Article by Joel Liebman (Q14) – QUEST Alumni Board, Alumni Focus Team

In the last issue of QUESTPress we heard from Yana Jmourko, co-communications lead for the QUEST Alumni Board (QAB) Alumni Focus Team, who mentioned the group’s plans to establish regular events in different areas where QUEST alumni reside to provide opportunities for QUEST alumni to get together. On August 11, the group hosted what is expected to be the first of several events to do just that — and have a drink, too! That evening, QUEST alumni came out for happy hour and an evening of mingling and merriment at Rocket Bar in Washington, DC.

Many came straight from the office and were happy to loosen their ties or lose the high heels to relax, enjoy a few appetizers, and catch up with other QUEST alumni. The most recent cohorts to join the alumni community seemed to have the strongest showing, but there was certainly a good mix of alumni from all years representing their cohorts. As I walked around listening to and engaging in various conversations, it was clear that people were excited to see each other and had a lot to talk about!

For some, this was an opportunity to reconnect with friends or even 190 and 490 project team members they hadn’t kept up with after graduation. Others took the time to introduce themselves to alumni from different years to learn about who they are and what they do to forge some new relationships. Some offered their perspective on going to graduate school while others realized they did similar work — some even for the same company — and shared stories from the workplace. A few even extended the night beyond the “official” event conclusion to take advantage of this time with their fellow alums.

For everyone, this was a time to reengage with the QUEST community and the QUEST program as alumni. The journey doesn’t end when you present your senior project at the 490 conference; it continues as you take that next step toward life beyond your time as an undergraduate. It is at this moment that you begin the transition to a new role as an alumni member of the QUEST community. There is immense value that the QUEST program and its alumni can provide for one another, and it is our hope that events like this continue to create a buzz within the alumni community to keep people excited about things to come.

Be on the lookout for other great events and initiatives in the coming months. If you have any questions or would like to become involved with the QUEST Alumni Board, please get in touch with us at QUESTalumniboard@gmail.com.