By Tracy Vezina Patterson ’84, P’17
As the essayists in this issue of Rhodes magazine have demonstrated, there is exceptional value in a residential liberal arts education. But for Rhodes College to continue to thrive and remain one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation, the support and participation of our community members is crucial. How can you help?
First, talk up the liberal arts every chance you get. Spread the word about the value of a residential liberal arts education so that we recruit the finest high school students to Rhodes. Should you meet a student who seems right for Rhodes, let us know. Student recruitment is as simple as sending an email with the name of a student you would like to recommend (please include their high school, grade, and contact information) to alumni@rhodes.edu. Also, the Alumni Relations Office coordinates phone calls to accepted students and their parents. These calls give students the opportunity to ask their final questions while providing the insight they need to make an informed decision about their futures. More importantly, the personal phone calls demonstrate to students and their parents the strength of the Rhodes community. If you are interested, please contact Caitlin Dempsey ’12 at dempseyc@rhodes.edu.
Second, participate in the Rhodes career network as a way to demonstrate the range of job opportunities possible for liberal arts graduates. Lead by example! When they see your success, they will gain a broader understanding of the options at their disposal. More specifically, your assistance is needed to expand the depth of internship and research opportunities available to our students; to share professional and career advice; and to increase the number of employment possibilities available to our new graduates and young alumni. There are many ways to become involved including participating in the Student-Alumni Career Adviser Program, conducting mock interviews, critiquing resumes, and attending on-campus and out-of-town career networking events. To register to be a career advisor, contact Katherine Dunbar-Smith ’09 at dunbar-smithk@rhodes.edu. If you or your company are able to provide summer internships and shadow opportunities during winter break, please contact Career Services at careers@rhodes.edu.
Finally, continue to engage actively in the liberal arts network by serving Rhodes through a chapter leadership committee or as a member of the Alumni Association Executive Board (AAEB). Rhodes chapters engage members of the Rhodes community in their area through a variety of social and educational events and through career networking and student recruitment efforts. If you are interested in joining your chapter leadership team, contact Nicole Lazo ’05 at lazon@rhodes.edu. The AAEB serves as an essential link between the college and our alumni, and is charged with directing and coordinating the affairs of the Alumni Association and with representing and serving the needs of alumni. To nominate yourself, a friend, or classmate, send an e-mail to me at pattersont@rhodes.edu.
As 2014 winds down, I hope you will reflect on the many ways in which you can share the message of the value of the liberal arts at Rhodes.