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Season’s
Greetings
Alumni Association Fall/Winter 2019 Issue 5
HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE
What Makes Me Happy Alumni Fundraiser Grateful Experiences Neha Tomer, ‘16 Pizza & Movie Uyanga Ganbold, ’18 Page 2 Page 4 Page 5
What Stood Out To Me Career Services Happening On Campus
Abhinaya C. Kakumanu, ‘18 New Resources & Location Student Union Highlights Page 6 Page 7 Page 10
Greetings from the Alumni Association
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NEHA TOMER ‘18
WHAT makes me happy, gives me joy, and makes
me laugh?
Laughter comes easily when I get together with our dear
FXUA friends and family to share stories. My life is so very
blessed with amazing people and experiences. Along with
the joy and happiness, comes gratitude, as my outlook on
life is very positive.
Another joy for me is watching my daughter discover her own enjoyment. It happens every time
when her eyes and hands encounter something for the first time. To see her face light up and
continue in that moment without disruption from the world is refreshing. Every day my daughter
does something to send me into fits of giggles. I stopped worrying about my “To Do” list and daily
tasks just to listen to her fullness of laughter. There is nothing more joyful than her happiness.
To me, gratitude is the invariable companion of joy, and together they transform ordinary
moments, jobs and relationships into blessings. Every day I find joy in my life, and if we think joy
only appears during blissful, high points, we can sadly miss all that life can offer.
ALUMNI & COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER
TOYS FOR TOTS State Farm & FXUA
The Alumni Association helped to spread joy by
serving as a drop-off point to receive new and
unused donations for the Toys for Tots Program.
In collaboration with Bigya Pandey, a FXUA
Alumni, working with a local State Farm Agency,
our combined efforts collected more than two
dozens of toys for children to enjoy.
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Special thank you to Jackline Masukuri and Sheryl Nazareth for their donations!
SAMARATAN’S PURSE Operation Christmas Child Project
Many alumni and students took advantage of the
opportunity to participate by giving new items for the
Operation Christmas Child Project, during the
Wednesday, November 6th to Friday, November 15th
donation drive.
The gift-filled shoeboxes included footballs, coloring
books, markers, pens, dolls, miniature race cars,
stickers, cards, beads, caps, pencils, crayons, dolls,
toy trucks, stuffed animals, jump ropes, toothbrushes,
soap, hair bows, and gloves. Donations will be sent to
a boy or girl, between the ages of 2 to 14 in December.
.
COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER
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Become An Engaged Alumni!
The Alumni Association invites all graduates to attend the monthly meet-ups, as
a way to cherish memories and to participate in enjoyable social events,
activities, and gatherings. Let us continue to stay connected! [email protected].
ALUMNI PIZZA & MOVIE FUNDRAISER
WHAT better way to enjoy a cold day
outside then by having hot pizza and
enjoying a movie inside during your lunch
break.
The Alumni Association hosted the $5 pizza
fundraiser to raise monies for upcoming
networking and professional development
series. Alumni, students, and Professors
enjoyed various toppings, along with a side
salad, beverage, and dessert.
RETURNING SPRING 2020
TOASTMASTERS
IF you missed the last Toastmaster’s public
speaking event hosted by Apple Credit Union Bank,
the Alumni Association will send out the schedule in
January 2020. To learn more about Toastmasters,
visit the link: www.toastmasters.org.
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UYANGA GANBOLD ‘18
WE all have the following purposes as part of the
Fairfax University of America (FXUA) family: Dream.
Discover. Accomplish.
I am always grateful and confident that I achieved my
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Degree from FXUA. The university created a door of
opportunities for me to pursue my life goals.
Not too long ago, I selected FXUA as my educational home and eventual place that I would grow
to love and build lasting family relationships. For the most part, I wanted a place where I could
explore the world, yet receive equal opportunities regardless of race, religion, sex, gender,
disability, or economic status. With the support of instructors, staff, family, and friends, I became
an independent and confident business professional.
Post-graduation, I readily accepted a Retail Manager position. My advice to new students and
graduates is to be eager, bold, and yourself. Draw from your experiences gained on the campus,
actively attend the job fairs, visit the Career Services & Alumni Relations Department, and other
resources offered by the school. The world is full of chances and fun. Let me remind you to
dream, discover, and accomplish!
NEW SERIES 2020
CONVERSATION WITH COFFEE SERIES
JOIN the dialogue during the new series of Conversation With Coffee forums to engage
with professionals from business and IT industries. Learn more about what is happening in the
DMV, how to apply for employment and academic internship openings, and what employers are
seeking in new hires, what to say during an interview, overall job market, trends, and much more.
Bring your questions and enjoy a hot beverage and light refreshments. If you are an Alumni of
FXUA and are interested in becoming a speaker for the forum, contact the Alumni Association.
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Q. Why did you select FXUA for your studies?
What stood out to you?
A. Before relocating to Fairfax, Virginia, to attend
FXUA, I was in the process of completing my
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science Engineering
from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological Institution,
located in India, when I initially considered pursuing
extended studies related to computers.
After searching in Google and consulting with several friends for the best universities to complete
my masters, I ran into one of my cousin’s vacationing in Hyderabad, who mentioned FXUA. He had
recently completed his master’s from the university and recommended that I look up the campus.
I was excited to find FXUA offered a variety of specialized courses, was affordable, and diverse in
population. At this point, I became more interested in the university and began considering how the
experience could develop me interpersonally and professionally. Through reading FXUA blogs, I
learned about how the professors took time in making sure everyone participated in learning.
Q. What activities did you participate in while pursuing your graduate studies with FXUA?
A. For me, participating in on-campus activities was very interesting. The FXUA team always
came up with new ideas and themed games to encourage students to participate and enjoy
international cultural activities. I participated in many games and the Ugadi India Cultural Fest, which
involved me co-anchoring in the ramp-walk and dressing in traditional Indian attire.
Q. Did you join any on-campus clubs? If so, share which club (s) and what did you do?
A. Although I did not join any clubs, FXUA really encouraged students to actively get involved by
volunteering, hosting events, and clubs such as the IT, Sports, Arts, and so many more outlets.
Q. How did your program, deans, and other departments assist with your professional growth?
A. I was in constant contact with all of the departments while pursuing my master’s degree
(Career Services, Student Affairs, and the Library). I felt an amazing attachment.
ABHINAYA CHOUDARY KAKUMANU ‘18
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If I had to describe my professors and deans, I would say they were very kind, humble, and helpful.
More specifically, my ESL Professor, Ms. Durham, always inspired me and gave kind gestures at
the end of each class. Further in my studies, I learned how to design, analyze, and implement
these skills, with assistance from Professor Andy Yao and Professor Soliman Nagi.
Q. Are you currently working? If so, what are your responsibilities?
A. Currently, I work with KollaSoft as a QA Automation Tester. My career opportunity required
that I move to Scottsdale, Arizona. In this role, I am involved in system testing, performance
testing, and gathering of requirements. Among other responsibilities, I report defects.
Q. What words of encouragement would you like to offer others?
A. In simple terms, never give up! Keep fighting! Stay strong and be truthful whenever and
whatever the circumstances. FXUA is a positive environment to learn and to build a successful
career. You can excel your career and obtain great opportunities.
CAREER SERVICES & ALUMNI RELATIONS
The Career Services & Alumni Relations Department has moved to the first floor, across from
the DSO Department. To celebrate our new location and resources we invited the campus to learn
more about the Internship Corner and enjoy refreshments.
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Professors & students helped Career Services & Alumni Relations to celebrate
The Internship Corner is a designated location for students to access employers seeking to hire
interns. The space consist of career assessment links, job search sites, and other career
resources. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment and visit the Career Services
Department. The department’s doors are always open to assist students and alumni!
Alumni, if you are interested in posting an academic internship opening, send your email to
[email protected]. In your email, specify the position, requirements, person of contact, and other
details as needed. Give back to the campus, by allowing students to gain real world experiences.
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Students discussed aspirations about careers during the Open House
Career Services met with lots of new and existing students
The department highlighted the importance of ongoing reskilling and upskilling to support life-time career goals
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HAPPENING ON CAMPUS: STUDENT UNION ELECTION
WORDS FROM THE STUDENT UNION PRESIDENT
DAVID OLANBIWONNU
On behalf of the Student Union and with penchant humility, I extend warm greetings to the entire university’s community this festive season. As the Student Union President, I remain committed and focused on the betterment of students as well as the goals and objectives of the institution. As we go around this season, let us dare to dream and remember that the key to reaching the highest levels lie within us.
Congratulations to all of the candidates for their excellent presentations and campaigning efforts
over the past several weeks. As the new student body leadership embraces the fullness of
student experiences to identify opportunities for academic and professional enrichment, may they
have success ensuring experiences reflect the interests of their peers. We look forward to 2020.
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LINKEDIN ALUMNI OUTREACH
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
Alumni Portal: https://portal.fxua.edu/alumni/index.asp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fxuaAlumniAssociation/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DECEMBER MEET-UP
Ready to have fun with the Alumni Association during the next game night? Join us on
Friday, December 20th, from 7PM to 9PM, at the Dave & Buster’s Fair Oaks Mall location. For more information, please email the Alumni Association: [email protected].
STAY CONNECTED WITH THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
In January 2019, the Alumni Association began with a network of 500. To date, we have connected with 1,058 alumni. We are thankful for everyone who is a part of the FXUA Alumni Community.
By connecting with the Alumni Association, it is an opportunity to benefit from the immense professional contact list of FXUA classmates, along with the use of on-campus resources and monthly meet-ups. For alumni seeking to make career changes or to learn more about recent career postings,
sign-up to receive insight from the Career Services & Alumni Relations Department. As an extended service to alumni, you can always schedule an appointment for résumé review, preparation for an interview, and attend campus events.
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