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Elizabeth Robb ’05 (LaVale, Md.) is mentoring students through a Lafayette art program that serves two local high schools.
A double major in art and anthropology & sociology, she is working with sculptor Jim Toia, director of the art department’s Community-Based Teaching Program. She is helping teach 15 total students from the two schools. They attend hour-long sessions at the Williams Visual Arts Building three days a week, getting assistance with their art or working with visiting artists.
Toia cites Robb’s skills in reaching out to and mentoring area students.
“Liz is a very dynamic and generous individual who is great with the students. She’s really growing both as a student and a mentor through this program,” he says. “I think she’s realizing how much her perspective has changed as she takes on the role of instructor.”
Robb, who is considering possible career tracks that include teaching college-level art and becoming an arts and entertainment lawyer, is enjoying the challenges and rewards of the program.
“It’s a great experience. The kids get so excited,” she says. “It’s very rewarding to know that this program has inspired a lot of high school kids.”
She adds, “It’s also been great acting as a mentor to them. Sometimes it can be tough, but it’s so worthwhile when you realize you’re really making a difference in their lives.”
Robb also is a teaching assistant in the art department and works as a studio assistant to Toia. Her mentors at Lafayette have served as supportive role models.
“The faculty of the art department feels like family to me. We’re a close-knit group. Professor Toia and Ed Kerns [Eugene H. Clapp II ’36 Professor of Art] have been wonderful,” she says.
She adds, “The professors in the art department have opened so many doors for me in terms of internships and their associations with galleries in New York and museums. I’ve had awesome opportunities that have enriched my experience here. I’ve had a chance to work with practicing artists who are regularly showing, and that has really broadened my view of the art world.”
Robb is a graduate of St. James School.
Independent study courses are among several major opportunities at Lafayette that make the College a national leader in undergraduate research. Lafayette sends one of the largest contingents to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research each year. Over the past five years, more than 130 Lafayette students have presented results from research with faculty mentors, or under their guidance, at the conference.