’Canes are connecting across the country

2024 was a banner year for ’Canes Communities programming, as University of Miami alumni leaders and affinity groups stepped up their efforts to engage alumni at every stage of life. Now, ’Canes Communities leaders are looking to carry that momentum into 2025.
’Canes are connecting across the country

Whether you are a new graduate just getting started, a mid-career professional looking to strengthen your network, or a retiree eager to stay active, there is something in your local ’Canes Community to help you connect as a ’Cane for Life.

From a golf tournament in Tampa and family days out around Boston to evenings at the Palm Beach Symphony and a virtual book club in Broward County, 2024 saw a wide range of social programming that also included regular game watch parties across the country to cheer on Hurricane football and basketball.

’Canes Communities programming teams are creative not just in the types of events they organize but also the venues: everything from art museums and concert halls to driving ranges and pickleball courts. Service plays a big role, with the annual ’Canes Day of Service plus individual community projects.

Professional networking is another important component of ’Canes Communities programming. ’Canes Connect events last spring brought together close to 500 alumni and friends in 15 ’Canes Communities, with a kickoff virtual panel discussion on building professional brands hosted by the Chicago ’Canes. And countless more casual in-person and virtual hangouts, such as Atlanta’s monthly Hump Day Hangout for ’Canes working remotely, kept the conversations humming.

Now, as we enter the University’s centennial year, ’Canes Communities and alumni affinity groups are primed to maintain their momentum.

As M. David Paolini, B.S.E.E. ’90, president of the Palm Beach County ’Canes, explained, “Palm Beach County has a very diverse population, and our alumni group closely matches the resident diversity as a whole. We strive to meet each alum where they are, whether they are new alumni, early in their career, in their family years, empty nesters, or retirees.

“The expansion across these different categories has really helped diversify the programming. For example, someone in the family years probably wouldn’t be the first to suggest the Symphony event—although we love it when we plan an event with one group in mind and find that our target group is served but we have attendance from others,” Paolini added.

Paolini also noted that the Palm Beach County ’Canes “are building our relationships organically, for example, by helping early career alumni meet late career or retired alumni for mentoring. And as each group feels a shared purpose in attending our events, they invite others. The relationships we are building are strong, long-lasting, and beneficial to all of our alumni.”

Alumni affinity groups also seek to foster that sense of shared purpose. Astin Hayes, B.S.C. ’06, president of the University of Miami Black Alumni Society (UMBAS), said that her team listens to alumni feedback to create diverse and engaging experiences for alumni at every stage of their life journey.

“From young professionals navigating their careers to seasoned leaders sharing their wisdom, we’ve hosted networking events with ’Canes Communities, mentorship programs with Toppel Career Center, and virtual sessions that educate and inform on the Black diaspora,” Hayes said. “We’re carrying this momentum into 2025 by expanding our offerings and ensuring that every ’Cane feels valued and connected to the University community.”

The ultimate goal, as both Paolini and Hayes affirm, is helping alumni connect as “’Canes for Life.” As Paolini reflected, “I think most ’Canes will tell you what I feel: I am what I am today because of the U.  We all came from different places—including international locations—and we all came to the U with interests shaped by our hometowns, schools, and families. At the same time, we all shared certain aspects of our time in Miami, and we all feel a bond to the U. We carry those experiences into the world and especially into our relationships with other alumni in our communities.”

Hayes echoed Paolini’s comments. “To me, ‘’Cane for Life’ signifies a lifelong commitment to our alma mater and its values. It’s about staying connected to the vibrant network of fellow alumni, supporting the next generation of students, and contributing to the continued success of our University for the next 100 years.”



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