Plenary 2011

BLC and Wellesley: Reconnecting

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The theme for this year’s program “BLC and Wellesley: Reconnecting” was inspired by many conversations with all of you about the role BLC within the Wellesley community and, in particular, how BLC and its members can be the best possible ambassadors for Wellesley in the world.

Our program was designed to actively engage BLC members with members of the college community—students, faculty and staff—as well as with each other. We explored and elevated the BLC’s understanding of key aspects of the “Wellesley advantage” today, including the college’s long tradition of producing powerful women leaders in every sphere of influence.

Highlights of this year’s Plenary included:

• Remarks from President Kim Bottomly on her view of Wellesley and the BLC today;
• Presentations by Wellesley’s senior leadership: Andrew Shennan, Jennifer Desjarlais, Bridget Belgiovine and Debra DeMeis on the Wellesley women of yesterday, today and tomorrow;
• Keynote and lively discussion by Shirley Young, a BLC’er and Alumnae Achievement Award winner, on the topic “Wellesley Women Lead” including the qualities of Wellesley women as leaders and what it will take for Wellesley women to be the leaders of the future;
• Luncheon roundtables with Wellesley students who have just completed their Albright Fellow experience together with Betsy Cohen and Henrietta Fore’s reflections on the Albright program;

• A panel discussion on Wellesley women as innovators and leaders in the sciences with Ashley Dombkowski, Suzy Lebold, Lynne Miller, Betsy Robinson and Marilyn Smith, moderated by Richard French, Wellesley’s Dean of Academic Affairs;
• Introduction and update on Wellesley’s new Financial Fellows program with Manisha Thakor;
• “Conversations With…” Laura Gates and Sandy Guthman moderated by Susan Harmon.