GOLD stands for “Graduates of the Last Decade,” those crucial first 10 years after graduation when Clarkies are getting established in life and careers. The GOLD Council consists of 20 to 30 young alumni spanning class years from the previous decade. Council members host events, serve on committees, participate in University initiatives, and otherwise engage with the Clark community.
GOLD Council objectives include:
- Maximizing the impact of the University’s most recent graduates
- Increasing young alumni engagement in Clark events and initiatives
- Encouraging classmates to volunteer
- Helping to grow annual philanthropic support among recent graduates
GOLD Council Subcommittees
- Student and Young Alumni Engagement
- Marketing and Communications
- Philanthropy
Alex Turgeon ’16, MBA ’17 (he/him)
Co-Chair
Holden, MA
Alex graduated from Clark University in 2016 with a B.A. in Business Administration, minoring in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, followed by his MBA in 2017, concentrating in Marketing, Information Management, and Business Analytics.
Alex is currently the CEO of Valere Digital & Head of Growth at Valere Labs, building, launching, and scaling over 100+ successful web and mobile applications. Prior, Alex co-founded the technology startup WooConnect, empowered the rise of the digital citizen as a strategic management consultant for the management consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton, and founded Valere Digital (formerly First Pulse), a digital experience, marketing, and creative services agency whose work has yielded millions in revenue, downloads, and increased funding.
In honor of Alex’s contributions to improving students’ collegiate experience while at Clark, he received the Russ Granger Award and the Outstanding Contribution to Student Life Award in 2016. Alex has continued to support Clark initiatives as an advisor on the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Advisory Board, guest lecturer and Alumni mentor for the School of Management, co-chair of the GOLD Council, the young alumni representative of The Clark Fund Advisory Board and Alumni Council, and planning member of the 2016 Reunion Committee.
Emilee Cocuzzo ’18, MBA ’19 (she/her)
Co-Chair
Boston, MA
Emilee Cocuzzo is currently a Senior Management Consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton, where she leverages data analytics and visualizations, strategy, and change management to drive impactful change for the government and empower our citizens. She is also an adjunct professor at Clark University, where she teaches about building businesses and crafting investor pitch decks in the startup space. Outside of work, Emilee serves on several nonprofit young professional boards and volunteers frequently in the community. An avid sports fan, she is also a community owner of the Minnesota Aurora FC.
During her time at Clark, she led organizations, such as the Worcester Student Government Association (WSGA), Speaker’s Forum, and the Clark Entrepreneurship Club (CEC). She also founded and led the Clark University Consulting Group (CUCG). In addition, she was also involved in the Student Alumni Relations Committee (SARC), Peer Advising, and Student Council while also working on-campus jobs and interning at local companies.
Emilee received a B.A. in Management and Entrepreneurship and an MBA with a concentration in Information Management and Business Analytics from Clark University. Emilee is honored to serve on the GOLD Council, and she looks forward to giving back to the Clark community!
Parker Freedman ’21 (he/him)
Co-Chair
Killingly, CT
Parker Freedman graduated from Clark in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Management. He played basketball as a freshman and sophomore, and was a member of the Clark University Investments and Trading Society (CUITS), where he served as president during his junior and senior years. One of his favorite Clark experiences was the creation of the CUITS fireside chat events, a weekly interview series with notable guests such as Marc Lasry, Jedidiah Collins, Hakeem Valles, Heather Hansen, and Mikey Taylor.
After graduating, Parker started working at Profectus Financial Partners where he helps people plan for a successful retirement. His favorite part of the job is helping people problem solve and creating long-lasting relationships.
Parker joined the GOLD Council after graduating and believes in giving back to Clark. He aims to create a sense of community among young alumni and encourage connection and participation in on campus activities. He is excited to step into the Co-chair leadership role to have a more direct impact on the GOLD community.
In his free time, Parker enjoys reading comic books, going to breweries with his fiancé (also a Clarkie), and spending time with his friends and family.
Members
- Justine Berard ’19, San Diego, CA
- Drashhti Bilimoria ’21, MBA ’22, Hapeville, GA
- Emilee Cocuzzo ’18, MBA ’19, Boston, MA
- David M. Corn ’16, Londonderry, NH
- Manning DelColgliano ’23, M.S. ’24, Worcester, MA
- Ben DiFilippi ’21, MBA ’22, Brooklyn, NY
- Parker Freedman ’21, Killingly, CT
- Andrés Gvirtz ’18, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Taylor Laflamme ’23, M.S. ’24, Worcester, MA
- Faaiz Masood ’20, Sommerville, MA
- Ana Mercado Roque ’19, New Brunswick, NJ
- Abdur Rahman Muhammad ’20, New York, NY
- Julianne X. Murphy ’17, M.S. ’18, Chicago, IL
GOLD Nuggets
GOLD Nuggets began in 2019 to help young alumni stay connected. This e-newsletter features GOLD Council updates, profiles and articles on young alumni, and upcoming events.
View our recent editions:
December 2023
October 2023
August 2023
June 2023
Not receiving GOLD Nuggets and other alumni news?
Recent Meetings
The GOLD Council meets on a quarterly basis to discuss current initiatives, how to support Clark and its current students, get updates on committee work, and determine the most effective ways to connect with fellow GOLD alumni.
May 2023, Agenda
February 2023, Agenda
November 2022, Agenda
September 2022, Agenda
Ask Questions or Share Feedback
If you have a general question about the GOLD Council, want to share feedback or an event idea, or if you’re interested in applying to serve on the council, please fill out this interest form or email gold_council@xcslscl.com.
Alumni and Friends Engagement
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- alumni[at]clarku[dot]edu