This story appeared in the 2022 Fall issue of Onyx Anneau.
By Elizabeth Yaw ‘92
In 2021, SMWC launched its inaugural doctoral program, a Ph.D. in Global Leadership. This step to expand the academic breadth of programming came with an emphasis on examining and expanding the global reach of the institution for the development of future international partnerships and pathways. One goal of this initiative, in collaboration with the SMWC Office of Alumni Relations, is to foster and engage a global alumni network – connecting and reconnecting international and ex-pat Woods alumni across the world through a network of global alumni.
Dorothy Carole Yaw ’91, Ph.D., in Qatar.
According to Sarah Stultz Mahady ’05, director of alumni relations, “We’re calling these Alumni Affinity Groups as we encourage alumni to come together in ways in which they want to connect with each other and the College – expanding on the club-based geographic model to also include affinities such as majors, sports teams and interests.”
The alumni database reports approximately 80 alumni living abroad, but Mahady believes there may be many more who have lost touch with the institution. This initiative seeks to create virtual opportunities for international and ex-pat alumni to gather, share experiences and get updates about The Woods throughout the year. Kim LaComba, Ph.D., assistant professor for global leadership, has been working with alumna, Rose Gana Fomban Leke ’69, Ph.D., from Cameroon, to connect her with students in the doctoral program. Leke, emerita professor of immunology and parasitology from the University of Yaounde 1 and founder of HIGHER Women Consortium Cameroon, is participating in the 2022 SMWC Intercultural Communication Speaker Series.
“Providing access to intercultural communicators and global leadership experts from around the world is an essential opportunity to deliver lessons to students from experts who have direct experiences,” said LaComba. “When scholars and practitioners who share their experiences are alums, it strengthens their connection with SMWC while providing role models for current students. When alums who are working or living globally participate as a speaker, it provides an avenue to reconnect their spirit to The Woods.”
Alumni living abroad or others who are interested in connecting globally may join the Global Alumni Affinity Group or update their contact information by emailing alumni@smwc.edu.
Yaw is an alumna from the Class of 1992. She has lived in Doha, Qatar, for eight years and serves as president of the American Women’s Association. Yaw first discovered her love for travel and different cultures during a study abroad semester at Providence University in Taiwan. Yaw moved to Qatar so that her son would be immersed in the culture and language of his Father, a Qatari National. They quickly adapted to their new home and enjoy the Arab culture and hospitality. Qatar is a unique country with more than 100 nationalities living in the tiny country of 3 million people. Yaw and her family are excited about the World Cup coming to Qatar in November 2022 and the USA Team being a part of the World Cup.
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