Jenn Carey Svehla '03

Major: Environmental Studies

Jenn Svehla is the current Chair of the Washington College Alumni Board. She has been involved with the College in various capacities since graduating in 2003. In addition to starting her professional career in the Admission Office, Jenn helped launch the College’s alumni social media campaign as the former Co-Chair of the Communications Committee (2010). Jenn has also worked closely with College officials and other alumni to support alumni communication initiatives, as well as other strategic endeavors. 

Jenn is employed by Booz Allen Hamilton, where she provides business management and communications support to Department of Defense clients. She lives in Bel Air, MD with her husband and two daughters, Lucy and Julia.

Favorite Class

My favorite class was Media and Politics with Professor Melissa Deckman. The class was divided to represent different political thoughts, regardless of your personal beliefs. Each class we would discuss, and often debate, what we were seeing in the news based on our assigned views. I loved this class because it taught me not only about media bias but diversity of thought. I learned the importance of listening and respecting the opinions or others, even when they don’t align with your own. I learned how information, media or otherwise, can be interpreted in different ways. I also learned that it’s often what is not said that is more important than what is said. Professionally and personally, I carry these lessons with me every day.

Fondest WC Memory

May Day.

Let’s Hear It for the Liberal Arts

When I came to Washington College, I had no idea what I wanted to do. The liberal arts education gave me the opportunity to be exposed to a variety of studies and ultimately forge my own path. The small classes all helped expand my critical thinking skills by encouraging exploration, whether it was of a particular topic or class, and asking questions. It was not just my specific degree that led me to where I am today, but the culmination of all the classes I took and the relationships I had with the faculty and staff.

Advice

Study abroad. Travel. GO!