Connor Smith, DAR-ling of the week
Your name is attached to a lot of old and new events on the VCU Alumni calendar, including the RAM Bucket List, RAMadition and others. Tell us about your early strategies to engage students in philanthropy.
While my name is attached to a number of the events on the VCU Alumni calendar, it’s really the students in Students Today Alumni Tomorrow who are the ones heading up these events! As I work to advise and support STAT, my hope is that we can slowly but surely incorporate aspects of philanthropy into everything we do. For example, while the RAM Bucket List and RAMadition Tuesdays events are focused on promoting official VCU traditions, giving back is also one of the traditions listed in the Tradition Keepers app. That said, it really is all about awareness and educating the student body on the importance of giving back and being philanthropic.
Did being a student leader at Western Michigan University influence your career path?
It certainly did! Throughout my four years as an undergraduate, I was involved in a number of different capacities both on and off campus. After some of the most impactful and developmental years of my life, I was inspired by a number of my advisers and mentors to pursue graduate education in college student affairs administration. This then led me to the University of Georgia, where I studied for my master’s and served as the graduate assistant for student engagement with the alumni association. This opportunity opened my eyes to the impact and important work being done within the realm of student advancement and served as a catalyst for the role that I know hold with VCU Alumni.
What has impressed you about Richmond during your first summer here?
I’ve really enjoyed quite a bit, but I would have to say the food and beverage scene in Richmond has been really impressive. From countless good brunch spots to the breweries in Scott’s Addition and everything in between, I’ve really enjoyed my time in Richmond thus far and look forward to exploring all that it will continue to offer.
Categories DAR-ling of the week, Talent Management