Bridging the Gap: “Almost Alumni” Event Connects Seniors with GU Graduates
Published: July 18, 2026
Author: Lydia Cahill
On October 24, 2025, the Greenville University Alumni Board and distinguished graduates met with “almost alumni” —students graduating in the fall or in May.
The “Lunch & Learn” event, relaunched in 2025, prepares students for life beyond Greenville and builds meaningful connections.
“We had twice as many people show up this time, so that was a big celebration,” said Margaret Bolvin, a member of the Alumni Board and a panelist at the event.
Bolvin explained that each member of the alumni panel shared how the University shaped different aspects of their lives, such as their faith in God, their connection to the GU community, and their career advancement.
“I talked about how Greenville helped me relationally,” Bolvin said. “And Jeff Finley, the Alumni Board president, spoke about how Greenville helped him spiritually.”
Finley reflected on how the deep faith he cultivated at Greenville has carried him through life.
“My life has taken different twists and turns, but the truths my professors told me still come back to me,” he said. “The foundation I received at Greenville has been invaluable.”
Students were invited to ask the panel members questions about life after graduation. One student’s question was about living a Christ-like life in a secular world.
“In my work, I try to live out my faith as an example, and people notice,” Finley said. “People would comment, ‘I notice you don't cuss. What's the deal with that?’ When I left the magazine, I worked in Chicago, and I hadn't worked with many of those people for very long. However, I was told later that I had probably about the biggest turnout of anybody for a going-away party.”
“As teachers, we can’t talk politics, religion, any of that, but there are still little things you can do,” Bolvin added. She explained that teachers can still display their faith through positive actions.
However, the most meaningful part of the lunch for both students and alumni was the opportunity to build connections.
“I was impressed with the friendliness of the students,” Finley said. “We had a great time of fellowship and getting to hear their stories. GU is a family, and we can help each other career-wise and spiritually by maintaining the connections that are established here.”
In a few short months, the soon-to-be graduates will be facing life head-on. Though some will go on to graduate school or other paths, many will enter the workforce. Students said the lunch eased their doubts and fears about the future.
“There was a level of comfort and hope in what we were saying,” said Bolvin.
This addition to Homecoming weekend was created by Director of Alumni Relations, Robyn Florian, to introduce seniors into the larger GU alumni community.
“It's an initiative out of our office to include more events in the ‘Almost Alumni’ series. I want all our GU students and alumni to know we belong to a flourishing 'net-that-works.’”
Through their classroom experiences, GU supplies seniors with the skills they need to excel in their fields. The University has one more gift to offer them: a reminder that their time here will continue to shape every area of their lives.
For “almost alumni” and beyond, GU continues to equip students to be faithful, fruitful, and connected graduates.
