Lifetime Connection 

Bauer Alumni Can Stay Involved, Become Mentors

Each spring, more than 1,000 students graduate from the C. T. Bauer College of Business and join its flourishing network of alumni. While alumni no longer spend their days in Bauer halls, the college still encourages former students to stay involved with the Bauer community. 

No matter the graduation year, alumni can stay connected with the college by volunteering, mentoring students, joining the Bauer College Alumni Association and more. Particularly for recent graduates, Director of Alumni Relations Bria Johnson (BBA ‘15) understands that the transition to post-college life can feel difficult. 

“I remember what it felt like that first year when you don't have any classes and you're no longer on the campus,” Johnson said. “Once you've graduated, I don't want anyone to feel like this chapter is closed. When you become an alumnus or alumna, it opens a new path for you to interact and engage with the university in a more meaningful way than you were aware of when you were a student.” 

Director of Alumni Relations Bria Johnson graduated from the C. T. Bauer College of Business in 2015.

Director of Alumni Relations Bria Johnson graduated from the C. T. Bauer College of Business in 2015.

Associate Director of Development Diana Pineda is a 2017 alumna from the C. T. Bauer College of Business.

Associate Director of Development Diana Pineda is a 2017 alumna from the C. T. Bauer College of Business.

Throughout Bauer’s many programs and offerings, Johnson described the family-like essence that many students feel. To keep the spirit of camaraderie going, Associate Director of Development Diana Pineda (BBA ‘17) said alumni can contribute to building the student experience. 

“As an alum, you can always come back and mentor students,” Pineda said. “You can always come back and speak at roundtables or panel interviews. There's always that connection with the Bauer College Alumni Association.” 

Bauer alumna Grace Mitchell (BBA ‘23) recalled the difficulty of adjusting to life after college. As a student, Mitchell was active in the Business Student Union and the Program for Excellence in Selling. Through those programs she was able to build connections to aid through the postgrad transition. Not long after graduation, Mitchell was invited to speak to current students about her journey.  

“Bauer staff reached out to me and asked if I would speak on a panel,” Mitchell said. “It was really nice to be back on campus and give students some tips and tricks. It can feel like you get thrown into the wolves after you graduate, so I’m glad I could give some advice.” 

No matter the stress, Mitchell encourages students and young alumni to enjoy the moment and take the extra steps to feel involved.  

“We do have to go out of our ways a little bit to participate, but it's well worth it,” Mitchell said.  “Stay active on social media like LinkedIn and Instagram. Also, have the Cougar spirit and go to football and basketball games.”  

Graduates can learn more about joining the Bauer College Alumni Association here

Grace Mitchell earned her BBA from the C. T. Bauer College of Business in 2023.

Grace Mitchell earned her BBA from the C. T. Bauer College of Business in 2023.