Dinner With 12 Strangers is a one-time interaction of 6 UMSL alumni and 6 UMSL students in an arranged dining event.   The dinners are hosted by an alumnus in an effort to bridge the gap between students and alumni, and connect current and future leaders.

At a typical dinner, attendees meet at a restaurant or the Alumni Center. The host plays facilitator of the two to three hour event, where alumni and students engage in a meaningful roundtable discussion with a focus on the students’ life after graduation. 

These dinners help to personalize the university experience for the student.  Alumni and students are encouraged to share goals, majors, interests, and career and school experiences, with the ultimate goal of turning twelve strangers into twelve friends by the end of the evening.

Dinner With 12 Strangers events may involve alumni and students of multiple and varied, majors, fields, and interests.  There is also the possibility of hosting DW12S events based on a particular field or major (i.e. optometry, nursing, business, athletics, etc.).

What will be discussed?

Topics may include:

» Career and personal goals

» Talents and interests

» School and work experience

» Current trends in the profession

» Special skills needed

» Career planning

» Tips on resumes, job hunting, and networking

» Internships and employment possibilities, etc.

How do I sign up?

Email alumni@umsl.edu or 314-516-5833

We are looking to hold dinners in the Fall and Spring semesters or the 2010-2011 school year.

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Thank you to all the hosts, students, and alumni who participated in the Dinner with 12 Strangers Program for 2009-2010!

September 2009 -  Host Lindsay Jakul, Communication 2007
Maggiano's Little Italy

October 2009 - Host Jay Hartz, Business 1989
Pujol's 5 in West Port

November 2009 - Host Barney Bradshaw, History 1995
 J. Buck's in Clayton

January 2010 - Host Susan Sander, Education 1970
J. Buck's in Clayton

February 2010 - Jennifer Green, Communication 1995
J. Buck's in Clayton

February 2010 (Optometry Focus) - Host Karen Rosen, Optometry 1984
J. Buck's in Clayton

March 2010 (Social Work Focus) - Host Cassandra Kaufman, Social Work 2005
J. Buck's in Clayton

April 2010 (Nursing Focus) - Host Heather Thompson, Nursing 2005
J. Buck's in Clayton

April 2010 (Engineering Focus) - Host Debbie Wright, Engineering 2004
J. Buck's in Clayton

April 2010 (Business Focus) - Host Joe Freund, Business 2007
J. Buck's in Clayton

“I was so glad to be a part of the dinner.  It is so refreshing to see such excitement about learning.  Count me in for the next one!”

 -Marilynn Robinson - UMSL Alumna

“I had a wonderful time meeting the alumni whose path I am now taking.  To have their encouragement and wisdom is invaluable.”

-Huda Zada—Student Participant

“I gained useful insights into the profession and what I should realistically do once I graduate.  The alumni were very helpful, and I am very happy to hear real life experiences.”

-Duyen Cam Xin—Student Participant

“Dinner with 12 strangers provides a unique opportunity to mentor future colleagues as they transition from academia to the work force.”

-Karen Rosen—UMSL Alumna