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Celebrating the end of another academic year, nearly 70 Alumni Campus Employees gathered around the Kasser Theatre Veranda on campus on Thursday, June 1, to enjoy delicious food and the company of their fellow alumni for the Alumni Campus Employee Appreciation Barbecue. The 5th Annual ACE Barbecue was held by the Alumni Relations Office to show thanks to Alumni Campus Employees for their continued dedication and service to the university.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs an alumnus and university employee, part of my connection to my alma mater is to give back to current students. Since I work directly with them, I can see the impact that my gifts to initiatives such as the Red Hawk Pantry and Emergency Scholarship Fund really make a difference,\u201d says Andy Fagioli ’11, Web and Media Developer for Student Communications.<\/p>\n
As the largest employer of our own alumni, Montclair State has over 500 alumni employees. Alumni employees have the unique experience of a student, as well as a staff member at the university. This perspective allows these staff and faculty members to connect with students and other alumni in an exceptional way. Raffle winners from the day were\u00a0Alexandra Brown ’06 M.Ed., Keesha Green Chavis ’97, ’03 MA, Andrew Fagioli ’11, Linda Gallagher Flynn ’78, ’09 MA, Daniel Stratthaus ’13, and Frehiwat Tsadik ’93.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s fun to have institutional knowledge and experience that not everyone has,\u201d said Alyson Thelin- Davison ’02, ’04 MA, Executive Assistant to the Dean, College of the Arts, \u201cI know what it\u2019s like to walk into an office and need something. I know what it\u2019s like to be a student here.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the event, alumni employees enjoyed a beautiful lunch break outdoors, and participated in icebreaker activities, as well as a raffle with prizes to show continued gratitude for their remarkable involvement in the Montclair State community. The relaxed gathering allowed alumni to reconnect and get to know one another.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody works all over campus,\u201d said Cheri Jefferson ’94, ’01 MA, Director of Accounting Services, \u201cWe talk and email, but a lot of times these events are our only chance to see each other and connect outside of working.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Office of Alumni Relations provides many events throughout the year for dedicated alumni to participate in and volunteer at. Those interested in becoming more involved with the Alumni Campus Employee Committee and\/or volunteering at events should contact Deb Corasio at 973-655-4207 or corasiod@montclair.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n