Panel members (l to r) Cindy Hux Martin ’78, Lehn Benjamin, Ph.D. and Beth Tevlin, JD.
Where not-for-profit organizations are concerned, philanthropy makes the world go ‘round. Educating the leaders of tomorrow’s not-for-profits about the importance of philanthropy – that is what Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College achieved in this year’s Pathways in the Helping Professions event.
“I am encouraged by this new generation of philanthropists,” said panelist Cindy Hux Martin, 1978 graduate and SMWC Board of Trustee. She added that the new generation is innovative – thinking outside of the box and using social media to their advantage
Glenna Simons, JD, social and behavioral science department chair at SMWC, served as moderator for the panel discussion, “The Role of Philanthropy in the Helping Professions.” The panel included:
- Lehn Benjamin, Ph.D., Director of the Doctoral Program, Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Indiana University;
- Cindy Hux Martin ’78, SMWC Board of Trustees; President, Hux Family Charitable Trust; and
- Beth Tevlin, JD, Executive Director, Wabash Valley Community Foundation.
Over 120 students, faculty, staff and employers attended the event, in which panelists gave participants insight into philanthropy – the role it plays in the mission of not-for-profit organizations, examples of philanthropic careers and academic programs and typical funding processes.
“Philanthropy isn’t just giving money,” said Martin. “It’s also giving time to help … making connections. You can’t underestimate time and talent.”
As director of the doctoral program at Indiana University’s School of Philanthropy, Lehn Benjamin, Ph.D. provided students with a unique perspective on the education available in philanthropy. Beth Tevlin, JD, executive director of Wabash Valley Community Foundation, was able to explain the process by which funding is decided and allocated. She also emphasized the importance of collaboration when asking for funding.
“Many of the helping organizations were not-for-profit entities. The panel provided insights in various applications of philanthropy and how important they are to the viability of strong innovative Helping Professions. Students will be better prepared to interact with stakeholders as their professional lives develop,” states Tara Lane, SMWC’s career development employer relations coordinator.
Jessica Bowen, junior music therapy major
This event combines education, networking and a traditional career fair to expand occupational possibilities for students dedicated to sociology, psychology, human services and various therapies. After the panel discussion, students were able to network with exhibitors at the job fair.
“In this unique agenda, the students were seated with the exhibitors and professionals to enhance networking during the buffet lunch. All of the exhibitors were introduced before we transitioned to the job fair portion of the event. This allowed students to learn about opportunities, identify diverse career paths within their field and build supportive relationships,” states Lane.
With 20 exhibitor tables at the event, many of which were hiring for specific positions, there were a lot of opportunities for students.
“I attended Pathways to find future internships in the area and learn about the different organizations in our community. I was able to network and found some possibilities of places to intern for in the near future,” stated Jessica Bowen, of Flat Rock, Ill., junior music therapy major at SMWC. “Hearing the experiences of the panel members and learning about their careers in philanthropy helped me realize how important it is in our community.”
For more information about other Career Development Center events and opportunities, visit https://www.smwc.edu/resources/career-services/.