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Husson University to Empower Women with Lecture on Smart Financial Decisions

Published on: April 27, 2015

BANGOR, MAINE - The Women’s Philanthropy Council at Husson University will be hosting a presentation featuring distinguished alumna Arlene Clifford ’44 and noted author and financial expert Jane Honeck on Monday, April 27, 2015 in Peabody Hall’s Kominsky Auditorium on the educational institution’s Bangor campus. A reception kicks off the event at 5:30 p.m. Their presentation, “Words of Wisdom on Women, Wealth, and Wellness,” begins at 6 p.m. and is designed to empower women by helping them to uncover the hidden beliefs that influence financial decisions.

In describing the upcoming presentation, Lynda Rohman, MBS, CFRE, director of planned giving at Husson University said, “‘Words of Wisdom on Women, Wealth, and Wellness’ explores the fears and emotions women have about financial decision-making and responsibility. Anyone who attends this presentation will leave with a better understanding of their personal relationship with money and a renewed sense of confidence in their ability to achieve financial goals.”

About The Speakers:

Following high school, Arlene Clifford of Unity, Maine began her lifelong pursuit of education. In 1944, she graduated from the Maine School of Commerce (now Husson University). After graduation, she worked with Dr. E.G. Drew, a surgeon from Waterville, Maine. Her job was to take dictation as the doctor operated. 

After getting married and working for an OB/GYN in Vermont, Clifford returned to Waterville to work for an internist, a position she held for 20 years. During this time, she became certified in both medical and clinical medicine.
In the early 1980s, a group of physicians approached her about working at a brand new surgical center, the first of its kind in Maine. She stayed in this position until she retired in 1990.

Along the way, she paid little attention to money; her husband handled the finances, and after their marriage dissolved, Clifford was left without financial planning. That changed when she met Honeck about 30 years ago. Honeck had come to Clifford’s office, and they talked about how physicians handled money.

“She said to me, ‘Do you remember your first incident with money?’” Clifford recalled. “It turns out that it influenced me all through my life.”

At that time, Clifford was just a few years from retirement.

“Jane said to me, ‘What are you going to do when you’re 80?’” she said. “‘What are you going to do when you’re 90? Who’s going to be taking care of you then? You’ve got to start saving for yourself.’”

In her last few working years, Clifford achieved a comfortable, independent lifestyle and today lives in a retirement center in Falmouth. Had she not moved to that high-paying job late in her career, she might not have been okay. Proper management, even that late, saved her.

“I am happy, successful, and contented,” she said. “It can’t get much better than that. Not when you’re 90!”

As part of her presentation, Clifford will share stories of her college days, her successful professional career, and how she came to join forces with a woman she calls a wonderful friend and partner who helped her improve her financial well-being. 

Jane Honeck, author, speaker and seminar leader, has been a CPA for over 30 years. After visiting the Empowerment Institute to get certified as a trainer seven years ago, she decided to share her expertise as part of workshops about money. Her experience as a CPA, a Certified Empowerment Trainer and a Professional Certified Coach have allowed Jane to fuse her financial acumen with an in-depth awareness of human consciousness. 

Her internationally published book, The Problem With Money? It’s Not About the Money!: Mastering the Unexamined Beliefs that Drive Our Financial Lives describes seven areas where beliefs affect how we handle money. It is the winner of seven awards including ForeWord Review’s Silver Award for Book of the Year. Jane’s coaching programs for individuals, couples and financial professionals, as well as her online program, The Money Dynamic, help individuals make better financial choices.
“My passion in life is to change the way the world thinks about money,” Honeck said. “I believe that we should be leading with our beliefs and values and using money to support that.”

For more information visit JaneHoneck.com or TheMoneyDynamic.com.

If you are interested in attending this upcoming presentation, please contact Amanda Cummings in Husson University’s Office of Alumni Relations at 207-941-7875 or visit Husson.edu/AlumniEvents.com. The event is free and open to the public.

The Woman’s Philanthropy Council (WPC) is a vital part of Husson University’s engagement efforts. By bringing together talented groups of community leaders, alumni and friends of the university, the Woman’s Philanthropy Council, inspires women and others to share their time, talent and resources with Husson for the benefit of our society and future generations. The Council is engaged in the pursuit of academic excellence through efforts to strengthen women’s roles in philanthropy, professional networking, and career development. To date, the WPC has created the Quality Enhancement Fund and the Student Scholarship Fund. Each of these funds is designed to enhance educational opportunities at Husson University.

For more than 100 years, Husson University has prepared future leaders to handle the challenges of tomorrow through high quality undergraduate and graduate degrees. With a commitment to delivering affordable classroom, online and experiential learning opportunities, Husson University has come to represent superior value in higher education. Our Bangor campus and off-campus satellite education centers in Southern Maine, Wells and Northern Maine provide advanced knowledge in business; health and education; pharmacy studies; science and humanities; as well as communication. In addition, Husson University has a robust adult learning program. For more information about educational opportunities that can lead to personal and professional success, visit Husson.edu
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