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CUNY SPS Hosts 6th Annual Multi-Campus Alumni Career Event
The Office of Alumni Relations and the Office of Career Services from the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) co-hosted the 6th Annual CUNY Multi-Campus Alumni Career Event on June 15. This year’s digital meet-up exceeded participation goals and was the largest multi-campus event yet, with over 250 alums from 11 additional CUNY campuses joining the webinar.
The participating campuses included: Baruch College, Brooklyn College, City College of New York, Lehman College, York College, New York City College of Technology (City Tech), College of Staten Island, Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, Guttman Community College, and the CUNY Graduate School.
Nidia Cordova, alumni relations manager at CUNY SPS, was the moderator for the evening. Representatives from other CUNY campuses assisted Cordova with commentary and fielding questions: Sidney Ko from Baruch, Trang Le-Chan from City Tech, and Jacqueline Lamberti from the College of Staten Island.
For the virtual event, Dr. Patrick delivered a motivational “video podcast,” without the use of slides or visual aids. In her opening statement of the evening, she said that her goal was for participants “to leave tonight renewed and excited about our careers and our professional paths.”
Dr. Patrick focused her discussion on the power of positive thought and often referred to leadership concepts from trailblazers in the corporate world. She centered her program on pinpointing and defining the key elements of success in the workplace: leadership, engagement, authenticity, and drive. As she unpacked the four success principles, she quoted a workforce development thought leader and provided confidence-boosting tips.
After the keynote address, alums joined breakout rooms to network and discuss Dr. Patrick’s pointers, including plans for implementing her suggestions. When the group reconvened to the general assembly, participants asked questions, shared insights, and discussed their own career narratives.
CUNY SPS alum Audreya Perry (BS Business) shared a particularly touching story of her professional journey after just completing the trial period at a new job. “I keep thinking about the fact that I'm 56 years old. I just graduated this past December.” Perry said, “I keep thinking in the back of my head… can I really do a career at my age? And what is it? Just a job? Is it just something that I'm doing to take care of my family? Can I make this change at my age?”
Dr. Patrick was visibly moved by Perry’s comments and quickly responded, “It's never too late to start anything new until your last breath is pulled out of your body. People have 3, 4, 5 careers, right?” Dr. Patrick continued, “If you don't start to walk down a path of a career to make yourself happy…achieving things, being a role model, trying something different. Then why are we here on this earth, really?” Dr. Patrick then listed several methods for overcoming the negative thoughts that can impede success.
As a parting gift, participants received a leadership and communication development guide to help plan their next steps.
After the event, Cordova shared her takeaway. “This year’s CUNY Multi-Campus alumni event was significant and so impactful.” she said. “I can’t wait to see how our graduates implement Dr. Patrick’s tips and suggestions.”
A recording of the event can be found on the CUNY SPS YouTube channel.
About the CUNY School of Professional Studies
As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.
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