Alumni in the Classroom October 14-18

SALISBURY, MD ---Salisbury University welcomes nearly 50 alumni, some from as far away as New York and Connecticut, back into classrooms this month to share their professional expertise with students seeking to follow in their footsteps.

"Alumni in the Classroom," October 14-18, is a week when faculty turn over the podium to alumni guest lecturers, giving students a chance to gain real-world insight from men and women who have launched successful careers after Salisbury University.

Roy Perdue, director of the Office of Alumni Relations, says this is one of the most significant programs the Alumni Association offers since it directly helps students with their goals after graduation.

"The alumni share information that money can't buy," said Perdue. "Not only can students consider the many options open to them in their current majors, some actually decide to pursue another direction as a result of the experience."

Professors can invite one or more guest speakers and many alums return to the same classroom year after year. This fall has the highest faculty participation in the event ever.

Dr. Frances Kendall of SU's Department of Communication Arts will host former student Aaron Talasnik ('00) in her broadcast journalism class. "Two years ago he was a student here; now he's at ESPN," Kendall said. "Bringing alumni back enables today's students to see the possibilities and think about their own bright futures!"

"Alumni in the Classroom" also has its rewards for those who return, according to Don Taylor ('73), chief information officer for Perdue Farms, Inc., who visits an information systems class taught by Dr. Karen Papke-Shields. "A strong relationship between the Perdue School of Business and Perdue Farms is very important to both organizations," Taylor said. "Participation in this event gives me an opportunity to share my experiences as CIO and also to see potential employees."

In fact, some SU students garner internships as a result of the connections they make during the week. The Career Services Center also offers open workshops on resume writing and interview skills where students from all disciplines can interact with alumni in the human resources profession.

For more information call Roy Perdue in SU's Office of Alumni Relations at 410-543-6042 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.