Dear Classmates of 1974,

Many of you may be wondering why, in the aftermath of Katrina, I would take on the challenge of being your Class Vice President. I will briefly explain myself and get to the heart of my message. First let me thank those of you who worried about me, searched for me and kept checking on me immediately after the Hurricane. I can’t tell you what a comfort it was to know that my Wellesley friends were concerned and cared about my well being. Today, I am back in my restored home and working to improve my beleaguered city. Progress is slow but I am hopeful that our young people will turn this city around. That brings me to my message.

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting several dynamic young students from Wellesley who were in New Orleans on their spring break to help rebuild several damaged homes. These young women embodied what we were taught at Wellesley “Non ministrari sed ministrare” . I was so inspired and proud of their commitment to my City. Imagine giving up one’s holiday to work in less than ideal conditions! I was even more astounded when I learned that several of the seniors wanted to return upon graduation to live and continue their work here. I felt such a connection to these women and I realized that it was time for me to give something back to the institution that had given me so much. So, it is in this spirit that I volunteered to serve as Class Vice President. I am looking forward to working with you all over the next few years as we head towards our 35th Reunion. My job is to encourage, coordinate and follow up on your individual chapter “Mini Reunions”. I hope that I can also inspire you to add a community service component that will focus on helping the Gulf Coast Region. There is so much more work to be done. But I know that we are up to the challenge. I will be contacting your chapter presidents soon to get the ball rolling.

So girlfriends, as we say in N’Awlins “Laissez les bontemps roulez” .

God Bless,