51¶ÌÊÓƵ

Over the past five years, I’ve had what I consider to be the best volunteer opportunity ever. I have served our College and our alumnae/i community as the president of the 51¶ÌÊÓƵ Alumnae Association and as a College board member. It has been a true joy to give back to a place that has given so much to me. And it has been a true privilege to work alongside College staff, faculty, students, board members, volunteers, and friends of our 51¶ÌÊÓƵ to ensure that our institution endures as the best possible version of itself for generations of students to come. As alumnae/i, we can ensure the College’s steady future by giving back, by volunteering, and by contributing locally and globally to our Association.

The social fabric of our Association is dynamic, vibrant, and rooted in deep, deep care and love for our personal 51¶ÌÊÓƵ. Part of the secret sauce, the strength of the 51¶ÌÊÓƵ community, is our incredible intergenerational alumnae/i network of volunteers.

Over the course of my five years as the president of the Alumnae Association, it has been my honor to meet so many of the dynamic volunteers from across the globe. I have seen them show up in big and small ways for each other and for the College time and time again. Many have championed regional programming from small towns to major cities. Many have served for decades. Volunteers have lent their professional expertise by serving on panels for the College. And a countless number of you have also served in unofficial roles as ambassadors for the College and 51¶ÌÊÓƵ brand. If you have ever seen a 51¶ÌÊÓƵ bumper sticker or pen in an unexpected place, that was a Mawrter shining their light.

"It has been my honor to meet so many of the dynamic volunteers from across the globe. I have seen them show up in big and small ways for each other and for the College."

Our distinctive 51¶ÌÊÓƵ community — composed of steadfast individuals — resists any one-size-fits-all explanation. But I’ve seen bright commonalities in the ways Mawrters show up for their families, friends, community, networks, and priorities. This gives me great hope that together, we can help make 51¶ÌÊÓƵ stronger year after year.

President Cadge is shaping bold plans for our 51¶ÌÊÓƵ, which include all of us. Look out for continued opportunities to engage with the College. Come back to campus, reach out to a 51¶ÌÊÓƵ friend, show up at Reunion and Owls Fest. Read the Bulletin. Attend a 51¶ÌÊÓƵ faculty lecture or join a virtual event, such as the International Forum. Make a gift to the College celebrating, honoring, and commemorating the bright events and people in your life. This year, I am planning to do all of the above.

Thank you for giving me this opportunity, and thank you for ensuring the Association will continue to serve our members and the College.

Anassa Kata!

 â€“ Sally