News at St. Catherine's
Alumnae Inspire at Career Day
Alumnae returned to campus Friday to talk with Upper School students about their successful career paths.
Dagen McDowell ’87 never expected to find herself on TV. She headed off to college in love with Art History and boasting strong writing skills.
But unplanned opportunities landed her on Fox News as an anchor on the Fox Business Network, where she works today.
McDowell was the Career Day keynote speaker on Friday, which kicks off Reunion Weekend. More than 20 successful alumnae presented to Upper School students on careers in a variety of fields including law, veterinary medicine, banking, home design and AIDS/STD education.
“I think about my experience at St. Catherine’s often,” McDowell told the students during Friday’s chapel. “My foundation here presented me the ability to take advantage of unexpected opportunities. I am thankful every day of my life for everything I learned at St. Catherine’s.”
McDowell credited the writing skills she developed at St Catherine’s – specifically the grammar and ability to write effectively, simply and quickly – as a key in her successful career.
She also talked about the leadership skills she gained as a Prefect and specific lessons she learned as a boarder at St. Catherine’s.
“The most important thing I took away was the ability to write and express myself,” she said.
After McDowell talked to all the students during chapel, the girls attended three different sessions to hear from other accomplished alumnae representing a wide range of fields.
Megan McEachin ’07 talked about her experience as an Army Reserve Civil Affairs Specialist, her political involvement and her graduate students at Georgetown University.
Particularly interesting to one group of students was her experience in basic training as well as the treatment of women in the military – or any male-based field.
“You get out of it what you put into it,” said McEachin, whose sister Alex is a junior at St. Catherine’s. “It doesn’t matter if you are a woman or not.”
Louise Butler Mason ’82 discussed about her experiences as a Chaplain at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV). She works a variety of shifts at the teaching hospital, reaching out to the patients, their families and even the MCV staff. Mason told the girls she loves working with people and believes the job is good for those who have a strong pull to help people. And while there are many down moments associated with the job, there are the upbeat, happy times.
“There are great celebrations of life,” said Mason, who has performed baptisms and even weddings at the hospital chapel.
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But unplanned opportunities landed her on Fox News as an anchor on the Fox Business Network, where she works today.
McDowell was the Career Day keynote speaker on Friday, which kicks off Reunion Weekend. More than 20 successful alumnae presented to Upper School students on careers in a variety of fields including law, veterinary medicine, banking, home design and AIDS/STD education.
“I think about my experience at St. Catherine’s often,” McDowell told the students during Friday’s chapel. “My foundation here presented me the ability to take advantage of unexpected opportunities. I am thankful every day of my life for everything I learned at St. Catherine’s.”
McDowell credited the writing skills she developed at St Catherine’s – specifically the grammar and ability to write effectively, simply and quickly – as a key in her successful career.
She also talked about the leadership skills she gained as a Prefect and specific lessons she learned as a boarder at St. Catherine’s.
“The most important thing I took away was the ability to write and express myself,” she said.
After McDowell talked to all the students during chapel, the girls attended three different sessions to hear from other accomplished alumnae representing a wide range of fields.
Megan McEachin ’07 talked about her experience as an Army Reserve Civil Affairs Specialist, her political involvement and her graduate students at Georgetown University.
Particularly interesting to one group of students was her experience in basic training as well as the treatment of women in the military – or any male-based field.
“You get out of it what you put into it,” said McEachin, whose sister Alex is a junior at St. Catherine’s. “It doesn’t matter if you are a woman or not.”
Louise Butler Mason ’82 discussed about her experiences as a Chaplain at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV). She works a variety of shifts at the teaching hospital, reaching out to the patients, their families and even the MCV staff. Mason told the girls she loves working with people and believes the job is good for those who have a strong pull to help people. And while there are many down moments associated with the job, there are the upbeat, happy times.
“There are great celebrations of life,” said Mason, who has performed baptisms and even weddings at the hospital chapel.
Located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, St. Catherine’s School is a private, all-girls pre-K, kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school. We provide a well-rounded educational experience for girls from communities across Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and all of central Virginia. St.Catherine’s all-girls educational experience is rooted in more than a century of history and tradition. From our revolutionary past to our dynamic present, St. Catherine’s has always focused on preparing students for a boundless future.
