Advantages for alumni

By Rebecca Brown, On-line Forty-Niner

May 27-29, 1998

Graduates may have lofty financial obligations to cope with, difficulties finding just the right career, or maybe they are just hoping to attend a relaxing summer concert or a fall sporting event.

For a one-time fee of $25, a member of the Cal State Long Beach Alumni Association can find resources to help with these dilemmas and more.

"We understand that students who are graduating this spring want to get out and move on with their futures, but we hope they will consider the Alumni Association as a vital resource to fulfill a variety of needs," said Gay Williams, director of alumni affairs.

"We hope former students will not forget their Alma Maters," Williams said.

Services offered by the association include reduced rates for health insurance policies and free access to the Career Development Center for the first three months after graduation (after the first three months, alumni can use the Center at a reduced rate).

"The CDC can be very helpful to grads who are still seeking employment," Williams said.

The center has a database that lists job opportunities in certain majors and can assist students seeking different avenues for employment, Williams said.

Discount ticket prices are offered to members of the Association for all athletic games at The Pyramid and most Carpenter Performing Arts Center events. A discount rate is also offered exclusively for Association members interested in renting an event room at CSULB for a private function, such as the Soroptomist House.

Once a member of the Association, graduates have the opportunity to join the Long Beach Schools Federal Credit Union, which offers reduced rates on home mortgage and automobile loans, and is not as strict about a minimum balance in checking and savings accounts, according to Williams.

A 15 percent discount on most non-credit courses offered at CSULB is another savings opportunity for members.

The Association is always looking for volunteers to serve as mentors to students still in school who seek advice about career choices, employment opportunities and different ways to go about job searches.

"Current students often seek someone to ask what life is like out there, and about looking for a job, interviewing and then handling the tasks a career demands," Williams said.

A calendar of upcoming, CSULB-sponsored events, such as the Summer Concert Series, Summer in the Grove and the Kaleidoscope Fair is sent to alumni in a bi-annual newsletter which comes out in January and September.

The newsletters also updating alumni on projects and research that professors are involved in.

For more information about the Alumni Association and the services it provides, one may call (562) 985-5252.

For $25, graduates have many resources at their fingertips The Association is always looking for volunteers to serve as mentors ...