DANBURY, CONN. — One of the advantages of residing relatively near to one’s alma mater is the ability to interact with fellow graduates who share a common set of experiences. With that in mind, the Western Connecticut State University Alumni Association has launched a series of networking opportunities, called “WesterNetwork,” so graduates can strengthen their ties to Western and to each other in a relaxed, social environment.

Two “WesterNetwork” regional events have been scheduled so far this fall.

From noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014, a “WesterNetwork” reception will be at the University of St. Joseph, 1678 Asylum Ave. in West Hartford. The reception will precede the 1 p.m. women’s soccer game between the Colonials and the St. Joseph Bluejays. It will be free and open to WCSU alumni. For more information, go to www.wcsu.edu/alumni/westernetwork-stjoes.asp. To RSVP, email alumni@wcsu.edu by Friday, Aug. 29.

A second “WesterNetwork” reception will be at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, 2014, at Westfield State University, 577 Western Ave. in Westfield, Massachusetts. The reception will precede the 7 p.m. football gamewww.westfield.ma between the Colonials and the Westfield State Owls. It will be free and open to WCSU alumni. For more information, go to www.wcsu.edu/alumni/events.asp.

Interim Director of Alumni Relations Helen Bechard said, “These networking events are an opportunity to support our student athletes at away games and meet other alumni living in the area.”

For more information, call the WCSU Alumni Office at (203) 837-8298.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York.  Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.