On February 27, 2025, the Advancement Office held the 11th Annual Josh Rothstein Young Alumni-Student Networking Night (YANN) in the Great Hall amid an unexpected campus-wide power outage. Rather than calling it a night, attendees made the best of the situation as the catering staff quickly started handing out candles — and the unfortunate situation only added to the intimate atmosphere.
The event was introduced in the spring of 2015, giving students the opportunity to connect with young alumni professionals in the Chicagoland area and receive career advice from young adults that they can relate to. Each year, the Alumni Relations team hand-picks ten panelists, with a diverse selection of graduating class years from the past ten years and different types of industries that they work in. Some fields, like finance, law and medicine, are present each year, while others, like consulting and software engineering, rotate each year.
YANN was rebranded in 2020 to honor Josh Rothstein ‘05, an entrepreneurial LFA student who was tragically struck and killed by a car during his sophomore year in October 2002. Rothstein’s family continued working with LFA following the tragedy by establishing a commemorative lecture series for the succeeding 17 years, then eventually adding his name to the Networking Night to honor his legacy.
“Josh was the type of kid that would have attended this event, and one I surely would have enlisted as a representative,” said Ruth Keyso, Senior Director of Alumni Engagement & Philanthropy.
Over the years, students have left the event with valuable connections that have guided their future. Some have landed internships through alumni they met at the event, while others have gained confidence in their chosen career paths after listening to first-hand experiences. Alumni themselves also often tell faculty they are amazed by LFA students’ professionalism and interest. The experience has opened up everything from career shadowing possibilities to life-altering career guidance, demonstrating that a conversation can open new doors in unexpected ways.
For many students, the idea of approaching professionals and discussing their future and potential career paths can be intimidating. However, YANN works to dispel these fears by creating a relaxed, open environment. “Relationships are at the heart of everything we do in life and I don’t think students should be afraid to engage with alumni to learn and grow” said Keyso. Alumni are chosen for their willingness to mentor and provide advice, and students are encouraged to ask anything — even questions they might feel are “too basic.” Attending is a great way to practice networking and take the pressure off of a necessary skill for college and beyond.
For alumni, returning to Young Alumni Networking Night is more than just an opportunity to share career advice—it’s a way to give back to the school that supported them in achieving their goals. Many alumni remember the uncertainty of post-high school life and appreciate being able to guide current students through it. At the same time, they also benefit from staying connected to the LFA community, expanding their own professional networks and even scouting potential interns or future colleagues. The event gives everyone a strong sense of support from each other, reminding the community that the LFA experience extends far beyond graduation.
One of the most exciting aspects of YANN is the fact that it introduces students to career fields they may not have previously considered. Many students enter the event with a fixed idea of what they want to pursue but leave with a new perspective after hearing about the different fields that the alumni work in. Whether it’s a former student working in venture capital, an entrepreneur who established their own company, or success in some off-the-map creative field, the occasion highlights all the different paths that success can follow. Introducing students to all these different paths keeps them open-minded as they look to their futures.
High school students often have an idealized or limited understanding of the working world, and YANN helps them form a more realistic picture. Alumni share their experiences of job searching, facing rejection, setbacks and how many of their careers rarely reflect what they expected to be doing in life. These honest conversations help students understand that career paths are rarely linear, and that flexibility and resilience are necessary when building a life for yourself and following your dreams. Knowing about the ups and downs of different professions can help students set realistic expectations and better prepare themselves for what is to come.
YANN serves as a prime example of LFA’s philosophy that education is a life-long process, and how its students never stop learning. An institution like LFA creates an environment where students continue to grow and learn from one another, even after graduation. The Advancement Office is excited to continue holding the annual celebration, and hope that current LFA students strive to be invited back post-grad.
