Beaver Reflections:
I graduated from Beaver in 1974 and started in 1971 coming from an academy in Hingham, Massachusetts. Although entering a school during sophomore year and going to a much larger school was at some points overwhelming, I found that I had great teachers, amazing friends, and interesting classes. I also played field hockey, basketball, and tennis while there. During my time at Beaver, I had a chance to really develop my French skills, something that helped me later in life. I remember my French teacher Madame Jolie, who was so caring and an incredible teacher. She was very supportive and created a program for my class where we had the chance to live with families in a town near the Alps in France. It was a great experience and it really cemented my love for French. Another experience that has stuck with me was during an art class. My friend and I decided to paint and redo a subway station near the school. It involved going into the station, painting the murals, etc. It was a lot of work, especially working underground, but the final piece was very rewarding, as teachers, family, and friends came to see the big opening.

What is #happeningnow in your life:
After graduating from Beaver, I went to Ithaca College where I majored in international relations. After graduating from college, I had jobs working for the World Affairs Council, the United Nations Associations, and nonprofit international groups. Following that, I went to work for Senator Kennedy and dealt with scheduling caucuses, events, etc. I was the person in the boiler room who would have to call up and dial a significant person, whether that was someone on the floor or Kennedy himself. After working for the Kennedy campaign, I became the National Finance Director for the Democratic Governors’ Association. After that, I had the opportunity to become a fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. This was a great experience, having the chance to give back and teach younger students. Now, after my time with various elections, I am now the Senior Public Policy Advisor working at the Dewey Square Group.

“Beaver really helps push you and encourages growth inside and outside of the classroom. The trip to France really helped me gain confidence in that language and also socially as I had to speak it quite often while there.”
– Katie Whelan ’74

Advice to Beaver students:
Make sure to take advantage of all the various opportunities at Beaver. Go for it all, especially at school. Try not to be afraid of failing or not succeeding at something at first.