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Why I Give - Beth Bossard Micheletti DC’03

Why I Give - Beth Bossard Micheletti DC’03

After graduating from Douglass College in 2003, Beth Bossard Micheletti moved to Houston, TX, where she earned her teaching certification in special education. She has spent the last 15 years teaching at schools in Houston and at the American International School of Lagos, Nigeria. After living in Africa with her husband and two sons for 8 years, she has recently moved back to NJ where she is continuing her teaching career. 

What role did Douglass play in your college experience and beyond? 
The level of support that Douglass provides to its students is exceptional.  From the first days of orientation, Douglass women are provided with a support network that helps them develop and grow, and gives them the confidence to help support future generations.  Throughout my four years on campus, I was provided with so many opportunities to interact with and learn from formal and informal mentors.  Even when I was not planning to go into the same fields that they were in, seeing their accomplishment in academics, careers, and personal lives helped me to understand the general qualities of creativity, assertiveness, and resilience that lead to success. 

What are some of your favorite Douglass memories? 
One of my most vivid memories at Douglass was my first Douglass College Government Association meeting.  As a freshman, I had been to very few formal meetings, and only had the vaguest notion of Robert’s Rules, so, needless to say, I was terrified to say anything!  Throughout the first few meetings, I listened and researched, and soon, I began to participate enthusiastically.  To this day, when I feel out of my element in a new job or in an uncomfortable situation, I think back to how much I gained by working through my fear and being part of DCGA. 

What does Douglass mean to you? 
To me, Douglass means growth.  What I really love about The Douglass Experience is how students are constantly pushed to think in different ways, and to take ideas and make them bigger and better.  The opportunities for leadership were always there, and the faculty encouraged students to take the lead and make Douglass into a place they could take ownership of and be proud to be part of. 

Why I give: 
In the simplest terms, I give to Douglass because I believe in its mission.  I know that they continue to develop and create new and innovative programs that give their students an edge in a competitive world, and I know that those programs require funding to be successful. Douglass has a knack for creating common ground for women on diverse career paths, and for using that space to empower women and allow them to grow.  By investing in Douglass, I feel that I am helping that legacy continue.