Launch Conference aims to help seniors on their way out

In just a few months, Grove City College seniors will be Grove City College graduates.

While their studies will provide them with the skills and knowledge they will need to pursue their career goals, the College wants to make sure they are well-prepared for post-graduate life on a more practical basis.

That is the focus of the Senior Launch Conference, set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15 in Staley Hall of Arts and Letters on campus. The conference features sessions led by Grove City College alumni, faculty, and staff on finding an apartment and buying a house, building financial security, maintaining a Christian worldview in secular workplaces, hosting a dinner party, and other subjects to help seniors prepare for life after college.

“The conference is intended to serve seniors and help them to be successful as they prepare to launch into life after college. The ‘real world’ is pretty different from college life, and this is an opportunity to learn a bit about that from alumni and others with expertise and experience,” said Mandy Sposato ’00, director of Alumni and Campus Engagement. “We wanted to create an event for seniors that is practically helpful, and also celebratory and fun as we anticipate their upcoming graduation.”

The conference is part of the broader “Life After Grove” Senior Series that also includes a program by the Office of Christian Formation and a 100 Days Out Dinner for the soon-to-be graduates.

“We are excited to welcome this new group of graduates into the Alumni Association and hope this series plays a special role in guiding them in the transition from student to alumni status,” Sposato said.

Senior Launch Conference sessions include:

• “Housing Horizons: Navigating Post-Grad Rental and Homeownership Decisions” led by John Aderholt ’99, principal at the Century Group.
• “Built for Community” led by Susan Dreves ’97, assistant professor of Education.
• “Establishing a Sound Financial Foundation in Your 20s” led by Jon Graeser ’02, financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual.
• “Transitioning to the Workplace with a Christian Worldview” led by Lucas Logan ’07, director and HR business partner, Specialty Brands at DICK’S Sporting Goods.
• “Vision – How to Identify & Implement a Vision to Help Make Daily Decisions” led by Andrew DiDonato ’10, Grove City College head football coach.
• “Planning Your First Dinner Party” led by Megan Kosciuszko, catering director, and Shannon Kowacich, catering chef, Parkhurst Dining.
• “Budget Basics – Real Life Tips & Tricks” led by Betsy Slater ’92, Alumni Council representative.
• “Mentoring 101: Finding Wisdom After College” led by Tori Wright, assistant director of Residence Life.

The conference will wrap up with a networking reception for students and speakers in the atrium of Staley Hall featuring appetizers, desserts, mocktails, and raffle drawings for various prizes.

The Senior Launch Conference is planned and sponsored by the offices of Alumni & College Relations, Career Services, and Student Life & Learning. For more about the Senior Series, visit alumni.gcc.edu/lifeaftergrove.

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