In celebration of 50 years of women’s education, three notable women in the political field, two of whom are alumnae, returned to campus to discuss the role of women in political and civic engagement and how their liberal arts education has been crucial to their personal and professional pursuits.
The New Hampshire Institute of Politics was filled with warm welcome-back hugs, new introductions, and lively conversation on April 3 as Senator Sharon Carson, Senator Donna Soucy ’89, and Courtney Tanner ’11 spoke on a panel moderated by Dr. Christine Gustafson, a professor in the politics department and co-chair of the Women’s 50th Celebration Committee. Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Sheila Liotta welcomed the crowd, discussing the significance of the 50th anniversary of women’s full admission to Saint Anselm.
New Hampshire Senate Majority Leader Senator Sharon Carson serves on the Republican Senate leadership team, and has won a number of awards in recognition of her work from her constituents. Senator Donna Soucy ’89 has had a long-standing record in New Hampshire politics on the local and state level and has served in the New Hampshire State Senate since 2012, with her current position as the Minority Leader. Third on the panel was lobbyist and government relations director for Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Courtney Tanner ’11.
“I think the most important thing is that education is the key,” shared Tanner about the impact of her Saint Anselm education. “[It] can open any door, and then the right people come into your life at the right time… but this place is the foundation for those doors to open up, and we’re here tonight, right?”
Concerning politics, Senator Soucy ’89 discussed how women in government, especially in New Hampshire, the first state senate to have a majority female legislation, have been given “so many opportunities. Women have been able to sort of break through really well in New Hampshire and have been accepted as leaders, and I think it was a big difference… particularly, for women to see other women holding those positions because it shows that there is a willingness to embrace women participating in leadership positions. I really think it makes a difference in the … decisions made around our committee tables every day as we work through legislature. [Female] perspectives are just different. They’re not necessarily better or worse; they’re just different. And… processing ideas with an equal number of men and women around the table is always, I think, very rewarding.”
Annmarie Camann, the NHIOP’s deputy director, was “delighted to see so many alumni respond to this invitation by attending in person or sending information for our slideshow. Many traveled in spite of [an] unwelcoming weather forecast; one alum flew in from Chicago and attended with her aunt, Alice [Upham] Dunfey [‘68], one of the very first women students at [the college].”
Alexandra Costa ’24, a Communication major with a double minor in Professional and Creative Writing and Gender Studies, worked the event as a “Female Ambassador” and had the opportunity to connect with alumni and share similar experiences of working in politics. As only knowing Senator Carson and Senator Soucy through their respected committees in the New Hampshire Senate, she enjoyed getting to know them on a personal level as well.
“Women in the Public Square: Political and Civic Engagement” is just one of the many extraordinary events the 50 Years of Women’s Education Committee is holding in collaboration with other departments that celebrate the monumental impact of women throughout the Hilltop’s history. Upcoming events include:
- On Thursday, April 25, a panel discussion, “Women in Philosophy,” with alumnae Philosophy majors, hosted by Professor Joshua Tepley and students in PH 220 Women in Philosophy, will discuss women’s roles and contributions to Philosophy.
- Also, on April 25, the committee will collaborate with Saint Anselm College’s Women in Business Club, Office of Alumni Relations, and the Economics and Business Department for “50 Years of Women in Leadership,” which will include a panel, Q and A, and a networking period with alumnae.
A full listing of Women’s 50th events and more information on the campaign can be found on the Women’s 50th Celebration homepage.