Alumni Connect event brings alumni, students together

In April, the Center welcomed back seven alumni of Latin American Studies to meet with current students over the course of two days of sessions and workshops. The event began with a welcome brunch and the awarding of the 2023 Alumni Award winners (see below). Students then had the chance to meet one-on-one with the alumni to learn more about their careers, how they applied their LAS degree to their work, and what advice they might have for current students of LAS.

In attendance were Steven Keats (LAS certificate '77), Irving Chan Gomez (MDP '16), Larissa Ruiz Baía (MALAS '96), Nancy Kinnally (MALAS '91, see p. 18), Max Nagiel (MALAS '93), Gary Schweitzer (MALAS '74) and Elizabeth Smith (MALAS '09). As the alumni shared their stories, a commonality emerged in that each of them followed an "unconventional" path after graduation, yet still applied skills from their degree in a range of career fields, from marketing to finance to education. They highlighted the importance of fluency in multiple languages, intercultural competence, and adaptability in the face of changing plans and unexpected career opportunities.

This event is part of a growing initiative to engage current students with Center alumni as well as develop a strong network among Center alumni. Thank you to the alumni and students who participated! Alumni, stay tuned for further opportunities to connect with the Center and our students. ◆

2023 Alumni Award winners announced

Read more about the winners at go.ufl.edu/las-alumni-winners-23

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT ALUMNI WINNER

Steven J. Keats (LAS certificate 1977) Vice President, Kestrel Liner Agencies

OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNI WINNER

Irving X. Chan Gomez (MDP 2016, LAS & TCD certificates) Strategic Partnerships and Global Growth Manager, B Lab