UPC, Alumni Association have a strong history of partnerships
Caitlin McCourt has an exciting job on campus. As manager of the K-State Student Union’s Student Programs and Involvement, she helps bring the fun to campus through the Union Program Council.
“It’s been a great experience,” McCourt said. “Even though I didn’t attend K-State as a student, I’ve felt incredibly welcomed. The sense of community here is strong, and there’s a real commitment to building a supportive and engaging campus culture. That’s what makes K-State so special — you can feel the community in everything, from the people to the programs.”
The K-State Student Union Program Council plans more than 100 entertaining, educational, cultural and substance-free events each year for K-State students and the Manhattan community. UPC and the K-State Alumni Association have close ties. The organizations partner on multiple projects each year including the International Block Party, Homecoming and more to bring connections and fun to K-State students.
“I've always appreciated working with them,” she said.
In the three years since McCourt’s arrival on campus she’s worked closely with Brandon Moreno, associate director of engagement and belonging for the Association, to continue to partner and offer quality events and opportunities for student engagement.
“We started at K-State at the same time,” she said. "He’s been a great partner. He brings a lot of support and he also has good connections around campus. He does a really good job of bringing in a bigger group when we need extra support.”
McCourt said she appreciates the Association’s willingness to collaborate on projects. Sometimes the support is merely financial through co-sponsoring an event, sometimes the Association provides manpower and other resources, but no matter the situation, McCourt said the friendliness of the staff makes partnerships easy and fun.
“Many campus partners are eager to collaborate with UPC because our events offer a direct connection to students,” McCourt said. “Bringing in Brandon and the Alumni Association adds an alumni perspective that really enhances the experience and takes the program to the next level.”
Additionally, from a planning perspective the Association staff often has the ability to think creatively to add to events and experiences offered by UPC when asked to do so.
Every year K-State kicks off the school year with Week of Welcome [link to: https://wow.k-state.edu/], a week of activities and events designed to provide students with the resources needed to succeed in college. One of the signature events for Week of Welcome is the International Block Party, which includes a DJ, food with international flavors and halal friendly options and opportunities for K-State students to connect with one another. The Alumni Association has hosted the block party since 2014, when it began as International Student Family Fun Day. Since 2017 the Association has partnered with UPC to continue the event as the International Block Party.
Additionally, the Union and UPC partner with the Alumni Association during Homecoming to host the children's carnival, which provides activities at the Union for children in the Manhattan community.
“I’ve got a lot of appreciation for the Alumni Association,” McCourt said. “I’ve seen how they show up for students and support our programs, and the way they bring alumni together really adds something special to what we’re doing.”