PURSUIT OF P HYSICAL SP IRITUAL F INANCIAL PROFESSIONAL
Creating Connections and Community
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PILOT WINTER 2017 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN
EMOTIONAL
HEALTH
April Stensgard challenges alumni and students to find and fulfill their calling “It’s imperative that everyone discover their divine design by identifying their gifts, talents, strengths and values.” This is the message April (Fichter ’93) Stensgard enthusiastically communicates in her work as director of the Center for Calling & Career. “When you offer [these things] you become the blessing other people need. It’s a beautiful picture of God’s creativity.” Stensgard is new to her position at Northwestern, where she leads a team of career development specialists to help students and alumni discover and develop their strengths. She is passionate about empowering and serving everyone looking for guidance and resources. “My role and responsibility at Northwestern is to cultivate a culture where personal and career development is inherent in all we do,” she said. Stensgard hopes to expand ways to engage and equip alumni personally and professionally. She has the support of the UNW community. “I have been overwhelmed by the collaborative nature of all departments. They partner to equip and empower our students and alumni in every aspect of career development.”
The Center for Calling & Career is a resource to help Eagles past and present discover their divine design, create professional communities and make purposeful connections with others. This is accomplished through assessments, events, programs, webinars, LinkedIn and other online resources. In addition, there are several opportunities for alumni to be a resource for students by offering internships, expertise and connections. Stensgard and her team continually challenge students and alumni to rethink the question: “What am I called to do?” Yet she believes a calling isn’t what we do; rather it is who we are. “We are called to be children of God and a light to the world.” Students and alumni are encouraged to contact Stensgard and her team with questions regarding career development. Email callingcareer@unwsp.edu or call 651-631-5265.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN WINTER 2017 PILOT
21