2020 Volunteer Immersion Month Session Recordings

Unwavering Commitment to Excellence: A State of the University Address and Conversation

During these unprecedented times, the University continues to be steadfast in its focus on fulfilling Brown’s mission of education, scholarship, and research in the service of society. President Christina H. Paxson shares her insights and reflects on the state of Brown University, as well as her optimism for the future and priorities for the year ahead. Includes Q&A session with Provost Richard M. Locke, Dean of the College Rashid Zia ’01, and Vice President for Institutional Equity and Diversity Shontay Delalue. (Thursday, October 1, 2020)

Fostering Community and Staying Connected in a Virtual World 

Over the last several months, we have found ourselves needing to adapt our communications in order to build community in a virtual space rather than an in-person one. Join University and volunteer leaders to learn about best practices for communications that keep your community members connected in remote times and to find out more about Brown’s digital resources.

Speakers include Joukowsky Family University Librarian Joseph S. Meisel, Vice President for Communications Cass Cliatt, Brown Club of Washington, D.C Vice President Emily S. Dietsch ’06, Brown Club of Miami Secretary Kimberly Arredondo ’11, and Vice President for Alumni Relations Andy Shaindlin ’86. (Tuesday, October 6, 2020)

Brown Alumni Changemakers: Building Community Through Alumni Stories of Impact and Innovation

During this time of crisis and uncertainty in the world, community connection and hope are essential for humanity’s well-being. As University volunteers, you have the power to strengthen these bonds and to spread hope by spotlighting Brown alumni changemakers: those who are fulfilling Brown’s mission by doing the extraordinary to make this world a better place. Learn about this new initiative and hear from Co-Vice President of Communications for the Class of 2006 Sarah Gomel ’06, Co-President of the Brown Club of Greater San Francisco Lisa Ryers ’90 and Vice Communications Chair for the Brown Club of Washington, D.C., Sean Siperstein ’05, who have organized great programs and communications recognizing the positive impact of alumni in their communities. (Thursday, October 8, 2020)

BrownConnect Summer Institute: Supporting Students in a Remote Landscape

This summer, BrownConnect launched the BrownConnect Summer Institute (BCSI) to provide students with a meaningful, immersive, and educational experience, allowing them to engage with and learn from a diverse group of Brown alumni, parents, faculty, and staff. CareerLAB Director Matt Donato, along with recent BCSI alumni and student participants, discusses the formation and success of the Summer Institute. Learn how your leadership and projects might inspire student-alumni engagement in this virtual world and beyond. (Tuesday, October 13)

Research Matters: How Brown Graduate Students Advance the Study of Things that Matter

Research Matters is an annual event hosted by the Graduate School featuring short TED-style talks by graduate students and other scholars from the Brown community on “Why my research matters.” During this showcase moderated by Vanessa L. Ryan, co-deputy dean of the Graduate School, exceptional graduate students share the passion that inspires their research. Hear from Ph.D. students:

• Shekinah Fashaw, health services, “My Grandmother Prefers Her Home, But Does Her Health?”
• Anastasia Tsylina Williams, Slavic studies, “Language Teaching Research: Reading in Russian"
• Matteo Di Luca, engineering, “Shaping the Next Generation of Aerial Robots”
• D'Ondre Swails, Africana studies, “Racism: An American Fairy Tale”
• Ahona Palchoudhuri, anthropology and music, “The Everyday Life of Climate and a Musical Request for Rain”  

(Thursday, October 15)

Networking in a Virtual World

In today's world, networking is key—whether you are ready to make a career move, trying to find a mentor who shares your interests and background, or moving to a new city. Networking can be overwhelming even in the best of circumstances, and the current virtual landscape poses a new set of challenges. In this session, you'll learn tips and strategies for successfully expanding your network and leveraging your connections...even in a socially distant environment.