On Wednesday, November 29, the offices of Career Services and Alumni Relations hosted the latest event in their Connecting Passions and Creating Your Future series, which aims to connect students with faculty and alumni professionals across various fields of interest. Held in person on campus for students and online via Zoom for alumni, the event was well attended, particularly by students eager to hear from alumni about their professional experiences and how their Sarah Lawrence education prepared them for success after college.
The evening began with a virtual panel that featured alumni discussing topics such as developing a professional network, advancing career goals, and connecting one's passions. The panel, which was moderated by Literature faculty member Elias Rodriques, featured:
- Caroline Hurwitz ’04
Associate Creative Director at CVS Health - Alanna Martinez Ruse ’10
Senior Managing Editor, Kodansha Comics, Penguin Random House - Gabrielle Risica ’17
Program Officer at The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
After the panel, students enjoyed a keynote address by actress, writer, and comedian Leah Rudick ’06, known for her viral videos and newly-released comedy special Spiraling. “This school ushered me into living the life of an artist,” she remarked as she reflected on her path from Sarah Lawrence to her present career. “My time at SLC was four years of awakening; I could approach education with curiosity, and I learned to ask questions, to engage, to discuss.” Recalling an internship she had as a student at a theatre company in New York City, which she got through a connection with an SLC alum who worked there, she reminded students, “the Sarah Lawrence network runs deep.” Following her address, Rudick fielded questions from attendees and chatted with students.
Earlier in the day, Rudick toured campus, particularly the Barbara Walters Campus Center and the Remy Theatre—new additions since she graduated—and spent time in her old stomping grounds of the Performing Arts Center, reconnecting with theatre faculty members Christine Farrell and Kevin Confoy, who played an influential part in her days as a Sarah Lawrence student.
Sarah Lawrence students enjoy many opportunities to connect with the College’s deep network of alumni around the world. Another initiative that pairs students and alums in conversation about careers and networking is the podcast series, What Was That Like?, which is part of the SLC EmbeddED program. SLC EmbeddED offers undergraduate and graduate students opportunities to earn academic credit for experienced-based work, such as internships, volunteer positions, and jobs. SLC EmbeddEd courses are offered each semester and in the summer, and focus on topics such as, Foundations in Workplace Culture + Wellbeing, Building a Professional Identity, and Navigating Workplace Communication. Listen to the first season of What Was That Like? here!