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In tight-knit families with strong values, adherence to those values can become a source of generational pride. Carmen Leslie-Rourke \u201982, P\u201921 had parents who prioritized education and\u00a0volunteerism. Her mother was active in their church, school, and community. She always found ways to make a difference in the lives of others.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe was an excellent role model because I saw her being so giving of her time,\u201d says Leslie-Rourke. \u201cShe cared very deeply about people and was always willing to give them a helping hand.\u201d<\/p>\n
Growing up, Leslie-Rourke thrived in the studious environment her parents created at home. She did well in high school, earning induction to the National Honor Society, and says that Trinity College was her top choice the moment she set foot on campus. \u201c\u200b\u200bWhen I visited Trinity, it felt like home,\u201d she says. \u201cI knew immediately that this was the college for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Once she enrolled, her academic experience confirmed this. \u201cA unique attribute of a Trinity education is being taught by professors who are passionate about their area of study and also care about you personally,\u201d says Leslie-Rourke. As an economics major, she remembers the Trinity classroom as a space where students were encouraged to speak openly and to think critically. \u201cI acquired transferable life skills,\u201d says Leslie-Rourke.<\/p>\n
After graduating, she pursued a career in asset management and maintained close ties to her fellow Bantams. \u201cThe relationships that I made at Trinity have lasted over the years beyond graduation,\u201d says Leslie-Rourke. One of the most important people she met was Mark Rourke Sr., CPA, \u201983, P\u201921. They have been married for almost 34 years and have two children, Mark Jr. and Pearl \u201921. The couple lives in Avon, Connecticut, where the proximity to Hartford has allowed Leslie-Rourke to volunteer on behalf of Trinity in numerous capacities.<\/p>\n
Since 2015, she has served on the Executive Committee of the Trinity Club of Hartford (TCOH) as ambassador, vice president, and president. The TCOH plays an important role in keeping alumni connected to the College and to one another. During her recently completed two-year term as president, Leslie-Rourke led the club\u2019s monthly meetings and oversaw its major events, including its annual meeting, Person of the Year Award, and the yearly Bantam Summer Reception. The latter, which gives alumni and first-year students a chance to mingle on campus, always has been one of Leslie-Rourke\u2019s favorite events. \u201cIt is a wonderful opportunity to meet and speak with new students from the incoming class,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
In addition to serving as a class agent and a member of the Bicentennial Committee, Leslie-Rourke volunteers with the Women\u2019s Leadership Council (WLC). As part of the WLC\u2019s mission to build and sustain a network of support for all women-identifying alumni and students, Leslie-Rourke mentors young women through the Elizabeth Elting Foundation Venture Conference, an orientation program for incoming students. \u201cIt is a chance to get together with women who really care about the College and are interested in promoting it forward and assisting each other,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Over the last few years, Pearl has followed in Leslie-Rourke\u2019s footsteps by serving on the TCOH Executive Committee and volunteering with the WLC and Venture. \u201cI am very proud as I see her giving back and being a mentor,\u201d says Leslie-Rourke. \u201cI am delighted to see her love the College as much as I do.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the same way that Leslie-Rourke was influenced by her own mother to volunteer and value education, Pearl has drawn inspiration from hers. \u201cMy mom, with whom I have a strong bond, always encourages people to speak up and become volunteers,\u201d says Pearl, who attends the University of Connecticut School of Law. \u201cShe truly loves Trinity and always wants to promote it. I believe that Trinity has received a benefit by having a very dedicated alumna and volunteer who is always willing to do anything the College asks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Leslie-Rourke never turns down new opportunities to help the College. \u201cI love Trinity,\u201d she says. \u201cAnything that is for Trinity, I will always say yes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014Eliott Grover<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In tight-knit families with strong values, adherence to those values can become a source of generational pride. Carmen Leslie-Rourke \u201982, P\u201921 had parents who prioritized education and\u00a0volunteerism. Her mother was active in their church, school, and community. She always found ways to make a difference in the lives of others. \u201cShe was an excellent role […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":139,"featured_media":0,"parent":1693,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2493","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n