SUMMER 2012 19
Martha Martin Field ’56 Martha Martin Field majored in political science and minored in art. After college as a young mother she pursued both interests as her time allowed. When her children were in high school, she and a business partner started an import company and traveled to China to negotiate the design and manufacture of porcelain decorative products.
“I lacked business training, but my liberal arts education gave me the confidence to figure it out. China was just opening to trade—few Americans traveled there freely and rarely was a woman seen in business,” said Martha. It was an exciting 20 years. I encountered R-MWC connections in my business and social travels.”
She also found time to give back to the College and became a familiar face to many alumnae in her hometown of Newport News, Virginia as well as to Chapter members throughout the state. She has served in many capacities from admissions to student mentoring and class officer to Board leadership. “Volunteerism is the price you pay for the space you occupy,” she explained. “It is not work when you are investing your time for the things you love. This is the school my mother loved, my sister loved, and I loved. Attending college here did wonders for me. That is what motivates me to be engaged.”
“Volunteerism is the price you pay for the space you occupy . . . It is not work when you are investing your time for the things you love.” — Martha Martin Field ’56
Sarah Beckham Howard ’69 Sarah Beckham Howard is a thoughtful leader. Whether it is philanthropic work to empower women and children in Jacksonville, Florida, or working to strengthen alumnae and alumni connections with each other and the College, her self-confidence and training as a critical thinker are evident. “I’ve never considered myself a leader, yet I have discovered ways to use my strengths to motivate others.”
Those skills have transferred to her service on the Association Board. “Alumnae and alumni have more in common than you would think,” continued Sarah. “I have been on committees and socialized with alumnae who are decades older or decades younger— the essence of the College is apparent among us.
My experience in the sixties was different from those who recently graduated but the effect is still the same—Randolph demands high standards and works with each individual to meet those standards. The school remains dedicated to helping the student advance his or her goals. We can all be proud of how the College helps students find their own path and ways to express themselves academically and creatively. That is what is fulfilling for me—assuring the continuity of that essence is the reward for engaging with the College.”
Above: Sarah Beckham Howard ’69 and other Jacksonville-area alumnae socialize and share memories over a meal.
Right: Martha Martin Field ’56 and Barbara Niedland McCarthy ’73 enjoyed the company of alumnae of all ages while attending a chapter event with a speaker from the College.
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