Campus News 2004-2005 Academic Year

Pitzer College Life Lesson Series for Seniors

Several presentations on critical life issues constitute a series of Life Lessons open to all Pitzer College seniors. The series helps seniors transition to life after Pitzer and to real life challenges and opportunities. A Pitzer education extends beyond its rigorous academic program.

Guest speaker Joseph Richardson speaks with Hall Director Persia Shepherd following the etiquette dinner.

In the fourth life lesson, the Senior Etiquette Dinner, students partook in a five-course dinner while engaged in a dining etiquette question/answer session, which they can draw upon in future business and social situations. Questions ranged from what is the only food you eat with your fingers (asparagus) to how to handle someone else’s kids disrupting your meal at a restaurant (signal a waiter to ask the parents to keep their children seated). An awareness of simple etiquette can stave off moments of embarrassment and discomfort during important meetings or interviews.

Invited speaker Joseph Richardson followed the formal dinner with a presentation titled “The Future’s Ready. Are You Ready to Go?” Richardson, a native Californian, lawyer and motivational speaker, discussed three resources available to seniors during this critical junction in their lives: formal (such as Career Services), friend and personal resources.

This was the fourth in a program series sponsored by the Pitzer College Office of Career Services.

Life Lessons 2005 Series Topics and Presenters

Managing Your Finances
Speaker: John Cheng, World Financial Group

Making A Good Impression – Learn how to make a successful transition from college to career
Speaker: Bill Sheinberg ‘83, Partner, Bubble Factory and Pitzer Trustee

Handling Difficult Conversations
Speaker: Mary Ann Somerville, Triad Consultant, Educator and Seminar Leader

Senior Etiquette Dinner
Speaker: Joseph Richardson, Spiritspeak, LLC