December 2007

Dear Sister Alumnae,

It is a pleasure to re-connect with you as we look ahead to our 35th reunion. At our last reunion in 2004 when I assumed the position of Class Vice President, I encouraged us to devote our mini-reunions to "gatherings with a purpose." The goal was to make service to others a more intentional part of the mini-reunions that occur among class members

Knowing the commitment to service of Wellesley women, I'm sure many such gatherings with a purpose have taken place. I'd like to share one of several examples from my own life. In July of 2007, while attending a National Education Association(NEA) National Assembly in Philadelphia, I gathered together with sister alumnae crossing several classes '73, '74 and '76. We partied, New Orleans style, and we also committed our spiritual and financial support to the New Orleans NEA delegation as they prepared to go back home to continue rebuilding their public school system.

When it became necessary to step up to the Class President position, it was not difficult for me to identify the perfect person to assume the Vice President position. Our newly appointed Vice President, New Orleans native Sheila Berniard Burns, has been a treasured friend since we shared Wellesley classes focused on various aspects of urban development. Over the years, our professional and personal lives have intersected more times than we would ever have contemplated. Now, with Sheila's guidance, our entire Class has a profound opportunity to focus collectively on supporting the continued resurrection of lives and meaningful structures of New Orleans.

While we direct our attention to New Orleans, --a theme I hope we'll commit to through my tenure as President---we are also called upon to focus ourselves on the upcoming greatest gathering of all time: the Wellesley College Class of '74 35th Reunion June 12-14, 2009!

The Class of '74 officer team attended the Wellesley Alumnae Leadership Conference Oct.12-14 2007. We arrived at Council exhausted from our professional/personal obligations, but left with rejuvenated spirit and a deeper commitment to be of service to you our classmates . We renewed and strengthened our friendships, while being informed about College and campus developments.including being provided details of the planning process for reunions..

Now, a bit more about the proverbial Wellesley tradition of stepping up when needed...I felt no hesitation stepping up to the Class President position because the officer team in place is so talented, resourceful and nurturing of one another. I have good naturedly cajoled and spent many hours soliciting, encouraging classmates to also fill several crucial positions now necessary to plan for our next treasured reunion. Please contact me immediately if you are willing to serve in the following positions;

• Reunion Co-chairs: Two classmates are needed. It's a chance to have big fun with an old friend or develop a new one! Several classmates stand ready to serve on the Reunion committee. We just need some creative leadership to get us all on our way!
• Nominating Co-Chairs: Two classmates are needed along with one or two other committee members to develop the slate of new officers that will assume leadership directly following reunion.

We will all work together to make your service to Wellesley in any of these capacities a fun and meaningful experience.

I look forward to being in more regular contact as we prepare for reunion. Please know that I send my best wishes to you and your loved ones as we all live our lives to the fullest.