Philanthropic Vision Allows Agnes Scott To Honor the Past While Shaping the Future

Over the past year, Agnes Scott College has garnered support from community partners that aligns with the college’s culture of innovation and diversity, propelling the liberal arts college forward at lightning speed. Agnes Scott has inspiring stories to tell of today’s leaders who are contributing to two of the college’s initiatives: a project that focuses on recognizing traditionally underrepresented individuals who were pivotal in the community’s development; and a program that allows first-year students to embark on scholastic trips around the world.

A $750,000 grant awarded to Agnes Scott by the Mellon Foundation will focus on the laborers, largely from underrepresented groups, who were instrumental in building the college campus and the City of Decatur. The project, “Acknowledging Our Past: Acting Now for a Transformed Future,” will allow students and faculty to partner with local organizations, conduct research on the area’s racial history, launch education programs and implement inclusive leadership training.

According to Vice President for Equity and Inclusion YvesRose Porcena, Ph.D., this project “is designed to elevate the lives of Black, Indigenous and people of color who built Agnes Scott’s campus and the city of Decatur and launch strategies to ensure the contributions of the aforementioned individuals are not erased.”

The program will also incorporate a new “Partners in Progress” section on the college’s website to highlight alliances and corporate partnerships. Underscoring the initiative is an effort to publicly recognize those individuals who built the community.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the Mellon Foundation,” says President Leocadia I. Zak. “This funding will further prepare our students to think deeply, engage the social challenges of their times and ultimately claim their places in a more inclusive and equitable workplace, community and world.”

The Delta Air Lines Foundation awarded a $1 million grant to the Agnes Scott College Global Journeys initiative, which allows all first-year students to take faculty-led trips across the globe to locations like Bulgaria, Paris, Jamaica, Alaska, Tuscany, and Belize. Global Journeys is just one component of SUMMIT, a fouryear comprehensive experience launched by Agnes Scott.

Zak is grateful to partner with Delta “whose mission and values align” with the college. “This generous grant from The Delta Air Lines Foundation is going to take our SUMMIT experience to even greater heights and allow us to continue providing our firstyear students with life-changing experiences that will broaden their worldview, build confidence and position them to claim their places in our community, workplaces and world,” says Zak.

The grant was announced at the college’s annual Women’s Global Leadership Conference on Oct. 13 during a fireside chat between Delta CEO Ed Bastian and Zak about inclusive leadership.

“At Delta, we have so much appreciation for what you are doing in education and we’re big fans of the Global Journeys program,” Bastian said in his surprise announcement.

The grants from the Mellon Foundation and The Delta Air Lines Foundation illustrate the impact substantial grants can have in higher education. With these organizations’ generous contributions, Agnes Scott can launch ground-breaking initiatives that will expose students to histories, cultures and populations and help move them toward a more enlightened and inclusive future.

— By Jennifer Colter

STUDENT FEATURE Clothing the Gap: Breaking Barriers to Professional Success

Smiles hide under masks, resumes are covered in folders, but the right attire or accessory can make all the difference to your professional presentation. When you look good, you feel good.

Lack of access to professional clothing is often the barrier between students and their journey to professional success. Whether it’s finances or lack of exposure, factors like these defer student dreams and aspirations. This, however, was no match for a place where challenges meet innovation. The Office of Internship and Career Development noticed this gap and took action. S.O.S., officially called Styling Outstanding Scotties, provides students with access to professional clothing, mitigating any barriers to opportunities.

“Our job is to set students up for success,” says Suzannah Haasbroek ’14, career coach in the Office of Internship and Career

Development. “And part of that is making sure they look and feel professional.” Haasbroek issued a call for help, and the alumnae community answered. Soon, donations of professional clothing began piling in offices, ready to be sorted, displayed and ultimately claimed.

“S.O.S. stands on the shoulders of overwhelming support from our alumnae community,” says Haasbroek. “It was created for current students with help from former students.”

The name “Styling Outstanding Scotties” was unveiled at a class of 2023 and alumnae reception held on Sept. 15.

Models styled in donated pieces walked the runway as the class of 2023 basked in the fruits of alumnae generosity.

Career Peers will staff the boutique, assisting students in finding the perfect professional ensemble. Though the clothing is free of cost, items like suits will be available for “checkout” and will need to be returned and cleaned to ensure all students have access.

In support of the mission, Sabrina Gonzalez, from community partner Jenette Bras, provided her undergarment expertise by demonstrating and educating students on proper fitting techniques and terminology.

“Clothing the gap” means acknowledging that there is one. A gap that dares to stand in the way of aspiring professionals. A barrier that is weakened by the strong will of our community. A hurdle now overcome with the love and support of a faithful community. On behalf of the Agnes Scott student body, thank you for “clothing the gap.”

For anyone interested in “clothing the gap,” donations are greatly appreciated. Simply call or email the Office of Internship and Career Development at 404.471.5454 or hireascottie@agnesscott.edu. An appointment will be scheduled for pickup or delivery.

— By Kamryn Thomas ’24

President Leocadia I. Zak