NYC connections
UD hosts fourth 'Evening of Conversations and Connections with New York Alumni'
1:11 p.m., April 2, 2015--The fashion industry was in the spotlight at the University of Delaware’s fourth annual “An Evening of Conversations and Connections with New York Alumni” on March 12. Design, merchandising and marketing were just a few of the topics addressed by a panel of six UD alumni currently leading successful careers in the fashion industry.
An event dedicated to connecting alumni and initiating conversations around contemporary topics, Conversations and Connections welcomed over 100 alumni, parents and friends and 50 current UD students to the office complex of Vornado Realty Trust, courtesy of Glen Weiss, a 1991 graduate.
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"The evening was amazing. The space was spectacular and I was so impressed by the talented panel of UD alumni, their interesting career paths and their advice to current students as well as anyone making a career or job change. It was wonderful to hear how much the fashion merchandising and apparel studies program has grown with the industry and how many opportunities are now available to students," said Diane Zemboulis Anton, of the Class of 1981.
George H. Watson, alumnus and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Marsha A. Dickson, Irma Ayers Professor of Human Services and chair of the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies, kicked off the evening and introduced a question and answer session with the panel.
Panelists included Paula Zusi, of the Class of 1982, consultant and formerly executive vice president and chief supply chain offer at Ann Inc.; Johanna Murphy, of the Class of 1992, chief marketing and digital officer at Ivanka Trump; Tre Roberts, of the Class of 2002, visual merchandising and store planning project manager at TAG Heuer North America; Carly Handler, of the Class of 2007, vice president of merchandising at Nine West Group; Cynthia Gale, of the Class of 1985, chief executive officer and designer at Cynthia Gale New York; and Joshua Peskowitz, of the Class of 2001, fashion director, men's at Bloomingdale's.
The conversation commenced with the panelists sharing stories about their UD connections, career paths and the classes that prepared them for their careers in the industry. Fashion was indeed the heart of the evening’s discussion as guests discussed the challenges for entrepreneurs starting their own fashion-related businesses; industry changes and market consolidation; “Fast Fashion,” a disruptor in the industry and its impact; the impact of technology and globalization; and philanthropic causes by brands.
The University’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations and the New York City Alumni Club hosted the event and thanked the speakers for sharing their time, talent and energy with the audience and the current students for traveling to New York City to learn, explore and network.
“Each and every one of us in attendance contributed to the wonderful success of our fourth Conversations and Connections here in New York City,” said Richard D. Greenberg of the Class of 1977, president of the New York City Alumni Club. “Beginning with our hosts who provided us with a spectacular venue, our moderator and panelists who engaged us with thought-provoking comments and observations, our students with their energy and excitement and, of course, our University administrators who give the University and programs like this its unparalleled depth, breadth and relevance to today. The NYC Alumni Club will continue to work hard to provide our alumni with access to events like this and so much more throughout the year and next.”
This event had planning and organizational support from the New York City Alumni Club in conjunction with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, partnering with the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Career Services Center to plan the day for the students.
Additional support by the Parents Fund allowed students to attend free of charge and support from the University of Delaware Alumni Association kept the costs down for all alumni and friends due to their sponsorship.
“The Parents Fund being able to bring students to New York City for this event was such a privilege. The students were mingling, networking and learning so much from their fellow Blue Hens,” said Toni Bonaviso, member of the UD Parents Fund Council.
For information about alumni events across the country, visit UDconnection.com.
About Development and Alumni Relations
The Office of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) engages donors, alumni, friends, parents, faculty, staff and students in a lifelong relationship and fosters a tradition of philanthropy to strengthen the University’s legacy as one of the great public institutions of higher education in America.
Article by Leslie Lundgaard
Photos by Evan Krape