Recently, the ԱƵ Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) organized a series of nationwide events designed to inspire philanthropy and strengthen community among recent graduates — those who have graduated since 2010.
The events were held in New York City, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., and fostered a dialogue among the attendees about philanthropic priorities. It was also a time for graduates to reflect on their college experience and express a desire to provide the same opportunities to future generations of ԱƵ women.
Brianne von Fabrice ʼ92, hosted the Feb. 26 event in New York City. “I was inspired to help develop this program because I’ve experienced firsthand the power of ԱƵ’s network — and how deeply meaningful it is to play a role in advancing the University’s mission,” she said. “I feel very strongly about engaging the next generation of alumnae leaders.”
Sharon Nicol ʼ17 attended the D.C. event on March 6. “The takeaway for me was that feeling a regular sense of connection to a community is important in giving back,” she said. “The opportunity to gather with people who have a similar affinity helps foster that sense of connection in a way that feels like something worth investing in.”
The attendees expressed a deep appreciation for their time spent with international study groups, an experience that would not be possible without philanthropic support from the ԱƵ community. ԱƵ philanthropy also affords students unique extracurriculars, state-of-the-art facilities, and top-notch academic programs.
“These academic and extracurricular opportunities are made possible in part by alumni,” said Olivia Mikesell ʼ24. “I am motivated to give back in order to continue providing undergraduates those opportunities during a time that’s pivotal in a young person’s life.”
Although some attendees may have been strangers at the start of the event, they left feeling a sense of connection to one another, brought together by their four years in Hamilton and a commitment to ԱƵ’s future. The WLC fosters these connections and builds on them, creating a strong network of alumnae who will lead the way in philanthropic efforts for the University.
“There’s something incredibly powerful about women supporting women, especially within the context of a shared ԱƵ experience,” said Mikesell. “These connections have the potential to support collaboration, open doors, and inspire change in our own lives, our communities, and at ԱƵ.”