Eagle Class of 2024 –
You made it! All your hard work paid off and brought you to this huge milestone moment. Well done, college graduates!
The time has come for you to soar. As this season of your life closes and your next chapter commences, take these words to heart: You are an incredible class of men and women, filled with plans, dreams, and talents. You made it this far, and I am so excited to see what the Lord has for this next class of UNW alumni. May your time at Northwestern serve as a springboard, launching you to make a Kingdom-expanding impact wherever you go. Philippians 2:13 says, “It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” May God give you the passion, strength, courage, peace, and joy for the work He has in mind for you.
This world needs light; this world needs hope; and this world needs leaders like you who know Jesus is the Risen Lord and who will spread that hope to others. No matter where you are called, continue to stay true to our mission to amplify the gospel.
As you take flight, here are four pieces of advice:
1. Celebrate the time you had at Northwestern.
Reflect on experiences, activities, and memories. I am sure that it feels bittersweet to finish and move on but think back and thank God for how He has carried you through. He is faithful to continue that work in this new season. Ponder the ways you have grown in your faith, in your field, and as a person, and ask for Him to continue to grow and shape you as you step into new experiences.
2. Appreciate those who helped you get to this moment.
So many people are likely congratulating you for your huge accomplishment—take time reflect on their role in your life and thank them for the kindness they’ve lavished on you. Acknowledge those who have helped you along the way, making sacrifices so that you could succeed, or simply have been there to cheer you on throughout your college experience.
3. Launch into the next season.
Continue to grow and learn—it doesn’t stop at graduation! Build off the momentum of this accomplishment and confidently pursue the next opportunity the Lord has for you. Whether you are furthering your education, stepping into a full-time role, starting an internship, or simply job searching, the Lord has plans in this next season of your life. Embrace the learning curve and give yourself grace in the process. Those who have prayed for, supported, and encouraged you throughout your college years will continue to do so as you step forward.
4. Don’t fly alone.
You belong to a community of more than 31,000 Northwestern alums, from recent grads to legacy alums who live across the globe, work in countless careers, and influence others in their homes, churches, communities, and world. This community is a resource for you. Don’t fly alone: ask for help, stay connected to God and others. It is our hope that you will network with others in this Christ-centered community of alums which you are now a part of!
Plug into the Young Alumni community. Join the Alumni Facebook group. Come back to visit us at Homecoming, concerts, games, and other events. Find ways to pour into Northwestern students through volunteer opportunities or mentorship roles. If you run across an opportunity to support a student or fellow alum, I hope you will consider giving back to this community that came around you during your time at UNW.
2024 Northwestern grads, it’s time to fly! Go Eagles!
Monte Abeler
Director of Alumni & Parent Engagement
