Briefly speaking: Group connects students, alumni

Even as a freshman, Toni Alejandria was rubbing elbows with UC Davis alumni -- making connections, expanding her career horizons and getting good advice about the working world.

And now, the senior from Fairfield, Calif., helps create the same opportunities for other students through the Cal Aggie Student Alumni Association.

Alejandria says the activities of the 1,200-member association -- the largest registered student organization on campus -- have introduced her to a lot of alumni and their different career fields and paths. "The alumni have expanded my options," said the association president, who is majoring in dramatic art with an emphasis in dance. "Meeting them and talking to them has opened my eyes."

Networking programs

Founded in 1989, the organization hosts numerous programs throughout the year to pair students with alumni to provide a window into the professional world and to help students become integrated into the university community.

The first of those events, Aggie Diner, will be held on Nov. 14. Participating members will dine with alumni and receive plenty of career advice. They have the opportunity to choose to sit at tables based on majors and careers, and they can rotate among them.

In February, the Take an Aggie to Lunch program has students meet with alumni for informational interviews. Take an Aggie to Work is the final installment in a series of networking events, held in May, when students can experience a day in the working world of their mentor.

Other membership benefits

The association also provides leadership opportunities, and its members serve as the tradition keepers for long-standing campus events such as Picnic Day and Homecoming, says Janice Corbett, interim director for marketing and communications for the Cal Aggie Alumni Association and the adviser to the student association.

Other membership benefits include a 10 percent savings on imprinted gear at the UC Davis Bookstore; a T-shirt; and discounts at the campus Bike Barn and some local restaurants.

Students can join the association at different membership levels: $25 for a year, $40 for two years, $80 for four years or $400 for a lifetime membership.

Alejandria says she really enjoys getting to know some of the campus's 140,000 alumni. "They've been at UC Davis," she said. "To have that Aggie family connection anywhere is great."