Written by Phuong Le
The first Annual Symposium at Manhattanville College took place last Saturday in the East Room. The event welcomed 19 panelists across multiple scientific fields as well as students and faculty from the Manhattanville community.
Panelists answering students’ questions.
Organized by the American Chemical Society, Manhattanville Student Chapter and the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society, the event is an opportunity for the College to showcase the academic and professional opportunities existing within the science field. The symposium began with opening remarks from Provost Gail Simmons who is also teaching a genetics course in the Biology department this semester. While Provost Simmons spoke about the importance of a liberal arts education, she said, “Not all great scientists come from schools such as Harvard or MIT. Many of them come from small colleges like Manhattanville and it is important to keep up the scientific tradition here.”
Provost Gail Simmons talking with some of the panelists.
The 11 alumni panelists shared the same view. Tiffany Dwileski ’05 credited Biology classes at Manhattanville for providing her with the necessary foundation and prerequisites to ease her transition into graduate school. Bindu Varghese ’00 who completed an impressive double major and double minor at the College mentioned the invaluable help from her professors in finding her first internship. Steven Corvini ’12 attributed his confidence interacting with patients to his experience working with students as an RA at Manhattanville. “Working in science also means that you should be able to explain scientific terms to people who are unfamiliar with them,” Corvini said, “As an RA, I really improved my communication and management skills, which certainly helped me to become a better scientist.”
After the formal Q&A portion of the event, there was a social hour where students had the chance to speak with the panelists. Taking place on the same day as the Open House for accepted students, the event hoped to highlight the science departments at the College. It was indeed an inspiring day for science majors as students received great advice from alumni who share their unique Manhattanville experience. More importantly, it was also an opportunity for alumni to give back to their alma mater by offering guidance to the College’s next generation of scientists.
Thank you to the following alumni panelists for participating and sharing your expertise with our students!
Helaine Smith ’88, DMD
Donna Walsh Fullerton ’87, DVM
Sandra Trusa ‘01, Ph.D.
Bindu Varghese ’00, Ph.D.
Tiffany Dwileski ’05, RN
Tara Pisano ‘11, RN
Maxine Montello ‘08
Steven Corvini ‘12
Omarys Parker ‘04
Danielle Lombardi ‘09
Madelline Chavez ‘12
- Click below for more pictures from the event! Were you a science major at Manhattanville? Are you working in a science related field? How did your Manhattanville experience prepare you for your career?
Manhattanville Alumni 