The Saint Mary's Alumnae Board of Directors collaborated Thursday evening at the Student Center for the unveiling of a yearlong project, which aims to create a sense of unity among students and alumnae of Saint Mary's College.
The project, called "One Book, One Saint Mary's," invites the Saint Mary's alumnae, students, faculty, and staff to read and discuss Nicole Krauss' novel, "The History of Love."
The event has received positive feedback with nearly 900 students and alumnae joining the Facebook group of the same name.
Thursday night's event also included a seminar for juniors and seniors put on by the Alumnae Board. The seminar focused on giving the girls professional advice for obtaining a successful career after graduation from the College.
"I went into the seminar hoping to have a better feel for the application and interviewing process in the professional world," junior Bridget Meade said.
Alumnae sat down with the students for an advice session about the job search process and post-graduate opportunities. Afterwards, the girls broke off into small group sessions where alumnae members facilitated discussions regarding entrepreneurship, career paths, graduate school, resume skills and interview etiquette.
The alumnae who spoke at the seminar stressed the importance of pursuing a career by building relationships with companies, thinking strategically, being creative and being willing to take risks.
"It was great conversing with successful, professional Saint Mary's graduates. They were not only great examples for current students, but also great mentors," Meade said.
Meade said the alumnae also addressed the girls' fears about their undecided future or not knowing what career path to pursue at the present time.
"They were so friendly, helpful and also encouraging of the fact that we may not know exactly what we want to do right at this moment," Meade said. "Some of the women that spoke to us ended up in careers completely different from what they intended as college graduates — that was definitely comforting."
With just under 100 students in attendance, Meade said the event was a success, and she left with a renewed sense of motivation.
"I definitely feel more prepared for the professional world," she said. "It's much less frightening knowing we have such great alumnae to help us."
To learn more about upcoming events visit www.saintmarys.edu/alumnae-friends or join the Facebook group "One Book, One Saint Mary's.
