Turn your passion into action as a CFANS volunteer

Looking for a meaningful way to stay connected to CFANS and shape the future of our community? Whether you want to drive high-level initiatives or work one-on-one with the next generation of leaders, we have a place for you! 

July 2, 2026
Alumni

Here are several rewarding ways you can turn your passion into action this year: 

Join an Alumni Society Committee

Alumni Society committees are where ideas become action. Whether you have just a few hours a year or are looking for a deeper leadership role, serving on a committee is a powerful way to make an impact alongside fellow alumni and friends. When you join, you can choose to collaborate in a variety of focus areas: 

  • Alumni to Alumni — Build a global, inclusive network by creating opportunities for alumni to connect, support alumni-owned businesses, and develop corporate alumni groups.
  • Alumni to Student —  Empower the next generation by linking alumni with current and prospective students through events like Networking Night, recruitment outreach, and youth achievement awards.
  • Alumni to College — Foster lifelong learning and celebrate CFANS excellence by helping shape marquee community initiatives like Classes Without Quizzes, the CFANS Sampler and Homecoming Parade Party and the annual Borealis Night of Excellence.
  • Resource Development — Strengthen the financial future of the College by securing program sponsors, fostering donor relationships, and supporting key fundraisers like the Harvey Jones Fundraiser for Scholarships.
  • Inclusive Excellence — Help recruit future leaders and champion the board's commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.


Ready to dive in? Shape the future of the College by submitting this Alumni Society Committee Interest Form. If you have questions, review the Alumni Society Board Fact Sheet or reach out to [email protected].

Become a Mentor (Applications due October 2, 2026)

Didem Sozen Atik with her mentor Brent Anderson.
Didem Sozen Atik with her mentor Brent Anderson at Mars Wrigley's Global Innovation Center. 

If you prefer a direct, one-on-one volunteer opportunity, make an impact on a student's journey by participating in the 2026-2027 CFANS Mentor Program.

Both new and returning mentors are invited to join one of our upcoming virtual information sessions to learn about program expectations for the year. Zoom links will be sent out prior to the sessions.

Read about two successful mentor/mentee pairs as the program celebrates 34 years in 2026!  Mentee Didem Sözeri Atik saw the value of connecting with a mentor who walked the same halls of CFANS 25 years prior. "Our shared food engineering background and our connection to CFANS, at different points in time, provided a common technical foundation that helped us quickly establish a strong professional connection," she said. 

Learn more and apply. If you have questions, reach out to Abby Little, CFANS Mentor Program Manager, at cfansaro.umn.edu. 

 

Volunteer at an Event 

There are opportunities throughout the year to volunteer for CFANS events and programs on campus and around the state as well as supporting partner organizations. Learn more about alumni volunteer opportunities and create a profile on the Volunteer Portal to receive notifications about upcoming activities.

No matter how much time you have to give, your unique experience is invaluable to the CFANS community. We hope you'll consider getting involved!