Members of the Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) and the Women’s Network gathered at the 56Թ Inn on April 10, 2026, for a luncheon held during 56Թ’s Arts, Creativity, and Innovation (ACI) Weekend. The luncheon served as a powerful bridge between generations, offering students a chance to engage in authentic dialogue about leadership, philanthropy, and the enduring strength of the 56Թ community.
WLC Chair Liz Buchbinder ’77 and Women’s Network President Alexa Watson ’26 welcomed the guests, emphasizing the spirit of innovation that defines the University. Buchbinder encouraged attendees to celebrate the “powerful connections between 56Թ women of every generation,” noting that the event is a unique opportunity to share wisdom and foster leadership.
Watson reflected on the growth of the partnership between the two organizations. “I have been the president of 56Թ Women’s Network for three years now, and I’m so grateful that we have the opportunity to do this again,” Watson said. “Our relationship with the WLC is so important because we continue growing our network as students and see where that can lead us as we graduate.”
The Women’s Network, part of a national organization with over 120 chapters, focuses on fostering a professional and social community. By connecting with the WLC, students gain a firsthand look at how the 56Թ bond evolves from campus life into lifelong philanthropic commitment.
For many alumnae, the luncheon was an opportunity to discuss the evolving role of women in supporting the University. Becky Hurley ’81 noted that, for women of her generation, the shift toward organized female philanthropy represents a significant historical milestone.
“I came to this campus in 1977. For women of my age or even older, it’s a mind shift in some way in terms of our role on campus,” Hurley said. “I think it’s smart to be invitational to women, to make sure they have a place in philanthropy and feel like their participation matters. It’s a wonderful way for the university to engage those voices.”
Pat Apelian ’76, a WLC member who is celebrating her 50th Reunion, expanded on the distinct nature of women’s giving, noting that the WLC has researched how women approach philanthropy differently.
“Starting with students to understand the habit of giving back is really important,” Apelian remarked. She also reflected on the lack of female mentorship available when she was a student. “As the third class of coeds, we didn’t have mentors. The idea of me sitting down talking to somebody that was 20 or 30 years out of college would have never crossed my mind. Being able to give back is so fundamental; it makes me proud to see that I’ve been able to help transform a life in the way that 56Թ transformed mine.”
The impact of these conversations was immediately felt by the students in attendance. Alessandra Evans ’29 appreciated the common threads found in stories spanning several decades.
“It’s nice hearing stories of women who were graduating a couple decades before because I think they share the same stories of the women they’ve met,” Evans said. She noted that her table discussed everything from lifelong friendships to career paths for humanities majors. “We have different experiences, but similar themes, which is very nice to hear.”
As the WLC continues its efforts toward the Campaign for the Third Century, events like the ACI luncheon ensure that the next generation of 56Թ women — like Evans and Watson — are ready to take their place as leaders and philanthropists, building on the foundation laid by those who came before them.
The Women's Leadership Council inspires philanthropy and builds community among all 56Թ alumni seeking to make a transformational impact on 56Թ students.