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News & Events
Business Grad Returns to CW
Edward Eways, who earned his degree in Business Administration this year, returned to CW as an Alumni Ambassador to speak with evening BBA students about completing their internships. Ed, who currently serves in the Trump Corporation and as an award-winning community organizer in Port Chester, NY, spoke about the invaluable support and guidance he found as a CW student, the way a CW education provides a bridge to professional advancement, and the necessity to clearly envision success and be persistent in the job search process.Medical Alum Speaks to Class
Medical Office Systems Management graduate Sheena Hutchinson returned to CW as an Alumni Ambassador recently. Speaking to Rosetta DiRentiis' Administrative Medical Practices class, Sheena described how her studies at CW helped prepare her for her current position managing a medical office, including the skills and professional standards required to succeed. After her talk, the students engaged in a vigorous question and answer session with Sheena about her position and her career.The College of Westchester Alumni Homecoming Celebration
The College of Westchester's Alumni Homecoming Event celebrated ACHIEVEMENT as they welcomed back the first three winners of the CW Alumni Achievement Award, which was first bestowed at Commencement in 2010. Graduates Kevin Callanan (Network Administration,) Nancy Mendes (Business Administration), and Jessica Perilla (Multimedia) have all achieved exceptional professional success. Each spoke about the nature of achievement at the Homecoming Dinner which took place at the college on Thurs., Oct. 11 in the Student Center.The CW Annual Alumni Homecoming Event, complimentary to graduates, includes music, dinner, a cash bar, awards, and a chance to reunite, reminisce, and catch up with CW graduates, faculty, and staff. Alumni meet periodically throughout the year. If you are interested in future events, please call (914) 831-0293 or e-mail Alumni@CW.edu.
Students Get Real-Life Talk from Alum
Serving as an Alumni Ambassador, CW graduate Esperanza Cruz visited Noel D' Allacco's Business Ettiquette class recently. Having earned her Associate degree in Business Administration in 1998 and her BBA last April, Espy spoke with the students about how they will soon experience a significant transition and either into the BBA program or the workforce and the importance of taking responsibility for their current educational experiences. The students explored their strengths and weaknesses in time management, writing papers, and self-motivation and Espy emphasized the significance of preparing to meet the challenges of the next stage in their lives, both academically and professionally.Alumni Association Summer Dinner Party
The CW Alumni Associated hosted its annual summer dinner party on July 13 at Vintage Restaurant in White Plains. With the theme of "Reunion on the Boardwalk," the event served as a fundraiser for the CW Charitable Foundation (CWCF) Scholarship Fund. Nearly 80 attendees, which included graduates, faculty and staff, and guests, enjoyed appetizers, dinner, dessert, and entertainment by Christopher Brown while participating in a silent auction, a 50/50 chance, and a Wheel of Fortune. Over $1,000 was raised for the night and all proceeds will benefit the CWCF Scholarship Fund. Next up on the Alumni Association schedule is the annual Homecoming Dinner in October.Alumni Strengthen their Job Search
The CW Alumni Association recently sponsored another developmental workshop entitled "Prepare to Impress: Strengthening Your Job Search strategy." Lisa Panarello, Founder & President of Careers Advance, dynamically engaged 55 alumni and Evening students in conversations about the importance of personal marketing and branding in all aspects of the job search process. Business Alum Gives Workforce Knowledge to Evening BBA Students
Nancy Mendes, who earned her degree in Business Administration in 2001 and will receive the 2012 Alumni Achievement Award at Commencement, returned to CW as an Alumni Ambassador recently. Currently serving as the Regional Account Manager for Enterprise Learning Solutions, Nancy spoke to a cohort of Evening BBA students preparing to begin their internships about the importance of an educated workforce and her own personal transition from the classroom to corporate America.
Alum Shares her Success Story to BBA Class
Graduate Alicia Thigpen-Matthews recently returned to CW as an Alumni Ambassador. A 2007 graduate with an Associate in Business Administration, Alicia spoke to BBA students in Prof. James Mcgee's Technical Writing class about how her studies at CW led to her founding and running GDI Enterprises.
Students Get Real-Life Talk from CW Digital Media Alum
Graduate Daniel Sanchez Cardenas, who earned his Associate in Digital Media in 2010, returned to CW as an Alumni Ambassador recently. Daniel spoke with Prof. Michael Grassia's evening Studio Art class, discussing how his studies at CW prepared him for his current position as Art Director at Universal Views and Creative Director at Inlanet. The students engaged Daniel afterwards in a lively question and answer session.Social Media Workshop Success!
The CW Alumni Association sponsored the next session in its developmental workshop series with a reception and presentation about the "Do's and Don'ts of Using Social Media in Your Job Search." Facilitated by Nancy Shenker, marketing consultant and founder of the ONswitch, alumni and students explored the importance of using the internet and social media in branding their professional persona, networking with others in their field, and ensuring their online presence is positive and impactful.CW BBA Alum Speaks to Evening Students
Graduate Michael A. returned to CW as an Alumni Ambassador recently, visiting John Strange's Evening Accounting course. Last spring Michael had attended an Entry-level Management Career Fair sponsored by Career Services which led to his current employment with the Hertz Corporation. Having earned his Associate in Accounting in 2010 and his BBA this past December, Michael engaged the current students in a conversation about being assertive in the job search process and the qualities required to succeed in a managerial position.Alumni Holiday Party Success!
The CW Alumni Association sponsored its annual Holiday Party on Dec. 9, hosting 60 graduates, staff/faculty, and guests at Vintage Restaurant in White Plains. With a delicious three-course meal, music, a door raffle for multiple prizes, and great company, the Alumni Association ushered in the holiday season in style!Multimedia Alum Returns to CW!
A 2010 graduate of the Multimedia Technology program, Robert Ferrara returned to CW as an Alumni Ambassador. Speaking to a combined assembly from James Lines' and Michael Ryan's classes, Robert talked to the current Digital Media students about how their course work serves as a bridge to their careers and how his studies at CW led to his current position as Graphic Designer for Mobile Card Cast in Tarrytown. Robert has participated as an employer in CW Career Fairs and intends to participate in next spring's Digital Media Portfolio Review Day.Alumni Homecoming Dinner Success!
The CW Alumni Association sponsored its third annual Homecoming Dinner on Thursday evening, October 13. Nearly 90 people attended, including approximately 60 alumni, 25 faculty and staff, and several guests. Coordinator of the Alumni Association, Mr. Terry Keyes, served as master of ceremonies, welcoming the attendees, providing an update of the associations' activities and initiatives over the last year, and reading aloud tributes to alumni submitted by faculty and staff. A dynamic group of graduates, faculty, and staff enjoyed a relaxing setting, music, a delicious meal, and each other!First Graduate Career Fair a Success!
On August 24th, the Office of Career Services hosted its first career fair targeted specifically for our recent graduates. With over 50 alumni companies in attendance the day was a great success. The employers remarked how our graduates presented very professionally in both dress and demeanor. They were very pleased with the candidates they spoke with regarding potential employment. Students remarked that they were very happy a fair was held entirely for them based on their career needs. This type of career fair will be rolled out again along with the others the office hosts. We look forward to the calls of successful interviews and new jobs!Alumni Association Summer Event
The CW Alumni Association sponsored a summer party for alumni, faculty, and staff on the patio at Porter House in White Plains on Friday evening, August 5. Association Coordinator Terry Keyes arranged a private outside dining area, delicious buffet, and cash bar, but the balmy night and great company were special perks! Next up for the Alumni Association is the Homecoming Dinner this fall!Alumni Workplace Visitors Program
The Alumni Association inaugurated its Alumni Workplace Visitors Program when current Digital Media major, Luis Navarro, visited alum Jessica Perilla at JPD Studio, Inc., Jessica's design studio on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Luis got to see what projects Jessica and her team were working on, and Jessica reported that they "even had him jump in and help with a project to get his feet wet."Alum Jessica Perilla appears in the photo on the bottom right seated next to graphic designer Kim Sall. Standing is Evening student Luis Navarro and project manager Krista Chambers.
CW Alum, Lisa Vargas Speaks to Class
Graduate Lisa Vargas, who earned an Associate degree in Business Administration in 2006, returned to CW as an Alumni Ambassador last month. Currently serving as the Senior Training and Development Coordinator at Church Pension Group in Manhattan, Lisa spoke with Stacy Larson's Human Resources Management class about her job function, an overview of what Training and Development encompasses, e-learning, wellness, community outreach, diversity and development, and onboarding.CW Alumni Association Sponsors Workshop
On June 23 the CW Alumni Association sponsored a reception and developmental workshop for graduates and Evening Program learners entitled "Market Yourself for Job Success: Making Your Professional Brand Come Alive through Social Media" facilitated by Nancy Shenker, founder & CEO of the ONswitch.50 attendees engaged in a conversation about the importance of social media and ways it can support career and business goals, creating a strong and distinctive brand via social media, getting started, and using convenient techniques and methods to find jobs, build businesses, and strengthen careers.
Allied Health Alum Speaks to Externs
Lisamarie Day, who earned her Associate Degree in Medical Assistant Management in 2009, returned to CW as an Alumni Ambassador on June 24, attending a biweekly Externship Program meeting supervised by EunMe Cho and speaking to students currently serving as externs in medical facilities. Working as a Medical Assistant at First Medical Associates in Mt. Kisco, Lisa described how her studies at CW, such as the Clinical Procedures class, prepared her for her current daily duties, and discussed the value of earning a certification.
Alum, Shantise Mathis Returns to CW and Speaks to Class
Shantise Mathis, who earned her Associate degree in Business Administration in 2008, returned to CW on June 21 as an Alumni Ambassador. Recently placed by the Office of Career Services at PepsiCo, where she runs daily operations for the Health & Safety, Quality Assurance, and Water Sustainability departments, Shantise spoke with Loretta Sinopoli's Oral Communications class. Shantise discussed her 10 years of corporate experience, how she started her own event planning company, Impeccable Taste Events, LLC, and techniques for effective professional communication.CW Presents Kevin Callanan with Alumni Achievement Award
Kevin graduated from CW with a 3.94 GPA, earning his Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Network Administration in 2005. Since graduation Kevin has quickly risen through the ranks of his field. Starting as a Technical Consultant and I.T. Support Manager, promotions quickly lead to positions as Network Administrator and Network Engineer, transitioning to his current position as Vice President for Information Technology. He manages over 100 physical and 200 virtual servers with a team of six. Kevin holds a number of industry certifications and will earn his bachelor's degree in Computer Information Science from Fordham University in 2012.While at CW he was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society and remains a loyal CW alumnus, serving on our professional Advisory Council, regularly interacting with faculty and staff, and speaking as an Alumni Ambassador to current students in networking classes. Additionally, Kevin volunteers his time to BOCES guiding students with interest in technology fields.
Kevin's personal philosophy is that every experience offers an opportunity to learn and deepen our understanding, while sharing one's knowledge and teaching others further broadens our wisdom and provides a prime path to success.
Allied Health Alum Speaks to Class
Barbara Falcon, who graduated in 2009 with her Associate Degree in Medical Assistant Management, returned to CW as an Alumni Ambassador on May 31. Speaking to Shamva Wright's evening Clinical Procedures class, Barbara discussed her current position as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, her career path, the importance of what students are learning in CW's medical labs, and the focus, dedication, and resourcefulness required to excel in the medical assistance field.
Award-winning CW Alum Speaks to Evening Class
The recipient of CW's 2011 Alumni Achievement Award, Kevin Callanan returned to CW as an Alumni Ambassador on May 18, addressing Prof. Chris Nwosisi's evening Network Administration Active Directory class. Currently serving as Vice President for I.T. at Benchmark Solutions, Kevin graduated from CW in 2006 with his Associate degree in Network Administration and has previously worked as a Network Engineer, Network Administrator, IT Support Manager, and Technical Consultant. Sharing his career trajectory along with current networking trends including server upgrades, Kevin engaged in a dynamic conversation with the evening Network Administration students.He will be presented his alumni award at the Commencement Ceremony on June 2.
CW Alum Speaks to Evening Students
Jessica Perilla, who was honored with CW's 2010 Alumni Achievement Award, served as an Alumni Ambassador on Monday, May 9, speaking with Evening students about how her studies at CW helped build her portfolio, continue her education, and start her own business. Jessica shared parts of a documentary film by Eva Longoria that she appeared in, which highlighted her work as President & Creative Director of JPD Studio in New York City, along with her company's website.
Jessica's presentation fully engaged the 30 attending students, who asked numerous questions that gave Jessica many opportunities to offer tips about educational success and professional ingenuity.