Graduation may mark the end of a student's time in the classroom, but at The School of Business, it marks the beginning of a lifelong relationship.
Alumni are an essential part of The School of Business community. They serve as mentors, employer partners, guest speakers, advocates, and ambassadors for the school. Through networking events, receptions, panel discussions, career programming, and campus traditions, The School of Business creates opportunities for alumni to stay connected to each other, to current students, and to the place that helped launch their careers.
These connections strengthen the school's community while creating meaningful opportunities for graduates and students.
Celebrating Shared Traditions
Alumni engagement is about more than professional networking. It is also about celebrating the experiences and traditions that connect generations of Vikings.
The Portland State Homecoming game remains one of the most anticipated opportunities for alumni to reconnect with PSU and The School of Business. Alumni, families, faculty, and staff gather to celebrate Viking spirit, reconnect with friends, and spend time with fellow members of the school community.
These traditions help maintain a sense of belonging and remind alumni that they remain an important part of The School of Business long after graduation. Whether returning for the first time in years or making Homecoming an annual tradition, alumni continue to strengthen the school through their involvement and enthusiasm.
Bringing Alumni Back Together
Throughout the year, The School of Business also creates opportunities for alumni to reconnect with one another and expand their professional networks.
This winter,The School of Business hosted the Business Alumni Reception bringing graduates back to the Karl Miller Center for an evening of conversation, networking, and community building. Alumni from a wide range of industries and graduating classes come together to reconnect with former classmates, meet new members of the alumni community, and engage with faculty and staff.
These gatherings reinforce one of the school's greatest strengths: a network that continues to support alumni throughout every stage of their careers. By creating space for meaningful conversations and new connections, The School of Business continues to foster relationships that often extend far beyond a single event.
Connecting Alumni and Students
Alumni engagement also plays an important role in preparing students for their futures.
Through career-focused programming, alumni regularly share their expertise and experiences with
current students. This year, The School of Business Career Center welcomed alumni to a networking social, bringing together students, mentors, employer partners, faculty, staff, and graduates from across the School's community.
"One of the greatest strengths of The School of Business community is the willingness of our alumni to invest in the next generation," said Shannon Aniciete, Director of Business Career Services. "When students have the opportunity to connect with graduates who have successfully launched their careers, they gain valuable insight, build confidence, and begin expanding their professional networks before they even graduate. Those conversations often become the foundation for mentorship, internships, and future career opportunities."
Events like these provide students with the opportunity to build confidence, practice networking skills, and learn directly from professionals who once stood in their shoes. For alumni, it is a chance to give back, share lessons learned, and help guide the next generation of business leaders.
These interactions create a powerful connection between the classroom and the workplace while reinforcing the strength of The School of Business network.
Strengthening the School Through Alumni Engagement
The impact of alumni engagement extends far beyond individual events.
When alumni stay connected, they help strengthen The School of Business in countless ways. They provide mentorship to students, offer career opportunities through their organizations, participate in panels and classroom discussions, support school initiatives, and contribute valuable industry perspectives that help shape future business leaders.
At the same time, alumni benefit from a network that continues to provide opportunities for learning, collaboration, and professional growth throughout their careers.
A Community That Lasts
The School of Business is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for alumni to stay involved and connected year-round. Whether attending Homecoming in the fall, reconnecting at the Business Alumni Reception during the winter, or supporting students through networking events in the spring, alumni continue to play a vital role in the school's success.
"Our alumni are an essential part of who we are as a school," said Qing Hu, Dean of The School of Business. "Their continued engagement strengthens our community, enriches the student experience, and reinforces our commitment to preparing graduates who make a meaningful impact in their organizations and communities. Graduation is not the end of the relationship, it is the beginning of a lifelong connection to The School of Business."
Being a PSU School of Business alum is more than a milestone. It is a lifelong connection.