Annual Eagles 2 Eagles Networking Event a Success

CHESTNUT HILL Mass. – The Council for Women of Boston College and BC Athletics hosted the annual Eagles 2 Eagles networking event for female student-athletes on Tuesday evening in Conte Forum. More than 50 alumnae returned to campus to network with and share their professional experience with over 100 current student-athletes.

Boston College started the program in 2006 in conjunction with the Council for Women of Boston College (CWBC). The purpose of the event is to bring together current female student-athletes with select alumnae who also once donned a maroon and gold uniform in an effort to provide career guidance, mentoring, life advice and networking opportunities.

William V. Campbell Director of Athletics Martin Jarmond discussed the importance of the Eagle-to-Eagle networking event.

"The Eagles 2 Eagles event provides a wonderful opportunity for connection among our former and current female student-athletes," Jarmond said. "This is a critical piece of our mission to not only support our student-athletes as they prepare to go into the workforce, but also provide opportunities to grow engagement among the many different supportive members of our BC Athletics community."

The alumnae in attendance ranged from the class of 1972 to the class of 2017 and included professionals from the following careers: finance, law, health care and wellness, athletics, business, education, marketing and sales, nonprofit, real-estate, retail and technology.

The Boston College alumnae used the opportunity to address several issues with current student-athletes, ranging from interview skills to finding the right career path after graduation. After dinner and welcoming remarking from Senior Associate Athletics Director and Senior Woman Administrator Jocelyn Fisher Gates and Jarmond, CWBC members Kathy Haley '76 and Kathy Kelleher '85 spoke those in attendance. The program was facilitated by Candy O'Terry Gaffney '79, the co-founder of Brunner Communications and president of Boston Women in Media & Entertainment.

Following the messages from CWBC members and administration, the student-athletes participated in a "speed dating" networking session that allowed women to meet former BC athletes in a more personal way. The women were then invited to continue networking for the remainder of the evening.

"This is one of my favorite things to do every year. It is amazing to see the talent that is in this room and I find it super fulfilling to come back and give back to the student-athletes," said Katie Hart '99, a former golfer. "I wish this was around when I played golf here!"

BC student-athletes embraced the chance to meet with and learn from women who used to be in their shoes. By meeting former student-athletes, current Eagles were invited to address the uncertainty of the future in a focused way and form lasting connections that will help them moving forward.

"This event gives me the ability to network with amazing alumni and it's a better connection that they are former athletes," senior field hockey player Justine Sheehan said. "Of course, Boston College is a prestigious university and is amazing to be part of this family."

Annual Eagles 2 Eagles Networking Event a Success

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