There are many reasons why Carleton alumni, parents, and friends volunteer for the college, but I think a common theme runs through such service. They recognize that Carleton changed their lives or the lives of their children profoundly and positively, and they want to make sure that current students and future generations of students have the same—or an even better—experience. Indeed, our alumni volunteers do make a major difference in Carleton students’ experience, and this engagement strengthens the college in a variety of ways.
Alumni, parents, and friends help our admissions office identify and get to know the young people who are most likely to benefit from attending Carleton. Volunteers help raise money for financial aid and for other aspects of the college’s educational mission. As guest lecturers, they share the knowledge and insights they have gained in the world and gleaned from their professional lives. They come back to campus to share their artistic, musical, and dramatic talents with students through residencies or exhibitions. Through groups like Out After Carleton and the Multicultural Alumni Network, they help us ensure that critically vital members of our community flourish here and feel valued and included.
Perhaps the most important way students benefit from alumni, parents, and friends is in the domain of careers and life after Carleton. Here there are almost endless opportunities for them to pitch in. This might be something as simple as completing an Alumni Profile to help students learn about paths to careers after Carleton or being available when a student calls or emails to inquire about a career. Or visiting campus to participate in Career Center programs, such as 30 Minutes, or an information session in which students who are interested in a particular profession can talk with an alumnus or parent who is working in that field. Or creating an externship experience (a one- to three-week mini-internship over winter break). Many alumni and parents have founded internships for Carleton students at their workplaces, which is so important because these are increasingly critical steps to gaining skills that unlock professional opportunities. And some have welcomed externship students into their homes for a few weeks or housed internship students during the summer months. And, of course, others hire Carleton students for full-time
jobs after graduation.
But if we are to take our success as an institution to the next level, we need a veritable army of volunteers to serve as mentors, technical advisers, advocates, sounding boards, door-openers, and job creators for our students.
I often hear stories from alumni and parents who felt that they and their families developed new and meaningful friendships by welcoming Carleton interns to stay with them. They’ve gained new insights into today’s college and have enjoyed being around bright, committed, and thoughtful young persons. Our students are extraordinary, and they inspire us to be optimistic about the future.
The gift of time is no small thing, given our busy lives, so we endeavor to use our volunteers’ time well and deploy them in ways that are truly meaningful. We want them to know that, whether they spend five minutes giving guidance or open their home to a student for several weeks, their involvement is invaluable to our students and to Carleton.
Volunteering is about more than giving back to the college. It is fulfilling and energizing to know that you’re sharing your expertise, passion, and resources with students. Volunteer training sessions are also a great way to reconnect with former classmates and meet new friends from younger Carleton generations.
I extend my thanks to everyone who has already discovered the joy of volunteering for Carleton. We hope many more of you will join us. Our peer schools offer strong alumni career and parent networks, and Carleton is capable of matching or exceeding these vital levels of support. Help us achieve that goal. Learn more at go.carleton.edu/volunteer.