Law Day: Connecting Students with Jobs in the Workforce

Last Wednesday, Wells students had the unique opportunity to spend a day in the law profession in the city of Rochester, New York. The day was made possible thru the Office of Experiential Learning and Career Services’ new program called “In the Day of a Life of an Alum.” The program focuses on a career area each semester and connects Wells students and alums in the industry for a day. Not only does this provide students with great networking experience, future internship and mentor possibilities, but it also allows students to shadow professionals in the field. Essentially each student gets a taste of a career they’re interested in and are able to get advice from professionals who have real experience.

A mix of eight Wells students participated- (Laura Allard ’16, Jack Bjorkander ’16, Victoria Candida ’16, Theresa Hernandez ’14, Emily Middlebrook ’14, Pascale Nelson ’13, Rachel Partington ’13 and Brittany Paul ’16) with majors as diverse as English and philosophy. In the morning, students observed court cases first-hand and sat-in-on felony, misdemeanor and drug arraignments, as well as an attempted murder case. The judge in each courtroom greeted Wells students and explained the different jobs of the court and how their courtroom differed from the next.

After leaving the Monroe County Hall of Justice Buildings, students had lunch and networked with local Wells alums who work in the law field. Students were joined by Wells alumnae, Rene. Forgensi Minarik ’80, Valerie Milonas ’88, Kristen Phillips ’95, Kathi Smith ’83 and Deborah McLean ’74. Students also met with Kaplan Test-Prep Representative Kristen Miller to get information on the LSAT and the admission process for law school.

A special thanks to Pamela Edgerton Ferguson ’69 for reserving the lunch in the Trustees Dining Room at the University of Rochester. Eric Vaughn would also like to thank the Wells alumni who attended and all the alumni who continue to support the Office of Experiential Learning and Career Services.

Take a Moment to Celebrate You!

Hello Wellsians!

I thought I’d take this Tuesday morning to celebrate how amazing each and every one of you is! As many of you know, due to health reasons, Janet Mapstone recently left the Wells community to take care of herself and focus on her health. It was very sad to see her leave, and I especially, along with her friends and coworkers, miss her presence already. Janet has dedicated herself to the College for 37 years. In today’s world, that type of dedication is admirable and so rare. Janet truly loved the College and enjoyed helping the College thru the positive and challenging changes it has faced throughout her near half a century of work here. She has held many positions, but her most prominent, and the one I believed she devoted most of her time to, was ClassNotes, which more recently has turned into the alum newsletter we all know as WellsNotes. Janet was very successful in managing and editing this publication, and she formed many friendships with the class secretaries, alums who shared their story, and staff that helped her produce the publication.

Since Janet’s chapter at Wells has come to a close, I was asked to help Director of Alumnae and Alumni Relations Laura Sanders edit ClassNotes. With editing, this meant I would have to read through all of your updates for this May’s issue; yes, 81 pages worth! I give Janet major props for doing this! It takes a certain eye to accomplish such a task, and I have to say, I feel truly honored to have had the opportunity to read every one of your updates submitted for this issue. I enjoy your wit, and I’m amazed at all the wonderful careers each of you hold or are pursuing—some of you are going back to school and changing your career path after being in one industry for a long time: what courage you Wells women have! I’m amazed at how well you keep in touch with your classmates, and how you’re there to support each other through difficult and trying times. And moreover, I’m astounded that many of you still recount your days at Wells with profound respect and love for all that Wells has done for you, and that many of you still attend Reunion and will continue to make the venture to Aurora for years to come. You talk of reclaiming spaces on campus just like you did in the “party” days, of professors whose lectures still influence you today, and of making new memories at your next Reunion.

Simply put, I’m amazed by Wells women. On behalf of Janet and me, I would like to thank you for sharing your life and for enduring the Wells connection! We feel completely honored that you continually share your lives with us and your thankfulness for the Wells education. The education we know today as—The Education of an Extraordinary Life.

Have a great week!

~ Clarissa (Clare) Scott

A message regarding former Wells College President John D. Wilson

Here’s a message that President Lisa Marsh Ryerson sent to the community yesterday:

I am sad to share that former Wells president John Delane Wilson died on Saturday, March 2nd.

Wells’ 12th president, he served from 1969 to 1975. During President Wilson’s tenure, a time of political and economic turmoil, Wells participated in nationwide protests, teach-ins, National Peace Week and the first celebration of Earth Day. Under President Wilson’s leadership several buildings were constructed and renovated, including Campbell, Barler and Cleveland Halls, new programs were developed, the curriculum was revised and the first Collegiate Trustees were named. The John D. Wilson Presidential Professorship and the Wilson-Poole athletic award memorialize his service to Wells.

A national leader in higher education, after leaving Wells, President Wilson went on to serve as President of Washington and Lee University. President Wilson is survived by his wife, Anne Yeomans Wilson; their four children and nine grandchildren; two sisters; and two brothers. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 16, at 3 p.m. in Lee Chapel, on the Washington and Lee campus. The Wells College bells will be rung in President Wilson’s memory on Friday.

Warm regards,
Lisa

Marlene Lauster Young ’99 publishes “Before Summer’s End”

Congratulations to Marlene Lauster Young ’99, who recently published a children’s book titled “Before Summer’s End.” In the book, Marlene recalls a time when being young meant finding joy in simple things, portraying the joys of a summer day filled with carefree exploration and fun. Whimsical illustrations by Irene Olds accompany the story, which is partially based on memories from Marlene’s own childhood. The book is written for primary and intermediate students and is available for purchase directly from Marlene or through distributors Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Marlene is currently teaching at North Street School in Geneva, N.Y.; her book was mentioned in the school district’s winter newsletter and blog. In the entry, she credits a children’s literature course taken at Wells with helping inspire her to write and mentions working on her next book. We’re looking forward to more details!

Buffalo Alumnae Lunch

Left to right: Katie Vogt Schneider ’76, Jane Borsch Robbins ’61, Cydney Kelly ’89, Annie Coburn-Kane ’89, Carin Wyckoff Phillips ’55, Lyle Geary Toohey ’68, Megan Toohey ’90 (not pictured Barb Shields Drenning ’63)

The Saturn Club, founded in 1867 in the historic Delaware District of Buffalo, NY, was the setting for an intimate luncheon of eight Wells alumnae on Friday, February 15, 2013. The comfortable event, held in the Club’s elegant library, was hosted by Carin Wyckoff Phillips ’55 and staffed by Wells College’s Director of Leadership and Planned Giving, Hal Burrall.

The menu featured New England clam chowder, Caesar salad topped with a choice of shrimp, salmon, or chicken, and a hot fudge sundae finisher. Guests were given a packet of Wells information and current marketing materials for review and/or to pass on to a prospective student. A matching notebook and pen combination made of 100% recycled materials with the classic Wells ‘W’ logo was given to all as a token gift in appreciation for their ongoing support of the College’s fundraising efforts.

Topics of discussion included the search strategy process for both the interim president and the next president to succeed Lisa Marsh Ryerson ’81, the recruitment and retention of students, the findings of the College’s consultant on admissions and successful implementation of those recommendations, tuition costs, the current fiscal year budget, and the Inns of Aurora product offerings and plans for expansion. Alumnae in attendance also took advantage of the opportunity to forge new connections within the Buffalo region Wells network and discussed ways in which they can create more interest in Wells for prospective students in local area of each woman.

“It was a lovely group of Wells women,” remarked hostess Carin Wyckoff Phillips ’55.  “Everyone seemed to be in a jovial mood and happy to hear about the good things happening at Wells.”

NYC Networking Event was a big Success

Many thanks to our host Mary Pastore Cryan ’84, pictured above in the center.

On Monday, January 14, 2013 close to 70 alums, current students, prospective students and their guests attended the Wells College New York City Networking night. The event was hosted by Mary Pastore Cryan ’84 and her husband Terry Cryan at the New York Athletic Club right next to Central Park. This year the registration for the event was done electronically and you were able to view who had already registered in advance of the event. At the club there were lists of the registered students and alums with contact and career information to help facilitate connections. After the event attendees received an email with an updated copy of that list so that they could follow-up.

Interesting conversations about Aurora, Wells, jobs in NYC and even the success of Wells athletics teams were filling the room. One alum who had to leave early lamented that her business dinner would take her away from such a lively event. Most impressive were the prospective students who artfully mingled with alums and students to learn more about Wells. Students and alums were more than willing to share some of their favorite Wells memories. The energy and enthusiasm about Wells was quite wonderful. This is an annual event, perhaps you will join us in 2014.

Carol Nelson Shepherd ’74 contributes to Pennsylvania Association for Justice seminar

Alumna Carol Nelson Shepherd ’74, a Philadelphia attorney with many years of experience in the field of medical malpractice, recently served as course planner and presenter for the Pennsylvania Association for Justice 7th Annual Medical Malpractice Seminar. Her presentation addressed medical malpractice concerns and topics associated with emergency department visits, radiology, pathology, office-based medicine and surgical cases as well as associated complaints and practices.
Carol is a founding partner of the firm Feldman Shepherd, where she has been practicing since 1987. The firm recently sent out the following release:

Philadelphia trial lawyer Carol Nelson Shepherd of Feldman Shepherd Wohlgelernter Tanner Weinstock & Dodig LLP, served as a course planner and faculty member at the Pennsylvania Association for Justice (PAJ) 7th Annual Medical Malpractice Seminar. Shepherd’s medical update presentation addressed medical malpractice concerns associated with emergency department visits, radiology, pathology, office-based medicine and surgical cases. Shepherd covered common complaints, differential diagnoses, diagnostic tools and associated forms of malpractice.