SXU Holds STEM Alumni Night
Saint Xavier University (SXU) recently held a STEM Alumni Night, where 24 chemistry, biology, and natural sciences alumni who graduated between 2012 and 2023 came together to network with 68 current SXU students.
Attended by SXU President Keith Elder, Ph.D., College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Business (CNHSB) Dean Charlene Bermele, DNP, and Acting Provost Natalie Page, Ed.D., the event included networking and a panel discussion. Alumni who attended hold various career positions, including chemists, lab technicians, pharmacists, post-doctoral researchers, dental students, plant managers, anesthesiology technicians, data analysts, and medical students.
"Strengthening connections with alumni and local STEM industries is a vital part of developing academic and career pathways for our students. Students were able to see themselves in different careers and talk to alumni who were in their shoes just a few years ago," said Julia Wiester, Ph.D., chemistry professor.
To encourage networking, faculty made individual introductions between students and alumni based on their career goals and interests. During the panel, alumni discussed what they wish they knew as undergraduates, how they got started on their paths, whether they changed paths along the way, advice for school and life, and general support for students. After the panel, students continued networking directly with alumni, who shared their contact information for students to reach out to with questions.
"It's always good to see our alumni and hear about what they're doing. I'm so proud of what they've accomplished but also who they have become, and I love seeing our current students engaged and talking with our alumni. The students were inspired learning about different career paths. An education from Saint Xavier equips students with valuable skills that can be applied across many different fields and disciplines," said Wiester.
"It was great to meet and learn about the accomplishments and career trajectories of our alumni. I appreciated that our students have carried Saint Xavier University's core values along with the knowledge gained in their undergraduate education. I thank Dr. Wiester for organizing the event," added Sharada Buddha, Ph.D., chemistry professor.
Students found the event to be inspiring and were grateful for the opportunity to speak with experienced alumni.
"My experience at the alumni night was very inspiring! As a senior, it helped me feel less anxious about what's to come for my future after undergrad. It was amazing to hear from previous students that were in the same position as me once and how they were able to get to where they are today!" said Gabrielle Venson, chemistry student.
"Attending the alumni event gave me different insights into the career everyone hopes to reach and where life took them. I learned that sometimes life can cause us to go into a different direction, and it's not a bad thing for change to happen. Alumni who were in career fields they were happy with really gave insight into change and how they went through different career paths, which was the most valuable piece of advice I learned. Choosing a career I will be happy with is a process that happens through new experiences and not something that should happen overnight," added Javier Pena, biology pre-health and natural sciences student.