UWM Alumni Share Advice and Encouragement for Fall 2021 Graduates
Panthers, we are beyond excited to celebrate our Class of 2021 graduates and their accomplishments at the first in-person commencement ceremony in two years! UWM graduates are a part of an impressive community that continues to impact Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the world. This community includes our many UWM alumni, some of whom have passed along advice and encouraging words for our new graduates.
“Do not be afraid of change, and don’t let it discourage you, either. I’ve learned through graduating and starting my career in this pandemic that abrupt change, though frightening at first, often leads to bigger and better things. If an unexpected opportunity falls at your feet, don’t be afraid to take it, and don’t worry too much if it’s not the type of opportunity you were planning on taking, because in the end, every unexpected opportunity, every abrupt change, will only help shape your future. Welcome change, and it will welcome you back.” — Katie Turyna, Class of 2020, BA in English
“Network, network, network. Continue to be a life-long learner. Use this pandemic time to identify which industry, company, and position you really want and don’t settle.” — Terrell Nash, Class of 2021, BBA in Finance
As a new graduate, you’ll also be joining our alumni family. Below is a note from the UWM Alumni Association.
Welcome to the Panther Alumni Family! The UWM Alumni Association strives to support and engage our alumni at every point in their personal and professional journeys — enrollment, academic, and career development. We continue to create opportunities for Young Alumni to stay connected to UWM and support current students. Here are some of our current Young Alumni Programs:
Panthers @ Work — We coordinate formal programs for alumni working at the following companies: Northwestern Mutual, Baird, Kohls, Direct Supply, Rockwell Automation, and UW-Milwaukee. If you would like to show your panther pride at your new workplace contact Abi Jensen Quinlan (jensen69@uwm.edu) for Proud Panther office swag.
UWMAA Mentoring Program — The UWMAA Mentoring Program is a Future Alumni Network program launched in April 2020. The UWMAA Mentoring Program strives to create meaningful personal and professional mentorship and coaching relationships between UWM students and alumni. Next year (Fall 2022) we will be opening up this program to young alumni who are interested in connecting with an experienced Alumni mentor. If you are interested in taking part in the mentoring program, please contact Abby Rojas at strozins@uwm.edu.
Meals with Meaning — a new lunch series offering students an opportunity to engage with Milwaukee-area alumni leaders regarding their unique perspectives, community engagement and on current issues. Our next event on January 25, 2022, features Andrew Strike ’97, discussing his extensive PR and Communications experience within the U.S. State Department.
How would you like to stay connected to UW-Milwaukee? What opportunities would you like to see the UWM Alumni Association provide for young alumni? Please fill out this very brief survey and receive a Proud Panther Alumni tech decal.
You can also keep in touch with fellow alums and the UWM Alumni Association on social media. Follow the accounts below to stay connected!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uwmalumni/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/UWMAlumni
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uwmalumni/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/45998/
Congratulations, Panthers! We are so proud of each and every one of you! We wish you nothing but success as you take what you have learned here at UWM and work towards your goals. We look forward to celebrating your accomplishments in person this Sunday, December 19 at the UWM Panther Arena!
