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It was a rockin’ rollin’ good time in Memphis for the #SoACE19 “Live From Memphis!” annual conference! SoACE members from near and far gathered for learning, networking, and fun in the heart of the Bluff City at the famous Peabody Hotel. This was a record breaking conference with over 500 attendees!
Members on the SoACE Board and the Conference Planning Committee started the week by running the St. Jude races. The SoACE Team raised $4,490 dollars for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which was also the conference philanthropy.
The #SoACE19 Conference began with 5×5 sessions, bringing rapid fire information on topics ranging from employer relations & career advising to data & technology. We “Let the Good Times Roll” at the President’s Reception, ending the night with good food, fellowship, and a photo booth.
Our very own SoACE President, Charlie Wilder, tried his hand at being the Duck Master, leading the famous Peabody Ducks into the conference kick-off breakfast. We learned from and networked with colleagues throughout the week during sessions, roundtables, Knowledge Groups, and State Association meetings, but one of the most impactful learning moments was at the National Civil Rights Museum for the Diversity and Inclusion Networking Night. The reception was planned by the Diversity and Inclusion, Employer Relations, and Experiential Learning Knowledge Groups. We explored our nation’s storied past and learned about the fight for civil rights throughout the exhibits at the Lorraine Motel, while some of our employer members shared their Diversity and Inclusion recruiting initiatives.
SoACE attendees learned about leadership and innovation at FedEx from the opening Keynote Speaker, Shannon Brown. Maren Greathouse informed attendees about challenges that LGBTQ+ students face in the job search and how to best support them, and we ended the conference with Mercedes Ramirez Johnson’s incredible story of intention, perspective, and perseverance.
We put on our “blue suede shoes” and danced the night away at Elvis Presley’s Graceland for a wonderful ending to a fabulous conference. Thank you to the SoACE Board and Conference Planning Committee for an informative and fun week in Memphis, Tennessee!
See you next year in Orlando for the #SoACE20 Annual Conference!
Congratulations to the #SoACE19 award winners:
Honorary Lifetime Award: Sam Ratcliffe, Virginia Military Institute (Retired)
Southern Star Award: Norma Guerra-Gaier, University of Texas at Austin
President’s Award: Jessica Campbell, Rice University
New Professional Award: Ashley Rizzotto, Florida International University
Champion of Diversity Award: Jessica Baker, University of Florida
Mosaic Award: Phillips 66
Imaginative Spirit Award: University of Alabama Huntsville
