Andrea Singer, '13 BS

ASU is good at finding problems, and even better at mobilizing an ecosystem - of students and academics, alumni and thought leaders - to figure out how to solve them. This mentality of asking the right questions, building sustainable infrastructure around these ideas, and ultimately pairing this scale with such a strong sense of responsibility and global public service is an impactful model of leadership today. As an alum, I'm more excited than ever to keep finding ways to be a part of this and give it forward. Serving on the Next Generation Council alongside fellow Sun Devils who are invited and committed to apply this approach to how we engage with our alumni is just one part. 

What I've come to value is the mindset ASU alumni bring with them. That openness and ambition to build and improve, while staying grounded in public purpose, resonates. And they do far beyond a state that many Europeans may not be able to place on a map, but appreciate as a distinctly valuable and American combination. With such an expansive network, ASU also opens the door to unexpected connections.

Striking up a conversation - at an airport or conference, a sporting match, even on a remote mountainside in one case - and realizing you share an ASU tie is always a welcome reminder of how far-reaching the ASU network really is, and how quickly alumni can build connections.

If I had to give advice to other Sun Devil alumni in Europe who want to stay engaged but aren't sure how, I would say start small and stay curious! Reach out to an alum for coffee, share ideas on what you would want to see from this next generation or what would make a difference in your communities. That's often where the best momentum begins. If you're in a position to give financially, that's powerful, too - ASU provides a platform to support the initiatives that are important to you, like "advance technology for good" or "build the future of health". However you engage (and if you're in London in September, come join us for ASU Football!), the goal is the same: help empower and believe in the ASU ecosystem to build what's next.