Alumni return to campus to meet, advise students

BY MADELYN RUSH / VN STAFF WRITER

The Office of Alumni Relations held a Lunch and Learn event to encourage students to build stronger relationships with alumni and learn some helpful tips along the way.

Detroit Mercy currently has 88,000 living alumni in all 50 states and 78 foreign countries, allowing for a magnitude of different outlooks and advice.

“It's important to go to a school with a good alumni network,” said Bennett Brooks, a student who attended the Nov. 16 Lunch and Learn. “Detroit Mercy is a prestigious school and these alumni have had the same experiences as us and want to help.”

The three alumni chosen to speak – Ginny Abramson, Bill DeGenaro and Bob Rogowski – all were able to talk to students about their experiences and lessons to overcome barriers presented in life.

The informative discussions took place during dead hour in the Fountain Lounge and allowed students to eat lunch while networking with the alumni.

Brooks felt this event was a unique opportunity to learn about the professional business world in a comfortable environment.

Student John Weglarz also enjoyed the event.

“My favorite speaker was Bill DeGenaro. I admired his dynamic and confident speaking abilities,” said Weglarz. “He keyed in on not getting too personal but rather hammering home a specific strength you may have.”

DeGenaro, a 1996 graduate of Detroit Mercy, conversed with students about how to deliver an elevator speech and how to make one.

Abramson, a more recent graduate of Detroit Mercy in 2016, explained to students how to work through difficult conversations.

Rogowski, a 1997 graduate, talked to students about how to hone in on skills specific to job requirements.

The alumni speakers’ diverse conversations were appreciated by students in attendance.

“I would highly recommend that students come to this type of university-sponsored event in the future,” said Weglarz. “The job market is competitive. Any edge you can arm yourself with is going to help your cause.”