F&M Stories
Night of Networking Opens Doors for Diplomats
On April 10, more than 160 alumni and students attended the 2026 Franklin & Marshall College Night of Networking, building connections and identifying opportunities for current students.
Night of Networking, a signature program coordinated by the Center for Career and Professional Development and supported by the F&M Alumni Association Board and the Office of Alumni Engagement, returned to an in-person event for the first time in several years.
The Friday evening networking reception was one of Inauguration Weekend’s key events and took place in Roschel College House. In attendance were approximately 120 students representing the majority of F&M’s fields of study who connected with Franklin & Marshall College Trustees, members of Franklin & Marshall’s Leadership and Parents Councils, Alumni Association Board representatives, and Franklin & Marshall Admissions Network volunteers.
“Franklin & Marshall College alumni and parents are an invaluable resource for today's Diplomats,” said Stephanie McConnell, executive director of the College's Center for Career and Professional Development. “The stories of their success in business, industry, the arts, medicine, research, politics and so many additional fields are inspiring, but perhaps the most impactful way they can help our students today is through providing mentorship, engaging in networking, and creating opportunities that help launch professional journeys. Night of Networking is the perfect example of that connection at work, and I'm so grateful to the individuals who raised their hands to support our students during this year's event.”
Night of Networking will return next spring. Alumni who are interested in providing networking, internship, and other opportunities for F&M students can contact Stephanie McConnell and the Center for Career and Professional Development staff or Director of Alumni Engagement Pamela Panarella and the College’s Alumni and Advancement team.
Related Articles
August 10, 2026
‘For the Love of People and Art’: F&M Student Interns at the Mount Gretna Art Show
Layla Beyer ’27 is getting a firsthand look at how communities unite through a shared love of the arts. Beyer, who studies history of art and architecture and theatre, is interning with the Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show. “It is really inspiring to see this kind of work get done for the love of people and art,” she said.
August 5, 2026
Shaping Policy and Careers: F&M Alumni Share Opportunities in Government
Erin Corrigan ’22 is helping to plan initiatives at the highest levels of state government just a few years after graduation, thanks to advice and support from her F&M alumni mentor, Trustee Akbar Hossain ’13. “F&M alumni are here to help support you,” she said. “It’s F&M’s culture to help lift up the next generation.”
July 29, 2026
A Diplomat’s Return to Lead: Matt DesChamps ’93, P’28 Begins Service as Board Chair
Matt DesChamps ’93, P’28 has spent more than three decades giving back to the College—as a volunteer, mentor, fundraiser, trustee, and advocate. Now, that enduring commitment has brought him to a new role: Chair of F&M's Board of Trustees.