McMaster launches new series for young alumni

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/mac10logo.jpg” caption=”Mac10 is a new series of programming for recent graduates offered by McMaster University. Series events fall into one of three categories: professional, intellectual and social. “]The McMaster Alumni Association has launched a new program designed to connect young alumni with the resources they need to succeed and engage in lifelong learning – while having some fun along the way.

The new Mac10 program is divided into three themes: professional development, intellectual development and social activities.

The professional aspect of the program, in collaboration with the Student Success Centre, focuses on career development and includes a non-academic job search seminar led by alumni career coach Catherine Maybrey.

In March, a panel discussion at the McMaster Innovation Park will connect budding entrepreneurs with representatives from innovation centres in Toronto, Waterloo and Hamilton.

The intellectual theme picks up on March 2 with a monthly speaker series featuring McMaster's own researchers. Daniel Coleman, the professor of English and cultural studies who helped spearhead the successful Discovery Program for adult learning in Hamilton, will speak at the first event.

“We wanted to provide opportunities for recent graduates to connect with faculty in fun, social settings,” said Erin O'Neil in the University's alumni advancement office. “That's why we're hosting the events at places like Toronto's Gladstone Hotel rather than a campus lecture hall.”

A number of social activities – including a film screening, a cooking class and an art class – are scheduled for both Hamilton and Toronto graduates. Organizers hope to add a volunteer service program in the future.

The program's diverse offerings are the result of extensive feedback from McMaster's young alumni community.

“Mac10 is the result of a survey of 2,500 young alumni,” said O'Neil. “We received a lot of positive feedback from graduates who want to reconnect, and we've incorporated what they told us they'd like to see in each category of the Mac10 program.”

Mac10 is meant to be an extension of the Life After Mac series, which is open to current students.

“We want to ensure that our students' relationship with McMaster doesn't end when they graduate,” said Karen McQuigge, director of alumni advancement. “Mac10 is a way for us to maintain ties with our young alumni, help them stay connected to the University and provide them with solid support as they begin their lives with a McMaster degree in hand.”

To register for Mac10 events, go to www.mac10.ca.