Students and Alumni Share Stories at AUP Speed-Friending Evening

On Thursday, April 22, 2021, AUP students and alumni gathered online for the Office of Outreach and Advancement’s first-ever Speed-Friending and Networking event, a career-boosting virtual social gathering. The event aimed to jump-start networking opportunities for soon-to-be-graduating students as they prepare to become part of the University’s alumni community. The event was attended by AUP alumni calling in from all over the globe.

The organizers used the Icebreaker video event platform to match up participants in a “speed-dating" format, helping students and alumni to facilitate connections and friendships. “The response was amazing, with alumni, graduates and undergraduate seniors mingling with each other and forging new networks within the AUP community” said Holly Rudd from the Office of Outreach and Advancement. “My colleagues and I were pleased to offer our community a meaningful networking and socializing opportunity.” The O&A team extended their thanks to the University’s tight-knit, global alumni community, who were eager to speak with new students.

Participants were randomly matched up in groups of three, rotating into different chat rooms. They were given a short time to make new connections and play icebreaker games with other community members. “It was fun not knowing which chat group you would end up in or who you would meet there,” said Stella Sagini G‘21, who is studying for an MA in Global Communications. Stella had conversations with alumni from the 60’s, 80’s and 90’s as well as undergraduate seniors; topics included alumni’s different experiences of life at AUP and students’ aims for the future. “I plan to stay connected with several people,” said Stella. 

Undergraduate senior Thorin Erb ’21 commented: “The speed networking event was a fun opportunity to meet AUP alumni from different graduating classes. As a graduating senior, it was reassuring to hear how AUP prepares its graduates for an exciting future.”

Alumni were able to speak to several groups of students over the course of the event. One alumna, Jana, thanked the organizers for taking care of the AUP community and for putting together the event. "It's been the silver lining during this pandemic period!" she said. 

As the meeting ended, Emily Ide, Assistant Director of Outreach and Advancement, thanked participants for attending. “It was so wonderful to see so many fresh faces,” said Emily. “I can't wait to see everyone in person soon!” The O&A team hopes to host another speed-friending event in the near future.

You can keep up with future AUP events by checking AUP Global (for alumni) or AUP Engage (for current students). For more information on mentoring opportunities, contact alumniaup.edu (subject: Information%20about%20alumni%20mentoring%20opportunities) .