Alumni in the Classroom Nov. 12-16 

SALISBURY, MD---“Information students can’t buy” describes the visits from some 30 alumni addressing hundreds of Salisbury University students about today’s job market during “Alumni in the Classroom” week. 

November 12-16 these alums from throughout the mid-Atlantic return to campus to share the do’s and don’ts in getting from the classroom to that first rung of the career ladder.  “This is one of the most exciting programs our office does in bringing students and alumni together to help them with their careers,” said Alumni Director Roy Perdue. 

Jerry Di Cairano, ’91 M.A. English, who is a copywriter for Mattel Inc. in Mt. Laurel, NJ, for example, will be talking to freshmen about writing.  ‘I want to introduce students to some of the jobs that are out there for people who enjoy writing,” he said, “ to share ideas that may not have occurred to them in the past.  I can talk about the business—I’ve been in it for 20 years.  Even for students who don’t think they’re pursuing writing careers, I want them to know that writing is still important.  Most people in fact are paid to write--we’re all sending e-mail.  I want them to realize expressing oneself properly and effectively is important.”

Cathy Stitcher, who co-chairs the alumni committee, hopes more freshmen and sophomores will participate.

“Students who experience this love it,” said Melinda Khazeh, SU alumni coordinator.  “These meetings have helped them understand the importance of internships, for example, and even led to a few.”

Faculty participation is key to the success of the week, added Perdue.  “The Alumni Office is extremely grateful to the faculty members who have embraced this program.”

“In years past students have found the experience, including the networking, helpful,” reiterated Dr. Rebecca Emery, director of career services.  “In light of the current job market they can use this as a boost.”

Assisting the Alumni Office, which has been organizing some kind of alumni-student career event for 14 years, Career Services is offering two programs: The first is a workshop on “Interviewing Tips” on Monday, November 12, at 3:30 p.m. in Nanticoke Room A of the Guerrieri University Center; and the second is “Resume Advising” on Wednesday, November 14, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Career Services Office, GUC, where alumni review student resumes individually.

Besides writing, other alums will be talking about career fields such as international business and law.  The visitors provide “really good modeling,” said Dr. Polly Stewart of the English Department, who had guests in two classes last year.  “Afterward, students wrote in their journals that the visits were ‘awesome,’” she said. “It helps them imagine a life, a career. 

“Even an old professor is eager to meet them.” 

For more information about “Alumni in the Classroom” week call the SU Alumni Office at 410-543-6042 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu/alumni/.