Reunion & Commencement begins on Thursday, May 21, and the weekend is well-stocked with events related to civic engagement, social impact, and the goings-on of the Allbritton Center. Students, alumni, parents, and everyone else in the Wesleyan family are welcome to attend! Come learn about all the ways that students and grads are working toward change on campus and in communities around the world.
FRIDAY, MAY 22
WESEMINAR – Skills for the New Economy
What skills and aptitudes will Wesleyan graduates need to enter the emerging very demanding economy, dominated by the Internet and rapid change? In this seminar a panel of Wesleyan faculty, staff, and alumni working in the new economy will offer views on what success will require.
1:00 – 2:00 PM in 41 Wyllys, Room 112
WESEMINAR – Social Entrepreneurship and Civic Engagement at Wesleyan
Social impact has always been in the DNA of Wesleyan. This year, we were recognized by Princeton Review as the #1 “Best School for Making an Impact.” During this panel discussion, we’ll hear from student entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, activists, and community leaders who are using their interdisciplinary liberal arts education to tackle the pressing problems of the world–starting right here on campus.
2:30 – 3:30 PM in Allbritton 311The student panel for this WESEMINAR includes:
Nina Gerona ’15, Co-coordinator of the Wesleyan Local Foods Co-op
Olayinka Lawal ’15, Co-founder & Business Strategist at JooMah and President of Wesleyan’s African Students Association
Brent Packer ’15, Founder of Wishing Wells and Potlux
Rachel Verner ’15, Founder of Assk Apparel & Education and Wesleyan Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Intern
Julia Vermeulen ’15, Co-Director of The Wesleyan Doula Project and Kindergarten Kickstart Teacher
Kehan Zhou ’15, Co-founder of TechBucks
others TBD
The panel will be moderated by Makaela Kingsley ’98, Director of the Patricelli Center for Social Entrepreneurship
Patricelli Center for Social Entrepreneurship (PCSE) Open House
Join staff and students from the Patricelli Center and members of Wesleyan Alumni in Philanthropy and Public Service (WAPPS) for an open house and networking reception. To learn more about the PCSE or to volunteer, visit wesleyan.edu/patricelli.
3:30 – 5:00 PM on the Ground Floor of the Allbritton Center
Allbritton Center Open House
The Allbritton Center is the hub for civic engagement at Wesleyan. We study public life, actively partner with the local and regional community, and teach practical skills for social impact. Join the faculty, staff, and students of the engagement centers within Allbritton for an open house to learn about how we are serving the public good in and out of the classroom, on and off campus.
3:30 – 5:00 PM on the First Floor of the Allbritton Center
WESU Happy Hour
Come enjoy an early evening happy hour with WESU alumni, current staff members, student DJs, and community volunteers. Refreshments and good conversation will be provided.
4:00 – 6:00 PM in Woodhead Lounge (1st Floor in the Exley Science Center)
SATURDAY, MAY 23
WESU 88.1 FM Open House
Parents, families, alumni, and students are all invited to attend an Open House at Wesleyan University’s radio station, WESU. Stop in to check out the studios, browse the expansive and eclectic music libraries, and meet current Board members and DJs.
2:00 – 5:00 PM at WESU (2nd Floor of 45 Broad Street, above Broad Street Books)
WESEMINAR – Fail Early, Succeed Often: Why One Third of Entrepreneurs are Dyslexic and What This Reveals About Innovation
One third of successful entrepreneurs are dyslexic, including Charles Schwab, Richard Branson, Barbara Cochran and Magic Johnson. This talk will help explain why dyslexic individuals thrive in innovative businesses and what this teaches us about break through companies. Anyone who wants to better understand resiliency, dyslexia or entrepreneurship should attend.
3:00 – 4:00 PM in the CFA Hall