Patricia Smith gives the keynote address at the Women's Commission Fall Welcome.
Women's Commission hosts annual program
Sep 12, 2012
The Women’s Commission hosted its annual fall luncheon September 12, welcoming faculty and staff members and highlighting its initiatives for the upcoming year.
Keynote speaker Patricia Smith, deputy university counsel, expanded on one of those initiatives, mentoring, during her presentation in the Kirkhof Center. The commission will launch a Women’s Mentorship Program this year.
Smith called herself an “indifferent student” during high school and said a guidance counselor, a key mentor, helped her see beyond the borders of her hometown.
“He told me it was not too late to improve my grades and that I would be eligible for financial aid,” Smith said. “He encouraged me to reach further for myself.”
She relayed a famous quote about mentors, calling them “artists of encouragement” who work in large and small ways to inspire others.
“There is not a set formula for success,” Smith said, adding that
mentors can be called upon for guidance, emotional support and role modeling.
Subscribe
Sign up and receive the latest Grand Valley headlines delivered to your email inbox each morning.
