Electrical Engineering Alumni Reunion Brings Inspiration and Industry Support Back to Sonoma State University
More than twenty electrical engineering alumni returned to Sonoma State University for the 2025 Electrical Engineering Alumni Reunion, where they had the opportunity to reconnect with classmates, meet graduating seniors and current graduate students, and witness how the campus has evolved since their time at SSU.
Alumni from as far back as the Class of 2014 attended, alongside recent graduates from the previous year. Most of the alumni are now employed by leading Bay Area tech companies, with some traveling from as far as San Jose to join the event.
Many alumni took the entire day off to also attend the Electrical Engineering Senior Design Expo in the morning, where they had a chance to see innovative student projects and interact with the next generation of engineers. The evening was filled with warm conversations, laughter, and reminiscing about student life at SSU.
The evening was filled with meaningful conversations, laughter, and reflections on their time at SSU. As Class of 2017 alumnus Jeremy Shawlee put it, SSU’s Electrical Engineering program stands out for its supportive faculty, hands-on learning opportunities, and collaborative environment. "I would like to credit the program not only for preparing students for success in the engineering industry but also for inspiring alumni like myself to give back and support future students following the same path," he noted. The energy and commitment demonstrated by alumni like Jeremy continue to strengthen the SSU Engineering community and pave the way for future collaborations.
There was also thoughtful discussion about how alumni can contribute to strengthening the department by supporting both undergraduate and graduate programs and helping students prepare for successful careers. Many alumni expressed a strong desire to give back to the program that helped shape their professional lives.
Several alumni offered to assist with résumé reviews, provide career mentoring, and host technical workshops. Others volunteered to return as guest speakers for classes or student clubs. A few are even planning to find ways to facilitate internship opportunities for Sophomores and Juniors.
Notably, alumni currently working at Google and Keysight Technologies expressed interest in organizing company site visits and field trips for students, further expanding industry exposure.
In addition to alumni, several industry representatives also participated in the event. Among them was Casey White, who reflected on the impact of their SSU experience: “My education at SSU laid a solid foundation for my career and inspired my ongoing involvement as an Industry Advisory Board member. Seeing the continued advancement in the quality and sophistication of student projects makes me incredibly proud. The alumni network and these reunions remind us all of the lasting impact of our shared experiences and the importance of staying connected.”
The event was a powerful reminder of the camaraderie and deep connections fostered through the SSU Engineering community. Faculty and students were moved by the enthusiasm and generosity of the alumni, whose eagerness to support the next generation of engineers is a testament to the strength and success of the program.
“It was truly inspiring to witness our alumni so willing to give back and actively participate in shaping the future of our department,” said Dr. Farid Farahmand, Professor of Electrical Engineering. “This is the kind of support that makes SSU Engineering a vibrant and impactful community,” added Dr. Mohamed Salem, Chair of the Engineering Department.
The evening concluded with a shared hope: to grow the event even further in the future and continue building a strong, engaged alumni network.