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Presented by the Gettysburg College Alumni Association and the Division of Development, Alumni & Parent Relations Gettysburgians for life

BOLD Handbook 2009

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The BOLD Handbook provides infomration on ways to stay connected to Gettysburg College. Included in the handbook: statistics, events, helpful offices & websites, and advice to young alumni.

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Presented by the Gettysburg College Alumni Association and the Division of Development, Alumni & Parent Relations

Gettysburgians for life

Congratulations on your graduation!

Although it marks the end of your un-

dergraduate experience, graduation

also means that a door has opened to

an entirely new set of opportunities

and connections for you as a Gettys-

burg College alumnus/a. Your asso-

ciation with Gettysburg College is far

from over, the Alumni Association of-

fers many opportunities to enhance

your relationship to your alma mat-

er and to each other. Read on to see

what Gettysburg College can

(still) do for you!

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myGettysburgmyGettysburg is your online community for Gettysburg College. Log-in and personalize your myGettysburg connection, maintain email forward-ing for your @gettysburg.alumni.edu account, submit Class Notes, find classmates and friends in the searchable directory, update your profile, track your investment in the College, and take advantage of events. Get-tysburg is yours for life. Visit www.gettysburg.edu to get started.

Gettysburg College Alumni AssociationYou are now a member of the Gettysburg College Alumni Association! There are no dues or requirements - it’s simply an extension of your Get-tysburg Experience. The Association is governed by a board of 24 alumni directors with a variety of careers and backgrounds. They are great re-sources and they want to hear your thoughts and opinions, so feel free to contact them. Go to www.gettysburg.edu “Alumni & Friends”, “Alumni Relations”, and “Alumni Association” for more information.

Burgians of the Last Decade (BOLD)www.gettysburg.edu/alumni/boldBurgians of the Last Decade (BOLD) will work to enhance the connec-tion to Gettysburg College and increase the opportunities afforded to alumni of the last ten years. BOLD will smoothly transition students to the Alumni Association by encouraging active involvement with the Col-lege through connection and volunteerism, while focusing on increasing young alumni financial participation and contributions to the College. For more information email [email protected].

Social NetworksGettysburg College is everywhere! Connect professionally on LinkedIn by joining the Gettysburg College group, become a fan of Gettysburg College on Facebook, or follow Gettysburg College on Twitter. These are just a few of the ways to stay connected to your alma mater once you leave campus.

Regional Alumni ClubsHappy hours, lectures, service projects, museum visits and planning groups. . . these are just some of the networking and social opportunities that alumni clubs provide. Get involved and have a great time! Go to www.gettysburg.edu and click on “Alumni & Friends”, “Alumni Rela-tions”, and “Regional Clubs” for a listing of homepages and contacts.

Center for Career Development Services for AlumniThe Center for Career Development provides career assistance for all Gettysburg College alumni. Visit www.gettysburg.edu/student_life/career_development/ for more information.

Networking and Staying Connected to Gettysburg

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KARE (Key Alumni Resource Effort)KARE is an Admissions Office program that provides prospective stu-dents with well-informed alumni contacts near their hometowns. Vol-unteers are recruited as the need arises. Even if you don’t participate in KARE, you can assist the Office of Admissions by simply talking about your wonderful experiences at Gettysburg! As a graduate, you are a valu-able source of information for prospective students who are anxious to hear about the College from a first-hand point of view. Call 717-337-6100 for more information.

Gettysburg MagazineThe College magazine, Gettysburg, which contains the popular “Class Notes” section as well as articles on alumni and campus news, is pub-lished three times a year and is mailed to our alumni free of charge. It is also available on-line. Go to www.gettysburg.edu and click on “News,” and “Gettysburg Magazine.”

Homecomingswww.gettysburg.edu/homecomingCome back to campus in the fall for many great activities and a fantastic time on Homecoming Weekend.

• Home football game• Affinity reunions• 5th Reunion• Decade cluster reunions

Reunionswww.gettysburg.edu/reunionIn the Spring come back to the ‘Burg to reconnect with classmates, take Alumni College courses and relive your days on campus.

• 10th – 55th Reunions• Alumni College • Orange & Blue Golf Tournament

• Academic department open houses• Fraternity/Sorority receptions• Student Group receptions

• Fraternity/Sorority receptions• Alumni Awards Ceremony• Fireworks Celebration

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Your “Gettysburg Experience” was made possible largely through the support of alumni to the Gettysburg Fund. This is the most dynamic way you can help to ensure that current students and faculty continue to have the opportunities you had while at Gettysburg. Your gift to the Gettysburg Fund will provide financial aid, merit scholarships, library re-sources, technology enhancements, and improved athletic and academic programs. Remember that by continuing to support the College, you are joining fellow Gettysburgians who have taken the lead among young alumni to maintain Gettysburg’s rich tradition of excellence in public service and philanthropy.

Cupola Society Associates (CSA)Graduates from the last 10 years who make an annual gift of at least $100 for every year since they graduated automatically become Associates, and enjoy all the benefits of full Cupola Society membership.

Why I GiveI give back to Gettysburg every year because I’m still reaping the divi-dends of my education, and I want to ensure that every opportunity I have to say ‘thank you’ is met. I still pay student loans, but those debts are simply the opportunity cost I agreed to take on so that I could experi-ence my education at Gettysburg College. Every dollar that I give to the college lights the dorms, equips the labs, funds the activities and supports the education of the next generation of Gettysburg students. I feel like I wouldn’t be who I am today without my Gettysburg experience, and I want to help ensure that every student who follows me can reflect on their time at college in the same way. ~ Doug Stuart ‘04

I have a tremendous amount of goodwill and pride towards the school and want to see it continue to succeed. ~ Kyle Betty ‘96

I am very grateful for the experiences and opportunities that I had at Get-tysburg. ~ Moira Rafferty ‘07

Gettysburg was a wonderful experience for me, and I didn’t realize all the College had given me until I left and started working. I give back because I want to give students the chance to have wonderful experiences like I did. ~ Cassandra Pickens ‘04

Supporting Your Alma MaterGettysburg Fund

Alumni by the Numbers24,3455,3972376719271,722

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Gettysburg College graduates have a tradition of success once they graduate. Here is just a brief list of some of our notable alumni:

Jim Tarman ’52 Former athletic director at Penn State University

J. Michael Bishop ’57Winner of the 1989 Nobel Prize in Medicine

Ron Paul ’57Current U.S. Representative (R-TX), sought the 2008 Republican presidential nomination

Owen Roizman ’58Cinematographer nominated for five Academy Awards

Fred Fielding ’61Former White House Counsel and member of 9/11 Commission

Carol Bellamy ’63Former executive director of UNICEF and Peace Corps director

Jerry Spinelli ’631991 Newbery Medal winning author of Maniac Magee

Bruce Gordon ’68Former president of the NAACP

Mary Carskadon ’69Leading sleep researcher

Mimi Koehl ’70Biology Professor, Cal-Berkley

David Brennan ’75CEO of AstraZeneca International

Stuart Reese ’77President & CEO, MassMutual Financial Group

Michael Chagares ’84Federal judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit Court

Carson Kressley ’91Fashion expert, actor, and television personality

Carrie Hemphill ’04Owner of Carrie Valentine handbag line

Alumni Profiles

Total Living AlumniTotal Young Alumni (1999-Present)Alumni Living AbroadAlumni Working at Gettysburg CollegeYear the Oldest Living Alum GraduatedAlumni Couples

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BudgetingPlan monthly. You should, of course, write out a budget based on your salary and anticipated expenses (student loans, cell phone bills, utilities, groceries, etc.), but try and plan for everything else on a monthly basis. Utility companies will work with you to do this, too – that way you aren’t stuck paying $50 for heating/cooling in the summer and $500 one cold month in the winter. It helps to be able to anticipate a monthly amount each month. And don’t forget to save – it’s a great idea to have something (no matter how much) to fall back on. ~ Cassandra Pickens ‘04

I broke down a realistic budget for myself each month allowing room to treat myself every once in a while. I kept track of my spending for 2 months to see if my budget fit and made the appropriate changes. Bag lunches are the key. ~ Samantha Krich ‘06

Paying off Student Loans and Credit CardsAvoid credit cards, stay on top of your student loans and always overpay at least a little. ~ Moira Rafferty ‘07

Research which of your loans and/or credit cards have the highest inter-est rate. I paid off my credit card first because it had the highest rate and now I am attempting to battle some of my student loans. Pay more than required if you have the money, but don’t worry if you just pay the minimum. ~ Corey Schmidt ‘07

RetirementAlways contribute to your 401K, no matter how painful it is and try to set money aside, even if it is just a small amount. ~ Kyle Betty ‘96

Consider the fact that one day you will have had a career and may no lon-ger want to or be able to work. Most jobs will begin contributing to your retirement package right away by applying a portion of your paycheck to a retirement account. You will probably also have options on the amount and destination of those funds. Do your research, ask questions if you don’t know what your options are, and consider saving or investing. The markets aren’t always reliable in the short term, but it’s never too early to make a long-term investment. ~ Doug Stuart ‘04

Start immediately! If your company offers a 401K plan enroll in it ASAP and put a good percentage away each pay check. Never to early to start! ~ Samantha Krich ‘06

ent

Life after GettysburgAdvice for new graduates by recent graduates

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Finding an ApartmentCraigslist is a great tool for locating apartments. Before moving you should definitely think about commute time and safe neighborhoods. ~ Samantha Krich ‘06

If you are new to the area, ask the HR person at your company that hired you. He/She will be able to tell you where people in your company live (who commutes, how far, etc.). Then reach out and talk to your new coworkers. You will probably find some places you wouldn’t have found on your own. And there’s nothing wrong with asking friends-of-friends or checking out Craigslist – just be smart and “interview” people before you become roommates if you don’t know them. ~ Cassandra Pickens ‘04

Job HuntingThe Gettysburg Alumni network is a terrific starting points. Successful parents of friends is also often a great resource. ~ Kyle Betty ‘96

Don’t feel locked into a job. If you start working and realize it is not the right fit for you, then look elsewhere. But always remember, it is easier to look for a job when you already have one. ~ Moira Rafferty ‘07

Don’t get discouraged! Sometimes it takes a while to find a job that is a good fit for your wants and your salary range. ~ Samantha Krich ‘06

NetworkingStay connected to the college - it worked for me! Don’t be afraid to ask for help. People are always willing to impart a bit of wisdom, but they cannot help if they don’t know that you need it. ~ Moira Rafferty ‘07

Networks are about connections, not contacts. The best network tran-scends the people you know, it includes the people they know as well. The best way to network, then, is to stay connected to friends, former col-leagues and employers. They will you know you best and be able to speak to your strengths. (Networks, of course, extend further and new contacts can supplement your network) But a strong foundation is the best way to develop an expansive series of professional relationships. ~ Doug Stuart ‘04

InterviewingTake advantage of the Career Center – they have great advice, tips, and can offer a mock interview to ease your nerves. Look your best and be confident; you got an interview, so they are interested in you! ~ Cassandra Pickens ‘04

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Be confident and think of the wonderful education and experiences Get-tysburg has already given you. That should make you feel empowered to land any job out there! And if it doesn’t feel right for you, don’t settle. ~ Ali Craig ‘07

Be as knowledgeable as possible before the interview about the position and the company. Take a look at yourself and pin point your strengths and weaknesses. Be sure to spin any negatives into positives during the interview. ~ Samantha Krich ‘06

Transitioning into the “Real World”You will have a lot of bills. Just be ready. I forgot about things like health insurance and dental coverage because my parent’s always provided them for me. Look for a job with full benefits. ~ Corey Schmidt ‘07

Be patient. It’s not always easy, but it can be fun if you stay focused on what you want and keep in touch with your friends. Everyone’s going through the same thing (I’ve heard some dub it “Gettysburg Withdraw-al”), and it’s good to have people to talk to and share ideas with. ~ Cassandra Pickens ‘04

To the Class of 2009Don’t worry. You have a great education, the tools with which to create your own success. Take risks but take considered ones. ~ Ted Calabrese ‘00

Graduation can be considered the starting line to the rest of your life. This starting line doesn’t exist without the challenges, failures, experi-ences, friends and memories that you’ve acquired over the past four years that essentially brought you to this point, though. Find new challenges, make new experiences, friends and memories, but you will always carry the lessons of your Gettysburg education to every new starting line. ~ Doug Stuart ‘04

Stay ConnectedStaying connected 24/7 is easy at www.gettysburg.edu and the myGet-tysburg online community. And the folks in the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations are always eager to hear from you:

Office of Alumni and Parent RelationsGettysburg CollegeCampus Box 417

Gettysburg, PA 17325

717.337.6518 / 717.337.8560 f

[email protected]

Office of Alumni and Parent RelationsCampus Box 417300 North Washington St.Gettysburg, Pennsylvania17325