Pierson College Courtyard

A Year Full of Possibilities

January 2023 newsletter

Director’s Note

Hi friends,

It is truly bittersweet to announce that after 16 years, today, January 20th will be my last day at Yale. I have accepted a new position at Vanderbilt University as their Senior Director of Vanderbilt Hospitality (Conferences & Events). 

It has been an interesting and inspirational journey, and I am beyond grateful to all my staff and to all the people that have crossed my path from Yale and beyond. I raised my kids during these years, met the most amazing people, got to travel the world, evolved into a leader, became a professor, and even wrote a book! 

Susan Adler Wigler started this department in the late 80’s and recruited me to come join her team from Quinnipiac University in 2007. In late 2013, I was offered the opportunity to build an amazing new team and department, with a new vision. Fast forward to today, Yale Conferences & Events is a thriving and successful conferences, events, and housing department. Some would say that YC&E has evolved into a full-service campus services office, and is one of the best. YC&E not only follows best practices, YC&E continues to set and hold to the highest of standards. 

I’d like to share the special ingredients of what encompasses the YC&E culture: 

  • Empower staff and each other 
  • Dare to grow
  • Be fearless
  • Stay proud and know that the small details are important
  • Stay humble
  • Pay attention to what’s outside of your box
  • Always listen to your gut
  • Insist on teamwork
  • Dream big
  • Pay attention to each other and be responsive
  • If it’s not good enough, do something about it
  • You are only as successful as the people who work for and with you
  • Work smarter

This change will allow staff to advance and the department to take on a new shape. The department is and will continue to be in good hands and new leadership will be announced soon. 

A heartfelt thank you to all the clients, staff, campus partners, and colleagues for 16 amazing years. You all will continue to be my inspiration and will never be forgotten. 

Cheers to new beginnings in 2023! 

Sincerely,

Suzanne

Executive Director 

Department Updates

Yale & Beyond

Event Planning Insights

One More Thing

Add these events to your calendar

Catch a show or take in an art exhibition. See what’s happening in New Haven! 

Explore ⪼