Ice cubes in the mocktails will clink, while enlightening conversation topics will fill the Meredith Corporation atrium.

The Student Alumni Association event looks to bring Drake students and Des Moines professionals together for a night of conversation, appetizers and live entertainment. The Downtown Des Moines Networking event will be held Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. Free bussing will depart from Olmsted prior to the event for easy transportation.

Jonathan Brendemuehl, assistant director of alumni and parent relations and 2008 Drake graduate, said that SAA provides a valuable service to students and alumni.

“SAA events are a wonderful resource for both parties involved. It allows students to meet with influential and interesting alumni,” Brendemuehl said. “And, it connects the alumni with students for things like internships.”

Both Drake alumni and other area professionals have been invited to the event as a chance to meet with up-and-coming students and to share information on the working world. Professionals are also allowed to bring guests to further build the interactive network.

A majority of alums on the attendee list graduated within the last decade. Students will have the chance to talk with professionals from employers including Wells Fargo, Iowa State Fair, Meredith Corporation, EMC Insurance Companies and Holmes Automotive Group.

In its inaugural year, SAA has hosted a number of successful events, including a Student-Alumni Dinner, where students were paired with a Drake graduate in a similar field.

Interested alumni can click to alumni.drake.edu for more information regarding upcoming events including the All Jazz Alumni reunion, the 2011 Beautiful Bulldog Contest and Downtown Street Painting.

Brendemuehl said that SAA serves the growing need for strong connections.  “Networking is more important for students today than ever before,” he said.

To register last-minute, contact Brendemuehl at [email protected].