Less than a decade after crossing the stage at convocation, Allie Hughes (BA \u201909) again found herself surrounded by graduating Brock University students.<\/p>\n
The successful entrepreneur was honoured for her accomplishments Monday during the annual Grad Send-off celebration hosted by the Brock University Alumni Association.<\/span><\/p>\n Hughes, the founder and owner of strategic marketing firm Hughes & Co., was presented with the 2017 Outstanding Young Alumni Award at the event that drew more than 450 graduating students to the Ian D. Beddis Gymnasium.<\/span><\/p>\n The award recognizes a Brock University graduate under the age of 35 who has made a significant impact in their chosen field during the first decade of their career.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe tailor-made education I received while studying at Brock gave me the confidence and ability to get where I am today,\u201d said Hughes, who continues to work with the University through her business.<\/span><\/p>\n She annually accepts two interns through Experiential Learning in the Communication, Popular Culture and Film Department.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI feel that it is important as a digital agency to value their fresh perspective and appreciate the way they interpret and deploy information,\u201d Hughes said.<\/span><\/p>\n After graduating from Brock, Hughes has maintained her connection not only with the University, but also with her professors and the alumni office.<\/span><\/p>\n She credited the school for working to maintain relationships with their alumni.<\/span><\/p>\n Grad Send-Off was aimed at showing graduating students ways they can stay connected with Brock long after graduation.<\/span><\/p>\n It showcased the benefits of becoming a Brock alumnus and provided the chance to network with various employers and career advisors in attendance.<\/span><\/p>\n Chris O\u2019Connor (BA \u201912) attended the event as a vendor, representing Collingwood Brewery, and was impressed by the number of graduating students in attendance.<\/span><\/p>\n The event, he said, was a prime opportunity for students to meet with employers looking to hire new graduates and young alumni.<\/span><\/p>\n While the event wasn\u2019t around when he was donning his cap and gown, O\u2019Connor said he could certainly see the benefits of the celebration.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t