September 25, 2025
The Ferguson Career Center and the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement teamed up to launch Hampden-Sydney Connects: Brotherhood in Action, with a networking dinner in Crawley Forum on September 11.
The idea for Hampden-Sydney Connects emerged from conversations between the two offices about how to be more intentional in fostering student–alumni relationships. Recognizing the remarkable strength of the College’s alumni network—ranked No. 2 for Best Alumni Networks among private colleges by The Princeton Review—they set out to make those connections more accessible, particularly for students preparing to enter the workforce.
“The launch was a tremendous team effort between the Ferguson Career Center and the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement,” says Assistant Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement Victoria Fenton. “Alek Burleson ’22, assistant director for alumni and employer relations, and I attended a conference to explore how this platform could work for Hampden-Sydney. From there, we collaborated closely on messaging, outreach, and logistics to ensure it remained student-centered while highlighting the essential role of our alumni. The entire process has further reinforced our shared mission of supporting students and strengthening the alumni network.”
The kickoff dinner provided an exciting opportunity for students and alumni to celebrate the launch of the new program—described as a “Hampden-Sydney–centered LinkedIn.” Serving as part mentorship program, part networking hub, and part community resource, the platform helps students explore career paths while empowering alumni to stay engaged by giving back in meaningful ways. Accessible both as a website and a mobile app, Hampden-Sydney Connects offers flexibility for users to connect however they prefer.
“The launch dinner really felt like the perfect kickoff for Hampden-Sydney Connects,” Fenton says. “The excitement could be felt in the room—alumni were eager to give back and students were just as eager to learn. The whole atmosphere was warm, encouraging, and forward-looking, and it was clear this program is meeting a real need in our community.”
Burleson echoed Fenton’s sentiments: “The launch dinner was an outstanding success. The energy and enthusiasm among attendees were palpable. It was evident that everyone present saw this as a much-needed central hub for connection and professional development. I’m pleased to share that Hampden-Sydney Connects will continue with a series of dinners, each designed to foster engagement and focused on a specific professional development theme or skill-building area.”
The event also featured a panel with James C. Wheat Jr. Chair in Leadership Hugo F. Rodriguez Jr. ’88, Brooks Honeycutt ’06, Brian Sone ’13, Andrew Near ’13, and Student Body President Owen Williams ’26. Their diverse backgrounds and experiences, along with the stories they shared, offered valuable insights into the power of networking and building lasting connections, the theme of the evening. The panel’s contributions sparked additional conversations, further enriching the spirit of the event.
As the College continues to strengthen bonds between students and alumni through meaningful and engaging initiatives, the launch of Hampden-Sydney Connects is a strong example of what lies ahead. These collaborative efforts will continue to grow, demonstrating how connection can enrich the Hampden-Sydney experience. As Fenton notes, “We believe this is just the beginning of something that will continue to enhance the Hampden-Sydney experience for generations to come.”