Philosophy Department Holds Alumni Panel and Reception

Contributed by Eugene Heath, professor of philosophy

On the first day of Alumni Weekend, October 14, 2022, the Philosophy Department held an outstanding pair of events at the College Terrace. The first event of that beautiful fall day was an Alumni Panel, featuring four philosophy alumni successful in distinct fields: Tom Sartain, ’06, senior staff engineer, Skillshare; Zoe Kheyman, ’12, staff attorney, Legal Aid Society, New York; Shantel V. Scott, ’13, clinical supervisor, The Bowery Mission, Bronx; and Jack Haanraadts, ’15, vice president, FINN Partners (public relations), New York. The panelists were joined by Mark McFadden, director of the Career Resources Center. The moderator of the discussion, Bruce Milem, professor of philosophy, posed questions to the panel about their expectations as an undergraduate and their experiences and choices after graduation. Milem then opened the floor to the audience of students and faculty who posed queries to the panelists.

The Alumni Panel was followed by a special reception. All philosophy alumni (and guests) and all current philosophy majors were invited to this unique event, along with selected university leaders and retired philosophy faculty. Over 40 people, including emeriti professors David Appelbaum and David Blankenship, enjoyed the late afternoon sun of the Terrace, the chance to renew acquaintances and some delicious savories. Both current majors and alumni remarked positively about these events and several said that they would welcome the opportunity to do it again. According to Dan Werner, chair of the philosophy department,

“One of the most common questions that we get from students and parents is, what can I do with a philosophy degree?  Our alumni panel made clear to everyone that a philosophy degree can be used in a wide variety of fields, and that it can also enrich your life in myriad ways.  The four panelists offered some excellent insights and reflections, which will hopefully give our current students a sense of what’s possible.  The alumni reception was a lovely event, and it was great to see all those who attended.”

These events were funded by the Career Resource Center, as well as the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean’s Office.