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Flyers for Life

Alumni connect over encore careers

By Donna Kastner ‘79

Author bio
City: Hudson, OH
Profession:  Media and marketing
Favorite UD home: The UD band — they became my first home at UD.

I was a music major at UD, and I continue to use the skills I learned no matter how many times I reinvent myself. Looking back over my 40-year career, I’m amazed at the diverse blend of work assignments I’ve had.

Last fall, I presented to alumni in the Dayton area about how they can use their skills and passion to reinvent their careers, too.

The workshop focused on how retirees can transition to part-time or freelance work. We took a closer look at how retirement is changing and can now last three decades or more. It’s a topic I’m passionate about and led me to develop retirepreneur.com.

Coming into the event, I already had a connection with the crowd because we were all UD alumni. It was something we had in common, and it made the presentation and discussions easier. We all started our career journeys at UD. Why not come back to the very same place to explore this next exciting life chapter together?

About 40 people attended the event. Alumni heard from others who successfully transitioned into their encore careers, and we had short presentations mixed with small group discussions. It was great to step back and see the buzz in the room, the excitement in conversations. But, I believe the most important conversations happen after the workshop. The event helped alumni connect with one another over a similar interest, and hopefully they can continue that connection and conversation in the future.

Not every university has a culture like UD. For me to host a workshop, it has to be the right place. I worked with Alumni Relations staff to plan the event and promote it to local alumni. UD did their part; they worked to help make the event a success and a positive experience for alumni.

I hope more alumni ask their friends to join them the next time they go to a UD event. People want to be invited and feel a personal connection. No doubt, there’s a wealth of insights to be gleaned from your computer or phone, but it’s important to venture out now and then to engage in face-to-face conversations with others. Going to a UD event means getting out with people you already have a bond with. And, when conversations unfold in an environment as vibrant as UD, amazing breakthroughs follow.

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