How can someone uplift their community using connections and cupcakes? On Wednesday, Nov. 12, the Center for Career and Professional Development hosted its annual “Leave No Crumbs” dinner in the Tippie Alumni Center from 6 to 7 p.m. The dinner was an effort to help students connect with resources to reach their career goals.

“Leave No Crumbs” was established several years ago by Life Design Director Natalie Brown, who served previously as director of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access & Social Justice Center before it was folded into the new Life Design Lab in fall 2025. When Brown started working at the college in June 2023, she wanted students to take advantage of the resources they have in college so they can reach their desired career path. The name of the “Leave No Crumbs” dinner is a reference to a conversation Brown had with a student, in which she advised them to “leave no crumbs” behind during their time in college. Brown said she hopes that this event will allow students to grow their career experiences.

With speakers, slideshows and a dining experience, students had some positive words to say about the event. This year was the second time Logan Lee, ’26, attended the dinner. He initially joined the event to network and connect with peers from different backgrounds, and he attended for the second time this year to build on his experience.

“So far I like the dinner’s collaboration with the CCPD,” Lee said.

CCPD Associate Director Liza Schaef, who began working at Allegheny in January 2025, said her first experience with the “Leave No Crumbs” dinner was positive.

“It is so important that students in their early college career engage with and explore as many initial opportunities as they can,” Schaef said.

Schaef encouraged students to move out of their comfort zone and explore new possibilities to build their resume and gain professional skills. She expressed optimism for first-years learning about this event and wishes to help provide students more information that will help their professional lives.

“I think I would just encourage students to really take advantage of this and other opportunities and to really use this as a good excuse to think about next steps,” Schaef said.

CCPD Faculty Liaison Briana Lewis expressed excitement for the opportunities that students can experience during and after the dinner. She is grateful for the lively environment the students attending had created for this event.

“Great energy,” Lewis said, speaking about the event’s ambiance. “A lot of students who seem really excited to take advantage of what we have to do.”