For many students, the transition from Taylor to postgraduate life is a stressful and difficult period of time.
While the Taylor experience only lasts about four years, students have the opportunity to learn and grow from their experiences and knowledge gained during this time.
The Echo Editorial Board believes students can maximize their Taylor experience by implementing aspects of the University after they graduate.
“I believe we spend 4(ish) years at Taylor getting to experience what the kingdom of God feels like,” Kaitlin Neel (‘16), assistant director of the Calling & Career Office (CCO), said. “We taste that intentional community during our time at Taylor, and then we are sent out to introduce and replicate that in other spaces.”
Neel strongly believes her Taylor liberal arts and discipleship-focused education helped prepare her for life after graduation.
Her education taught her to think critically about various ideas and issues that surround her daily.
“So many elements of culture will challenge you to question everything you believe (about God, friendships, church, relationships, and everything in between),” Neel said. “But my time at Taylor helped me tackle those hard questions in a safe environment. I wrestled with those questions, and the foundation of faith that I established at Taylor has been invaluable in guiding me through life post-graduation.”
Diana Verhagen (‘12), Olson Hall director, appreciated Taylor’s emphasis on community while a student. She has continued to emphasize and value relationships and community since graduating.
“Choosing to be intentional with relationships in each season, no matter how short, has led to many lasting and beautiful friendships,” Verhagen said.
In addition to community, Verhagen values the welcoming nature, humility and desire of Taylor students to be the best versions of themselves.
“One of my favorite questions to ask students is to share a moment of when they felt truly welcomed or seen at Taylor,” Verhagen said. “Those moments can shift our whole experience of a season. How incredible if we could each provide such moments to those in our places of work.”
Like Verhagen, Emily Clementz (‘23), interim Bergwall Hall director, also stresses the importance of maintaining a spirit of hospitality.
After moving to an apartment her senior year, Clementz quickly learned the value of intentionality of maintaining community and welcoming others.
“Let your life be an invitation,” Clementz said. “Yes, your whole life. Your thoughts. Your physical space. Your prayers. Your schedule. Your resources. Everything. That's how Jesus lived.”
Not only can alumni utilize the skills and lessons learned at Taylor, but they can also take advantage of the strong alumni network and resources available to them.
Brad Yordy (‘05), executive director of alumni and parent relations, and his team work to ignite loyalty, foster volunteerism and garner vital financial support — all while engaging alumni and parents in meaningful activities that enhance the mission of the University.
Taylor alumni can effectively utilize the Alumni Office through networking opportunities, continued learning, events and reunions, giving back, access to University resources and staying connected with classmates through the alumni directory.
“The Alumni and Parent Relations Team is a great resource for graduating students through people who graduated decades ago,” Yordy said. “They absolutely love staying connected with people!”
After graduating from Taylor, alumni have the opportunity to remain part of the Taylor family through these resources and network opportunities.
Alumni also have an opportunity to echo their Taylor experience through the intentionality of community, kindness toward others and continuing to pursue a relationship with God.
“Take what you learned in this time (how to ask good questions, how to seek out others, how to intentionally pursue God, how to prioritize what is important), and then continue those practices in the workplace,” Neel said. “People will notice a difference in the way you treat them and approach life.”
We believe it’s important that alumni do not abandon the rhythms — spiritual, relational, hospitable and learning-focused — that they establish while at Taylor. Rather, they can contribute to lifelong growth and continued development of strong Christian character.
