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As chair of the Council of Lafayette Women (CLW) Conference set for April 4-5, Anne Matlack ’85 is enjoying the opportunity to work with the “talented and fun women” of Lafayette, but she’s also seriously committed to providing an enriching experience.
“The CLW plays an important role by focusing specifically on and creating programs for alumnae,” she says. “I took the role because I wanted to work with the great women on the CLW. In addition, I’ve enjoyed past conferences and wanted to give back to those who had worked so hard in the past. The timing was right for me to take this opportunity.”
“I see my conference role as head cheerleader,” says Matlack, an economics and business graduate and president of Thrive LLC, a marketing strategy and executive life-coaching business. “My job is to facilitate the work of the sub-committees and make sure that we keep focused on putting together a great experience for the attendees.”
This year’s conference theme is “Broadening HorizonsDeepening Understanding.” The weekend promises a diverse slate of events, beginning with a keynote address by Mary Stengel Austen ’86, president and CEO of Tierney Communications. Also, for the first time, the conference will feature panel sessions and presentations with current students, allowing alumnae to witness the Lafayette experience in action.
“With so much change happening in the world, our economy, and probably our own families, it is critical to step back and reflect from time to time,” says Matlack. “The conference provides a rich and varied set of topics through which to do so. Attendees will explore and expand their understanding about the world, the College, and their communities while understanding how to better care for themselves and their families.”
The schedule also offers plenty of opportunities for attendees to catch up and reconnect with each other and the College during a series of social events. There will be cocktails with the faculty, breakfast with President Dan Weiss, and informal gatherings.
Staying connected to Lafayette is important to Matlack. In addition to her role as conference chair, she serves as co-class fund manager with economics and business graduate Amy Powless ’85 and helped raise funds for the Ann Paul Field Hockey Team Room at Metzger Fields.
“Lafayette provided me with a solid education and the opportunity to make dear friends, including my husband [geology graduate] Eric Berndt ’84,” she says. “I really enjoy supporting the next generation. Volunteering also provides me with the opportunity to connect with a broad range of fellow alumni and to take on new challenges.”
Matlack credits her undergraduate years with giving her the tools to succeed in the business world.
“My professors and coaches at Lafayette were excellent teachers,” she says. “They provided not only subject-matter knowledge, but also held us to high expectations regarding writing, communicating, and developing team skills. This foundation allowed me to start my career on solid footing and continues to serve me today. Lafayette fostered a collaborative learning environment well before it became widely recognized as critical for success in the business world.”