The impact of Newman University’s own reaches far beyond campus borders.
Take, for instance, the recent work of Christine Schneikart-Luebbe, vice president for enrollment management and student success.
In January, she attended the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators’ (NASPA) Alice Manicur Symposium, which was created for women aspiring to become vice presidents within their organization. The symposium is for student affairs female professionals who are at the middle- and upper-management levels.
Typically, six or seven female vice presidents are asked to serve as faculty members for this professional development opportunity. This year, Schneikart-Luebbe was selected to serve as a faculty member.
At the symposium, which took place in Portland, Oregon, she mentored a group of 15 women, as well as served on several panels intended to provide insights into the real life of a vice president.
“It was personally rewarding to be able to serve as a mentor to 15 up-and-coming women from diverse backgrounds,” she said. “While I shared many of my experiences with them, they also authentically shared their experiences with me, and that was energizing.”
She also presented on three different topics: leading and managing change, how to build a practice of ongoing and intentional discernment, and leading with authenticity and intention.
Each of Schneikart-Luebbe’s four days at the symposium started early, with meetings beginning at 7 a.m., and ended late, typically around 9 p.m.
“While the hours were long, the opportunity and affirmation were rewarding and energizing,” she said. “I really connected with the diverse women in my group. We’re now meeting virtually once a month to stay connected.”
Schneikart-Luebbe’s participation with the Alice Manicur Symposium reaffirms her passion for NASPA, which she’s been a member of for more than 20 years. She’s served as president of her region, on the national board and recently completed two terms on the NASPA Foundation Board. In 2020, she was named a Pillar of the Profession.
Ultimately, Schneikart-Luebbe’s biggest takeaway from the symposium was how important it is to take time to reflect on your career path.
“It was refreshing during this entire last year to meet with women who were serving in similar roles to mine across the country, to be able to troubleshoot issues and share best practices,” she said. “To finally meet these women and spend an entire week with them was energizing. It reminded me why I selected this profession.”
Schneikart-Luebbe added that participants were encouraged to share their takeaways with their symposium faculty member.
“The cards and letters I received while on-site and the emails and cards I received once I returned home were reminders of how powerful the experience was for the participants,” she said. “Knowing that I played a part in their professional development is rewarding.”
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