Alumni Engagement in Action: Judi Littell’s Volunteer Experience
Alumni volunteers are the heart of the Cal Poly Alumni Association (CPAA), and the organization is always looking for Mustangs who want to get involved. From serving as a board member to recruiting alumni at a career fair to mentoring students through Cal Poly Career Connections to supporting alumni events, there are many ways to give back.
Judi Littell (Graphic Communication, '82) is a great example of an alumni volunteer who has recently gotten involved with her alma mater again. She moved from the Bay Area to San Luis Obispo to retire in 2019 and began volunteering last year. She enjoys giving back with her time at events run by the CPAA, such as the recent Alumni Wine and Beer Garden during Open House weekend, which has been her favorite volunteering opportunity so far. Over 400 alumni attended this year’s Alumni Wine and Beer Garden, where they ate, drank, and sampled from 15 alumni-owned or Cal Poly-affiliated local wine and beer businesses.
“It’s great to meet other volunteer alumni and was so fun to welcome alumni at the check-in table,” she said. “In a few cases, I was able to witness some very sweet reunions.”
Littell also enjoys working alongside current students.
"I joined the CPAA and signed up for volunteer opportunities," Littell said. "There is always a fun event that I gravitate toward. Most of the events have students working, and it’s fun to hear their stories and their passions and to share my own. It can also lead to many other exciting opportunities to volunteer or mentor."
As a student, Littell worked three jobs to pay for her education and feels as though she missed out on a lot of typical college experiences, such as participating in clubs and events. She’s excited that she can finally take part in those once again.
“I am so proud of being a Cal Poly alumnus,” she said. “Now I have the time to revisit and marvel at the changes in the campus since graduating in 1982.”
Find your alumni community and learn more about how you can get involved at the link.