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Women of WPI: One of WPI’s Great Alumni Affinity Groups

WPI’s affinity groups are a perfect way for alumni to stay connected to the university. A quick glance at the Alumni Affinity Groups web page (wpi.edu/+alumnigroups) shows how the Alumni Association, in partnership with the Office of Lifetime Engagement, meets the engagement interests and needs of our alumni community.

Among the groups, you’ll find the Women of WPI, a group that helps alumnae foster strong connections with the university and each other through events and online communities. Group activities promote personal and professional growth, celebrate member successes and achievements, and provide opportunities for women to share ideas and inspire one another.

Reflecting on why she maintains her membership in the group, Women of WPI Chair Susan Sontgerath ’88 says, “In one word: connection—to other women who also experienced WPI. For those of us in the earlier decades especially, there is a shared experience of being one of the few. But it is also wonderful to interact with the women from later decades and learn about their experiences.”

For me, the Women of WPI felt like a perfect way to get involved, meet new people, and have some fun.”

Women of WPI Chair Susan Sontgerath ’88

She adds, “In the group, we have women in class years ranging from the 1970s to the 2000s, and it makes for such a rich member experience.  Everyone is at a different stage of life—from retirees and grandmothers to mid-career professionals, new moms, and women in their first jobs. But we all have WPI in common and can connect on so many levels. That diversity of experience is especially important when we plan events that will be interesting to the widest group of other alumnae.”

Female students automatically become Women of WPI members upon graduation. “Attending Women of WPI events is a wonderful way to stay engaged with WPI and get to know fellow alumnae,” says Sontgerath.

Women of WPI usually plans two or three events per year and meets virtually or in person about once a quarter. The group also tries to plan at least one hybrid event per year so members who are not local to Worcester can still participate. To learn more, contact womenofwpi@gmail.com.