²έΑρΙηΗψ

September Duhawk Dozen

Ali (Reeg) Burgmeier (’18)
Marketing & Business Administration
Dubuque, Iowa

Five years ago, Ali (Reeg) Burgmeier (’18) was just starting life after ²έΑρΙηΗψ and maneuvering through a new career. Pushing herself out of her comfort zone as a student helped lay the groundwork for success after graduation. Being uncomfortable in the workplace and her personal life doesn’t make her afraid, but rather, she sees it as a sign that she is growing and working towards her goals. Her dedication to making the communities she is a part of better than how she found them makes her our September 2023 Duhawk Dozen recipient.

Ali has built a life around the relationships that matter to her. From growing up in the small town of Bellevue, Iowa, to coming to ²έΑρΙηΗψ and being involved with many co-curricular activities, the relationships she has formed have helped her find her calling in life, especially with her Duhawk friends. β€œDuhawks are such a unique group of individuals, and no matter what organization you join, you meet people who stick to you post-graduation. You run into them in the most random places, and you get friends for life!”

Ali’s Duhawk network remained strong after college as she headed to Denver, Colorado, with her fiancΓ©, now husband, John Burgmeier (’17). After a while of working remotely, fellow Duhawk Celia da Silva (’19) reached out and asked Ali if she ever thought about a career in real estate, something she hadn’t really thought of until that point. β€œOnce I started thinking how to grow my own business around people and not just houses, as well as weighing out some of the pros and cons while going part-time into real estate, it opened my eyes to a client relationship business I absolutely love.”

And she hasn’t looked back. The Burgmeiers moved back to the Dubuque area, where Ali has helped numerous Duhawks, family, friends, and clients through one of the biggest buying decisions. β€œMy two careers didn’t really have a lot in common, but what I loved about the account management role is only stronger as a real estate agent. Working with people and being able to take things off their plate to help them through different phases of life is so rewarding.” Plus, she says Duhawks are some of her favorite clients!

Remaining one of the most connected young alumni, Ali works hard on social media to keep up to date with her peers and meet face-to-face. β€œAs we get older and further post-grad, it’s harder to reach out, but don’t be afraid to make the first move. Whether it’s a text or a comment on a post, let people know you are thinking of them because it goes a lot further than you may think.”

Ali mentioned she is excited to celebrate her class’s 5-year reunion this October 6, 7, & 8! β€œTime does fly after graduation. It will be cool to see how our classmates are finding their rhythm and where people are landing in person, not just on social media!”

Hear more from Ali as she talks to Young Alumni Advisory Board communications chair Anna Johnson (’18), by listening to this month’s podcast. Also, catch her at Homecoming 2023!