Woman Pioneer Visits Johnson School
Aileen Arcilla `02
Issue date: 4/27/01 Section: Johnson News
- Page 1 of 1
On March 14, the Office for Women and Minorities in Business hosted a lunch that featured Jane Knauss Stevens, the first woman to graduate from Cornell University’s business school in 1948. At that time, the school was named the School of Business and Public Administration. Over twenty women attended to hear Ms. Stevens, a woman who helped create JGSM history, speak at our school.
During her talk, Jane Stevens focused on her experience after earning her MBA and emphasized the importance of giving back to the community. Living in Rochester, NY, she has continually given back to her community since graduation. Jane talked extensively about the many leadership roles she has assumed. As a leader in county politics, she developed a fund-raising pitch for Barry Goldwater and led the campaign of a Republican candidate for county sheriff. Ms. Stevens founded the Women’s Foundation of Rochester in 1986 and has also raised money for our school through the Johnson Club in Rochester, of which she is a founding member. In describing her experiences, Jane communicated to the participants that the skills and knowledge she gained from her MBA enabled her to assume leadership roles and make a true impact on the world around her.
Jane also used this speaking opportunity to pass on some simple advice. She encouraged participants to use common sense, to be aware when opportunities suddenly arise, to strive for balance in life and to recognize the presence of politics in our communities. She believes that women should pursue career goals but must also recognize opportunities to make a difference in the community whenever possible, as she herself has done though her personal experience.
During her Johnson school visit, Jane also met with Dean Swieringa, Richard Schafer, Associate Dean for Corporate Relations, and Rosalyn Hines, Executive Director of Development. Jane discussed various issues with the administration, including bringing Cornell alumni from the Rochester community to speak at the Johnson School.
The event was part of the Power Lunch Series, a schedule of lunches that features women from various positions in industry who share their insights on how to succeed in business today. For more information on future lunches, contact Angela Noble of the Office for Women and Minorities in Business at anj1@cornell.edu
During her talk, Jane Stevens focused on her experience after earning her MBA and emphasized the importance of giving back to the community. Living in Rochester, NY, she has continually given back to her community since graduation. Jane talked extensively about the many leadership roles she has assumed. As a leader in county politics, she developed a fund-raising pitch for Barry Goldwater and led the campaign of a Republican candidate for county sheriff. Ms. Stevens founded the Women’s Foundation of Rochester in 1986 and has also raised money for our school through the Johnson Club in Rochester, of which she is a founding member. In describing her experiences, Jane communicated to the participants that the skills and knowledge she gained from her MBA enabled her to assume leadership roles and make a true impact on the world around her.
Jane also used this speaking opportunity to pass on some simple advice. She encouraged participants to use common sense, to be aware when opportunities suddenly arise, to strive for balance in life and to recognize the presence of politics in our communities. She believes that women should pursue career goals but must also recognize opportunities to make a difference in the community whenever possible, as she herself has done though her personal experience.
During her Johnson school visit, Jane also met with Dean Swieringa, Richard Schafer, Associate Dean for Corporate Relations, and Rosalyn Hines, Executive Director of Development. Jane discussed various issues with the administration, including bringing Cornell alumni from the Rochester community to speak at the Johnson School.
The event was part of the Power Lunch Series, a schedule of lunches that features women from various positions in industry who share their insights on how to succeed in business today. For more information on future lunches, contact Angela Noble of the Office for Women and Minorities in Business at anj1@cornell.edu