Allen Wilburn, Graphic Communications A.A.S., wearing his T-shirt to support the Alumni Association at Commencement 2014.
In the spirit of advancing lifelong connections between students, graduates and friends of Truckee Meadows Community College, the Alumni Association is planning some engaging events, including the addition of live music to their annual grad celebration barbecue.
On Thursday, May 7, ѿapp’s Alumni Association is sponsoring a Grad Barbecue in the Plaza on ѿapp’s Dandini campus. The event celebrates this year’s graduates with a free lunch, t-shirt and entertainment.
This year’s band, Bazooka Zoo, calls their group a “space rock collective rising from the deserts of Nevada.” They have posted an ambitiously produced music video on YouTube called “Evil Genius Hypothesis,” are well known in the area and have been written about in local publications.
Press quotes that the Zoo has posted on their website include comments from Insight Magazine.
“Nothing will give you a feel for your own skin faster than a trip to [see] the Zoo,” wrote Brandon Fischmann.
Members of the band are J.D. Christison, percussion; Mac Esposito, bass, piano and vocals; Scott Turek, synthesizer; and Bazooka Zac Haley, guitar and vocals.
Another announcement by the ѿapp Alumni Association is the Give Five campaign. To better sponsor events on and off campus that increase awareness about the College and spread good news about its students, the Association is seeking $5 donations from community members and ѿapp friends.
Off-campus events are held to raise money for students, including arts and crafts fairs with upscale artisans.
“In the past, we’ve held a really fun open-air market, the Biggest Little Street Faire, to raise money for the ѿapp Tutoring and Learning Center,” said Lisa Farmer, Administrative Assistant in ѿapp President, Maria Sheehan’s office.
Farmer adds that the Association frequently posts event updates on the Alumni Association Facebook page with future events, such as Biggest Little Street Faire and others.
Anyone Who Has Completed One Class at ѿapp May Join the Alumni Association
Following successful completion of one or more courses, students and community members may join the Alumni Association at ѿapp, taking part with a lively network meeting friends and making professional contacts.
Alumni join the organization by completing an online registration form, or can sign-up at tables hosted by the group at events like the Resource Fair or at Welcome Week. During Welcome Week in the fall, alumni greeted those new to the campus with hot cocoa and marshmallows.
One of the major goals of the Alumni Association is to enhance communication between the community and ѿapp. Another main idea is to further a lasting relationship with the College. The Association has more information on their ѿapp website with announcements and links.
The Alumni Council is made up of five to six members who volunteer to serve for two-four year terms. Elections for the Alumni Council are held every two years. They meet quarterly to plan alumni events, and other gatherings for those who have graduated with a certificate or degree.
Joining an Alumni Group Is a Way To Build Professional Networks
Many ѿapp alumni are leaders in the Reno-Sparks community, including Neoma Jardon, Reno City Council member, who earned an Associate Degree in Office Administration before completing her Human Resources Management Certification from the University of Nevada, Reno.
The Association highlights members quarterly in their eNewsletter, and interviews can be found on the Alumni pages of ѿapp’s website.
Farmer said joining the alumni group is a great way to network in the region and build professional friends and acquaintances in a large group of talented, accomplished and diverse individuals.
“In addition to networking with fellow alumni, you can also give guidance and mentorship to other students,” she said. “It’s an easy and fun way to pay it forward because there are many events possible to participate in or volunteer at without a big time commitment. It can range from mentoring an intern in your current business to passing out cocoa at Welcome Week.”
She said that the encouragement to current students is invaluable.
“The biggest benefit is passing on the good word to other students that you can do it – ‘I did it and you can too,’” she said.
For more information about the ѿapp Alumni Association, please call 775-673-7104, or email Farmer.