Called to Lead

Young Alumni Trustees (from left): Kayla Muirhead ’15, Margot Cardamone ’14, Andrew Chesley ‘13 and Darrell Pacheco ’12. Not pictured: Laura Wilson ’11.

Young Alumni Trustees (from left): Kayla Muirhead ’15, Margot Cardamone ’14, Andrew Chesley ‘13 and Darrell Pacheco ’12. Not pictured: Laura Wilson ’11.

Seniors invited to weigh in as Young Alumni Trustees

by MaryAlice Bitts-Jackson

There are many ways for graduating seniors to leave a legacy, but there are few paths more meaningful or direct than that of the Young Alumni Trustee (YAT). As members of Dickinson’s Board of Trustees—a governing body that oversees the college’s finances and governance—YATs help shape the lives and careers of future generations of students.

All YATs serve a two-year term on the board with voting rights, adding a youthful voice to the board’s high-level decision-making processes while strengthening the board's ties to current students and new graduates.

“If you care about the development and advancement of Dickinson, this position is an excellent way to share your opinions and participate in moving the college forward,” says Margot Cardamone ’14, who began to serve on the board after she graduated. “There are so many influential alumni from all over the world who love Dickinson, and it’s a great privilege to share ideas and opinions with them and have those opinions valued and seriously considered.”

All graduating seniors who wish to be considered must complete an online application and submit two letters of recommendation. Finalists will be interviewed by the Committee on Trustees, a group of board members responsible for selecting and presenting the class of 2016 candidate for election by the full board. The name of the next YAT will be announced during the 2016 Commencement ceremony.

It’s an honor and a responsibility, as YATs are called to serve on two board committees, attend three on-campus meetings annually, participate in conference calls between meetings and engage in meaningful ways with current students and fellow young alumni. According to recent YAT Darrell Pacheco ’12, the connections and experience are invaluable.

“Nearly every member on the board is a seasoned executive in their respective fields, and understanding how to present yourself and how to convey your ideas to this group is a soft skill that many don't get to practice,” said Pacheco, a former political-science major who honed those skills during his two years as a YAT. “This opportunity to experience leadership is rare for new graduates and for those in our generation.”

Learn more

 

 

 

 

 

 

Published November 30, 2015