Collaborative Alumni Website
A full-stack web app connecting alumni and students through social feeds, direct messaging, and an interactive location map built with Flutter and Firebase.
Introduction
Capstone projects serve as a bridge between academic learning and real world application. Working with the Granger Cobb Institute for Senior Living, our three-person team set out to build a comprehensive platform that would connect alumni and current students.
The goals were clear: seamless messaging, post creation with image uploads, and a map displaying alumni locations by city. What followed was an intensive, rewarding development cycle that sharpened both my front-end and back-end skills.
Tools & Technologies
Flutter
Cross-platform UI framework
Firebase
Auth, database & storage
Google Maps API
Location visualization
Dart
Primary language
Features Implemented
Post Creation & Image Uploads
Users can create engaging posts accompanied by relevant images, fostering community interaction among alumni. The home page displays a live feed of all posts.
User Authentication
A secure sign-up and login flow stores user information in the backend. Future additions include email verification, profile settings, and account deletion.
Location Visualization
Using Firebase, Flutter, and the Google Maps API, an interactive map showcases alumni locations by city, enhancing networking opportunities across geographic regions.
Messaging System
A private messaging feature lets users communicate directly, encouraging mentoring relationships and the sharing of valuable insights between alumni and students.
My Contributions
I worked across both front-end and back-end components throughout the project. My primary focus was crafting the home page, featuring the dynamic post feed, and the analytics page, where the alumni map visualization lived.
This dual role strengthened my skills in UI design and Firebase integration simultaneously, and gave me a deep appreciation for building cohesive, user-facing features end-to-end.
Conclusion
Collaborating with the Granger Cobb Institute was an invaluable experience, from conceptualization through implementation. Flutter and Firebase proved to be a powerful combination, and the project pushed me to grow as both a designer and an engineer. While there is still work to be done, the progress reflects the dedication of everyone on the team.