By: Annie Wilcox
Features Editor
On January 6th, twenty eight St. Lawrence students, including myself, began their journeys down to Washington D.C. for a week of networking with the area’s alumni. Some of us did not know what to expect and some arrived in D.C. with a purpose and interviews lined up throughout the week. Regardless of our intentions for participating in SLU Connect – D.C., we all left with a greater knowledge of D.C. careers and an incredible respect for the St. Lawrence alumni network.
The week began with a dinner hosted by Jennifer Curley Reichert ’90, the SLU Connect – DC Steering Committee Chair, who was responsible for bringing the program to life. Kelly Appenzeller ’15, her intern for the summer of 2014, spent her time at Curley Company organizing the program. Jennifer, Kelly and Elizabeth Shaffer ’11, were key players in creating the first ever networking program in Washington for SLU students. Jennifer stated that the idea for SLU Connect – DC really came about through conversations [she] had with Lynn Fox about how [they] could give St. Lawrence students a leg up in D.C.” The program certainly did that. Elizabeth Shaffer ’11 and Steering Committee Member commented that “the caliber of the students was really impressive. They came prepared and eager for a week of absorbing the city and connecting with alumni.” The program gave each student the opportunity to connect with potential employers, set up interviews and discover the plethora of career opportunities in Washington.
The six day program was packed with various seminars and networking events. There was a tour of Capitol Hill including a dialogue in Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s private meeting room and a view of the sunset over the balcony of the Capitol. We learned the ins-and-outs of non-profits and NGO’s at the World Bank with Melanie Smeallie Mbuyi ’77 and Diane Wood ’73. Alex Ranger ’17 commented that his favorite part of the week was gaining knowledge about all the different opportunities you can have in D.C.” We were in mutual agreement that going to the Department of State was our favorite seminar. Alex had the opportunity to see where he will be interning this summer with Robert Manogue ’83.
The highlight of the week was a “Get Connected” networking event open to all area alumni and students. Congresswoman Clark was the keynote speaker for the event and took time for a group selfie with us. There were many familiar faces, from recent grads to students, and many professionals from the D.C. area. It was incredible to see St. Lawrence alumni reunite and become acquainted with each other and the SLU Connect – DC students. Omolola Akingba ’17 stated it perfectly when she said that “we have a great alumni network who are ready to help. All students have to do is be more proactive.”
I asked Jennifer what it was like to see current St. Lawrence students living and learning in D.C. She responded saying that “it was incredible to see St. Lawrence alumni come together to help our students compete for the best jobs and internships in Washington, D.C. This program is a real differentiator for St. Lawrence and lets us showcase the best of the best from our students and alumni. We have alumni in some of the most diverse careers imaginable – and our students got a taste for them firsthand. St. Lawrence alumni are willing to go above and beyond to spend time with and help our students. Seeing that relationship play out was the most rewarding part of the program.”
The week was not strictly business. “We were free to explore the culture of D.C. during meal times and in the evening” observed Sophia Dastoli ’17. The program included a night tour of D.C. and plenty of free time to scope out restaurants and the nightlife of Washington. Some of the students even went to a Wizards/Knicks game. The final day was left completely free to explore the nation’s capital. I used the time to head to Georgetown for some famous D.C. Cupcakes.
The debut of SLU Connect – D.C. was a huge success. An incredible amount of time and energy went into planning the week-long event. It is representative of the dedication and spirit St. Lawrence alumni have for their alma mater. From the alumni and steering committee to the students, Career Services, and all of Kelly Appenzeller’s hard work – all of the pieces came together for what was a hugely successful inaugural year for the program” said Elizabeth. SLU Connect – D.C. was an immense success and strengthened student alumni relations.