For Kyle DeRiemer '09, going to college was an uncomplicated prospect. It was simply what was expected as the next step in his life.

He was attracted to Chestnut Hill College for a variety of reasons – its small size, good financial aid package and its status as a Division III school, for which he would end up playing tennis for three years. He was part of the second class to admit men, and CHC's male-to-female ratio of 1 to 5 was a fact that didn't hurt his considerations.

He laughs as he remembers his decision-making process. "My high school was all boys, and the ratio at Chestnut Hill was a big factor."

And then he learned what attending CHC is really all about:

"I had no idea what was coming," DeRiemer says. "CHC opened a lot of doors for me academically and socially. I'll always be close with the friends I met there, and the things I learned there put me on the right track, career-wise.

"You have no idea when you're a freshman that any of this is on the horizon. Looking back you say, 'I'm really glad I did that!'"

DeRiemer's position as an RA at Chestnut Hill helped him get his first job after graduation – at his old high school, Church Farm School; a boarding school in Exton, Pa. For three years, he was in charge of one of the dormitories, substitute taught and coached tennis.

His current position, as an account executive at the University of Arkansas, was acquired thanks to the internship he did for two years for the Philadelphia Soul, an arena football team.

"They liked me so much there they promised me a job after graduation," he says. However, the league took a year off from play in 2009, and the Soul took a second year to reorganize, so the job wasn't ready when he was. Then, the Soul called him in 2012. He resigned from Church Farm School and ended up working for the Soul for another two years.

Today he works with the University of Arkansas athletic department to get people out to the games, thanks to that experience with the Soul. He works on behalf of all the sports that play ticketed games – football, basketball, baseball and more. As he says, he has to be flexible in order to adapt to cover all these sports and the different fan bases for each.

"I always consider how I would want to be dealt with if I were a fan," he says. "I just offer the best customer service possible and treat everyone the way I would want to be treated."

The communications and technology major still holds his original dream of getting into some form of sports journalism. As the president of the TV Club at CHC, he helped produce a weekly 20-minute news program, covering events around campus and around town, a position he loved and hopes to replicate somehow.

As he talks, it becomes evident how important CHC was, and still is, to him.

"I wanted to go somewhere where the teachers would know me, and even though I knew the classes at CHC would be small, I was still surprised by how small they are," he says, adding that sometimes he was one of only 10 or 15 in a class.

"That was mind-blowing, but small classes allowed for the type of help you can't get in a large class," he adds.

And he remembers one professor, especially. Kim Leahy, Ph.D., joined CHC as the director of the communications department before his senor year, and made a lasting impact on him. "She was so hard, but I learned so much. She made you better in the classroom," he says. "You'd think you couldn't pass a test, but there was no way you couldn't pass it when she was done with you.

"Still, today, I remember specific things I learned in her class. She helped in so many ways."

It's fun to share!

Do you have good news to share with your fellow Griffins? Have you gotten married, had a baby or grandchild, earned another degree, been published, gotten a new job or promotion, opened your own business, retired, received an award or run a marathon? Have you taken a trip and proudly shown off your CHC gear?

We want to hear about and see it! Send your updates and photos to alumni@chc.edu. Make sure to include your full name and year of graduation, and include your phone number and email address so we can update our records. Deadline for the spring 2015 issue of the Chestnut Hill, our alumni magazine is January 15, 2015. Thanks!

It's time to plan for Reunion Weekend once again –

Mark your calendar for June 5 - 7, 2015

This is your time – your weekend to reconnect with former classmates, reminisce, share your news and enjoy today's CHC. Some things to note: Priority on-campus housing for the 50th Anniversary Class of 1965; Saturday Memorial Mass has been moved from morning to late afternoon; educational and enrichment sessions are scheduled; Golden Griffins Class of 1965 induction ceremony will take place at the Annual Saturday Luncheon, on June 6. Lots more to come!

We will be welcoming alumni from the classes of:

1935, 1940, 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010

What should you do now?

• Block out the weekend of June 5 - 7 for your time back home at CHC!

• Visit us online at www.chc.edu/alumni for updates and frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• Has your name, address or email changed? If so, please contact Cathy Quinn, director of alumni relations, at quinnc@chc.edu, 215.248.7137; or Fran Vorsky, associate director of alumni relations, at vorskyf@chc.edu, 215.248.7016

• Look for your Reunion Weekend brochure to arrive in the mail by February 2015

• Make plans to join us for this fun and exciting weekend!

Fall Conference

This year's annual fall conference was attended by alums representing more than five decades of CHC history. It was the first of a new format; information sessions in the morning followed by an open house with representatives from 15 academic majors and College offices. Attendees were treated to presentations from the admissions, career development and athletics offices. These speakers gave us a better understanding of today's CHC student experience and what alums can do to support them. Career development staff also highlighted how they can continue to support alums with resume and interview prep as well as networking and intern/c-op opportunities.

Coming Events

Friday, December 5 – Carol Night and Holiday Cheer (Happy Hour)

Carol Night begins at 7:30 in the Rotunda followed by Happy Hour at SugarLoaf from 9 to 11 p.m. Walk-ins welcome.

May 16 – 90th Anniversary Gala

Celebrate with us on this milestone with an evening of dinner, dancing, live music, raffles and silent auction. Funds raised at this event go directly to student academic scholarships.

June 5, 6 and 7 – Reunion Weekend

This year's reunion celebrates those who graduated from the traditional undergraduate College in the years 1935, 1940, 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010. A special congratulations to the Class of 1965 celebrating its 50th reunion and their recognition as the newest Golden Griffins!

August 29 – 2nd Annual CHC Night at the Phillies

After a stellar first year with 1,100 participants, we are proud to announce our second annual CHC Night at the Phillies. We will have a tailgate area, discounted game tickets and of course free T-shirts. Information will be sent out in the new year but mark your calendars now for what is sure to be another fantastic event!