Homecoming Event Highlights Power and Reach of University’s Alumni Network

Tyler D'Amore ’14, ’16 M.S. understands if college students could find it a bit intimating to be asked questions about their plans for the future. He found, though, that the Chargers taking part in a “mock networking” event hosted by the Career Development Center and the Office of Alumni Relations as part of Homecoming weekend were up to the challenge.

“The students I met are very ambitious, and they impressed me with their communication skills,” he said.

As a member of the board of directors for the University’s Alumni Association, D’Amore says it is his priority to help bridge the gap between alumni and current students. “The time I had as a student here really impacted me,” he said. “I try to come back to campus as often as possible.”

Staying engaged with his alma mater and giving back to help current students is deeply personal to D’Amore and his wife, Erika (Williams) D’Amore ’15, ’16 M.S.

“Us meeting on campus led us to getting married, buying a house in West Haven, having children, and starting our family here,” said Tyler. “The University of New Haven really gave our family a lot.”

‘They have that drive’

Among the more than 30 students and alumni participating in the special event was Kim Rowland ’99, a sales manager for Liberty Mutual. She says she always tries to hire sale interns from the University.

“I have found that the students here have to work and go to school, so they have a lot of grit,” she said. “The Career Development Center has always been good to me in supporting the roles that I have to fill, and I thought this was a great opportunity to help current students learn how to network.”

Rowland described the students she interacted with as very polished. “They come from all different backgrounds, and they have that drive,” she said.

Samantha Williams ’10, president of 628 Digital Design, said the level of professionalism among the students participating was very strong.

“I saw a lot of leadership skills and abilities,” she said. “I think it is important to invest in the future generations and teach them things such as networking and tools and strategies they can take with them in their careers.”

‘I was very impressed’

Kelonda Maull ’12, executive director of Waterbury Promise, said she wishes she had opportunities like this when she was an undergrad.

“I was very impressed,” she said. “I’m always in the spirit of giving back and supporting the next generation of leaders.

“Once you are a Charger, you are always a Charger, continued Maull. “To be part of the University community at this point in my career is important to me.”

Before the networking began, Matt Caporale, executive director of the Career Development Center, offered a presentation about the art and science of networking.

“Networking is about relationships and making connections,” he said, explaining that one’s network is similar to a spider web. As a spider moves, or one’s network grows, it makes ripples across the web.

“You have to spend some time getting to know other individuals because you have to find your way around that web,” he said.