Students, donor connect over conference conversation (and pizza)

A group of Heidelberg students who traveled to Columbus to help organize and attend panels at the Midwest ACIS (American Conference for Irish Studies) conference October 10-12 was able to meet Friday with the donor who made the trip possible for them.

Trustee and alumna Jean (Warren) Gekler '80 and her husband, Brooks, generously donated funds to cover the costs for the students' hotel rooms, travel, and conference fees.

Without this funding the students would only have been able to attend part of a single day at the conference and not the entire three days, said English professor and Dr. Barry Devine. Additionally, the students would not have had the opportunity to help Barry, as regional President, organize the conference, plan the events, and put everything into action.

“The students got incredible real-world experience at a professional level for a professional organization,” Barry said.

Students rarely get to meet the donors who support their academic endeavors, but Jean was on campus for the October Board of Trustees Meetings and wanted to connect with the students. So on Friday, the group gathered at the new Heavenly Pizza location for a casual conversation over pizza.

“The students were able to share their conference stories and Jean was able to see the experiences that her donation provided for these amazing students,” Barry said

Jean’s fellow Trustee and friend, Melissa Harrison ’02 – a regular supporter of ’Berg students and student success – also joined the conversation.

“We both had meaningful conversations and loved the insights the students shared,” Jean said. “They expressed how much value they received from attending their first conference experience. Additionally, they enjoyed interacting with all the wonderful academic professors who were presenting their research, ideas and papers and how it inspired them as they look forward to their careers and/or completing their programs at Heidelberg.”

Students who attended the conference and met with Jean and Melissa were Autumn Perry, Makenna Finnegan, Katherine Albright, Lennon Amor and Emily Garberich. Serria Allen also participated in the conference but was unable to attend the casual gathering.