A new initiative will engage AU alumni who affiliate with the financial services and real estate industries in the New York City area.

The New York Finance Network will be open to all American University undergraduate and graduate alumni who are at early, mid-level, and senior points of their career trajectories.

The network will provide alumni with the opportunity to connect with a specific segment of AU's alumni population, building and strengthening valuable relationships that will contribute to their professional success, as well as deepen ties to the AU community.

Network members will also have the opportunity to hear about current industry trends, and learn about American University's academic and experiential training opportunities, which are preparing current students to thrive in the finance sector.

"Alumni involvement is paramount to a successful business school, especially in the Wall Street community," said Rich Golaszewski, KSB '07, a vice president in equity derivatives at Nomura Securities international. 

"I look forward to working with students to hone their interests and skills in financial markets, and I am excited to meet more like-minded alumni."

The network will convene approximately four times each year in New York City, including a networking event connected with the Kogod School of Business' Fall Finance & Real Estate Trip.

There is no financial commitment required to be part of this group. Details about each event will be posted on the American University Alumni and Kogod School of Business webpages. A launch event is planned for January 23, 2012.

If you or your company would like to consider sponsoring an event, or providing meeting space, please contact Rebecca Youngerman, associate director of alumni relations at AU’s Kogod School of Business, at ryounger@american.edu.