Alumni, students, faculty and staff gathered at National University’s Illinois campus June 22-24 for Homecoming 2017, an annual networking and learning event.

“We made several exciting updates to Homecoming based upon feedback from last year’s attendees,” said Tracy McHugh, MBA, vice president for Administrative Services. “We had a great turnout.”

This year’s theme “Connect, Learn, Advance,” encouraged alumni to come to Homecoming to connect and network with former classmates and future colleagues, learn and expand their skillset through continuing education courses, and advance their careers.

“At Homecoming, alumni not only take advantage of continuing education courses, they are also able to develop deeper connections and meet people they might not otherwise connect with,” McHugh said.

Organizers continued the new tradition of hosting Homecoming on campus, allowing alumni to revisit their old classrooms and reminisce on their time as students. They took tours of new additions such as the hydrotherapy suite in the clinic and the renovations recently completed in the Student Center.  Attendees also learned about National University’s latest research efforts from a panel of presenters.

During Homecoming, the university offered continuing education courses in multiple fields including chiropractic medicine, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, oriental medicine, and massage therapy. The diverse grouping of classes and expert speakers gave alumni the unique opportunity to learn about topics outside of their individual professions.

Several current students participated in the popular mentoring session where they asked alumni questions and sought their guidance on how to build successful careers. Students also took advantage of the new networking luncheon with several of the event sponsors such as China Gel, NCMIC, Standard Process and Flawless Homes. “The luncheon was particularly useful for students, who will likely be doing business with similar companies in their future careers,” McHugh said.

On Friday during the President’s Luncheon, NUHS President Joseph Stiefel, MS, EdD, DC, discussed the university’s current goals and how alumni can get involved.

During Saturday’s events, Dr. Thomas D. Stotz was awarded Outstanding Alumnus of the Year and Dr. Carlo Guadagno was recognized as a Fellow of the International College of Chiropractors.

Make sure to check out the NUHS website later this summer for photos of this year’s event on the Alumni page, and a video recap of Homecoming 2017 in the summer edition of the digital Alumnus. Information will also be available on next year’s event in June 2018.