DANBURY, CONN. — In an increasingly competitive job market, sometimes the difference between getting your foot in the door and getting passed over is who you know. With that in mind, the Western Connecticut State University Alumni Association is launching a series of networking opportunities, called “WesterNetwork,” so graduates can strengthen ties to their alma mater and to each other in a relaxed, social environment.

The inaugural “WesterNetwork” event will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, at Two Steps Downtown Grille, 5 Ives St. in Danbury. The gathering will feature complimentary hors d’oeuvres and will be free and open to WCSU alumni. University faculty, academic deans and WCSU President James W. Schmotter will mingle with alumni and discuss the ongoing challenges of work-life balance and how to capitalize on relationships fostered at Western to positively affect quality of life. Reservations are requested by Thursday, June 6, at (203) 837-8298.

Next fall, the second in the series of networking opportunities will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, at The Loft, 97 Washington St. in South Norwalk. Reservations are requested by Thursday, Sept. 19 at (203) 837-8298.

WCSU Director of Alumni Relations Tammy Hammershoy created the networking events.

“Over the years, alumni have expressed a desire for a closer relationship with WCSU,” Hammershoy said. “But, it can be very difficult to balance work, home and family responsibilities along with the desire to maintain a relationship with one’s alma mater. This is why we’ve decided to bring news of the university to the areas in which our alumni work and live. We want to make it easier for our alumni to learn what’s happening at Western and allow them to provide feedback.”

For more information, call the 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.