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ALUMNI GUIDEBOOK Widener Leadership Works

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Page 1: ALUMNI GUIDEBOOK - Widener University · PDF filebenefits and services to the entire alumni population. ... alumni chapters around the country—from Alaska to ... Main Campus of Widener

A L U M N I G U I D E B O O K

Widener Leadership Works

Page 2: ALUMNI GUIDEBOOK - Widener University · PDF filebenefits and services to the entire alumni population. ... alumni chapters around the country—from Alaska to ... Main Campus of Widener

Congratulations on your graduation from Widener University! The hard work and dedication you devoted to your education enables you to take charge of your destiny and lead with your passion. As a Widener University alumnus/a, you join others worldwide who are making a difference in their community and careers. One thing I know about our alumni is they are resilient, engaged, and proud of their achievements. Now that you have joined their ranks, you are part of this strong and vibrant group that stands 56,000+ strong. While your time with the university as a student was relatively short, your relationship with the university as an alumnus/a will span the rest of your lifetime.

All graduates of the university are automatically enrolled as members of the Widener-PMC Alumni Association, a dues-free alumni organization that offers a variety of benefits and services to the entire alumni population. The goal of the organization is to keep alumni connected to the university and to each other through a variety of mutually rewarding pathways.

Connect with fellow alumni, faculty, and current students in person by joining us on campus each fall

for Homecoming/Family Weekend. You can also connect off campus. We have more than 20 regional alumni chapters around the country—from Alaska to Florida—that host a variety of activities throughout the year and bring a little bit of Widener to wherever life’s travels take you. You can also interact with us virtually on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to share your stories and follow ours. You can use the online tools at alumni.widener.edu to update your contact information, look up a classmate, submit a class note for Widener Magazine, and much more.

Volunteering is a rewarding and much appreciated way to stay connected—consider driving a golf cart during Homecoming/Family Weekend, planning events in one of the regional chapters, or accepting a leadership role on the Alumni Council (the governing body of the Widener-PMC Alumni Association). There are many ways for you to give of your time and talents, both on- and off-campus.

We would like you to keep an eye out for fellow alumni who are doing something extraordinary that will bring pride and recognition back to the university and nominate them for our bi-annual Alumni Awards. D

ear W

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Nominations are open year-round, and award descriptions and nomination forms can be found online by visiting alumni.widener.edu.

We love meeting with our alumni in person. Feel free to visit the Office of Alumni Engagement located on the 3rd floor of Old Main on the Main Campus in Chester to ask questions or just to say hello! Most importantly, I wish you the best in your new adventures and look forward to welcoming you back home (#HomeatWU) in the near future!

Best Regards,

Dr. Tina Phillips ’82, ’98, ’03Executive Director of Alumni Engagement, Widener University

Page 4: ALUMNI GUIDEBOOK - Widener University · PDF filebenefits and services to the entire alumni population. ... alumni chapters around the country—from Alaska to ... Main Campus of Widener

Join the Widener Pride NetWidener Pride Net (WPN) is a private online community of Widener-PMC alumni. Go to alumni.widener.edu to become a member. Once you join, you can take advantage of the various alumni benefits, such as access to our comprehensive online alumni directory. You can also update your contact information to receive e-mail updates, the Widener Magazine, and event mailings.

Widener takes pride in your success and happiness! Share your good news with your alma mater through the Class Notes on Widener Pride Net. Class Notes are published in the Widener Magazine.

THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED…

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Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and More• The Widener University Alumni Facebook page is updated regularly and will keep you connected to happenings on campus and beyond.

• Boost your career networking power on LinkedIn.

• Twitter, Instagram, and other social media outlets are convenient, fun ways to follow what’s happening at Widener.

Join your Regional Alumni Chapter

Wherever you go, you can always find your PRIDE!

Widener’s Regional Alumni Chapter Network provides alumni across the United States the opportunity to reengage with one another through a variety of social events. These events span many interests, from sports to the performing arts, and we are looking to add more types of activities. We’d love to hear suggestions from you.

All regional alumni chapters have volunteer leadership opportunities. The size and demands of the regional chapter determine the number of annual events and number of alumni volunteers needed to manage the chapter. Chapter leaders generally meet several times a year, either virtually or in person, and are recognized for their time and hard work through a variety of volunteer benefits.

If you are interested in getting involved as a volunteer with your existing local chapter, or if you are in a region that does not currently have a chapter and you would like to start one, please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement by calling 610-499-1154 or e-mailing [email protected].

Active Regional Alumni Chapters

• Alaska• Atlanta, Georgia• Baltimore• California• Central Pennsylvania• Colorado (coming soon!)• District of Columbia• Florida—East Coast• Florida—Orlando• Florida—West Coast

• Greater Philadelphia (includes 5 surrounding counties, South Jersey, and Wilmington, DE)

• New England• New York City/North Jersey• Northern Maryland• Puerto Rico• Texas• Washington State

THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED…

For the latest Regional Alumni Chapter events and happenings, please visit alumni.widener.edu/upcomingevents.

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States that reflect Widener Pride.*

107

36

507

5724

18532

141

375

27

26

7

9 9

24

3

16

51

36

18

53

87

192

1,229

47

50

785

44619

24

33

50

56

22,098

82

233

101

1,333

3,7337,176

40

391

221

2815218

Washington, D.C. 33

Virgin Island 2

Puerto Rico 9

Alaska 10

Hawaii 15

*as of March 2016; does not include law alumni

376

167

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Widener University alumni can be found

through-out the United States and the world.

From sporting events and theater shows to

happy hours and family outings, a wide variety

of activities are planned to attract all Widener

Pride alumni. Alumni regional volunteers plan

events in their area—the number and types

of events are dependent upon the number of

alumni in that region. Events can range from

small casual affairs to large structured events.

Scan the map to the left for the total number of

alumni living in each state.

Did you know…

That more than 200+ alumni

volunteer their time and

talent with the Office of

Alumni Engagement?

Volunteering is a great way for alumni to stay involved with

Widener University after graduation. Alumni volunteers

assist with on- and off-campus alumni events, alumni student

mentoring events, alumni family events, on- and off-campus

service events, and other options throughout the year. Widener

alumni volunteers are always there to lend a hand when needed

and to share in the fun of on- and off-campus engagement. If

interested in becoming a volunteer, contact the Office of Alumni

Engagement at [email protected] or 610-499-1154.

States that reflect Widener Pride.*

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GE

T IN

VO

LVE

D!Alumni Council

The Alumni Council serves as the governing body of the Alumni Association. The Alumni Council is comprised of the Executive Committee and those alumni serving as a chairperson of any alumni chapter, alumni committee, or alumni affinity group. There is no maximum or minimum number of alumni representatives. Alumni Council meets three times per year. For information on joining, please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at 610-499-1154 or [email protected].

Alumni Affinity GroupsAffinity groups are groups of alumni, students, and friends who are drawn together based on common interests and shared experiences. Interacting in person and virtually, affinity groups encompass all divisions, graduating classes, and regions, and reflect extraordinary diversity. Becoming part of an alumni affinity group will provide various opportunities to choose how alumni want to be connected with students and other alumni who share common interests and shared values.

Chester Community OutreachWidener is committed to contributing to the vitality and well being of the communities it serves through experiential learning, service learning, educational initiatives, economic development, and community building. If you are interested in volunteering, check out Widener’s Civic Engagement website: www.widener.edu/civic_engagement.

Widener Alumni Admissions NetworkAlumni share their time and talents with Widener’s Admissions Office to assist in the recruitment of prospective students by attending college fairs in their local area or contacting accepted students to share their Widener University experiences. For more information, contact Alumni Engagement at 610-499-1154 or the Office of Admissions at 610-499-4126.

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No matter how far you go, your Pride will always welcome you home…

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Homecoming/Family WeekendWhen is Homecoming? Homecoming takes place every October on the Main Campus of Widener University in Chester, PA.

How will I find out about Homecoming? Make sure to keep your information up to date on Widener Pride Net so that we can mail and e-mail you information. You can also check Facebook and the Widener website for dates.

Can I pay at the door for events? Absolutely, but we strongly encourage pre-registration for all events that require payment to ensure proper space and meal planning.

Where can I stay overnight? The Office of Alumni Engagement encourages alumni to stay at the Best Western Plus Philadelphia Airport South Hotel that is adjacent to campus and is the designated hotel for the Homecoming/Family Weekend. However, alumni are welcome to stay at other hotels.

Are guests invited? Yes, spouses, children, other family members, and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend!

Volunteer to be a part of Homecoming!!!The Office of Alumni Engagement is looking for volunteers to help with Homecoming. With a multitude of weekend activities, we have a variety of volunteer opportunities available to suit any schedule and interest.

Sample volunteer opportunities include:• Welcome/Information Hub Table• Event Registration Desks• Golf Cart Drivers• Pride Tailgate (food tent, beverage tent, and ticket tent)• PMC Museum

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Alumni Insurance Program The Widener University Alumni Insurance Program is a convenient source for health, auto, and home insurance for alumni and their family members. Get more information on these insurance plans by visiting www.theaip.com/Widener or call American Insurance Administrators at 800-922-1245.

Alumni Car & Home Insurance — Liberty MutualWidener University alumni can get special discounted rates on auto and home insurance from a trusted company with close to 100 years of service. Get details and a free rate quote from Liberty Mutual at www.libertymutual.com/widener. Discounts and savings are available where state laws and regulations allow and may vary by state. To the extent permitted by law, applicants are individually underwritten. Not all applicants may qualify.

Career ServicesCareer Services offers life-long career counseling and job search advising to alumni. Alumni are encouraged to make individual appointments with a career services counselor to discuss career and job search needs. For more information, visit www.widener.edu/careerservices and click on the “Alumni” tab on the left-hand navigation.

Frequent Sleeper ProgramThe Best Western Plus Philadelphia Airport South Hotel at Widener University, located at 1450 Providence Avenue just across the street from campus, offers Alumni Association members great benefits. If you are visiting campus and need a place to stay for the night you may participate in Widener’s Frequent Sleeper Program, which entitles you to a special discounted alumni rate, free nights, and other great perks. To apply for the program, download the application form at alumni.widener.edu/discountsandinsurance and submit directly to the hotel. Then make your room reservation by calling 610-872-8100 or online at www.bwwidenerhotel.com.

Personalized License Plates Show the world your PRIDE! The Office of Alumni Engagement offers personalized Widener University license plates. The license plate program is offered for the states of Pennsylvania and Maryland. For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at 610-499-1154 or [email protected].

Online University BookstoreOrder books, textbooks, computer software, clothing, and gifts from the Widener University Bookstore at www.bkstr.com/widenerestore/home.

Alumni Benefits and Services

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Requesting TranscriptsTo request a transcript, please contact the Office of the Registrar by calling 610-499-4161 or visit alumni.widener.edu/transcripts.

Diploma DisplayDisplay your Widener University diploma proudly in a frame that allows you to slip the diploma in through the back of the frame without tools or hassles. At no time will you have to surrender your diploma. The Widener University-PMC Alumni Association benefits from the sale of these frames, and you can feel confident that your diploma will be preserved for a lifetime. To order online, simply visit www.ocm.com/WDN/Diploma_Frames. For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at 610-499-1154 or [email protected].

Replacement DiplomaTo request a replacement diploma, complete the online request form at alumni.widener.edu/diploma. A replacement diploma costs $35 and takes 3–5 business days after payment is processed. For more information, contact the Office of the Registrar at 610-499-4161.

Alumni Wolfgram Memorial Library CardAlumni of the university are welcome to use the Wolfgram Memorial Library, located on the Main Campus in Chester, so long as they have an official Alumni Wolfgram Memorial Library ID Card, which is necessary to access the building and borrow materials.

Best Western Plus Philadelphia Airport South Hotel at Widener University

To obtain your ID card, first visit Lipka Hall, located at 14th and Potter Streets, to have your photo taken and ID card printed. You will then be asked to take your new ID card to the circulation desk inside the Wolfgram Memorial Library, located at 15th and Walnut Streets, to have a unique barcode number added to the back. Entrance to the library requires you to swipe your alumni card and sign the register. Upon your first visit to the library, a circulation staff member will assist you by updating your patron record for borrowing, which will allow you to borrow up to 10 books for a period of 28 days, as well as one renewal per book. Alumni are also welcome to use databases while in the library.

Before coming to campus to get your ID card, please call ahead to check the operating hours of Lipka Hall (610-499-4161) and the Wolfgram Memorial Library (610-499-4067). Hours are subject to change by semester and holidays.

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Outstanding Alumnus AwardThe Outstanding Alumnus Award is awarded to alumni who have brought honor, recognition, and distinction to their alma mater through service to their community, their profession, and/or by honors received, service rendered, or other accomplishments.

R. Kelso Carter AwardThis award is given annually to an individual other than a graduate of Widener University who, in the opinion of the Alumni Association, has brought honor to the university through his/her acts and accomplishments. This award is a token of the appreciation of the laudable contribution to the university community.

Alumni Service AwardService awards are granted for volunteer service to the institution as a whole, to a particular sector (major) or concentration within the college, and/or to one’s profession where his/her education at Widener/PMC was prime to providing the service. This award shall be given as appropriate, and once receiving it shall not be cause for not receiving it again.

John L. Geoghegan Alumni Citizenship AwardThis award is given annually in the memory of John L. Geoghegan ‘63 to an alumnus/alumna who has brought honor to the university through academic achievement, demonstrated leadership capabilities, and community service.

Alumni Awards

For information on the nomination process, please visit alumni.widener.edu/alumniawards.

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Office of Alumni EngagementOne University Place, Chester, PA 19013-5792

www.widener.edu

Printed on FSC ® certified paper