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April 30, 2019

UA Launches Online Community for Wildcats

TUCSON, Ariz. — The UA Alumni Association is making it easier for Wildcats to make connections, reach career goals and stay connected to the UA with the launch of the Bear Down Network.

"We're excited to unveil the Bear Down Network because it leverages the power of the UA alumni community," said Melinda Burke, president of the UA Alumni Association. "Today, our alumni base is composed of over 290,000 alumni and supporters, who are eager to help Wildcats succeed."

Through the Bear Down Network, Wildcats can access an alumni job board and directory, as well as networking, mentoring and career-development opportunities. They can also serve as mentors, share job opportunities and stay up to date on the latest UA news and events.

"The Bear Down Network is a valuable resource for any alumni looking to elevate their career and expand their Wildcat network," said Syndric Steptoe, director of alumni careers and professional development. "We'll also provide valuable career content and resources, including success stories of Wildcat CEOs and entrepreneurs."

These stories include interviews with businesses luminaries Matt Van Horn and Percy Knox. Van Horn's startup, Zimride, led to the rise of Lyft. Knox, a former UA track-and-field phenom, designs luxury suits for future NBA stars. Their stories, as well as mentoring spotlights, career wisdom and Wildcat Q&As, can be found in theAlumni Career Lab.

In addition to career resources, the Bear Down Network will feature relationship-building opportunities. For example, through the alumni directory, users can connect with former classmates, find others employed in the same industry, and join academic college and interest groups.

"We want the Bear Down Network to be a place where Wildcats can connect to our vibrant alumni community and build meaningful relationships. I encourage all our alumni and supporters to spread the word and help us grow the network," Burke said.

The Bear Down Network is open and free to all Wildcats, including current students, alumni, and UA faculty and staff.

To join, visit beardownnetwork.com. The Bear Down Network app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.

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Researcher contact:
Quinn Miller
UA Alumni Association
520-626-1893
quinn.miller@al.arizona.edu
The University of Arizona, the state's super land-grant university with two medical schools, is one of the nation's top 50 public universities, according to U.S. News & World Report. Established in 1885, the UA is widely recognized as a student-centric university and is a designated Hispanic Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education. The UA ranked in the top 25 in 2018 in research expenditures among all public universities, according to the National Science Foundation, and is a leading R1 institution with $687 million in research expenditures. The UA advances the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships as a member of the Association of American Universities, the 62 leading public and private research universities. It benefits the state with an estimated economic impact of $4.1 billion annually.