SGA Alumni Return to Campus to Support Current SGA Leaders at a Networking Event

On February 29, 2024, more than 60 Student Government Association (SGA) student leaders and SGA Executive Board alumni came together for an evening of networking. Alumni representing all decades from the 1970s to 2022 returned to campus to share career advice, life tips, and their favorite Montclair memories. The event, a collaboration of the University’s Office of Alumni Engagement and the SGA Executive Board, marks the launch of Montclair’s newest alumni affinity group.

“The original goal of the night was to foster a strong relationship with our SGA alumni network, many of whom care very deeply about both the University and the SGA,” says senior Richard Steiner-Otoo, current SGA president. “Additionally, the night served as a major networking and professional development opportunity for our current SGA leaders. Students got to meet and interact with alumni and learned more about informal networking.”

Dinner seating grouped attendees by major and industry, giving students an opportunity to learn about the careers they would soon be pursuing. Alumni got an opportunity to meet the up-and-coming stars in their fields.

“The design of the event allowed for the SGA leaders to ask career questions and create mentoring relationships,” notes attendee Helen Archontou ’91, chief executive officer of YWCA of Northern New Jersey. “Both are invaluable as our next generation of leaders considers what’s next after graduating from Montclair. Providing models for the roles that they could hold in the future helps to build pathways for them.”

The formal portion of the program featured remarks by Steiner-Otoo and Kara Baldwin Brennan ’92, Montclair’s director of Annual Giving. Also in attendance were Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life Dawn Soufleris; Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Margaree Coleman-Carter; Student Center Director Julie Fleming; and Assistant Dean of Student Engagement Julia DelBagno.

During a “pass the mic” session, students were able to ask questions of the entire audience. Advice ranged from setting goals annually and building your network to finding mentors and prioritizing lifelong learning. The alumni present emphasized the ways that SGA involvement contributed to the leadership and networking skills that led to their success. In a particularly special moment, the room erupted in a standing ovation in honor of Dean Carter and her dedication to helping students get the support they need to reach graduation.

“What surprised me the most about the event was the overwhelming support and love that we received from the alumni community,” says Steiner-Otoo. “Their advice was amazing and not only centered around career, but also gave us new perspectives about life.”

“I loved being part of SGA as a student at Montclair, and it was exciting to have an opportunity to go back and reengage with an amazing time in my life,” says Archontou. “I also wanted to be there to offer support to the current SGA leaders. When I was in one of those seats, I always found it helpful to talk with alumni who visited. I remember feeling both sad about graduating and leaving SGA as well as excited about what was ahead. The conversations with SGA alumni gave me a safe space to ask questions, helped me envision what the future could be and left me feeling empowered. I hoped by joining the event I could do that for others.”

“I find it inspirational to meet the next generation coming up and learning what is important to them,” Archontou continues. “It helps keep my work relevant. Also, there is always value to networking and it feels even more valuable when you share a common bond with the attendees. Whether it is reconnecting with folks from your past or making new contacts, the possibilities are endless as to where the conversation can go after you introduce yourself.”

The event was an exciting start for the new SGA alumni affinity networking group. Visit MONTCLAIRconnect and join the group for SGA executive board members past and present. Sign on to start the dialogue and we look forward to other opportunities to bring together our alumni and students. Check your inbox or contact Alumni Engagement at alumni@montclair.edu or 973-655-4141.