The ties they keep: Union Women (Re)Connect
Since the first 25 women graduated in 1972, Union women have succeeded in all fields. And whether juggling MBAs or PTAs, there's one true thing about the women of Union: they remain committed to the College.
Union Women Connect (UWC) strengthens that bond.
Formed in 1998, UWC connects geographically diverse Union women graduates – “women talking to each other about issues,” says Trustee and UWC Executive Committee member Val Hoffman '75.
Hoffman served as moderator of a career panel and reception for 40 students, alumni, parents and friends during Homecoming and Family Weekend. It included alumnae Kathryn (Mitchell) Mullaney '74, CFO, St. Lawrence University; Jennifer Smith Turner '74, President/CEO, Smith Turner Associates, LLC; Karen Huggins '77, Senior Project Manager, Global Exchange Services; and Hoffman, a partner with Seyfarth Shaw Fairweather and Geralds of Chicago.
Panelists highlighted their industry experience and offered suggestions on career paths after graduation.
Other UWC events have included a book club, a joint activity developed with Union's Women's Studies and its director, Teresa Meade, and launched with a generous donation by Hoffman.
Last year's UWC SRO NYC breakfast reception for Cosmopolitan Editor-in-Chief and best-selling author Kate White '72 drew more than 100 Union women from as far away as Boston and Chicago. Marking a rejuvenation of UWC, the event included a signing of White's book, If Looks Could Kill, and a tour of Cosmo's offices.
“Union women are a special breed,” says Hoffman, “engaged in their worlds and the world around them.” She adds, “We have so many interesting graduates – women in publishing, film, government, business, medicine and law. We're offering opportunities for them to stay connected to each other and the College in new and exciting ways.”