The Transitional Experiences Council is launching a new program that will educate select seniors on ways to maintain a connection with St. Edward’s University in their future role as alumni.

Seniors Staying Connected will be composed of seniors on campus who are nominated by faculty and staff to be a part of the program. These students will be informed on the inner workings of the university so that they can be informed on how to contribute to the St. Edward’s community even after graduation.

“I think the program provides an excellent forum to help seniors think differently about their college experience, and it provides a bridge for students to think about their role as alumni before they leave school,” said Curran Kelley, the third and fourth year coordinator for the Transitional Experiences Council who is coordinating the program.

Seniors Staying Connected will bring influential administrators and alumni to campus to have an informal dialogue with nominated seniors who have exhibited excellent leadership and service throughout their experience at St. Edward’s. According to the St. Edward’s website, topics could include the importance of alumni involvement, the long-term visions and goals of the university, and the understanding of the complexities of running a university.

“I think a program like this is very important because it’s important for the university to focus on the students they have now because it makes them feel like they belong,” said senior Matthew Cecilio. “When these students leave, they won’t just leave with a degree, but a sense of community, which will create a strong alumni base that will contribute to funding the Master Plan.”

Many seniors feel that with so many changes being made to the university, they hope to be able to experience these changes by maintaining a connection with St. Edward’s through a program like Seniors Staying Connected.

“As an RA, I’ve made a lot of friends here who will still be around after I graduate, and I’d like to see what the school does for them after I leave and kind of see things come full circle,” said senior Sean Easton. “I’d like to see what I’m missing out on.”

Alumni are a significant part of the St. Edward’s community. They donate funding, stay involved within the campus community, and spread the word about St. Edward’s to prospective students. Kelley feels that educating seniors on how they can help build a strong alumni base will contribute to the overall success and sustainability of the university’s strategic plan and goals, and many other students agree.

“I think programs like this can only help the university,” said Cecilio. “I feel a strong sense of connectedness to St. Ed’s, and I feel like enhancing that within all current students, especially seniors, will lead to an overall better university.”

The Transitional Experiences Council has many programs for both upperclassmen and underclassmen. It is a chartered organization in the Office of Student Life that aims to help students create lasting friendships and a strong sense of community with the University. Some of the other programs sponsored by the Transitional Experiences Council are the Senior Sendoff, the Legacy Walk, Anchors, and Hilltop Mentors.

The Transitional Experiences Council is partnering with the St. Edward’s Alumni Association for Seniors Staying Connected.