The State University of New York at Fredonia will welcome back alumni Zachary Beaudoin (English and International Studies, ’17), Justin Cunningham (Business Administration—Finance, ’15) and Jakera Cooper-Willis (Psychology, ’15) for a three-day virtual residency collaboratively organized by Writers @ Work, Fredonia Convocation, the School of Business, the Department of English, the Intercultural Center, the Department of Psychology on Thursday, April 8 through Saturday, April 10. All events are virtual and free.

On Thursday, April 8, at 1:00-2:20 p.m., in the course Digital Marketing for Music Industry, Justin Cunningham will discuss how he uses his business background to build partnerships in hip hop and music (including with Chance the Rapper) and to engage youth.

At the “Be the Change” open virtual forum on Thursday, April 8, at 6:30-8:00 p.m., the three alumni will share their current projects, how they got started on their careers  and how SUNY Fredonia helped them get there.

Immediately following this event, on Thursday, April 8, at 8:00-9:00 p.m., Ms. Cooper-Willis and Mr. Cunningham will present a panel discussion called “The Power of Influencers and Social Media.” This public event will focus on how to leverage the power of social media and influencers to advance the goals of a business.

On Friday, April 9, from 10:20-11:10 a.m., Zach Beaudoin will visit Professor David Kaplin's Argumentative Writing class to discuss the importance of developing strong arguments for various contexts, audiences, and purposes.

On Friday, April 9, from 12:40-1:30 p.m., Sigma Tau Delta and the Business Club will co-host a public event called “Developing your Brand Identity.” This event features break-out room discussions in which the three alumni focus on how to build personal and organizational brands, create social awareness and increase civic engagement. 

Alumni will also visit classes remotely and will participate in virtual panel discussions alongside current Fredonia students at the Go Big Blue Day on Saturday, April 10.

Note that all virtual sessions will be recorded. Attendees are invited to turn their cameras off if they do not wish to be recorded.