Recent alumni are consistently being called upon to make financial contributions to the University. Current economic climate aside, most of us are first starting our careers and have little to spare. Undoubtedly, the University is operating under the assumption that we’re more likely to give because we are “less removed” from college life, were on campus relatively recently, and still hold everything Rochester near and dear to our hearts.

What’s often overlooked is that while we might not be able to afford a monetary donation, lots of recent grads are giving back to the University in their own, unique ways. Many of us interview prospective students, represent UR at college fairs, and help organize regional alumni events. Furthermore, young alumni are consistently landing jobs at well-known organizations and companies, gaining admission to prestigious graduate programs, and becoming incredibly active in their own communities. All the while, they’re proud to be UR grads.

Four years after graduation, our life is still very much defined by our experiences at UR. Here in NYC, we still eat at Dino BBQ. We celebrate D-Day. We’ve found every bar in the city that serves Genny Cream Ale. But more importantly, we give back what we can. All over the world, young alumni are helping to promote the school just by going to work every day and succeeding. We’re helping to recruit talented new classes of students by participating in the UR Involved alumni interviewing program. We’re answering accepted students’ questions about campus life. We’re packing other schools’ athletic venues when the Yellowjackets are in town. Regional alumni groups are flourishing, thanks mostly to Web sites like Facebook. Happy hours are being planned, mini-reunions are happening regularly, and long-standing UR traditions are being continued (honorable mention: NYC D-Day pub crawl).

This blog is our way of giving back. We want students to know how to get involved after graduation and get them in touch with young alums who can offer advice about “what comes next.” We’d love to hear your thoughts and answer your questions, and help make known what great resources young alumni can be.

Each week, we plan to introduce you to a recent graduate. We’ll start with ourselves.

Kim Gorode ‘05
Current City: New York
Major: History
Graduate School: M.S., Public Relations, Syracuse University
What she’s up to now: Investor relations and corporate communications for Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development, as well smaller biotech companies.
Contact Info: kim.gorode@gmail.com

Jamie Sokol ‘05
Current City: New York
Major: Health and Society
Graduate School: M.P.H, University of Pittsburgh
What she’s up to now: I coordinate the development of educational materials, publications and programs about tobacco control for the NYC Health Department.
Contact info: jasokol@urgrad.rochester.edu