Abstract
In this interview, Emily Coe-Sullivan, Rachel Reichlin, and Mariah Sixkiller, members of the class of 1999, reflect on their time at Brown University shortly after their 25th reunion.
Each interviewee begins by sharing how they learned about Brown and why they decided to attend the university. They discuss the appeal of the open curriculum, athletics, and the deep curiosity and connections among students. Reichlin, a member of the gymnastics team, briefly discusses the Cohen v. Brown University Title IX case that maintained varsity status for the women’s gymnastics team.
They go on to discuss some of their earliest memories of their time on campus. In particular, they fondly remember the fall season and snowy days and meeting their roommates and other dorm members. They talk about exploring different classes through the open curriculum and learning to balance course loads alongside various life experiences and demands. They explain how they found both academic and mental health supports to help guide them through their time at Brown and beyond.
As they turn the conversation toward extracurricular activities, Sixkiller shares her memories of playing on the women’s rugby team and serving as an ESL teacher and mediator for Providence community members. Coe-Sullivan talks about doing community work through the Swearer Center and specifically with PHASE, Project HIV/AIDS Statewide Education. Later in the interview, she also recalls working for Plant Operations on campus. Reichlin reminisces about participating in Best Buddies and making a friend named Hank.
The interviewees also discuss the topic of sexual assault on campus. They share memories about the significance of the Adam Lack case – a topic that became a national controversy in 1996 when a female student alleged that she was raped by a male student, Adam Lack, at a fraternity party. They emphasize the complexity of this incident and the fact that it severely overshadowed other sexual assaults that were more straight-forward examples of the issue on campus. They all lament the lack of education and response in terms of conversations and change that could have and should have happened following the issue.
In closing, they all share their biggest takeaways from their experiences at Brown. Reichlin emphasizes the interdisciplinary approach to learning, Coe-Sullivan talks about the intellectual curiosity and respect, and Sixkiller lauds the open curriculum allowing her to immerse herself in her own intellectual interests.
Recorded on June 13, 2024 via Zoom
Interviewed by Amanda Knox
Suggested Chicago style citation: Emily Coe-Sullivan, Rachel Reichlin, and Mariah Sixkiller, class of 1999. Interview. By Amanda Knox. Pembroke Center Oral History Project, Brown University. June 13, 2024.
Biographies
Emily Coe-Sullivan is an education professional with several years’ experience working on college campuses. She is currently the Director of College Counseling at Mulholland Prep and loves helping students articulate their passions and personalities in their college applications. Previously, she conducted research on gender violence, sexual harassment, and bullying in schools. She received an A.B. in English Literature and Women’s Studies from Brown University and an Ed.M. in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University in 2005.
Rachel Reichlin is the founder of Health Justice Partners, an organization that partners with philanthropy, health institutions, and grassroots leaders and provides strategic advising, collaboration capacity, and professional coaching. She received an A.B. in Health and Society with a focus on maternal and child health from Brown University, a BSN from Rush University, and an MPH and MSN in global health from the University of Illinois – Chicago.
Mariah Sixkiller is an Executive at Hakluyt and Co, a strategic advisory firm that helps clients navigate complex markets and geopolitical challenges. Prior to joining Hakluyt in 2023, Mariah was General Manager for Strategic Defense Affairs at Microsoft and, before that, a director on Microsoft’s National Security Government Relations team. Before these roles, Mariah led the national security practice at Sixkiller Consulting for seven years, where she developed public policy strategies for private and non-profit clients in the defense, tech, energy, veterans, and international exchange sectors. Before joining the private sector, Mariah worked for several Members of Congress, including as then-Majority Leader Steny Hoyer’s (D-MD) National Security Advisor from 2006-2014, as a foreign policy legislative assistant to Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), and as Senator Maria Cantwell’s (D-WA) Director of Research. Earlier in her career, she was a political appointee in the Clinton White House, serving at the Office of Management and Budget. She is a member of two non-profit boards – the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation and the Leadership Council for Women in National Security. She earned her A.B. in Anthropology and Linguistics from Brown University.