Stevens Alumni Volunteer Voices: Adalberto Alonso, PE ’83 M.S. ’86 and David Arbeitel ’83
As far back as their student days, Adalberto Alonso, PE ’83 M.S. ’86 and David Arbeitel ’83 were bringing the Stevens community of runners together to support the university and each other. When they consider the value Stevens alumni can bring to today’s students, they see nothing less than endless potential – for alumni to support students’ career trajectories, and for all to build new and lasting Stevens memories.
NAMES: Adalberto Alonso, PE and David Arbeitel
CLASS YEARS AND MAJORS:
Adalberto Alonso, PE – 1983, Electrical Engineering, M.S. 1986, Computer Science
David Arbeitel – 1983, Electrical Engineering
STEVENS VOLUNTEER ROLES:
Adalberto: Volunteer head coach for the Track & Field Club; founding member of the Lollipop Run and 5K at Alumni Weekend; member of the Alumni Weekend organizing committee; founding member of the Technology 5K Challenge at Stevens.
David: Co-leader of the first ever Cross Country and Track & Field alumni reunion along with the team coaching staff at Alumni Weekend in June 2025.
STEVENS VOLUNTEER SINCE: 1984 and 2025, respectively
How/why did you decide to contribute your time as a Stevens volunteer?
Adalberto: Upon graduation, I felt that it was important to keep the momentum going on what I helped establish while a student at Stevens.
David: I helped start the Cross Country and Track & Field program at Stevens along with Al Alonso and others in 1979 that has continued for over 46 years. I wanted to give back to Stevens and felt that Cross Country and Track & Field alumni were an underutilized resource. I hope that the athletics program provides new opportunities for alumni to sponsor and help the sports teams and student-athletes succeed.
What drew you to your particular volunteer activity or activities?
Adalberto: I was a founding member of the Varsity Cross Country team.
David: As a founding student-athlete for the Cross County and Track & Field Programs at Stevens, I wanted to help the sports teams succeed by partnering with other interested alumni and the team coaching staff. I can see many opportunities for Cross Country and Track & Field alumni to sponsor the teams and to mentor student-athletes to achieve their career ambitions.
What excites you most about what you do for Stevens?
Adalberto: Seeing how my contributions helped the program flourish.
David: Besides seeing many fellow former student-athletes at the reunion, I look forward to the opportunity to give back to the Cross Country and Track & Field programs and to support current student-athletes. Alumni can be an amazing source of career and life wisdom that Stevens could tap into for its sports programs and current student-athletes.
How has volunteering for Stevens impacted you personally?
Adalberto: Volunteering has become a part of who I am. As I look back since my days at Stevens, I have fun memories of all the events and organizations that I have supported.
David: I think back to my days as a student-athlete at Stevens with fond memories. I hope to give back to current student-athletes so that they may have similar experiences that have been key to my success both professionally and personally.
What do you feel is the impact of alumni involvement in the university?
David: The potential of alumni involvement at Stevens has yet to be fully tapped. Professional and personal success comes from the relationships we build and the networks of people that can help us on our life journeys. I hope that the athletics program establishes a growing relationship with its alumni to create a key resource for current student-athletes to tap into for professional and personal growth.
What would you say to other alumni who were considering volunteering at Stevens?
Adalberto: Remember and follow through on the Nike slogan, “Just Do It.”
David: There is no greater satisfaction than giving back to help the next generation achieve their aspirations. Personal networks are the most valuable and often untapped resource that is just waiting to help if only asked. Alumni have invaluable knowledge and experience that can be the difference for helping today’s students navigate their futures successfully. Help a student and make a friend for life.
