A Year Of Virtual Perfection & Connection

June 1, 2021 • Erin McLaughlin

Inspired by the resiliency of Arcadia students, alumni, faculty, and staff, the Arcadia University Alumni Association has leveraged the interconnectivity of our virtual world to connect and champion the spirit of our community like never before. This year alone, Arcadia has launched more than a dozen programs to engage hundreds of alumni and members of the University community

Arcadia Alumni Round Table Talks

Take your seat at the table and join the conversation. In September 2020, the Alumni Association hosted its first all-virtual event, Just Mercy: A Book Discussion with Dr. John A. Noakes.  The conversations, insight, and connections during that one-hour session set the framework for what transpired into Arcadia Alumni Round Table Talks—a series of monthly conversations that uplift voices within the Arcadia community and carry on Arcadia’s commitment to lifelong learning and excellence. Each Round Table Talk spotlights experts within the Arcadia community and provides a platform for alumni to connect, engage, and learn about a timely and important topic. Catch up on what you missed since the series launched in the fall of 2020 and join us as we continue these virtual discussions at alumni.arcadia.edu/RTT.

The Inaugural Women Who Lead Forum

Celebrating 168 years of women empowerment at Beaver College and Arcadia University On Tuesday, March 30, the Arcadia University Alumni Association launched the inaugural Women Who Lead Forum. Hosted by Mrs. Paayal Nair, Arcadia University ambassador and wife of President Ajay Nair, this virtual program celebrated the power of women, every broken glass ceiling, and each step forward.  The program features inspiring alumnae and members of our community who are leaders in the industries and communities they serve, and we join together with the intent to empower, elevate, encourage, and engage every woman of Beaver College and Arcadia University.

Alumni Reunion Week

Alumni celebrated the triumphant return of Arcadia’s reunion celebrations during a weeklong virtual extravaganza. With nearly 20 virtual activities, alumni were able to reunite, relive, and remember all things Beaver College and Arcadia University while reconnecting with cherished classmates, faculty, staff, and friends during Alumni Reunion Week. This year, we celebrated with double the reunions and double the fun as we honored the milestone reunions of the classes of the 1’s and 6’s while also commemorating the classes of the 0’s and 5’s. 

• Scarlet & Grey Virtual 5K Alumni around the world were able to participate in Arcadia’s  first-ever Scarlet & Grey Virtual 5K, beneftting Arcadia University students. 
• Paint Knight Alumni received a pre-mailed paint kit, logged into Zoom, and joined artist Carina Brandt ’12. 
• Class of 1971 Back to the Future 50th Golden Celebration & Induction The Class of 1971 gathered to celebrate their 50th Golden Reunion and a lifetime of memories and experiences. Alumnae caught up with classmates living all around the world and took a trip down memory lane while honoring 50 years of accomplishments. 
• Arcadia’s Virtual Food & Beverage Fest Advanced Cicerone Joe Spearot ’14 led alumni through the art and science of beer tasting, and President Nair wowed attendees with a cooking demonstration.
• Alumni & Class Reunion Awards Celebration In the ultimate Alumni Reunion Week celebration, the Alumni Association honored the 2021 recipients of the alumni and class reunion awards. 

Learn more and relive the fun at alumni.arcadia.edu/reunion.

Take a Knight to Work

The Alumni Association’s newest volunteer program, Take a Knight to Work, matches current Arcadia students with alumni volunteers who can offer students a glimpse into their aspirational profession through virtual or in-person real-world work experiences. Based on industry, interest, and schedule, the student-alumni match is a win-win opportunity for alumni and students alike. The alumnus hosts a student on the job, meets a next generation industry peer, shares career insight and advice, and introduces the student to Arcadia University’s vast alumni network. More than 90 alumni volunteered to host a student on the job for a full day, half-day, lunch, or coffee break during the piloted Take a Knight to work event on March 16-18.

Arcadia University Alumni Association Affinity Networks 

Celebrating the diversity and vast network of the Arcadia University Alumni Association, our a nity groups connect alumni of common interests and goals to strengthen Alumni Association and University initiatives, advocacy efforts, and programming while providing personal and professional development and networking opportunities for members. Arcadia alumni affinity networks include the Black Alumni Association of Arcadia University (BAAAU), the Hispanic/Latinx Alumni Association (HLAA), and Alumni Business Network (ABN). All groups are currently recruiting for leadership positions. For more information, please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement: alumni@arcadia.edu. 

To stay up to date or register for the latest alumni events, visit alumni.arcadia.edu/events.
 

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  Ajay NairJohn Noakes