As the new academic year begins, Yale's Cross Campus network is buzzing with excitement. The online networking, advice and mentorship community bridges generations of Yale alumni and students, with chances for growth, connection, and mentorship. Nancy A. Stratford ’77, avid Cross Campus mentor and dedicated alumni volunteer, knows just how valuable connecting with fellow Yalies on Cross Campus can be.
“I love connecting with Yale students and alumni. Advising them and getting to know them has been a source of joy,” Stratford shared. Reflecting on her experiences, she highlighted the dynamic exchange of stories and insights that span decades. “Yale was great when I was there, and it is even greater now.”
Cross Campus is Yale's online community for networking, advice, and mentoring. With over 26,000 members, it facilitates relationships among Yalies, whether alumni to student or alumni to alumni.
Since joining the Cross Campus community, Stratford has experienced many standout mentorship moments. She recalled when she helped a sophomore who was worried about securing a summer internship. Stratford suggested building confidence through mock interviews. “At the conclusion of the interviews I made suggestions as to how she could answer some questions given that she had very little prior work experience,” she said. “She received several job offers, and we discussed what she thought would be the best choice for her.”
Alumni, too, have turned to Stratford for mentorship. Another memorable connection involved a young alumna starting work in a new city who was in search of a sense of community and belonging. “I connected her to our local Yale club in the area and to a YaleWomen chapter and told her about the various Shared Interest Groups that had relevance to her job in order to help her find a community of Yalies where she was both geographically and professionally,” Stratford shared.
Cross Campus is user-friendly and offers various features to connect, such as discussion boards, groups, and mentorship programs. “With respect to the mentoring program in particular, These updates also go directly to my email,” says Stratford.
“Importantly, the Cross Campus communication is clear and relevant. And the visuals maximize content on each page. I really appreciate the fact that — on one single landing page — I can find a tremendous amount of clear and well-organized information about past dialogues, current conversations, and upcoming meetings,” Stratford noted.
The platform has also been key to maintaining Stratford's connection with the Yale community. Through groups like the Yale Alumni Fund and YaleWomen, she stays engaged and informed about various initiatives and events. “Living in New York City, I have been able to get together with students and young alumni who are passing through the city. I enjoy meeting them at the Yale Club of NYC,” she emphasized. “It is interesting to learn what issues matter to students these days.”
Stratford added, “Some mentees know what exactly what they want to get from a mentoring relationship. Others want help in crystallizing their goals or simply having the chance to ask questions about classes, life transitions or what to expect after graduation. In any case, alumni can be helpful.”
For alumni who may hesitate to join the Cross Campus mentorship program, Stratford offers encouraging words. “Each alum has wisdom to share with a mentee, whether it is advising on a career path or sharing life experiences. In turn, the alums will have the benefit of getting to know a current student and hearing about life on campus.”
Don’t miss out on the chance to enhance your leadership skills, broaden your network, and make a lasting impact on our Yale community. Join Cross Campus today and become a mentor to fellow alumni and students. Visit crosscampus.yale.edu to learn more and get started.
About Nancy Stratford
Nancy A. Stratford ’77 has been a dedicated volunteer for Yale since graduation. She is a past Chair of the Yale Alumni Fund, a former Chair of the Yale Alumni Association Board of Governors, a past member of the Yale Tomorrow Campaign Committee and of the Yale Development Council, the co-founder of YaleWomen, a founder and chapter head of YaleWomenNYC, and is the Chair of Agents for the Yale Alumni Fund for the Class of 1977. She is also a proud Yale parent.
After Yale, she earned an MBA from the Wharton School. Professionally, Stratford has had an extensive career in finance and investments advising institutions, hedge funds, and government entities, and she now manages private portfolios.
