Innovative Alumnae Celebrate FounderΓÇÖs Day
14 November 2019 Innovative Alumnae Celebrate Founders Day
Four William Smith alumnae took the stage in the Vandervort Room on Thursday night to discuss A Tradition of Innovation as part of the annual Founders Day celebration. The event honors the signing of the deed of gift that established the college in 1906. William Smith College was founded in 1908.
William Smith Dean Lisa Kaenzig P22 welcomed the crowd of students, faculty, staff and guests to reflect on the history and traditions of the college, and noted that this years celebration pays special tribute to the long history and current successes of William Smith alumnae who are creators, innovators and trailblazers.Kaenzigs full address is available.
In discussing the evenings theme of innovation, President Joyce P. Jacobsen recalled the risk William Smith took in starting the college. The very existence of us all sitting here tonight is a real statement about how you dont get anywhere if you dont take some risks, she said.
Director of Alumni and Alumnae Relations Chevanne Graham DeVaney 95, P21, P23 introduced the panel of alumnae guests, Phylicia Dove 09, Rachel Hadley 13, Drury MacKenzie 03 and Katherine Marino 12. The panel was moderated by Maya Weber 20.
Panelists shared stories and offered guidance on a range of topics, from acclimating to the culture of the college to learning how to say no. In discussing challenges that made them stronger and the lessons they learned, Hadley associate winemaker for Glenora Wine Cellars and Knapp Winery shared a story of moving to New Zealand to further her career in the wine industry and finding there was much she didnt know. Asking for help is really important, especially when you get into your field, she said.
In fielding a question about learning how and when to say no, performance artist and dancer Marino discussed that creators are often asked to share their work for the exposure, which can translate to being asked to work for free. She advised students to weigh what theyre getting and what theyre giving up. Its never just a no, she said, because it means youre saying yes to something else.
Dove, a self-described fashion activist, owner of Black Monarchy, wife and mother, discussed how she maintains a work-life balance while building a business and a family at the same time. It built a sense of tenacity in me, she said. I knew it was up to me to create this world that I wanted for myself, for my children, for my legacy. She encouraged students to care of themselves, learn to say no, and to enjoy themselves and this moment.
When it came to final words of advice, MacKenzie who serves as a visiting instructor of entrepreneurial studies at HWS encouraged students to embrace failure. The more you fail, the more you learn, and the more you learn, the more success youll have in the future.