When students begin to explore career options, encouragement, support, and mentoring can bolster their success for securing employment. For more than 20 years, University of Rochester alumna and Board of Trustees member Gwen Greene '65 has provided just that for students hoping to break into the financial world. In recognition of her continued support and new $1 million commitment to the College's career center, the center will now be named the Gwen M. Greene Career and Internship Center.
"Gwen Greene has been an extraordinarily generous mentor to Rochester students and alumni for many years," said Joel Seligman, president of the University. "This latest gift is another wonderful demonstration of how fortunate our students and alumni are to have Gwen in their corner."
Greene, whose own college education at Rochester was made possible through scholarships, loans, and on-campus jobs she received, has over the last ten years supported many students in similar situations. In 1995, Greene established the Gwen Meltzer Greene '65 Endowed Scholarship, which provides financing for students who would not be able to attend the University without scholarship aid. Greene has been a member of the Board of Trustees since 2000, where she chairs the Student Affairs committee, serves as chair of annual giving programs for the entire University, and also is a charter member of the George Eastman Circle, the University's leadership annual giving society. In 2005, the University awarded her the James S. Armstrong Alumni Service Award for her significant contributions to undergraduate life on campus.
Additionally, Greene has generously made use of her experience as vice president of JP Morgan Securities, LLC, to help students explore internships or launch careers in global investment banking, securities trading or brokerage, among other paths.
"I am passionate about our Career Center and mentoring current and former students to help them begin their careers," said Greene. "I have a strong conviction that our students are as qualified as any to get those coveted jobs and it is alumni and friends of the University who can help them compete successfully."
The Gwen M. Greene Career and Internship Center supports a number of services for students at Rochester, including career counseling and graduate and pre-professional school advising, as well as networking opportunities. Throughout the 2009-2010 academic year, the Center's 11 counselors held more than 3,500 one-on-one sessions with students, helping them create résumés and cover letters and honing their interview skills and job search strategies. Additionally, the Center maintains a large database of career postings and recruiters, and boasts the Hyman J.V. Goldberg Library, which includes printed and electronic materials to assist students in researching careers and companies.
"Throughout my time at Rochester, Gwen has been a champion of the Center's mission and offerings," said Burt Nadler, director of the Center. "Her willingness to engage with undergraduates by participating in networking events and mentoring students seeking internships and jobs is a shining example of how alumni can have a true impact on the student experience at Rochester."