#young alumni

[conundecax]

[oberlinadmissions]

Students to Curatorial Assistants: Ava Prince ’18 and Emma Laube ’17

Allen Memorial Art Museum curatorial assistants Ava Prince ’18 and Emma Laube ’17 may have just graduated, but they bring a breadth of experience to their positions.

Oberlin News November 20, 2018      Erin Ulrich

Just months after graduating, Ava Prince ’18 and Emma Laube ’17 began working as curatorial assistants at the Allen Memorial Art Museum (AMAM). While Prince and Laube work in different capacities at the museum—in the Education Department and in the Office of Academic Programs, respectively—their eagerness and approach to engaging students is something they share.

Prince, who studied history and East Asian studies, comes to her position with extensive experience in community outreach and arts education. When she was home from Oberlin in the summers, Prince interned at the Bronx Documentary Center, working closely with middle school and high school students at the Bronx Junior Photo League and conducting research for upcoming exhibitions. Reflecting on this experience, she says, “It’s just so important having these resources available to young people and knowing that there is value in close looking, being critical of how things are represented, and telling their own stories.” Most recently, Prince worked as the education and outreach coordinator for the Courage and Compassion Exhibit last spring, a position which dovetailed with her duties as a docent at the AMAM and her capstone research on historical memory and Japanese American internment.

As undergrads, both Prince and Laube participated in the AMAM’s annual Practicum in Museum Education course during winter term, which allowed them to work as student docents in the museum. Soon after completing the practicum course her junior year, Laube began working at the AMAM as curatorial assistant for modern and contemporary art under Ellen Johnson ’33 Assistant Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Andrea Gyorody. She also held a position at the Clarence Ward Art Library for several years and, as an art history major, was frequently in and out of the museum.

Whereas Prince primarily coordinates public programming and events, including tours of the AMAM for K-12 students, teachers, and outside groups within Lorain County, Laube engages directly with Oberlin College faculty and staff. Although Prince and Laube work with different age groups, demographics, and people of differing educational backgrounds, they engage students similarly, using teaching approaches integral to the AMAM’s ethos. Both assistants use a variety of teaching modes, including Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), an engagement method that involves asking viewers—from kindergarteners to older learners—to share their immediate observations about works of art based on what they can see. This approach privileges individuals’ knowledge and encourages critical thinking, as opposed to solely imparting information.

As an academic museum, the AMAM is in many ways a cornerstone of a liberal arts education. Teaching strategies such as VTS not only make arts education more accessible to a wider body of learners, but give credence to all viewers’ experiences of art, not just those of aficionados.

“I think this method of object-based learning is a really effective way of engaging people who don’t necessarily think they’re experts. VTS-based tours of the museum make things more of a conversation, rather than me talking at them. In addition, I’m also able to learn something new every time I lead a tour,” Prince says.

Laube, reflecting on the techniques she uses to engage faculty and staff from varying academic and disciplinary backgrounds, evinces the AMAM’s commitment to serving first and foremost as a teaching institution.

“When we talk with a professor about the possibility of bringing a class in, we start collaboratively brainstorming. What do we have in the collection that immediately comes to mind that could be construed as relevant in a constructive and meaningful way? We think about what kind of training we can utilize in terms of visual literacy and VTS so that students feel comfortable using the work,” she says.

Prince also maintains that art education and visual literacy are important for everyone. “That’s what I believe my job is, to help kids read a painting, understand its context, how it connects to their lives and their classes, and find something they enjoy from it. You don’t necessarily need to have a certain background or education level to be fully moved by an artwork,” she says.

Prince says there are the routine “in-betweens” of her job, such as taking care to ensure that students don’t touch the artwork, and going over museum rules. But, she says, “It’s all about once you sit down and actually engage with an artwork and watch that connection light up in students’ eyes. That’s what makes it worth it.”

Laube’s and Prince’s positions are far from what one may imagine as the stereotypical entry-level museum jobs. “You get so much hands-on experience, your research skills become amazingly well-sharpened, you learn about handling art, database management, and other special skills, and you have a special mentor/mentee relationship with the person that you work for,” Laube says. “I can’t speak highly enough of the experience. The Allen is kind of a unicorn in terms of what it can provide to student employees.”

Long-term, Prince wants to earn a master’s in art history and go into museum education. Laube hopes to become an arts editor or otherwise work in a more writing-based, but still arts-centric position.

[americanagirl]

[wlulex]

Lex is For Life: A Closer Look at Local Alums

The first semester of the 2016-2017 school year is over. We’re already waving goodbye to #wluParents, #wluYAW, Thanksgiving break, and winter vacation in the rearview mirror. The year is going quickly, I don’t think it’s going to slow down any time soon.

So, a bit of advice from me-- 

If you’re a first-year: 

Enjoy yourself and your time here! Embrace the knowledge that you have three more years left on campus before you too must boldly go where we all eventually (and reluctantly) go: the real world. Enjoy every second, and take advantage of all the awesome opportunities the university and the town afford undergrads such as yourself.

And, if you’re a senior:

Real life is swiftly approaching, and no matter how much you may want it, you can’t be an undergrad forever. Nothing gold can stay, Ponyboy, not even the golden years you spend in Lex Vegas. 

*sigh*

However: DON’T PANIC! For 267 years, Washington and Lee has graduated students, and for 267 years, students have felt a similar reluctance to go forth and graduate. The passion students share for the town of Lexington is part of what makes our college years here so special, and many graduates have gone on to transform their passions into a career of making Lexington a better, more vibrant city. 

Alums of all ages have found the perfect balance between a successful, fulfilling professional career and idyllic small town life in Lexington. A combination of exciting business opportunities, a nostalgic setting, and a welcoming community makes our city the perfect place to start a career or to begin your life’s second act.

Read on for future career inspiration, local businesses to check out, and affirmation that life only gets better after graduation. 

Spencer McElroy graduated from Washington and Lee in 2009 with a degree in Physics, before completing three more semesters at UVA to finish his pre-med degree. As a student, Spencer was on the soccer team, was a member of the Williams Investment Society, played in multiple student bands, and was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. One of his coolest achievements as an undergrad was cofounding the Elysian Fields Music Festival in 2008 with two other W&L alums, Teddy Grover and Doug Zimmerman. 

Spencer McElroy, ‘09

Today, Spencer is “the Executive Director of the non-profit Lime Kiln Arts, Inc. in Lexington, which operates Lime Kiln Theater. My responsibilities include artist booking, special events, venue management, grants, sponsorships, and all around business management.” In addition, he is active in real estate development in the area and the interim managing director for two Texas-based companies, Haugen Consulting and Haugen Software-- owners of both companies live here as well. He returned to Lexington from Charleston, SC in 2012 to renovate a foreclosure property on Lee Avenue, was offered the Lime Kiln opportunity nine months later, and has been in town ever since.

“I was determined to be my own boss, and the low cost-of-living coupled with entrepreneurial opportunities and my experience in the area made for the right blend. As more young people flock to cities, the contrarian view would suggest that opportunities for enterprising youth are on the rise in small town America. We've started to see quite a few examples of that here in Lexington.”  

“Oh, and Lime Kiln is awesome.”- Spencer McElroy

It’s hard for Spencer to pin down any one experience as an undergrad that has helped him in his career today as he was a Physics major now involved in business. However, he says, “Physics teaches you a general strategy for solving problems that blends scientific logic, creativity, and instinct. I think that prepares you for just about anything.” Hunting and fishing were two of Spencer’s favorite hobbies as an undergrad, so his favorite places in Lexington haven’t changed much since. If you’re an alum (or a senior) thinking about heading back towards Lexington, Spencer encourages you “to pay attention to what makes this place so special. Most grads will be traveling for their lives and jobs in big cities, and they should look at Lexington through a new lens. Maybe there is opportunity for them here?”

Lime Kiln has finished their 2016 season, but they host events throughout the year, and the 2017 season is gearing up to be killer! Check out their website for more information.

Tom Lovell and his wife Wendy are both W&L alums, class of ‘90 and ‘91 (respectively). They originally lived out west, in San Diego, where they enjoyed the balmy winters and Mr. Lovell worked as a software developer for a military contracting firm. Once they began thinking about starting a family, they moved to Cleveland to be closer to family. In both Cleveland and San Diego, the Lovells were extremely involved in their local alumni chapters, going on to become co-presidents of both chapters. It was at an alumni event in February of 1995 that the opportunity to return to Lex presented itself-- changes at the alumni office meant there was an opening available! It was suggested that one of the Lovells take the position, and after laughing off the offer at first, after about a week they were ready to go for it. Mr. Lovell finally accepted the position at his Mrs. Lovell’s 10th Reunion.

When they moved to Lexington, there was no craft beer scene. What started as a casual guy’s beer club (where they spent more time brainstorming a name and logo than anything else) inspired a few home brewers, like Mr. Lovell and Bill Hamilton of the Bio Department, to try and get back into the game. This transformed into Blue Lab Brewery, with an official space finally opening the day before Thanksgiving in 2010. “Opening up your own bar in kind of the dream,” Mr. Lovell told me: so, he made it happen.

Mr. Lovell and Bill Hamilton at Blue Lab (photo courtesy of wmra.com) 

As Mr. Lovell had returned to his roots in Lexington, so too had the space he transformed into Blue Lab. The venue started as the town’s feed shop, before it became Estelle’s, a local spot where Gennies and Keydets could chill on the weekends and enjoy a steaming bowl of chili. It was sold in 1988, changed into a doctor’s office (the Lovell family pediatrician, in fact!) until 2010 when Blue Lab opened. For the last four years, they’ve been working on maximizing their space, hosting live music acts and local artists, and introducing weekly trivia. They have five regulars brews on tap and 10-12 seasonal brews. They’re still small enough to be able to mix it up, but big enough to make the whole venture worthwhile. 

Blue Lab is located at 123 South Randolph Street. Stop by! (photo courtesy of beerwerkstrail.com)

The education Mr. Lovell received from the W&L business school has helped him since the day he graduated: critical thinking and mathematics will help you no matter what you choose to do in life. As a small business owner in town, Lovell continues to benefit from his proximity to both W&L and VMI. Journalism and marketing classes have worked with Blue Lab, and it’s fun to be available as a subject for education. 

His best advice for young alums and graduating seniors is “to get engaged, use the network, and get to know professors, administrators, and classmates. Continue to be engaged after graduation, get into your local alumni chapter. Our alumni network cannot be beat. Take advantage of that. Jump in with both feet as early as you can take advantage of it—go to House Mountain, Devil’s Marble Yard, Goshen, and when you’re 21, come to Blue Lab.” People are the main component. The alumni network is how it all started for Mr. Lovell-- the same could be true for you!

Jamie Goodin is a name familiar to any die-hard fans of wluLex. He graduated in 2010 with a major in Business Administration, and as an undergrad he was “really into gigging (bands: Agent Flynn, Delicious on Purpose), and did marketing for Gay Straight Alliance, was on the wrestling team for a year, founded a Filmmaking Club/film festival called Invision Films, was involved in the marketing club, Ad Class, and SigEp fraternity.” 

Jamie Goodin, a very busy individual!

Today, he is a man of many hats here in Lexington: He is the Digital Engagement Manger at W&L, managing wluLex & wluNews; the President and Marketing Director of Lime Kiln Theater, where he helps to revive Lexington as a hub for the arts and the outdoors; the President and Promotions & Events Chair of Main Street Lexington; a Consultant for JRG Solutions, where he does digital marketing and management consultant for small businesses; and a founder of LexCollective, which “helps make Lexington a baller place for millennials to ball by informing and empowering my peers to make Lexington THE place to live, work and create.”

Jamie returned to Lexington in 2012 after a few years of doing online marketing consulting in the DC metro area. He says “Lexington is perfect place because it is so accessible. The people, the resources, the arts, the businesses and nonprofits are all so willing to work with you and help build on a great community. It’s an amazing incubator for personal and professional growth in the context of a peaceful, beautiful and affordable town (that’s getting cooler to live in everyday).”

Main Street Lex <3 (photo courtesy of @teejasaurus on instagram)

Jamie’s undergrad years at W&L taught him three important lessons that he has taken with him ever since:

1. Memorization is pointless as nothing is permanent.

2. Always challenge assumptions.

3. Encouraging experimentation, entrepreneurship, and failure is key.

Lexington has changed a lot since Jamie graduated (many changes thanks to his involvement!) but he embraces both the old and the new here. His two favorite things? “I love seeing my breath during cold morning walks in town while thinking about home, community and purpose. Also, Mano Taqueria’s beef burrito with Arbol sauce.”

If you’re coming back for a reunion, or getting ready to graduate, Jamie suggests you “walk downtown because there is so much more going on now—great food, live music and shopping. Walk on a mountain because there is so much that doesn’t need to change.”

Erik Jones, another 1991 graduate, was an English major who was involved in theater and a WLUR DJ during his time on the Hill. After graduation, he worked “for 20 years in arts administration in Portland, Oregon (my home town). I spent 10 years with the Oregon Symphony, and then 10 years as Marketing Director at Oregon Ballet Theatre. In between, I took a year off to travel the world.”

Mr. Jones moved back to Lexington in 2010 “for love (specifically to marry W&L Dance Professor Jenefer Davies)”. (sidebar: this was definitely my favorite answer to this question). Today, he is the Executive Director of Fine Arts In Rockbridge (a local arts umbrella organization). According to their website, it is an organization “committed to providing opportunities for all persons in the Rockbridge area to pursue their interests and develop their talents in the arts through quality educational and performance opportunities.” Mr. Jones also takes time to “study in the Craft Brewers Apprenticeship Program at the American Brewers Guild, (he is the assistant brewer at Blue Lab!) and also pick up occasional freelance gigs as a trekking guide (I spent 6 weeks in Nepal this year and am leading two Kilimanjaro climbs this coming spring).” Once again, I must say-- killer answer.

courtesy of cliparts.co

Mr. Jones says hanging around the theater as an undergrad definitely was one of the most formative experiences of his undergrad career. This was how he got his first post-grad employment opportunity managing the box office, from ex-Lenfest Center Director Mike Gorman. “I had no idea at the time that it would lead to a career in the arts. I’m also grateful to Professor Marshall Jarrett and my advisor, Professor Severn Duvall, for teaching me to challenge myself.”

Mr. Jones may have given up a “big” career in the arts to return to Lexington, but he has never regretted his decision for a second. In exchange for giving up his old career, Mr. Jones “got a new family, a lot less stress in my life, and the time and freedom to branch out and pursue additional interests. There’s no way I would have been able [study brewing or be a trekking guide] while working (more than) full time at the Ballet.”

Jones doing his thing on a recent trip to Nepal

Finally, Mr. Jones was able to offer some sage advice: “Cherish your time at W&L but don’t become one of those people who end up looking back at college as the highlight of their entire life. That’s depressing. Keep making new and even better memories.”

Rick Wolf, Class of 1977, never exactly intended to move back to Lexington, much less open up a local business. He began his career working at a small auction house in Philadelphia until he started his 25-year-long career working at Southeby’s in both New York City and Los Angeles. His wife Nan attended Hollins as an undergrad, so when it was time to move back East, the Shenandoah Valley was the logical place to start their search for a new city to call home. 

Who wouldn’t want to call the valley home?? (courtesy of @lyssatest on instagram)

Both Mr. and Mrs. Wolf are avid collectors, and lovers of beautiful, interesting things. “It is quite difficult for either of us to see something we love and not try to buy it-- that’s why we finally opened up the shop. To get some things out of the house [laughs].” ‘The shop’ that they opened is Wolf and Co., an antiques shop on Washington Street that “offers an eclectic range of art, antiques, and unique finds, as well as expert appraisal and advisory services” (wolfandcompany.net). They are both also extremely involved in the Lexington Historical Society, thanks to which we can still enjoy many of the beautiful, historic buildings (such as the Alexander-Withrow House) in Lexington.

Wolf and Co. is located at 23 West Washington Street

As an undergrad, Mr. Wolf was one of the first people to ever see the bequest left to the school by the Reeves family, today available for all to view in the Reeves Center. Mr. Wolf had always had an interest in antiques, so when the school learned of the bequest, German professor Beauford (aka ‘Steve’) Stevenson, who also loved Chinese export porcelain, offered him a student job. For three dollars an hour, Mr. Wolf unpacked the collection, before the idea for the Reeves Center was even conceived. 

Additionally, Mr. Wolf credits the direction his life took to “best teacher I ever had: Pam Simpson [of the Art History department].  She was the first female full professor, the first female dean, a chair of the Coeducation Committee, and just the best person ever.”  He took every course she offered (even though he was an English major) and accidentally ended up with a double major in Art History and English—this eventually directed him into the auction business. Simpson became a wonderful friend of the Wolfs, and a major reason for their eventual relocation to Lexington. 

The late Pam Simpson, a formative figure in the lives of the Wolfs as well as the history of Washington and Lee.

One piece of advice: Mr. Wolf is the first to acknowledge how trite it sounds (and made sure I knew that!) but he totally believes it: "If it’s possible—try to do something you love! Don’t be afraid if it takes a while to get there. You may not know immediately! Unless you have a passion for orthodontic surgery when you’re fifteen, its really not that easy.” When Mr. Wolf graduated, he had two vague interests: cooking and antique decorative arts, neither of which seemed like they would offer definite career paths. The auction business was the most convenient choice for him after graduation, but he transformed that “convenient” career into a lifetime passion. 

Will Moore, class of 2009, graduated with a degree in Economics and a rich undergrad career spent “coaching the local youth lacrosse organization Lexington Lacrosse, raising funds for Habitat for Humanity, interacting with alumni as a member of Kathekon, and participating in the various activities of my fraternity Phi Delta Theta.” Additionally, he “was fortunate enough to enjoy a spring term and a summer semester studying abroad in Spain and London, respectively.” 

Will Moore and his doggo in Lex

After graduation, Will worked in Boston at a private equity real estate fund called Landmark Partners, and in DC at CBRE in their financing group before that. He returned to Lexington is July of 2014 in order to work at the “family business, James Wm. Moore Real Estate Co., which my father started in 1988. In addition to managerial responsibilities, I represent buyers and sellers of all property types in western Virginia with a focus on land and farms.” A combination of self-employment and access to the great Virginia outdoors that made the move back worth it for Will; “Although I think it is essential to get the training and experience afforded by working for experienced professionals for a few years, there is nothing more rewarding than answering to yourself.” 

Despite all of Will’s worldly travels, there really was no place like home when it came to his career. Will grew up in Rockbridge County, and ultimately his move back was a reflection of his ties to a community that he describes as extremely strong, and very passionate. “There is a high level of passion in this area for our community and it’s easy to find leadership opportunities. My first five years after W&L were spent focused almost exclusively on my career, but my move to Lexington was a reflection of my desire to achieve a long-term balance of work, life, and community. It’s almost impossible not to have a balanced life here.”

The quality of life here is unparalleled, as many of us have learned as undergrads and Will has experienced as a local alum. “Almost all of my hobbies take place outside and are easily and inexpensively accessible around Lexington: golf, hunting, fishing, and hiking to name a few. Access to the outdoors was a huge driver in my decision to move here. I also enjoy seeing live music and getting out of town to travel.” 

A lovely day for fishing! (disclaimer: this is not Will! courtesy of @caretzloff on instagram)

Will credits much of his success, both personal and professional, to the Economics department that provided him with the “educational framework for thinking about issues far beyond the economy.” So- take some Econ classes (!) and make sure to keep in touch with your classmates. “Almost everyone that goes to W&L is an ambitious and interesting person, so your network is a great asset. Don’t be afraid to be the person that takes the initiative to stay in contact.”

“If I had to choose a favorite place, it would be House Mountain. It’s such a significant symbol for the area.” -Will Moore (photo courtesy of @samanthalnic on instagram).

Your days in Lexington don’t have to be numbered. Lexington is a town built to last, and ready to welcome back any future grads ready for their newest opportunity. So remember: Graduation, a job starting next September in Atlanta, or your eventual jet-setting career saving lives/brokering deals/changing the world can’t stop you from finding your way back home. 

[campalumni]

How do you engage your young alumni? 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-your-youngest-alumni-want-you-know-sarah-bender

Although this article focuses on colleges and universities, the tips are valuable for camps as well.

[foxcroftacademy]

Attention Young FA Alumni....We want to see you on Dec. 19th!

https://www.foxcroftacademy.org/attention-young-fa-alumni-want-see-dec-19th/

[campalumni]

Need help engaging your young alumni? This article provides some good tips. It is geared toward colleges and universities, but most of the tips could apply to camps as well.

http://storiedu.com/engage-young-alumni/

What is your best tip for engaging young alumni?

[wearetheroadcrue]

Hala - Young Alumni