So this picture is proof that spring was on its way to northern New York last week!! We had a great visit at St. Lawrence University. The Princeton review ranks St. Lawrence number 3 in the country for the power of its alumni network. For the students who are willing to reach out, that means great networking for internships and careers. I am increasingly impressed with colleges that have strong programs in place within their career office. I think that more students should be asking questions about outcomes during their campus visits! At St. Lawrence, they have a program called SLU Connect, where students travel to networking events around the country to visit with alumni and parents during break. There's also Laurentians in Residence, which brings alumni and parents to campus for networking and mentoring opportunities. Do you notice that I've said "parents" twice? It may well exist, but I have not heard of other colleges digging in and seeking out parents of current students to help guide the career paths of other students. I think this is wonderful! Continuing on this theme, there is also a career mentoring program which matches a current student with an alumni or parent (again) mentor which students can avail themselves of as early as freshmen year. There's a January Career Boot Camp for students who are willing to come back early after winter break sophomore year. Academically, St. Lawrence has long been known for strong liberal arts. But I was struck by the offering of a major in Business in the Liberal Arts which students can pair with any other chosen major. With additional majors in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Finance, Public Health, and Statistics, St. Lawrence is not limited to liberal arts. 99% of the students living on campus for all 4 years, so there's a very strong community here. If you make it here for a visit, make sure to check out the campus center. It's designed like an Adirondack ski lodge, and it's gorgeous!