An Interview at the Mayor’s Office
William Cogswell ’89 and Elizabeth Applegate Dieck ’84, Two Charleston Day School alumni, work together to support the City of Charleston.
When William Cogswell, City of Charleston Mayor, and Elizabeth Dieck, Chief of Staff, attended Charleston Day in the 1980s, they may not have imagined that their professional paths would cross years later. Both Cogswell and Dieck agree that many foundational skills they acquired at CDS continue to help them in their current careers.
Q: Are there any skills you use in your job that you can tie back to your time at Charleston Day?
Cogswell: Absolutely. One skill I frequently rely on is public speaking. Whether addressing constituents, giving presentations, or participating in public forums, the ability to communicate effectively was cultivated during my time at Charleston Day School.
Dieck: I feel very fortunate to have gotten a solid academic foundation at CDS. And, I agree with William that the focus on public speaking is an important skill. In addition, the teachers at CDS made every effort to teach us critical thinking, and they provided ample opportunity for student participation in classes. These particular skills have been helpful to me both in my law career and now with the City of Charleston.
Q: How did CDS prepare you for your career?
Cogswell: Charleston Day School fostered in me a deep sense of intellectual curiosity. This curiosity, instilled through engaging lessons and a supportive learning environment, has been instrumental in driving my career forward. It taught me to continuously seek knowledge and approach challenges with an open mind.
Dieck: CDS felt like an extension of my family, and it shored up a foundation which gave me the confidence to try new things and explore different opportunities.
Q: Why have you always wanted to work in a capacity with strong community ties?
Cogswell: Growing up in Charleston, I witnessed firsthand the strength and resilience of our community. That experience instilled in me a profound appreciation for the power of community ties. I’ve always been drawn to roles where I can actively contribute to the well-being of the community that raised me.
Dieck: Both of my parents were committed to the City of Charleston, and service was a core value that informed their day to day. Growing up here and having opportunities starting at a very young age to serve this amazing city is the reason I am here. My current role provides an incredible opportunity, and I feel extraordinarily lucky to hopefully do some good for the city that I love.
Q: How do you collaborate with others in your office and why is collaboration important?
Cogswell: Collaboration is the cornerstone of effective governance. In my office, we prioritize collaboration by fostering an environment where ideas are freely exchanged, and diverse perspectives are valued. Working together allows us to harness the collective expertise and creativity of our team to address the challenges facing our city.
Dieck: I think that all of us can learn something from each person we encounter during the course of a day, but you have to be present, and you have to be willing to listen. I truly believe that diverse/collaborative thinking is critical to making good decisions for a city as diverse and wonderful as Charleston.
Q: How has the city of Charleston changed since your time at CDS?
Cogswell: Charleston has undergone significant growth and transformation since my days at Charleston Day School. The city has expanded both economically and culturally, attracting new residents and businesses while preserving its rich heritage. It’s been inspiring to witness this evolution firsthand.
Dieck: Charleston has changed a lot during my lifetime. Some of my best memories are trips to the Little Pig on Broad or Boxes on King and Tradd or to White Point Gardens to look for shark teeth…and of course Lakesides and Burbage’s and riding in Hazels’ Model T to East Bay playground. We dominated the streets on bicycles and knew all our neighbors. Although we now share the city with the gazillion folks who have discovered the grace and charm of our steeples and cobblestone streets, I look forward to doing what I can to preserve the character of the best city on the planet!
Q: What is your favorite memory at CDS?
Cogswell: One of my fondest memories at Charleston Day School was participating in the 5th-grade speech contest. It was an opportunity to showcase my public speaking skills and express my thoughts on various topics. I had the pleasure of judging the same contest last year, bringing back nostalgic memories.
Dieck: Riding my bike to school early to play 4-square, Jungle Juice, and Friday lunch at the Gorm.
Red or Blue? Which were you?
Cogswell: Red
Dieck: Red (really good thing as my new job might not have worked otherwise!)
CDS spotlighted William Cogswell and Elizabeth Dieck in our Spring, 2024 Gateway Magazine. You can read the full issue online. We welcome updates from our CDS alumni! Submit your news, so you can stay connected with our CDS community.