The inaugural Catholic Central Young Professionals Organization (CC YPO) event welcomed nearly 60 alumni from a wide range of graduating classes to Catholic Central’s campus for an evening focused on connection and community. Hosted in the newly opened STEM Wing, the event featured food, drinks, and a bartender, creating a relaxed and engaging setting for the organization’s first gathering.

The event provided alumni with an opportunity to reconnect with former classmates and meet fellow CC graduates they had not previously known. Throughout the evening, attendees engaged in conversation, renewed relationships, and began forming new connections across class years, highlighting the value of bringing young alumni together in a dedicated space.

Following the event, several attendees shared positive feedback with the Catholic Central Board of Directors and the Alumni Office, expressing appreciation for the support behind launching the CC YPO and noting the strong interest in an organization focused on young professional engagement.

The CC YPO is designed to build on the foundation Catholic Central instills in its alumni - Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge - while supporting continued personal and professional growth. The organization aims to foster meaningful connections, encourage mentorship, and create opportunities for young alumni to support one another in both professional and personal pursuits.

The organization was spearheaded by Derek Simancas ’11, alongside fellow members of the Class of 2011, including Gino Pulice ‘11, Mike Tibbits ‘11, Mike Birney ‘11, and Nicholas Hines ‘11, who serve as the founding Board of Directors. Together, they are committed to establishing CC YPO as a lasting resource for alumni engagement beyond graduation.

Looking ahead, the CC Young Professionals Organization plans to host events in collaboration with the Catholic Central Alumni Office. These gatherings will continue to prioritize an inclusive, welcoming environment where alumni can strengthen relationships, build new connections, and remain actively involved in the Catholic Central community.

As CC YPO continues to grow, its leadership remains focused on developing programming and opportunities that add value for its members and help alumni stay connected to the principles and community that shaped their Catholic Central experience.