Who says there̢۪s no such thing as a free lunch?

Partnering Alumni with Students (PAWS) is the student alumni chapter of the Fresno State Alumni Association. This group allows students to meet with professionals in their chosen career field and throws in a free meal, as well.

The program, Take a Student to Eat (TASTE), was started this semester by PAWS in an effort to connect current students to Fresno State alumni in the local area. It is hoped that by interacting with alumni in their choice industry over lunch, students will learn what it takes to succeed in their desired occupation.

According to Katie Johnson, Alumni Outreach Administrator for the Fresno State Alumni Association, a lunchtime meeting tends to make the conversation more casual as opposed to an office setting, which can feel a lot like an interview.

“I feel it’s beneficial for the student that they learn how to make a one-on-one connection with someone,â€Â Johnson said. “One of the greatest fears is learning to meet new people.â€Â

Johnson added that the program could open students up to job opportunities and it could also play a role in their personal and professional development. It may even help students pin down their interests.

“Sometimes, the goal of the program is to see if students even want to work in that desired profession,â€Â Johnson said.

Johnson is also hopeful that the interaction between student and alumni could continue even after their first meeting and perhaps blossom into a long-term formal mentorship.

Natalie Dennis, a junior majoring in recreation administration and leisure studies, participated in the program a few weeks ago. She and fellow student Ricky Gamundi met with 1979 Fresno State alumnus Roy Oken, president of Wonder Valley Ranch resort. After having lunch with Oken, the students were given a tour of the resort, which provides facilities for weddings, banquets and even high school proms.

Dennis, a student assistant to the Fresno State Alumni Association, said it was the kind of place she could see herself working at someday because she wants to be a wedding coordinator and event planner.

“I enjoyed it because it’s something I can see myself doing,â€Â Dennis said. “I’m learning how to operate and manage facilities.â€Â

Oken, like other alumni involved in the program, responded to a flyer sent out by the Fresno State Alumni Association. A few weeks later, he received a call from Dennis asking if she could come and meet with him.

“I talked to them about how important it is to plan what they want to do,â€Â Oken said. “Most people spend more time planning things for the weekend, like what movie they want to see, than about their futures.â€Â

Oken said that choosing his career was easy because he knew what he wanted to do throughout his education. Aside from an internship after graduation however, Oken didn̢۪t recall any program like TASTE during his college years that gave students any real world experience in their field of study. He said that it was something he would be willing to do again.

Although it is the responsibility of the student to make the meeting arrangements, it is the alumnus who agrees to pay for lunch. So far, around 15 students have participated in the program. Students may sign up by calling 278-ALUM.