January 02, 2004 Laurel, Maryland

As part of the yearlong activities celebrating the 20th anniversary of the campus in Laurel, Capitol College has been hosting monthly luncheons for small groups of alumni working for area companies.

The luncheons began in September with alumni from Computer Sciences Corporation. In October, alumni working at MET Labs in Baltimore returned to campus, and a February visit is scheduled for graduates working at Motorola.

"This is just one of the many ways we want to keep in touch with our alumni and the companies who hire them," said Richard Beall, vice president for institutional relations. "Faculty members enjoy catching up with their former students, and we enjoy hearing the memories about their college experience. "

During the informal lunches, catered by the campus deli, the groups of alumni shared anecdotes about Capitol College life and how it benefited their careers.

"Those lab reports. . . .I had to do a lot for this guy (Professor Charles Vergers ) and I hated it, but now my boss appreciates that I can write out what I know," said Steve Wallace, a 1999 graduate who works at Computer Sciences Corporation.

Beall said he anticipates planning at least one luncheon a month throughout the year.