Senior Send Off preps grads for commencement

Students prep to graduate at Senior Send Off Thursday.

By Peppy O'Neill

UW-Parkside Alumni Association Director

Brooke Infusino and Manoj Babu staffed a table for Y-Link last week on the Student Center Bridge at Senior Send Off, UW-Parkside's semi-annual clearinghouse for all things related to soon-to-be graduates.

In this case, the Y-Link representatives talked to grads who will complete their UW-Parkside education at commencement ceremonies on Sunday, Dec. 16 in the De Simone Gymnasium of the Sports & Activity Center (SAC).

Traditionally, as the end of each semester comes into view, a group of supportive organizations like Y-Link cluster on the Bridge to dispense good advice, necessary information on a variety of topics and even gifts for departing seniors. 

For Brooke and Manoj, it was the first time they'd come to talk to departing grads about life and career expectations post-college.  They were on the Bridge on behalf of Y-Link, an organization of young Kenosha-area professionals who gather on a regular basis to also trade tips among themselves about real-world experiences and their early years on the job.  Brooke is the new Executive Director of Y-Link and also Director of Talent Development for the Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA), which supports the efforts of Y-Link.  Manoj is a new addition to the faculty at Gateway Technical College, where he teaches (quite appropriately) in the Workforce & Economic Development Division (WEDD). 

Both enjoyed their first time exchanging stories and job advice with the December grads.  "It was a lot of fun talking to seniors about their plans," Manoj enthused.

Others who participated in the sessions, held last Wednesday noon and late in the day on Thursday, include representatives of the Academic Advising and Career Center, Alumni Association, Bookstore, Cashier's Office, Financial Aid Office, and Registrar's office.  Other participating vendors were Central Valley Studios, Educators Credit Union, Herff Jones and Liberty Mutual Insurance.

Senior Send Off organizers said it was a successful initiative, with a virtually even turnout on each day:  75 upcoming grads attended on Wednesday, November 14, with 80 taking advantage of the experts on Thursday, November 15.

Next up?  Parkside students who plan to graduate in May, 2013 can mark their calendars now for the next Senior Send Off events on the Bridge.  They're scheduled for Wednesday, April 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Thursday, April 11 from 4 to 6 p.m.

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ABOUT THIS STORY:

Story Status: Archived
Publish date: 11/19/2012

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