Colgate degree is a very valuable asset, alumni tell seniors

A Colgate University degree can connect you to a world of people.
That seemed to be the message at this weekend’s Real World program, developed to prepare Colgate seniors for life outside of Hamilton.
About 150 alumni took time out of their busy schedules, returning to campus to speak with hundreds of seniors for Real World, which has been in existence for more than a decade.

Ken Schanzer ’66 shares a laugh at Real World. As president of NBC Sports, Schanzer played a key role in getting the NFL back on the network. (Photo by Timothy D. Sofranko)

By attending group panels for specific careers, we explored various post-graduate opportunities. Networking receptions offered us the opportunity to speak with alumni one-on-one and ask more specific questions.

Speeches by Colgate President Rebecca Chopp and Ken Schanzer ’66, president of NBC Sports, kicked off the two-day career conference. Afternoon panels dealt with a variety of topics to help students navigate first jobs and the graduate school search. 

Alumni from a diverse group of career fields — real estate and finance to marketing and government — were more than willing to offer frank advice.

No matter their background, however, alumni presented one unified message: A Colgate degree is a valuable and marketable asset in any career.

The Colgate connection quickly became apparent as CEOs, presidents, and directors of companies were eager to share knowledge, references, and contact information with students looking to break into certain fields.

The Senior Class Council, led by Taylor Buonocore ’08, helped coordinate Real World. “We wanted to make sure that we tailored the program to the interests of the Class of 2008, and also added some more fun and true Colgate elements to the weekend,” she said.

The council instituted a ‘Colgate casual’ day, during which students wore maroon sweatshirts rather than business casual attire.

Students and alumni also enjoyed social events together including men’s hockey games and free movies at the Hamilton Theater.

Real World was sponsored by the Senior Class Council, in cooperation with the Alumni Council, Office of Alumni Affairs, Center for Leadership and Student Involvement, and the Center for Career Services.