Letter from the PCAA President

With 2020 well in the rearview mirror, many of us approach 2021 with optimism about returning to a level of normality, one that includes in-person gatherings, celebrations, and traditions. While there are many takeaways from the year 2020, we have pushed the boundaries on what it means to cultivate engagement with co-workers, family, and friends in an extended virtual environment. On that theme, I am excited to announce new initiatives, as well as updates on our recent endeavors, designed to strengthen our alumni engagement and connect alumni back to our alma mater.

The motto Think Wide Open has attracted an array of artists, scientists, and other thinkers to the college. It is easy to see why Purchase College is home to the most diverse student body in the SUNY system. This is evident in the 27,000 alumni present in the United States and around the globe. In recognition and celebration of our diversity, I am pleased that the Purchase College Alumni Association, in partnership with the Office of Alumni Engagement, has created four new Alumni Affinity Groups.

Launched in October 2020, the Purchase Women’s Leadership Network (PWLN) focuses on the advancement of a woman’s personal growth and career to achieve parity and transform culture.

• The Purchase LGBTQ+ Alumni Network (PLAN), launched in January 2021, serves as a network for members of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies through the use of diverse programming, networking, and mentoring.
• Launched during Black History Month 2021, the Purchase Black Alumni Network (PBAN) aims to empower and foster community for Purchase College alumni of the African diaspora.
• The Purchase LatinX Alumni Network (PLXN) will launch later this year during Latinx-Hispanic Heritage Month.

Additionally, we hosted our first-ever Purchase College Alumni Association Town Hall with President Milagros “Milly” Peña in February 2021. Our open conversation on race, equality, diversity, and inclusion has given the college and Purchase College Alumni Association Board members new ideas on how to heal and build upon alumni experiences.

During the 2019–20 academic year, the Office of Alumni Engagement and Career Development launched the Purchase College Alumni Mentoring Network, an online mentoring program. The program establishes a mentor/mentee relationship among Purchase College alumni and between alumni and current students. As we know from our own academic and professional experiences, mentors can play a vital role in increasing our personal development, career goals, skills, knowledge, and prospective professional opportunities. Since its launch in Spring 2019, we have registered a total of 365 students and alumni on the platform.

Please stay engaged and update your contact information with the college. And like or follow the Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn Purchase College Alumni Association social media pages. All PCAA committees and affinity groups consist of PCAA Board members and volunteers. If you have comments and questions, or are interested in joining and becoming involved, please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@purchase.edu. I look forward to another successful academic year as president of the Alumni Association.

Sincerely,

Kevin Collymore ’10

President, Purchase College Alumni Association