We Are Smith: Kristin Lariviere

Kristin is one of the the biggest cheerleaders for Smith undergrads.

From orientation to graduation, Kristin LaRiviere is always there for Smith undergraduates. Focusing on the freshman experience, she pushes students outside of their comfort zones, encouraging them to fully engage with their peers. recruiters and the Smith community.

We are an encouraging, collaborative community. We Are Smith.

What career achievement makes you most proud?

Watching the Smith Class of 2013 graduate since this particular class was the first group of students I’ve worked with from orientation to graduation. Knowing I hopefully made a positive impact in their lives at some point during their collegiate journey was truly remarkable.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be?

Can I call it a tie? Audrey Hepburn, because as anyone who has visited my office will know, I just adore her as a person and actress. Other figure would be George Washington. Not only do I think GW was a remarkable leader, but most of my family (including myself!) has worked at Mount Vernon at some point, so he’s oddly ‘part of the family.’ I would really love to learn more about his leadership philosophy, but also ask why he decorated parts of his house the way he did.

What is the most interesting thing you have in your office?

There are plenty of unique things, but I would say either my box of Gronk Flakes or a picture of my artistic contribution to the Lennon Wall in Prague. While I was studying abroad in Prague, there’s a wall where anyone can write/paint positive thoughts and feelings—it goes back to WWII. I ended up sharing my favorite quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

What drives your passion for Smith?

Hands down the students. Practically every day I’m learning of new initiatives and ideas the students have to enhance the world, and those ideas in turn inspire me to support and guide them in whatever way possible to make turn those thoughts into reality.

If you could give advice to a large group of people, what would it be?

Connect with people. And not just via social media, but really have a conversation with someone beyond pleasantries. You’ll find by having conversations with others, you learn more about them, the world, and even yourself.

You have a completely open weekend – where are you and what are you doing?

Either traveling to see an out-of-town friend, or if I’m in town, running, cooking, and probably enjoying brunch with friends in D.C.

Who are your heroes in real life?

The patients at Children’s National. Once a week I volunteer at the hospital downtown, and seeing the young children fight daunting illness, disease and cancer while keeping positive spirits is remarkable. Spending even five minutes with one of the patients will easily change your outlook on life.

If money were no object, what one project would you tackle at Smith?

I would fund each Smith undergrad to study abroad. Worthwhile travel is the only thing you can really spend money on that makes you richer.

If you were to die and come back as a thing, what would it be?

A Kitchen Aid mixer. It’s classic, versatile, extremely useful, and practically indestructible.

You have a lunch meeting at Ledo – what’s on your pizza?

Ham and pineapple—I’m a total Hawaiian pizza fan.

What’s your favorite memory from your time at Smith?

There’s so many! Ones that come to mind: the trip to Thailand with Pat and Smith students, the first freshmen orientation I organized, or receiving an excellent complement from Accenture’s Chief HR exec.

If you won the lottery, what would you buy?

A trip to Alaska for my parents, a house and trips to each continent for me (life goal), and then probably use the rest to support various philanthropic causes (Children’s National, SPCA, Girl Scouts to name a few). Secretly, I want my life’s legacy to be a supporter of those changing the world—in a positive way.

The We Are Smith campaign highlights the dedicated faculty, staff, students and alumni at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. Each person featured fits into one of Smith’s four brand pillars: world-class faculty and research; entrepreneurial spirit; experiential learning; and collaborative community. #WeAreSmith @SmithSchool on Twitter.