The reviews are in: UALR students have a rousing thumbs for the new partnership between the organizers of the UALR Career Fair and the Alumni Association.

This year, alumni were matched with students seeking guidance and advice on how to find a career after graduation. UALR alums from area businesses and organizations volunteered their time to council students.

More than 30 alumni volunteers helped 35 seniors with advice about their career field during the Oct. 7 fair.

“We had alumni representing the Little Rock Police Department, UAMS (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences), Arkansas Children’s Hospital, James Law Firm, and AY magazine,” said Derek Boyce ’05, UALR Alumni Association volunteer coordinator. “Participants were able to pick the brains of alumni who have been working in the field they are about to get a degree in.

“The Alumni Association’s involvement allowed students to get first-hand knowledge about the workforce and the realities that face them when they graduate. Many participants exchanged contacts with their partnered alumni and will hopefully stay connected for any other advice they may have to offer. This is an event we plan to grow next year.”

”As an alumna, participating in the career fair was a very rewarding experience,” said Molly Sullivan, a 2005 Bowen School of Law graduate. “Not only was it a great opportunity to be able to give back to the university, but it was also great to meet a student who is genuinely interested in going to law school, took the initiative to get the ‘inside scoop,’ and is making headway in her pursuit.”

“It’s exciting to speak to people who are anxious to start their professional career and make a difference in the world,” said Cheri Goforth ’87 ’02, director of student activities and housing at UAMS.

Along with Sullivan and Goforth, the following Alumni Association volunteers helped at the career fair: Amy Rebbick, Angela Thomas ’04, Anthony Black ’08, Autumn Henry ’05, Bennie Prince ’74, Beth Mckitrick-Bandy ’04, Caleb Arnold, Cassie Bradley, Chris Bondurant ’97, Dewana Phillips ’05, Dr. Robert Hines, Howard Turney ’85, Janea Snyder ’03 ’05, Jason Holland ’08, Jesse Mason, Joan Duffy, Joy Matlock ’96, Khary Dickerson ’99 ’04, Kristi Smith ’95 ’97, Kristin Mann, Lt. Cody Burk ’91, Marjorie Fisher ’05, Mary Waldo, Ophelia Breedlove ’90 ’96, Sandra Robertson ’95, Sarah Davis ’05, Scott Schuh ’77, Scott Gordon ’77, Sherry Ray ’99, and Stephanie Stephens ’05.

Participants also had a chance to win two bricks to mark their place in UALR history, two cap and gown scholarships, and a $500 scholarship to graduate school. Brick winners were Thomasine Johnson and Felicia Patterson. Cap and gown winners were Kirby Atkins and Quincy Shears, and Marisol Graham won the $500 scholarship.