What new grads can expect from the ASU Alumni Association

Christine K. Wilkinson is the senior vice president and secretary of Arizona State University and managing director of the trustees of ASU. Wilkinson, a two-time Sun Devil graduate, has served as president and CEO of the ASU Alumni Association since 2005.

Here she provides some information for new graduates about the ASU Alumni Association.

Question: Why should new grads get involved with the ASU Alumni Association?

Answer: The ASU Alumni Association serves as your lifelong connection to the university. New graduates can keep connected to career and professional development resources. The ASU Alumni Association is the No. 1 networking organization of more than 200,000 Sun Devils right here in the Valley of the Sun as ranked by the Phoenix Business Journal. That’s a robust alumni network graduates can access.

Additionally, the ASU Alumni Association hosts various professional development seminars throughout the year. New graduates can join an alumni chapter that aligns with an interest they had while going to school, such as the Los Diablos or Veterans alumni chapters or their academic field. For those new grads who will move back home or relocate outside of the Valley for their first job, they will find a large network of ASU alumni chapters across the United States from Los Angeles to New York. And if you plan to work overseas, there’s an impressive network of ASU alumni connections across the globe.

Q: What are the best ways to connect to the ASU Alumni Association?

A: ASU graduates have the opportunity to connect directly with the ASU Alumni Association by attending live events whether it’s here locally or in your geographic area through our alumni chapters. Join us for networking events, career seminars, tailgates, community service projects or one of the many Tillman Honor Runs that take place every spring. You’ll find all this and much more on our website.

We also invite alums to volunteer with us, and that could be at one of our events or community service projects, or remotely by serving as a scholarship application reviewer. The ASU Alumni Association offers two scholarship programs, and we’re always looking for alums to review the applications of future Sun Devils. I can guarantee that you’ll be inspired by the stories of these incoming students.

Q: How can new grads stay connected if they are moving outside Arizona?

A: Whether you decide to stay in the Valley or move from one of the campus locations — or maybe you’re an online new grad living outside Arizona — the ASU Alumni Association has plenty of opportunities for you to remain connected and engaged. First, please make sure that we have your updated information now that you’ve graduated. Our newsletter keeps you informed and up to date on the latest happenings with your alma mater and the alumni association. Then, make sure you’re connected to our social media channels — we’re on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

We have an extensive chapter network across the United States and the globe so you can engage with Sun Devils no matter where you go. And if you move to an area without an ASU alumni chapter, we’d love to work with you to establish a chapter in your area. The ASU Alumni Association has a network of more than 500,000 Sun Devils, and we’re here to keep you connected to all things ASU. In addition to your degree, we have many shared traditions, whether it’s whitewashing the ‘A’, being a part of the Inferno, enjoying Palm Walk or attending a performance at Gammage, and we want to continue fostering that ASU pride. You’re a Sun Devil for life!