Council recommends continued alumnae involvement
MOLLY McVOY
Saint Mary's Editor
The President's Alumnae Advisory Council met this weekend to make recommendations to Saint Mary's president Marilou Eldred about the future of the College and alumnae contributions.
The council consists of 15 past and recent Saint Mary's alumnae who gathered to discuss the status of the college and how improvements could be made.
The alumnae attended classes on Friday and met with a panel of faculty from each department in the College to discuss how alumnae could help their efforts.
Many faculty members commented on how invaluable informal connections to alumnae are to the students; and how the alumnae are one of the best resources for promoting the college.
"The power of graduating from an all-women college is something the alumnae need to get across," said Toni Barstis, associate chemistry professor. "I was impressed with the alumnae of Saint Mary's. I continue to be amazed by these women."
Faculty also agreed that alumnae serve as mentors to current Saint Mary's students.
"Alumnae also serve as role models through their leadership, serving as community builders, sharing their knowledge with students as students make life choices," said Fran Kominkiewicz, director of the Social Work Program.
Barstis agreed that alumnae serve in an important way as mentors.
"I would say that the theme of the panel was that there are a variety of ways to … mentor students," she said. "We're not asking the alumnae for their financial help or to come [to Saint Mary's] for a whole day — but if they'd be able to serve as a mentor."
Kominkiewicz also explained that programs such as social work, which have strong ties to the community, appreciate alumnae support.
"Through our Social Work Advisory Board, alumnae contribute to the program's ability to stay connected to the community," she said. "Alumnae often serve as field supervisors, field instructors, and field organizers. Alumnae have continued to connect our students to various geographical communities, often giving information about graduate programs, volunteer activities, and other career opportunities."
The graduates can also help update departments so the skills and concepts they teach are compatible with the needs of the work force and community after graduation. The math department instituted the statistics and actuarial mathematics major in part because of a suggestion from alumnae about the need for that type of mathematical training.
"We've been using alumnae over the past several years to help us," said Don Miller, chair of the math department. "We stay in touch with our alumnae and look for suggestions about our program."
The alumnae also attended group sessions discussing topics including the economic autonomy of women, career choices, and moving through the "glass ceiling."
While meeting with Eldred, they discussed partnerships and initiatives to help Saint Mary's students in the corporate world of the future. They also mentioned specific corporate boards and national boards for Eldred or other senior officers of the College to sit on, and what corporations could assist Saint Mary's with diversity programs.
All News Stories for Tuesday, March 28, 2000
