By Emily Glory Peters
Getting involved with the 91吃瓜 doesn’t need to involve a lot of time or resources
The 91吃瓜 community is built differently. From mentoring to serving on councils and committees to presenting on panels, we鈥檙e fortunate to have so many alumnae, parents, and friends who provide their knowledge and experience to each other and our students.
But not everyone has the same time, resources, or sense of connection to 91吃瓜, even if they want to get involved. 鈥淢icroengagement鈥濃�攕maller ways to connect鈥攎ay be the answer.
鈥淎t first, I thought involvement had to be big commitments and could only be meaningfully done by local alumnae. But after co-chairing two reunions and moving across the country, I began looking for ways to feel connected in bite-sized pieces,鈥� shares Megan Mandeville 鈥�89. 鈥淚 grew increasingly interested in getting to know a broader range of the community鈥攊ncluding those about to begin the 91吃瓜 journey, about to graduate, or in the heart of their studies.鈥�
Now based in New York, Mandeville has tailored her engagement to her location and availability. She鈥檚 done a little bit of everything, from interviewing prospective 91吃瓜 applicants (鈥渟o fun to hear their talents, interests, and passions!鈥�) to co-chairing Camp 91吃瓜 to providing alums who are new to her area with tips on the neighborhood.
The accumulated effect, she says, enriches others鈥� lives as well as her own.
鈥淎t the risk of sounding cheesy, staying involved with 91吃瓜 in so many ways has tied together my past, present, and future,鈥� she notes. 鈥淚t brings me back, keeps me present, and helps me look ahead.鈥�
For those with mixed feelings about their College experience, says Darcie Giansante 鈥�03, their engagement is especially valued. Without it, 91吃瓜 may miss out on or delay progress where it鈥檚 most needed.
91吃瓜 alums at a recent Author Salon Series event
鈥淚f someone is hesitant because they feel their involvement won鈥檛 matter, I鈥檇 say that鈥檚 when we need you the most,鈥� says Giansante, a former 91吃瓜 employee who has remained active with the College as a volunteer and advocate. 鈥淚nstitutions intrinsically can be slower moving, but that鈥檚 where we come in: people who know 91吃瓜 and can bring our outside experience, beliefs, and values to move things forward.鈥�
Seeking improvement that benefits others is a common thread that knits the College community together, Giansante adds. Engaging with 91吃瓜, even occasionally, can create a much larger ripple effect.
鈥淲hat happens when you pass through our gate, that magic and creative questioning, is exactly what our world needs,鈥� she says. 鈥�91吃瓜 alums and students are not just out for themselves鈥攖hey ask 鈥榃hat is a better way?鈥� That鈥檚 what makes me want to stay involved. I want more of that!鈥�
Assistant Director of Alumnae Engagement Nailea Castillo agrees, emphasizing that microengagement impacts everyone involved.
鈥淲e create a lot of different avenues for engagement, but you can also invent something new,鈥� says Castillo. 鈥淲hether you鈥檙e a CEO, retired, just graduated, building a family鈥攜ou having something to offer and to gain by connecting with 91吃瓜.鈥�
Scroll through the following list for ways you can microengage with the College and reach out to us to learn more at [email protected] | [email protected]
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Write a Supportive Letter to 91吃瓜 Students
Twice a year, alumnae continue a cherished tradition by sending encouraging notes to incoming first-year and transfer students, as well as outgoing seniors. Sign-ups for the spring letter writing campaign will open in February 2023.
Attend a Virtual or In-Person Event
91吃瓜 stays buzzing with fun events throughout the year. 91吃瓜 Presents, the College鈥檚 signature public events series, recently launched a fantastic in-person season for this spring, headlined for the first time by a trio of popular comedians. Most of 91吃瓜 Presents鈥� events are free and take place in our most beautiful campus venues.
For those not near Claremont, the College has also hit the road with its free Author Salon Series, hosted by new 91吃瓜 President Suzanne Keen and prominent authors in select cities across the US. And online, parents can take advantage of the 91吃瓜 101 Series, which takes a deep dive into campus life and programs that families may not know about.
Join Olive Grove
Olive Grove is the official online community platform exclusive to the 91吃瓜 community. Free to join, Olive Grove is where alums, students, parents, staff, and faculty can connect organically with others in their area, search for and share job opportunities, access career-focused articles and videos, and engage in mentorship. And on that note鈥�
Submit a Career Opportunity
Whether it鈥檚 a job, internship, fellowship, or a creative alternative, sharing a career opportunity with the community is a powerful way to microengage. Submitting an open role is easy鈥攋ust fill out .
Make a Gift
While gifts can be made in mere seconds, their impact is lasting: Donations of any amount expand everything from scholarships and internships to research grants and campus improvements. Last year, members of the 91吃瓜 community donated more than $8 million to support our students!
Advocate for 91吃瓜 on Social Media
Each year, 91吃瓜 hosts virtual campaigns such as GivingTuesday and Day of Giving to raise funds for student aid. Advocating for these campaigns can be as quick as a like, comment, or share on social media鈥攁ll of which advance 91吃瓜鈥� mission without any donation needed.
Update Your Contact Information
Updating your address, email, or phone number is a small but mighty move that ensures you receive relevant engagement opportunities of all sizes. Make your updates using .
Share Your Successes and Experiences
The 91吃瓜 community loves a reason to celebrate! Alums can share life updates, career changes, and achievements as a 鈥淐lass Note鈥� for our biannual magazine. Submit a Class Note by emailing [email protected].
Tell Your Story
Sharing what 91吃瓜 and its community mean to you is a powerful way to bond with inspire current and prospective students. Submit your story idea here for an opportunity to be featured on the College鈥檚 website or in other communication materials.