Bloomsburg University had its fifth annual Day of Dialgoue on Oct. 21, 2020, which was attended by 85 students and 40 alumni, faculty, and staff.

Local students attending include:

Breinigsville: Jefferson Rodriguez, a psychology major; and

Laurys Station: Mason Pissani, an undeclared major.

Day of Dialogue is an annual event that brings together students, alumni, faculty, and staff of various backgrounds to connect with their shared experiences and allows alumni to support students as they navigate their experiences at Bloomsburg.

It is planned and supported by the Bloomsburg University Alumni Association Board of Directors, Alumni and Professional Engagement, Office of Access and Success, Multicultural Center, Cultural Affairs, and the President’s Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Bloomsburg also had its first etiquette event on Nov. 4, 202, with 147 students attending.

Local students attending include:

Allentown: AJ K. Palumbo, and Matt Rivera, both business management majors;

Coplay: Justin Strauss, a communications studies and criminal justice major; and

Fogelsville: Tyler Wiik, a criminal justice major.

Meals, Manners and Mentors was designed to simulate a professional conference and networking experience and help students gain confidence with professional interactions and etiquette.

Students were mailed a package prior to the event that included laminated placemats printed with place settings and the “Do’s and Don’ts” of professional dining, a set of bamboo cutlery, and a “menu” with the agenda and suggested conversation starters.

An overview and demonstration of professional dining and etiquette was presented by Maria Bauman of Aramark and included an overview of place settings, proper attire and table manners, and professional behavior in both virtual and in-person settings.

Bloomsburg alumni volunteers were “seated” with students and helped coach them on starting and maintaining appropriate dining conversation.

Students were also encouraged to follow up with their new contacts via LinkedIn after the event.

“Events like Meals, Manners and Mentors benefit students by helping them practice communication skills, explore different career paths, and expand their professional network”, explained Assistant Director for Professional Development, Lori Schmidt. “Students also learn the importance of dining, virtual and professional etiquette and the alumni who volunteer enjoy interacting with and helping the students develop their professional skills. It’s a great way for students to have fun while learning and for the alumni to give back to the university.”

Meals, Manners and Mentors was hosted by Bloomsburg University alumna, Zakia Ringgold ‘02 via the platform Virtual Experience Design Agency and was open to students of all majors and class years.