Staying Connected With Your Community College After Graduation

Continue to Learn and Enjoy The Campus

Community colleges are all about life-long learning, so you'll be able to re-connect with the college in whatever way you want to do so, whether you've just taken a few courses there or earned a certificate or degree.

You'll be welcomed to return to take that course that's of personal interest to you, such as photography or Spanish. Or you'll be able to add to your skills base by updating your computer skills or taking a quick course in how to set up a small business. If you've entered the profession of teaching, you might need continuing education credits to maintain your license.

You may find that the community college you attended will be a valuable partner in training employees for you through contracted programs designed to meet your special needs. Your community college can also help you stay current with changes in your field of expertise. At some point in your life, you may even want to change careers again. Community college can again give you that new start.

Of course, you will always find the college's door open to you and everyone in your family to take full advantage of its educational opportunities, services to the community, and facilities.

Join A Circle of Alumni

Your community college alumni association is an excellent way for you to give your college a hand while maintaining contact with fellow students, faculty, and staff.

Jessica Warnick, director of the alumni association at Montgomery College (Maryland), says, "One of the biggest myths that community college alumni associations have to dispel for students is that someone isn't an alumnus because he or she didn't graduate or receive a degree from the college. Whether you just took a few courses, transferred to another college before earning your degree or certificate, or have taken continuing education or workforce development courses, you can still be a member of the alumni association."

You can choose the level of participation that is most comfortable for you. You may simply want to receive the college newsletter or participate occasionally in a special event such as a golf tournament. Or you might want to become a more active member who helps recruit new students, answers the phones at the annual phone-a-thon, or holds an official position with the association.

Bob Hydorn, current president of the Montgomery College Alumni Association and a 1971 graduate, has been actively involved for seven years with the association. He says, "Alumni are great ambassadors for the college and can do everything from working with local and state government officials to ensure adequate funding to talking to high school students about the benefits of attending community college to raising funds for scholarships. Participating in the alumni association is an excellent way to give something back to the place where you got your start. And, it's exciting and gratifying to have a role in the growth and expansion of the college."

Whatever you decide to do, staying connected is easy. You'll receive some benefits from joining, and joining isn't expensive"in fact it's often free or there is a modest membership fee. Some member benefits that your alumni association may include are:

• A free subscription to your college's alumni magazine, newspaper, or e-newsletter
• Invitations to special events, such as campus alumni day and alumni gatherings off campus
• Career-related services including resume and interview workshops or assistance, plus job search and placement
• Borrowing privileges at the campus library or libraries
• Reduced fees for use of college facilities such as a gym or a tennis court; special ticket prices for cultural, performing arts, or theatrical events; reduced rates on campus merchandise

Alumni associations typically recognize outstanding contributions to the college and community by their alumni. You could even receive an award as an Outstanding Alumnus! Or, your son or daughter could be eligible for a scholarship available from the alumni association.

Give Back!

If you have some time and want to help someone else get a start at college or in their career, there are a variety of ways you can show your appreciation to your college and help other students on their way.

Linda V. Siegmann says, "Your community college needs you to come back and tell your story to other students. I've done that several times. It's very rewarding for me to know that I've inspired other students, especially women like me"in their thirties with children-to know that they can do whatever they set their minds to. If you motivate even one person to go beyond what they think is their best, you've made a huge impact."

Here are some ways you can give back to your school.

• Be a mentor to a current student or a graduate, or help students make a career connection by serving on a Career Day panel or by giving informational job interviews to students interested in your field of employment.
• Serve on a community college advisory board or on a workforce development advisory board.
• Spread the word about community colleges and their advantages as a guest speaker at educational and civic associations and events.
• Make a donation to help your community college build its scholarship or endowment fund.