Volunteer of the Month-Natalie Pacifico '04

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2. Volunteer of the Month-Natalie Pacifico '04

For Natalie Pacifico '04, Bloomsburg was big enough for her to stretch out but small enough to feel an extraordinary amount of support from faculty, staff, and fellow students. A first-generation college student, Pacifico maintains that support was vital to her completing her degree while her participation in Greek Life and other organizations provided an opportunity to network with a diverse group of students and hone her leadership skills.

Now, she is part of that support network for current students.

"Those experiences were so vital," recalled Pacifico. "I got such a good foundation and I don't know if I would have gotten that at a large school."

Even though her time on campus provided opportunities for growth and connection, Pacifico still recalls needing to learn a lot about professionalism while on the job. That professionalism came in handy when the network she had built in the banking industry allowed her to pivot to Human Resources and survive the economic crash of 2008.

Pacifico learned about volunteer opportunities with Bloomsburg through a regional alumni group and her sorority. She volunteered as an alumni panelist for the Zeigler Institute for Professional Development (ZIPD) Conference and the Career Intensive Boot Camp (CIBC), and what she saw impressed her.

"I was blown away by the hunger of the students and the accomplishments of the other panelists," said Pacifico, who added that she was also surprised at all the ways Bloomsburg is working to make sure that students have varied opportunities to hone their professional skillset like the ZIPD Conference, CIBC, and annual Sales Competition.

"They know what the industry needs now, and the students are already dialing in," said Pacifico.

Not only did the change in academic structure impress her, but so did the students. A number of young women approached her after an International Business panel to ask her about her experiences as a female in a male dominated industry. Such interactions gave her a sense of the impact alumni can have.

"Representation matters," Pacifico stated. "I was blown away by the initiative they had. It was such a full circle moment seeing their talent and how passionate the students are. It's great to know there is a next generation of capable professionals and I am so proud Bloomsburg is leaning into that."

Pacifico later agreed to keynote CIBC. Her presentation "Packing for the Journey Ahead" offered insights on how to approach the job search and first year on the job.

"I was looking around the room at some really engaged students and was impressed by the questions they were asking," said Pacifico who encourages her fellow alumni to get involved in any capacity.

"We have so many successful alumni and now is the time to get involved," she said. "The students are amazing and the university is dedicated and committed to their future. It's such a differentiator and it's so powerful. To give back in this capacity it amazing."

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• Professional U

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