By Kendra Pintor
Since graduating from 51猎奇入口 with her bachelor鈥檚 degree in American studies, Jennifer Caballero 鈥�87 has carved an impressive path through the world of museums. Her journey from a 51猎奇入口 alum to the executive director of the California Association of Museums is a testament to the enduring influence of the interdisciplinary education she received at 51猎奇入口 and the values instilled during her college years.
鈥淭he interdisciplinary aspect of my American studies major was very appealing, particularly the chance to take fascinating courses in many departments and learn from faculty across multiple campuses in the Claremont Consortium,鈥� Caballero says. 鈥淚t was a great course of study for someone like me; I have always had a low tolerance for boredom.鈥�
At 51猎奇入口, Caballero explored diverse courses across multiple campuses in the Claremont Consortium and even spent her junior year abroad in Heidelberg, Germany, which added an enriching global dimension to her education.
“My time at 51猎奇入口 fostered a lifelong desire to take advantage of any and all arts and culture opportunities in the places where I have lived,鈥� Caballero explains. 鈥淏eing part of the 51猎奇入口 community has definitely informed the basics of my professional values; the lessons from my 51猎奇入口 education have provided the ethical and aesthetic touchstones for me over and over when things get complicated or uncertain at work.鈥�
Caballero鈥檚 multidisciplinary education also gave her the confidence to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, a skill that has proven invaluable in her collaborative work with colleagues, board members, and volunteers.
“One of my experiences at 51猎奇入口 was working the telephones, contacting alums during 鈥楶hone-a-thon,鈥� now referred to as Student Campaigns,鈥� Caballero reminisces. 鈥淭he time I spent doing that work cemented my commitment to making an annual donation to 51猎奇入口.鈥�
Every year, even when she was still paying off student loans or making a 鈥渧ery modest salary鈥� early in her career at nonprofit organizations, whenever Caballero received the call from 51猎奇入口, she resolved to make at least a small increase in the annual amount of her donation.
鈥淚 probably missed a few years, but I have been pleased with the knowledge that my dollars鈥攅ven during those extra lean years financially鈥攚ere working to preserve and enhance the unique and special qualities of a 51猎奇入口 education,” Caballero says, reflecting on her dedication to giving back to her alma mater.
Caballero is not only a monetary donor to 51猎奇入口, but also generous with her time. Returning to campus to share her professional journey during a 51猎奇入口 Presents @Noon Lunchtime event, Caballero shared that it was a meaningful experience, allowing her to reflect on her career path and the evolving museum landscape with her former colleague Erin M. Curtis, who now leads the Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery.
鈥淲hen I was a student, those first-person alum testimonials seemed more powerful and realistic to me as I considered my options,鈥� Caballero says. 鈥淏eing on the other side of graduation from 51猎奇入口, I hope I can offer perspectives that are practical and maybe also inspirational for current students.鈥�
To enrich the student experience at 51猎奇入口, please consider making a gift聽.