Empowering Conversations: The NYC Jefferson Dinner Featuring Lenore Skenazy
On May 16, 2024, Reliance College hosted a unique Jefferson Dinner in New York City at the historic Union League Club. This event brought together attendees for an evening of intellectual exploration, gourmet dining, and engaging discussions, all in support of Reliance College’s mission to foster independent thinking and self-reliance in education. The evening’s keynote speaker, Lenore Skenazy, renowned author and advocate for childhood independence, delivered a captivating talk on the dangers of overprotection in her address titled “Anxious Parents Raising Anxious Kids: What That Means for College.”
Lenore’s message struck a powerful chord with the audience. Drawing from her experiences as the founder of the Let Grow movement, she explored how modern parenting’s fixation on safety and control can undermine a child’s development. By contrasting her own upbringing in New York—taking the subway alone at a young age—with today’s overprotective practices, Skenazy underscored the need to allow children to navigate the world independently. Her humor-laced yet thought-provoking speech highlighted the long-term effects of limiting children’s autonomy, from social anxiety to the inability to cope with adversity, issues that now manifest in the college experience.
In her address, Lenore connected these concerns to broader educational themes, championing the importance of fostering curiosity, independence, and resilience in students—values at the heart of Reliance College’s educational philosophy. The discussion following her talk was rich with contributions from attendees, who explored the intersection of critical thinking, self-reliance, and autonomy, both in parenting and education. The intimate setting of the dinner allowed for deep reflection on how these concepts translate into real-world educational environments, particularly the innovative programs at Reliance College.
Marsha Enright, founder of Reliance College, also took the stage to outline the institution’s vision of a rigorous, liberal arts curriculum that integrates Montessori-inspired methods and project-based learning. She emphasized the college’s commitment to developing independent thinkers who are well-prepared for the challenges of the modern world. Her message resonated with those in attendance, many of whom expressed their enthusiasm and support for this bold educational initiative.
The NYC Jefferson Dinner, part of Reliance College’s ongoing series, was not only an opportunity to engage in stimulating conversation but also a call to action for attendees to contribute to the growth of the college. In addition to heartfelt donations made during the event, there were discussions about the broader impact of supporting educational programs that empower students to think for themselves.
This evening at the Union League Club was a profound reminder of the transformative power of education when it is rooted in fostering autonomy, curiosity, and intellectual courage. As Reliance College continues to grow, events like the NYC Jefferson Dinner will play a crucial role in shaping a future where education empowers individuals to lead meaningful, self-directed lives.
