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By Stephen Wilson
Leopard spots dot the cities and towns up and down the Golden Coast, and the West Coast Advisory Council set out to prove it.
Council members, the Office of Alumni Relations, and Gateway Career Center partnered in July to host two networking nights so alumni and undergraduates could show their Pard pride.
The first event in Northern California was held at the Accenture offices in San Francisco while the second event moved down to Southern California at the Weinberg Gonser, LLP offices in Los Angeles.
Both gatherings allowed alumni, undergraduates, and parents to meet, strengthen networks, share advice, and explore opportunities.
“Events like these can make all the difference to students who are planning for life after college,” says Mike Summers, assistant vice president for Gateway Career Center.
“It also helps our Leopards to meet one another from across class years and disciplines, but still have an abiding love for all things Lafayette,” says Rachel Nelson Moeller ’88 P’21, executive director of alumni relations.
For Lauren Steinitz ’08, senior manager at Accenture and host for an event, the night demonstrated how deeply invested students are in their futures.
“It was a fantastic showing of diverse perspectives and interests of students and alumni, which only reinforces the value of academic excellence and Lafayette’s interdisciplinary approach,” she says. “It’s clear our students are prepared to excel in this incredibly complex world—where change is the one constant.”
Down south the same vibes were flowing. Mark Suffredini ’93, executive director and branch manager for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, heard passion in the voices of students and the infectious excitement from recent graduates embarking on new careers.
“Good things happen when fellow Pards have the opportunity to make connections with one another,” says Suffredini. “Many conversations centered around seasoned LA alumni helping undergraduates and young alumni by opening our networks, offering advice, and talking job opportunities. It was fun, informative, and really valuable.” 