Sloan Partners
The Sloan Program staff advises partners in creating their own organization, which sponsors social, educational, and recreational activities, including:
- Field trips to cultural activities
- Family trips to recreational sites
- Quarterly partner's meetings
- Major social events such as Halloween, holiday, and graduation parties
- Children's' social activities including a Halloween costume party, holiday events, and an Easter egg hunt
Because more than half the Sloan families have young children, partners form play groups and support each other during the year. Family privileges are extended to partners, giving them access to university libraries, athletic facilities, and other resources.
Testimonial from a Sloan Partner
This year as a Sloan partner has been one of the most enriching experiences I've had in my lifetime. I knew my Sloan Fellow was looking forward to a huge growth year professionally, intellectually, socially, and emotionally, and I decided early on to make the most of my year as a Sloan partner.
I served as president of the Sloan Partners in the fall and was able to get to know the entire group very quickly. I also participated on many committees and in several interest groups throughout the year. What I found were people, personalities, and sensibilities that covered a huge range, and yet, at the same time, I discovered tremendous similarities of experience, emotion, and expectation. It was the similarities AND differences that allowed so much bonding and learning to take place.
In addition, since I have previous experience in marketing and business, I enjoyed talking "business" with many of the Sloans and hearing about the classes they were taking. My Sloan Fellow and I had many stimulating discussions (some very late at night!!) about projects and cases they were working on. Now I feel I have gained a worldwide network of friends that have shared this special time in each of our lives.
When I first began in the program, I had no idea what to expect and felt some anxieties and apprehension. I really wasn't sure how involved I wanted to get. I live in the Stanford area and still had my whole life going on around me (we have a 9 year old girl and an 11 year old boy in the local schools). Now I am thrilled that I was able to work (and play) with such a wonderful group of people. Through conversations and activities with Sloans and Partners, I have learned so much about other parts of the world and have helped others understand more about this country. Our children, too, have made many knew friends and enjoyed being at Stanford in "Daddy's new school."
The best thing to know about a year as a Sloan Partner is that it is a journey, and where you start is not where you will end up. It's okay to feel apprehensive at first—does—take the ride at your own pace and you will enjoy it.
Emily Risberg
Sloan Partner '02