagement and the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career.