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Hearing their names called one by one, 25 �԰����� alumni rose from their seats and strode to the front of the room. Waiting for them was �԰����� President Danny Anderson, his left hand clutching certificates, his right hand empty but poised in anticipation. One at a time, alumni received a certificate and a handshake, confirming the completion of the pilot program for the Alumni Leadership Academy.

As part of the Learning TUgether initiative, the leadership academy contributes to �԰�����’s revamped dedication to providing alumni with beneficial opportunities for professional development. The program follows the trend set by the Learning TUgether podcast and webinar series, where alumni gain an inside look at how classes and topics are taught and explored at �԰�����.

“Being able to network with alumni outside of my class and in different career fields was an invaluable part of the experience,” Ashley Poston ’15 says. “Getting a behind-the-scenes look at where �԰����� is headed gave me a bigger appreciation for the university and more marketable material that I can give to potential students.”

The monthly, two-hour-long sessions each featured two presentations that focused on professional skill development and the impact of various departments at �԰�����. Each session began with a professional development lecture, such as “Business Etiquette 101” by Ann Knoebel, the former director of Conferences and Special Programs at �԰�����. Topics also ranged from enhancing one’s public speaking ability to exploring the fundamentals of board and volunteer management, providing the participants with a broad selection of business advice.

Following the lecture, �԰�����’s vice presidents each presented on how they are implementing specific strategies through their departments at �԰�����. For example, Tess Coody-Anders ‘93, vice president for Strategic Communications and Marketing, enlightened participants on how �԰����� is using certain business and marketing tactics to improve the University brand. Additional leadership presentations educated alumni on the daily life of the average student at �԰����� and how the University selects its incoming class.

“I think it's a great way to reconnect with the University, while learning more about our peers and how the university is continuing to evolve,” Siro Gutierrez ’04 says. “It's great �԰����� continues to invest in alumni learning and education.”