Kristen Dawes

Diamond Setter
Tiffany & Co
Lexington, Ky

Majors, Fine Arts
Minor, Chinese Language, Art History, Aisian American Studies
May, 2011

Why did you choose the College of Liberal Arts?

When I first started at Purdue I chose the College of Liberal Arts because I was not sure I was completely committed to a Fine Arts degree. And I knew that within Liberal Arts I had many other areas of study available to me, if I wanted to try something else.

Describe some of your experiences in Liberal Arts led have led to your success.

The professors in CLA were not only encouraging but also had high expectations for their students. I really enjoyed working up to my concentration of study (Fine Arts- jewelry). The course track led me through some classes that I didn’t think I would enjoy but did. Initial I was extremely hesitant to take the Art Jewelry class, but when I did I loved it and not I’ve made it into my career.

When you think about life after Purdue, what makes it meaningful to you?

The most meaningful thing to me about Purdue is that my whole immediate family went to Purdue. And now we all have these shared experiences and a family tradition.

Is there anything you would do differently?

I think I would go back and try to pick my generic ed classes to be as relevant to my major as possible. It’s not the easiest thing to do but I got better at it as I got further into school.

What’s your favorite Purdue memory?

My favorite memories at Purdue were made at with my sorority sisters. There were a lot of little things I remember enjoying at the sorority, making den pop runs, pulling pranks on each other, riding the TAB together, going to dances, napping in other people’s rooms just to annoy them, and going on trips together. I don’t have one favorite memory, just a bunch of small silly and random things I got to do with my closest friends.

How has your Liberal Arts experience helped you make an impact on the world?

I don’t think I’ve made my impact on the world yet. (If you need a better answer for this let me know. I will think of something Deans ambassadorish to say)

What would you like to try, if you weren’t doing what you do now?

I would also like to try working at an art museum or a art auction house.

What advice would you give to other students?

I would encourage students to explore as many concentration and career options within their field of study as possible. You might stumble across something random like setting diamonds for Tiffany and Co!

Awards/Recognitions Since Purdue:

• Graduate Jeweler Degree from the Gemological Institute of America Accredited Jewelry Professional from the Gemological Institute of America

• Graduate Pearls Certificate from the Gemological Institute of America

• Club Service Chairman for the Rotaract Club of Lexington