水果派

Over 40 students and alumnae gathered at Mount Saint Mary’s University on March 3 for Purposeful Presence: Etiquette and Networking Dinner, an event designed to help students build professional skills while forming meaningful connections with Mount alumnae, who returned to their Alma Mater to volunteer as mentors.

Hosted by the Alumnae Association in partnership with the Office of Career and Professional Development, participants gathered in the Pompeian Room at the historic Doheny Mansion for a hands-on experience in networking, professional etiquette and career exploration. 

Around elegantly set tables, students had the chance to practice the fundamentals of professional dining etiquette, from understanding place settings and proper napkin placement to confidently introducing themselves in conversation.

In addition, the event created space for engaging and professional conversations. Students asked questions about career paths, internships, graduate school and the transition from college to the working world. Alumnae shared their experiences, offered guidance and encouraged students as they begin mapping their own futures.

The evening embodies the mission of (M)POWER, the Mount’s new comprehensive four-year student success initiative designed to prepare students for life after graduation. Through (M)POWER, students explore their strengths, develop professional skills and build relationships with mentors who guide them in both academic and career decisions. Events like the Etiquette and Networking Dinner help bring those lessons to life by giving students the opportunity to practice professional skills while expanding their networks within the Mount community.

For many students, the evening offered a unique opportunity to practice skills that will serve them throughout their careers.

“I learned how to be more confident when networking and etiquette at a dinner table,” said Kaylynn Morataya, a first-year pre-nursing student.

For Heena Bista, a junior psychology major, the opportunity to engage directly with alumnae provided valuable perspective. “I learned a lot about navigating my own career and educational path at the Mount by connecting with alumnae and discussing opportunities,” said Heena.

Building on these insights, first-year pre-nursing major Angelica Reese Basa said the event helped her develop practical networking skills while building meaningful connections.

“I learned formal table manners, how to make a strong elevator pitch, how to shake hands confidently and how to ask thoughtful questions during conversations,” Angelica said. “It was especially meaningful to have the opportunity to speak with alumnae face to face and have genuine conversations.”

For alumnae, the gathering was equally meaningful. Returning to campus provided a chance to reconnect with the Mount while supporting the next generation of students for their own professional journeys.

“Talking with students about their goals and aspirations was incredibly rewarding,” said Judith Villasenor ’15. “It reminded me how powerful the Mount network can be and how important it is for alumnae to come back and support the next generation.”

Sarah Schroeder, director of alumnae relations, emphasized the importance of events like this to build lasting connections. "When our students have the opportunity to really connect with alumnae, they open themselves to receiving the kind of knowledge that can change their trajectory,” she said. “The value of this alumnae-student connection cannot be measured.”

By the end of the evening, students left not only with stronger networking skills, but with new mentors, insights and inspiration for the paths ahead. Sharing the table with alumnae offered a window into life after graduation and sparked ideas for how to approach their own careers and goals. The connections and discussions that unfolded throughout the night reinforced the value of thoughtful engagement and the power of building relationships across generations of Mount women.

Special thanks to our alumnae participants whose generosity, insight and time made this gathering possible:

• Alejandra Angel ‘12, BA, Psychology
• Ashley Blancas ’23, BA, Political Science
• Stephanie Hernandez ’21, BA, Child Development
• Lauren Hodgins ’10, BA, English
• Amy Kennedy ’17, BA, History
• Janet Li ’03, BS, Nursing
• Marielle Shrock ’17, BA, Business Administration
• Analiese Yu ’15, BS, Biology
• Dalilah Valencia ’23, BS, Math
• Judith Villasenor ’15, BS, Social Welfare