2016 Dragon Fall

Meghan
Wallingford ’89
What inspired you to do this kind
of work?
When I was a student at O’Dowd, programs like the
Career Partnerships Program had not yet been introduced.
Upon learning that O’Dowd offers a program
designed to assist students in connecting with their
skills and interests and exposing them to the world of
work, I was impressed. When I was offered the position
of CPP coordinator I immediately accepted. I see
tremendous value in helping a student explore opportunities
and I am thrilled I can be a part of it!
What is your position here and how
long have you worked at O’Dowd?
This is my third year on campus and my second year
coordinating the Career Partnerships Program. Prior
to my CPP role, I worked on fundraising events in
the Advancement Department.’
What is the best piece of advice you ever
received (generally—it doesn’t have to be
related to O’Dowd)?
When I was growing up I spent a lot of time visiting
with an older neighbor who was housebound. She delighted
in sharing tales of her life and loved to give
advice. As I was approaching high school and was
possibly taking things a bit too seriously she said to
me: “Once you stop being a girl you’re stuck being a
woman forever! I am an 86-year-old girl and proud of
it!” The message behind her words has echoed in my
mind ever since. I interpret it as a reminder to stay
connected with a sense of play, a sense of fun, and to
not take things too seriously.
What is your favorite thing about
your job?
Without a doubt the students are my favorite thing
about my job. Our students are fantastic, smart and
vibrant. They make my job a joy.
What about your field or position do
you think would surprise people the most?
This position allows me to learn alongside the students.
I seek to provide the students exposure to a range
of experiences and in doing so, I get to learn a few
things along the way. With field trips to places ranging
from Facebook to the Oakland Crime Lab and industry
events like the Women In STEM Conference and
TechCrunch, I always return to campus having seen and
learned something new.
What is the most interesting or surprising
thing about you?
Dragon Pride runs strong in my family! My sophomore
daughter is the 15th Dragon on my family tree!
If you could rescue only one thing from
your burning office, what would it be?
I have some of my children’s early artwork on my walls.
Neither of them are prolific artists so their works are
rare and hard to come by!
Bonus questions:
What is your favorite kind of music?
What are your favorite bands?
I grew up in a musical household so I can appreciate
most kinds of music. 80s music holds a special place
in my heart since it was the soundtrack of my youth
– I think I still know all the words to the Beastie Boys
Licensed to Ill and Run-DMC’s Raising Hell albums.
And don’t get me started on Purple Rain or The
GoGos…
What is your favorite sports team or who
is your favorite individual athlete?
I love my Ducks!
This is an installment in a series of profiles called 7 Things about O’Dowd’s terrific faculty and staff that is regularly featured on our website.
Visit www.bishopodowd.org/7things to see more.
Fall Magazine 2016 // 29