Beyond the Bell Tower is a day-long summit designed to empower Furman students and young alumni as they prepare for life and leadership beyond Furman’s campus.
The event brings together alumni, campus partners, and industry voices to spark insight, connection, and confidence.
Summit Events — February 24, 2026
Daytime Virtual Sessions
Through interactive virtual sessions, young alumni offer real-world guidance and stories to help students and fellow alumni navigate life beyond Furman, across a wide ranges of topics.
Evening Keynote CLP
Presented by the Young Alumni Council and the Shucker Leadership Institute, Kamber Parker Bowden ’17 shares insights on industry trends and intergenerational leadership, equipping students with perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Networking Reception
Following the keynote, students and alumni are invited to a networking reception with refreshments, creating space to make meaningful connections and grow their personal and professional networks.
Virtual Sessions
Covering a wide range of topics, with flexible times throughout the day, the virtual sessions will consist of panel discussions hosted by young alumni, covering:
Identity, Transition & Mental Health
Non-Linear Careers & Professional Pivots
Navigating Today’s Job Market and Leveraging Your Network
Graduate School: Now or Later?
Creative Career Paths
Business, Entrepreneurship & Social Impact Careers
Healthcare Careers: From Patient Care to Policy
Access links provided after registering; sessions run from 9:00am–3:30pm
Evening Keynote & Networking Reception
Kamber Parker Bowden ‘17 examines how generational context shapes workplace behavior and organizational dynamics beyond stereotypes. Drawing on longitudinal workforce research and cross-industry analysis, this presentation explores why traditional leadership models often fall short in multigenerational environments—and how generational diversity can function as a strategic asset.
Watkins Room (Trone Student Center) from 6:30–7:30pm
The networking reception invites students and alumni to gather for an evening of conversation, connection, and community following the keynote presentation. The reception offers a relaxed setting with refreshments provided, designed to encourage meaningful conversations across class years, industries, and interests. Whether you are hoping to ask candid questions, share experiences, or begin building relationships that extend beyond the Summit, this reception creates space for authentic connections and lasting networks rooted in the Furman community.
Hartness Pavilion (Daniel Dining Hall) from 7:30–9:30pm