Alumni networks are groups that come together with a common interest based on location, major, career, ethnicity, etc. These groups are currently forming across the country! They bring alumni together to support and promote USF as well as offer great opportunities for fun and networking with other USF alumni. Past events include baseball games, plays, art museums, wineries and much, much more. These networks do not require member dues. If you would like to become a member of a current alumni network or are interested in forming a new one, please contact the Alumni & Family Relations Office at 877-811-ALUM or alumni@stfrancis.edu.
What is CAN?
The Computer Science Alumni Network is for all alumni working in the field, whether you graduated with a degree in Information Technology, Web Application Development, Computer Science, or with another degree but working in a related field. Our a group gathers for social events and professional networking, such as job leads and resume pointers. We are proud of our Computer Science degrees and experience in the field.
History
CAN begin in 2010 when Dr. Ruth Weldon, Assistant Professor of Computer Science & Department Chair, began organizing opportunities for computer science alumni to gather at events and network with one another. Since then, several alumni have engaged as members, guest speakers, mock interviewers, served as mentors, provided jobs and internships, and more!
Involvement
You may get as involved as your schedule allows. CAN gathers annually for our reunion and resume night with our current students. Throughout the year, we post needs for speakers and student mentors, as well as job openings. We hope you join us for one of our upcoming events!
How Else Can You Help?
Hire a fellow USF alum or current student or connect USF with your employer to offer a corporate partnership and tuition discount. Additionally, are you looking to mentor a current student? Learn more about our Student Alumni Mentoring (SAM) program at stfrancis.edu/sam.
Education alumni, are you looking for a way to promote USF in your classroom? Do you have an upcoming college day at your school and want us to provide you with goodies for your students? Click here to let us know how we can assist!
What is EAN?
The Education Alumni Network is for all alumni who are a part of the education field, whether as a current or prospective teacher or as an administrator. We are a vibrant community of educators, proud of their careers and their affiliation with USF.
History
EAN began in 2011 when Dr. Donna Metlicka, Assistant Professor, and Dr. John Gambro, Dean of the College of Education, provided an opportunity for education alumni to gather for a wine and cheese reception followed by a guest speaker. All in attendance agreed that they would like to stay connected to USF and and to one another. Soon after a leadership board was formed.
Benefits
Every year EAN provides its members the opportunity to network with one another through meeting attendance (in person or virtually), free professional development presentations, and participation in service projects and social events. EAN is also a venue for its members to organize and communicate regarding participation in general alumni events.
In addition, membership facilitates efficient dissemination of any information from the university’s College of Education regarding job openings, mentoring opportunities, or advanced program offerings.
With its members holding positions in districts throughout the greater Joliet area and beyond, networking is a great way to learn the latest educational developments and staffing needs in those districts.
Continuing Education
The College of Education’s REAL (Regional Education Academy for Leadership) and Advanced Programs have serviced 2,600 teacher candidates over the past year alone. Many teacher-alumni return to USF for their professional development needs and advanced degrees. Many education alumni serve as course developers and adjunct professors for the College of Education as well. Information on REAL may be found at stfrancis.edu/real.
How else can you help?
Consider being a mentor to a current education student by joining our Student Alumni Mentoring (SAM) program. Learn more or apply at stfrancis.edu/sam.
Help plan future young alumni programming, including reunions, pub crawls, networking opportunities, sporting events, theater productions, service projects, career days and much, much more. Get your USF friends together and join GOLD today!
Leadership
What is MCAN: The Mass Communications Alumni Network is for all alumni who are part of the Communications, Journalism, and Media Arts industries– whether you are a recent graduate or have been working in the field for a number of years. Our network consists of creative, energetic, dedicated professionals who are enthusiastic about their careers as well as their education from the University of St Francis.
History: MCAN began in fall 2015 following the grand re-opening of WCSF radio celebration. Serval alumni voiced a need for such a group, and the network had its first meeting in spring 2016.
Why Join: Our goal is to provide networking opportunities to all alumni and current students. We want to assist in looking for jobs, career changes, hiring or to just reconnect with some old friends. By creating this network, we can continue the vibrant energy and friendships of 4th Floor Tower. We are also a resource for our community, alumni, and current students.
Involvement: MCAN leadership meetings are held on campus in Joliet several times an academic year. Those who are unable to attend in person may participate online by request in which the information is published in each meeting e-mail notice. Please contact the Alumni & Family Relations Office at 877-811-ALUM or alumni@stfrancis.edu to get involved.
How Else Can You Help: Hire a fellow USF alum or current student or connect USF with your employer to offer a corporate partnership and tuition discount. Additionally, are you looking to mentor a current Mass Communications student? Learn more about our Student Alumni Mentoring (SAM) program at stfrancis.edu/sam.
Social Media: Stay connected by joining the USF Mass Communication Alumni Network Facebook or LinkedIn groups!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/574163416090749/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12011840/
What is NAN?
The Nursing Alumni Network is for all alumni who are part of the nursing field, whether you are a nurse or are in an administrative position. We are a great group of people who are proud of our careers and USF education.
Why Join?
This network provides networking opportunities, social events and fosters relationships between students and alumni. The group assists alumni looking for jobs, changing careers, hiring employees or just looking to reconnect with other alumni. By creating this network, a variety of backgrounds, experiences and talents are made available as a resource to others.
Involvement
NAN hosts an annual nursing reunion during Homecoming & Reunion each fall. We hop you’ll come home to USF and mingle with fellow Saint Joseph School of Nursing and University of St. Francis nursing alumni and students. Food is served as well as a tour provided of our Leach College of Nursing building and facilities.
How else can you help?
Consider being a mentor to a current nursing student by joining our Student Alumni Mentoring (SAM) program. Learn more or apply at stfrancis.edu/sam.
What is RSMAN: The Recreation & Sport Management Alumni Network is for all alumni working in the field whether you graduated with the degree or with another degree but are working in a related field. We are a group that gathers for social, networking and professional events and provides job opportunities and resume tips. We are proud of our degrees and experience in the field.
History: RSMAN began in 2012 when Dr. Syd Sklar, Associate Professor and department chair, and two alumni from the program Chuck Szoke ’78 and Eric Lawhead ’07, began providing opportunities for recreation, sport and tourism management alumni to gather at the annual Chicago conference and network with each other.
Involvement: We hope you will join us for our annual gathering each winter. Both alumni working in the field as well as current students are invited to join us. Additionally, there are occasional opportunities throughout the year to come back to campus for alumni/student events, which are announced as they are scheduled. Notifications of job openings and speakers/mentors needed occur throughout the year as well. We hope to see you at one of our upcoming events!
How Else Can You Help: Hire a fellow USF alum or current student or connect USF with your employer to offer a corporate partnership and tuition discount. Additionally, are you looking to mentor a current student? Learn more about our Student Alumni Mentoring (SAM) program at stfrancis.edu/sam.
