By Pedram Tabibi
May 9, 2014 Young Island - This week, I had the opportunity to attend the alumni reunion for the class of 2009 at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.
Having graduated not too long ago, I haven’t been too many reunions yet. Plus, the power of social media and the Internet have made it easier than ever to connect with friends and classmates from yesteryear.
That being said, I have been quite involved in Cardozo Law School as an alumnus, now being part of the school’s alumni executive committee, and I had great expectations about the event. I must say, it delivered.
The reunion, held for the classes of 1994, 1999, 2004, and 2009, was held at the Harmonie Club in New York City – a beautiful and elegant venue right by Central Park, and an ideal setting for a class reunion. I was pleased to see many familiar faces at the event, from my own classmates – some of whom I have thankfully kept in touch with – to school officials, such as Dean Matthew Diller, Cardozo Director of Alumni Affairs Sharon Lewis and Mark Yagerman, attorney and Chair of the Cardozo Alumni Executive Committee.
In his address, Dean Diller noted that the night was about reconnecting and catching up, and that the alumni should support and be there for each other. The great networking community we have should be used to be there for the current Cardozo students, he added.
For myself, the event was not only fun and a great way to reconnect with my classmates, but an opportunity to meet other Cardozo alumni, learn about their experiences and get some great advice. I was happy to see how approachable and kind everyone was, and I had great conversations with alumni from each class. Hearing each individual’s career paths and some of the fascinating things they have done, made me proud and optimistic about my own career path. This event was proof positive of the value in meeting and connecting with others face to face, and the great setting and atmosphere, coupled with wonderful alumni, made for a great event.
Especially in these times, to have a resource such as your alma mater and fellow alumni is important. Young professionals would be wise to attend these types of events and reconnect not only with former classmates, but connect with other alumni. Young professionals could learn a lot from those who came before them. Kudos to Cardozo Law School on a great alumni event and to my fellow alumni who made the night special. Granted there are a few years to go, but I am already looking forward to the next reunion and many new and additional friends and colleagues.
Pedram Tabibi is an attorney at Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone. He can be reached via LinkedIn or email at ptabibi@meltzerlippe.com