Symposium Brings Back Alumni
They may have graduated years ago, but more than 100 DU alumni went back to school during the University’s inaugural Alumni Symposium on Oct. 5-6.
DU alumni take part in "When Your ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) Becomes Your EPT (Early Pregnancy Test)" a class offered during the Alumni Symposium.
The symposium allowed the participating alumni to re-connect with each other, campus and the University’s intellectual atmosphere. Among other activities, alumni attended three class sessions, selecting from nearly 20 lecture topics.
“It’s great to be able to re-live the intellectual part of college, to engage in a higher level of discussion,” said Brent Neiser (MGS ’05).
Chancellor Robert Coombe said DU’s alumni are important because they reflect the value of a DU education in developing their potential. Coombe also said that the University continues to strive to benefit alumni long after they graduate.
“We are constantly looking for ways that we can be of value to you,” Coombe said. “We hope that offering you this opportunity to experience some of our best professors and connect with fellow alumni and DU is fulfilling.”
Andy Taylor (BSBA ’70), chairman and CEO of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Bob Perito (BA ’64), a senior program officer of the U.S. Institute of Peace and an adviser to the Iraq study group, spoke about their careers since leaving DU and their continuing education.
Exceeding expectations
Alumni ranged from those who had already attended their 50th reunions to those not even a year out.
DU alumnus Bob Perito, career diplomat and an adviser to the Iraq Study Group, spoke about his career after graduating from DU.
“This weekend exceeded my expectations,” said Bob Morehead (BSBA ’56). Morehead says that when he was a student, he commuted to take classes at the business school, then located downtown. Now, he is thrilled to see the changes on campus and in the classroom and expressed his confidence that DU is moving in the right direction.
Many alumni agreed with Morehead’s grade of exceeding expectations.
“This weekend gave me a much better cross-section of campus [and] an opportunity to see some cross pollination on campus,” said Susannah Pedigo (MBA ’06). “The Daniels experience satiated my thirst for learning, and now I want to keep learning.”
Morehead agreed. “This is fascinating stuff. This weekend left me wanting more.”
“The facilities here are just amazing now,” said Sheryl Smyth, (MBA ’89, JD ’94).
“I was so impressed by the classes. Everything is state of the art.”
If you think you've missed a rare opportunity, don't worry. You can attend next year's Alumni Sympoisium.
Published on Oct. 10, 2007