Reasons, opportunities to volunteer
To give back. Because someone helped me. To help Binghamton students compete in the real world.
Those are just some of the reasons that alumni donate their time to Binghamton University. Perhaps, you share those sentiments or feel called to serve for a different reason. What's certain is that we would value your efforts and want to do whatever we can to help you to become more involved. The University has grown dramatically in recent years and is poised to make some big steps forward in the future. You can help Binghamton continue its tradition of excellence.
We have a variety of volunteer programs, so you're certain to find something that will match your talents, interests, and available time. You don't have to be on campus or living near Binghamton to help; you can get involved without leaving wherever you call home. You can work with students, fellow alumni, or both.
Alumni Admissions Volunteers
Through this form of volunteering, you can help Binghamton continue to attract the best and brightest young minds. Alumni Admissions Volunteers serve as points of contact for high school students, attending and fielding questions at college fairs or receptions. Volunteer recruiters serve the University without having to venture far from home and help expand the reach of Binghamton into new territory.
For the past five years, Gary Finkel '79 (pictured), chief financial officer of Alliant Tech, has been one of the alumni helping the admissions office with recruiting in New Jersey, where he lives. He said his love for Binghamton University stems from the fact that he met his wife Mindy (Himmel) Finkel '80 on campus; their daughter, Dani, is currently a junior majoring in accounting. "I really enjoy [volunteering]," Finkel said. "Living in New York, everyone knows Binghamton. In New Jersey, you're only three hours away, but almost no one has heard of Binghamton. Kids don't know Binghamton University even exists. So, great opportunity is right around the block. The best state school in the Northeast is just three hours away."
Career Development Volunteers
Serving as a Career Development Volunteer is a great way to stay connected to Binghamton University and make a difference in the life of a fellow graduate or student. More than 2,600 people are in the Alumni Career Network, a searchable database of alumni willing to be contacted for career advice and information. The network is available through B-connected, our online alumni community.
We encourage Career Development Volunteers to host students at their job sites. In early January, alumni hosted students for tours and career discussions at 12 employers in the New York City area. Some of the alumni who participated said they received guidance from alumni while attending Binghamton.
"I had such a good experience at Binghamton," said Gary Foodim '92 of Time Inc. "I know how powerful this [kind of program] can be. You have to get your name out there. Hopefully, [we] will do what we can to help. Everybody's busy, but I'm a lot more predisposed to answer e-mail from anyone from Binghamton. The school is a tremendous resource and students need to leverage this."
"I wanted to give back to Binghamton," said Adam Masef '06, who works in global securities services for Goldman Sachs. "It's a great opportunity to help the Binghamton students now. We know where they're coming from, their concerns, their worries. We understand what they need to know when job searching."
"Mentorship is big at Goldman Sachs," said Edson Barton '02, who works in equities for Goldman Sachs. "And, Binghamton has done so much for me. I want to give back."
Fundraising Volunteers
In order to remain competitive, Binghamton University needs financial resources. Fundraising volunteers help the University with efforts such as Binghamton Fund campaigns that help raise money for essential programs that New York state aid and tuition dollars don't cover.
One of those dedicated volunteers is Lawrence Harris '84 (pictured), a graduate of the School of Management and vice president of commercial loans for M&T Bank in Binghamton. He's been involved with the Binghamton University Foundation for more than 15 years, serving various leadership roles with community campaigns. "My educational experience was so excellent that I decided to give back to the University," Harris said. "I find personal satisfaction in knowing that I am supporting an outstanding educational institution. I also enjoy interacting with fellow volunteers who share a common interest in being active in the community and supporting continued education."
Advocacy Volunteers
Once again, we're in the planning stages for BU Advocacy Day 2007, which will be held on Tuesday, March 6, 2007. BU Advocacy Day is a day for information sharing and goodwill; we are not lobbying or asking for money for projects. This year will mark the sixth anniversary of BU Advocacy Day in Albany. Teams of faculty, staff, students and alumni travel to Albany to meet with key legislators and share information and updates on exciting new programs and initiatives at Binghamton University.
If you live in New York State and are interested in participating, please contact Rose Frierman at (607) 777-2431 or frierman@binghamton.edu. If you have questions about the day, please visit http://research.binghamton.edu/advocacyday/index.htm.
Serve as a Class Agent
Some alumni return to Binghamton for Homecoming Weekend because they want to see how the campus has changed since they graduated. But, for most alumni, it's all about catching up with classmates. By serving as a Class Agent, you can help plan festivities for your milestone class year reunion. We'd love to have you help us plan stimulating events and get the word out to fellow alumni.
At Homecoming last fall, Dr. Nick Stamato '76 and Dr. Mike Needle '81 hosted brunches on Sunday morning for members of their respective classes.
"It was truly a joyful day to see friends with whom we share great memories," Stamato said. "It really brought us back to the times we all enjoyed so much. Hosting the brunch was a chance to host friends we have known for over 30 years, as well as new friends with whom we share share a Binghamton history. To have the brunch at our home made it a very special day for us."
"Of course, it was great to get reacquainted with old friends, while at the very same time, to show my alma mater to my two daughters," Needle said. "We thought it would be nice to have one private event for the class to give everyone one last chance to connect before heading home."
If you're interested in volunteering, or would like to learn more about how you can get involved, contact the Alumni Office, Admissions, or CDC.
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