Building Bridges: Networking Dinner Connects Students and Alumni

The college experience can be a bridge, connecting the familiarity of childhood to all the possibilities of adulthood. As they prepare to step into the unknown, some motivated students seek guidance from those who have already charted their course. 

Each fall, the NC State Student Alumni Association holds its Student Alumni Networking Dinner, which connects current students with alumni who are experienced and successful in their chosen field. 

“The job market is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate,” said University Advancement Intern Brodie Smith (political science; and science, technology and society ’24). “Having someone who has been in the job market, who may have been on multiple committees to hire people … who can provide resources and different connections, is priceless.”

Having someone who has been in the job market, who may have been on multiple committees to hire people … who can provide resources and different connections, is priceless.

This year the SAA invited 10 NC State alumni to serve as hosts to dozens of current students. They were an amazing mix of engineers and communications and business management majors, according to Ritter Dodson (Human Biology ’25), Networking Chair for the SAA Engagement Committee.

Representing nine colleges, with graduation dates ranging from 1968-2000, the alumni hosts included CEOs, a school principal, a veterinarian, federal and state government employees, and retired and current executives of companies like Cisco, Duke Energy and Unifi. Over a three-course meal, they shared stories, offered hard-won wisdom and answered student questions about their time at NC State and their lives and careers after graduation.

“The Student Alumni Networking Dinner was a fantastic opportunity to practice formal networking while connecting with a wide variety of people. I had the chance to speak with alumni from diverse majors and career paths, which gave me a better understanding of different industries and opportunities,” said Rose Hopp (industrial engineering ’26), Director of Philanthropy for SAA. “The mix of informal group conversations and seated dinner discussions created a comfortable environment to ask questions and learn from their experiences.”

Donations to the Alumni Impact Fund make the event possible. “The fund plays a vital role in supporting student leadership development and fostering meaningful connections between students and alumni. This fund enables our office to create impactful programs and opportunities that would otherwise be limited without its support,” said Latasia Priest, Executive Director of Alumni Engagement.

Networking 101

“As someone who has been in the Student Alumni Association as a member of the student body, I attended a networking mixer last year and benefited greatly from the introductions I was able to make and connections I have since been able to build upon,” said SAA member Macon Monday (English literature and nonprofit studies ’26). “As an underclassman, it can feel intimidating to enter such a professional space, but NC State offers so many resources and support to build my confidence.”

Smith says that for many students, this event is their first opportunity to network. They may be nervous or unsure of what they should or shouldn’t say or how they can best approach someone they would like to meet. To bolster their skills and confidence before alumni guests arrive, students have an opportunity to attend Networking 101, a presentation about what networking is and how to do it. Then, students get to practice these skills as they mix with alumni prior to the meal. 

Afterward, students are grouped by their college and seated at a table with one or two alumni hosts, providing an opportunity for more in-depth conversation over dinner. This format can lead to meaningful connections benefiting both alumni and students.

Family Ties

“This event was really incredible, as I was even able to host my mother, Sharon Monday, as an alumna of the Vet School,” said SAA member Macon Monday (English literature ’26).

Ritter Dodson, the fourth generation in her family to attend NC State, brought a special guest as well – her grandfather, Virgil Dodson, who graduated in 1968 with a degree from what is now the Wilson College of Textiles.

“My grandfather actually fostered my love of NC State,” said Ritter Dodson. “I just know having his insight [at the dinner] was valuable. Somebody came up to me and said, ‘Your grandfather is just so amazing … he gave me such great insight into how big companies work, how you should speak up and say your piece.’ I love that my grandfather could be there and instill what he instilled in me like they were his own grandchildren.”

Afterward, Virgil Dodson told his granddaughter the annual dinner is “a fantastic event for both students and alumni; it gives students a chance to meet and get expertise from various alumni on what they should be looking for once they leave college.” He added that it was a privilege for him to be able to share his expertise with the next leaders from NC State – and that he is proud of his granddaughter and her achievements. 

In the future, Ritter Dodson plans to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps and give back to NC State. “I think we foster such an amazing atmosphere with our alumni and that’s the reason they keep coming back. We want to help the future [generation of students] … The best way to do that is by bringing back the insights you’ve learned. We can also learn from the younger generation. It’s not only me helping those who are on my path, but also getting their insight into what’s new and upcoming and applying it to my job as well.”

Wisdom Shared

The student attendees learned far more than just tips and techniques to aid in their job search. 

According to Ritter Dodson, alumnus Walter Smith, a 1976 Biological and Agricultural Engineering graduate, “discussed how he held a myriad of jobs before he landed on what he wanted to do. Same with Paul Meares, who graduated in 1977 with a degree in industrial and operations engineering. They did so many different things, and I think a lot of students took away the idea that, at 21, it’s OK if you don’t know your passion. You have this amazing degree from an amazing university. Go and try something, and if you’re waking up on Monday just looking forward to Friday, then choose another career. I found that very inspiring. You only get to live once, and you need to do what you’re passionate about.”

You have this amazing degree from an amazing university. Go and try something, and if you’re waking up on Monday just looking forward to Friday, then choose another career.

One student came away from the event having learned that it’s sometimes necessary to think inside the box – that is, within certain restrictions or parameters – but it’s vital to exercise one’s creativity.

The fellow student told Ritter Dodson how her grandfather expanded her approach to problem solving by sharing a story of on-the-spot ingenuity from his time at a textile company. She combined two materials available to produce a fabric with the same properties of a desired material they did not have in stock. “She said, ‘I never thought of thinking through problems like that.’ Getting that direct wisdom … it’s a real-world application she can use to further her career.”

Making Connections

“Every year, the Student Alumni Association ambassadors put in a lot of hard work … This year was run phenomenally well,” said Smith. “I think a lot of students and alumni walked away with great connections developed … This year, I had the sense that the alumni were able to connect with [the students] in a more personal way.” He added, “It was really refreshing to see people who tend to be higher up professionally on a one-to-one basis with students … It also speaks to the NC State community that no matter what their level is, they’re always willing to give back.” 

The alumni hosts shared their time and expertise, and the students shared something as well – their curiosity, excitement, gratitude and optimism for the journey ahead of them.  

“I was honored to be invited as a representative of CHASS at the NC State Student Alumni Association’s annual networking dinner. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with the next generation of leaders, and I left inspired by the students’ enthusiasm and curiosity,” said Shannon Heath (English and communications ’97), SAS Director of Corporate Communications. “These events are so beneficial to students as they provide insights into the professional world and help them build meaningful connections. Giving back to NCSU in this way is incredibly rewarding to me, and I believe it’s important to support and guide those who will shape our future.”   

The students agree.

“It was a valuable evening that helped me gain confidence in networking and build meaningful connections for the future,” said Hopp.

“This experience helped me grow the skills NC State has helped foster, as well as show our attendees that we’re stronger together – stronger as a pack,” said Monday. “Our alumni guests were amazing at engaging in conversations about our studies and extracurriculars. Together, we talked about the history of a community we will all belong to forever. Bridging the gap between the past and current student body is part of our mission. These connections and experiences are incredibly beneficial to anyone who attends this networking dinner – or any Student Alumni Association event.”

Get Involved

Alumni: Learn more about the NC State Alumni Association, and connect with your Pack locally by joining a regional network.
Current Students: Join the Student Alumni Association. 
Give: to the Alumni Impact Fund.