Alumnae Show Support for Current Students

Throughout the spring semester, the Office of Alumnae Relations has coordinated several outreach events for current students. The various events have connected students with alumnae, provided professional networking opportunities, and ensured students were able to have some fun.

In February, all current students were treated to a Valentine Pop Up Event. Members of the Alumnae Association Board of Directors were on campus to distribute goodies bags to nearly 350 students. In honor of the College’s 131st birthday, students, along with the entire campus community, were invited to attend an in-person campus birthday celebration.

The campus birthday celebration opened with remarks from Vice President for College Programs Jean Jackson, ‘75, which highlighted all that we can celebrate over the past year and the many things we have to look forward to throughout the remainder of 2022. It also featured birthday treats, giveaways, hot chocolate, and postcards for our donors that members of the Meredith community were able to sign. 

Career-Focused Panel Discussions
Students had the opportunity to attend two virtual events during this semester. The Meredith Mentors Virtual STEM panel provided students the opportunity to connect with alumnae, all of whom majored in an area of STEM and currently work within the field. Panelists included Jessie Rivers, ’71, Mandy Steele Johnson, ’96, Amber Pittman Barnes, ’00, and Melissa Bland Turner, ’08. They each shared details about their Meredith experience, post-secondary schools, and the path to their current career. Alumnae shared tips for students interested in pursuing a career in STEM as well as answered questions from attendees.

Meredith Mentors, an online platform, connects members of the Meredith College community for professional and personal networking opportunities. Through Meredith Mentors, students can connect with alumnae, alumni, faculty, and staff on a variety of topics. Encourage your student to register for Meredith Mentors. For additional information, visit mentors.meredith.edu. 

Another virtual event offered to students was Life After Meredith: Navigating Your Career Path, which featured a panel of Human Resources professionals. Participants included: Jenn Jones Mann, ’92, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, SAS, Meredith Lawhon Manz, ’01, ’07 MBA, President, Manz Coaching & Consulting, LLC, and Brittany Cooper, ’06, Global Head of Talent & Growth, IBM. The alumnae panel highlighted employment trends, interview skills, and answered questions about navigating life after Meredith. 

1891 Student Alumnae Association Events
Members of 1891 Club, the Student Alumnae Association, received the spring T-shirt following Spring Break. Membership in the 1891 Club includes a T-shirt for all members during both the fall and spring semesters. This spring, members of the Alumnae Association Board of Directors were present to distribute the shirts and provide information about the Alumnae Association along with a small gift. Board members enjoyed greeting students and sharing information about the Alumnae Association.

1891 Club is devoted to helping current students prepare for lifelong relationships with the College as partners, advocates, and investors. The 1891 Club strives to spread awareness of Meredith College traditions, history and the importance of alumnae giving, so that the Meredith College experience can be preserved for future generations. For additional information about the 1891 Club, visit meredith.edu/alumnae/1891-club.

Senior Induction Ceremony
The Alumnae Association welcomed the Class of 2022 at this year’s Senior Induction Ceremony, held on April 13. In addition to being formally inducted into the Alumnae Association, the class commemorated their time at Meredith by announcing their Senior Class Gift as well as introducing Ms. 2022, their class doll. Emily Pappas, ’12, offered remarks on behalf of the Young Alumnae Board and Alli Easom Barrow, ’20, brought greetings from the Big Sis class. Courtney Allen, ’10, president of the Alumnae Association, offered remarks and led the induction oath. The ceremony was followed by a celebratory reception.

Finally, the Office of Alumnae Relations is partnering with the Office of Residence Life to host a special celebration on the last day of class. The LDOC event will feature Italian ice treats from Sweet Water Ice along with many other fun giveaways. All students will be invited to participate in this fun event to conclude the end of the academic year.

“It’s important for current students to see alumnae on campus and have an opportunity to interact with us. Doing so engages them while they’re students and will encourage them to get involved with the Alumnae Association once they graduate and turn their rings,” said Courtney Allen, ’10, president of the Alumnae Association. “More than ever, our students need to know that we support them and are encouraging them while they live and learn during these unprecedented times.”