All across the world, Caldwell Fellows alumni embrace the call to servant-leadership.
Staying Engaged.
Caldwell Fellows alumni remain active in the life of the program by attending alumni conferences, assisting in the anual selection process, hosting trips to their cities of residience and coaching current Caldwell Fellows. Continued engagement with current Fellows is a significant way that many alumni find their own development challenged and nurtured.
Alumni engagement opportunities
Caldwell Fellows Selection Process
Each year, Caldwell Fellows alumni and friends are the backbone of our intensive new student selection process. Each year we need help with reviewing applications and interviews at both the semi-finalist, and finalist stages. It truly takes a village to ensure we select students who show the greatest potential for developing in the practices of servant leadership.
Caldwell Fellows Gala
The culminating celebration of Selection Weekend, the Gala is an occasion to dress snazzy, reconnect with old friends, make new friends, and enjoy the company of the community of Fellows from across the generations. Venues change, but the fun doesn’t.
Caldwell Alumni Brunch
The day after Selection each year, we invite alumni who are still in town and interested to join us for a more informal brunch. A time to catch up and enjoy fellowship at the conclusion of an action packed Selection season.
Caldwell Conversations
Alumni and current Fellows come together each year for this daylong conference that runs concurrent to the Selection process. The event is an opportunity for alumni to connect with current Fellows, sharing their wisdom and expertise, while also rekindling their understanding of and commitment to the values of servant leadership. The theme changes each year and the event is often planned and facilitated by alumni.
Caldwell Fellows Coaching Training
Coaching is an approach to development that is rapidly becoming a core practice of the Caldwell Fellows. Keenly aligned with servant leadership, the active listening, emotional intelligence, support and challenge of coaching builds strong teams through strengthening individuals. The Caldwell Fellows program supports a number of alumni to become certified professional coaches each year in return for three years of volunteer coaching of current Fellows.
Urban Adventure Hosts
Each year the Caldwell Fellows Program takes current students to cities across the US to explore, engage with alumni, and learn more about graduate and professional opportunities in those cities. Each Urban Adventure includes visits to alumni sites of employment, a alumni dinner gathering, and potential urban explorations led by intrepid locals. This is a fun and informal way for alumni to give of their time and connections.
The community of Caldwell Fellows doesn’t allow personal growth to stay internal. I was challenged to use my increased self-awareness to better serve people around me.
Lydia Allen (’15)
Math Teacher, Western Alamance High School Elon, N.C.
NC State Alumni Intergenerational Service Team
In the Fall of 2024, we invited NC State alumni to join our team of Fellows who serve weekly at the Interfaith Food Shuttle Farm for two Saturdays.
The work of each Saturday depended on the farm’s needs. It was a time to get a bit dirty, learn through experience and reflection, meet other alumni, and have fun. Adventurous, adaptable spirits were a great match for this undertaking. Alumni of all ages were welcome, as were family members ages 12 years and older.
What did this experience offer?
Learning about the work of the Interfaith Farm and contributing to their mission of relieving food insecurity.
Building connections with a team of alumni across two Saturdays of shared work.
Experiencing the work and values of the Caldwell Fellows program and introducing young family members to great role models and the program’s possibilities for their futures.
