By Steve Seepersaud
The foundation for this sentiment comes from her student experience. Shortly after President Harvey Stenger arrived at the University, he launched the Road Map strategic planning process. Treidel joined his team as an intern during her sophomore year, working on projects related to the freshman-year experience and enhancing the relationship between the City of Binghamton and the University.
A year later, she was promoted to a consultant role, in which she worked directly with leaders of the Road Map’s strategic priorities and oversaw a group of student interns.
Treidel recalls a conversation in the School of Management lounge with other Road Mappers as being the genesis of a new campus tradition and proof positive that students can make a far-reaching impact.
"Through talking with my team, we realized the first weekend on campus is an important moment and a great opportunity to introduce a new campus tradition that would bring camaraderie to the forefront," Treidel said. "One of my team members — a transfer student — was explaining how at his prior university, all first-year students participated in a group photo. We started brainstorming ways to Binghamton-ize the group photo, and that is how the "B" photo was born.
"Looking back, being a consultant for President Stenger and the Road Map was truly a defining moment of my college career. It cemented my passion for the University and its leadership team."
"Cara was a natural leader who made immediate impacts," Stenger said. "I love her energy and positive attitude, and I know she will be a great chairperson for the alumni board."
It didn't take long for Treidel ― a CPA and manager at the New York office of PricewaterhouseCoopers ― to become engaged with the University as an alumna. In 2017, she joined the Alumni Association Board of Directors and subsequently moved up the officer ranks from secretary to vice president to president. While serving on the board, she has focused on the Bearcats of the Last Decade (BOLD) Committee and was involved in creating the BOLD Leadership Council and 10 Under 10 Awards.
"I am very excited that Cara is serving in this critical volunteer role," said Matthew Winston, Jr., executive director of alumni engagement. "She has brought boundless enthusiasm and a wealth of ideas to the board already, and I expect her influence to grow that much more as president of the alumni association. Cara cares deeply about engaging our graduates in the life of the institution, and her experience working with our BOLD community makes her a wonderful role model and ambassador for the University's young alumni."
As president, Treidel looks forward to seeing new initiatives ― such as the Alumni Travel Program ― launch and flourish. She also supports increased outreach to BOLD alumni. Treidel feels the Alumni Association can add a great deal of value to their lives even though they are inherently proactive at keeping in touch with other Binghamton alumni.
"The Alumni Association provides a platform for alumni to showcase their leadership skills and build both new connections and friendships. We offer opportunities for alumni to engage with students and fellow alumni in both professional and social ways. Mentor Match provides a platform by which alumni can sign up to either be a mentor or a mentee. Binghamton alumni have many accomplishments to be celebrated. Our awards ceremony is a moment when we all come together to cheer on our fellow alumni and recognize their achievements.
"I can't say enough about how much value the Alumni Association has personally brought me and how proud I am to be part of such an incredible organization."