Fall/Winter 2022 Associate Alumnae of Douglass College Magazine for Alumnae & Friends

Embracing Our

Planning is already underway for Reunion to be hosted on June 2-3, 2023!

Having milestone class input for reunion planning helps to create a seamlessly blended reunion for all classes It feels great to help plan a special and meaningful event for sister alumnae of all ages and from all over the country No matter where you live, you can join us for upcoming Reunion Committee Meetings, which are hosted virtually. Reunion brings time-honored and new traditions, and excitement as the AADC continues to mark its 100th anniversary and our new century of success. At Reunion, we will herald the Class of 1973 on its 50th Vanguard Reunion and Milestone Classes ending in 3s and 8s. All alumnae and friends are welcome to join us to celebrate at Reunion!

The Reunion Schedule of Events, that will include our AADC Awards Ceremony this year, and online registration will be available soon. To contact us, please email Director of Alumnae Relations Lorrie Delaney ’18 at ldelaney@douglassalumnae.org.

Mark your calendars for our upcoming Reunion Committee Meetings hosted virtually via Zoom from 6:00 to 7:00 pm ET: January 9, 2023 | February 6, 2023 | April 10, 2023 | May 8, 2023 Visit www.douglassalumnae.org/reunion for links to register for each meeting and for ongoing updates.

Upcoming 2023 AADC Events and Programs

Thursday, January 12

AADC Virtual Smart Talk: Finding Success in the New Economy

Featuring Enid Sorkowitz ‘89

Our presenter joins us virtually from her home in Oregon, where she will share how she became her own boss as a successful online reseller and what she discovered along the way.

Saturday, February 4

Cabin Fever Hosted by Bunting Connections Affinity Group

Join all alumnae for this popular event and take a break in person at the Ruth Schilling Hennessy Alumnae Center. Members of AADC Young Alumnae Network will also join us for the event featuring crafts from knitting and crocheting to scrapbooking.

Wednesday, February 22

Virtual Zagoren Lecture Honoring Black History Month

Cierra Kaler-Jones ’15, Ph.D., a social justice educator, researcher and consultant, will deliver our virtual lecture via Zoom at 7 pm. More details will be available soon.

Saturday, March 18

AADC 100th Anniversary Women’s Conference: Women Moving Forward

During National Women’s History Month, our powerful conference brings together inspiring presenters and the dynamic and influential keynote address by Valerie Jarrett, Chief Executive Officer of the Obama Foundation. Thanks to conference benefactor the Blanche & Irving Laurie Foundation, Inc. Take advantage of early bird ticket pricing through January 31.

Saturday, April 1

Spring Alumnae Council Meeting

Meetings of the Council are held at least twice each fiscal year and are open to Alumnae Council Representatives and all active members of the Association.

Visit www.douglassalumnae.org/event-registration for more information, updates and to register.

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Embracing Our Next Century of Leaders

Message from AADC Executive Director Valerie Anderson ’81, MBA

We’ve been celebrating our historic milestone 100th anniversary. The Associate Alumnae of Douglass College (AADC), one of the few remaining women’s college alumnae associations, turned 100 years old in June. We officially marked our first century on June 10, 2022.

It’s been a spectacular celebration so far. All that we have done and that we continue to do so clearly demonstrates what the AADC embodies today. We’ve stayed relevant for our ever-expanding AADC community of alumnae, friends, and community partners. We’ve adjusted along with the world during unprecedented times. We’ve rolled out new programs. We’ve pivoted and we have stayed connected. And we’ve celebrated at our Proud History to Bright Future Gala in June.

It is important that we share the history of the AADC, from our founding to how far we have come. Our alumnae association was created by the first graduating class of 1922, as an independent, self-funded organization designed to keep alumnae connected to each other, supporting one another, and continuing their educational journeys together. Today, we recognize that it is our time to continue this legacy.

As we enter into our next century of success, we are focused on strengthening the future leaders of this great alumnae organization. We are encouraging our young alumnae to carry on our future just as the founders set the stage for us, as we embrace our next century of leaders.

We welcome the Class of 2022 into our community and encourage its members to get involved, stay engaged, take advantage and to become our next century of leaders. Three members have taken on AADC leadership roles. Lily Juhasz and Sandeep Patwalia as Young Alumnae Network co-chairs, and Catherine Sackey, a non-traditional graduate with a wealth of experience, as chair of the 2023 Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt ‘42 Workplace and Professional Development Symposium. They bring new ideas and energy with the foundation set in motion by amazing alumnae from every phase of our first century, including

our founders. We know how important it is to invest in the future and mentor future generations.

From our founding years to our future, we are ever bigger, bolder and better as an organization. As we continue to ring in our anniversary and build on our 101st year, there is much more to come. Women Moving Forward, our first-ever women’s conference being held this spring, celebrates 100 years of bringing opportunities to our AADC community to connect, grow and celebrate. We will welcome a dynamic keynote address by none other than Valerie Jarrett, Chief Executive Officer of the Obama Foundation.

In honor of our historic milestone, the AADC 100th Anniversary Women’s Conference celebrates the advancement of women over the last century, much the same as we have heralded our history because they are inherently connected and supported women’s education. We will also explore the work still ahead that needs to be done to achieve diversity, equity, and inclusion in many arenas. We invite all alumnae, friends, community partners, Rutgers community members and the public to join us. Don’t miss this powerful, inspiring day that includes networking opportunities. Special thanks to conference benefactor the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, Inc. for investing in our organization and in our mission.

The AADC is a unique alumnae organization because of YOU! Thank you for being part of our alumnae association. We are grateful to all those who support the AADC, including our Annual Appeal that powers our mission to develop and promote connections among Douglass alumnae by providing programs, services, networks and lifelong learning opportunities that represent the interests and needs of our diverse alumnae. You are part of our Proud History and our Bright Future.

Learn more about your alumnae association! Visit us at douglassalumnae.org or reach out to us at douglassalumnae@douglassalumnae.org

Pictured on cover, from left, top: AADC Executive Director Valerie L. Anderson ’81, President Jeanne M. Fox ’75, Mona Moshet ’19, Debra Brown Spruill ’72; center row, Jennie Vila ’07, founding alumna Mary C. Fisher 1922, Fabiola Paul ’09, Yvonne Coakieanos ’81, Yesenia Perez ’08, Gabrielle Rossi ’14, Judy Meyenhofer Musa ’89, above, Lisa Dorio Ruch ’89; bottom, Lily Juhasz ’22, Sandeep Patwalia ’22, Yamiesha Bell ‘15, Eileen Zhu ’21, founding alumna Ruth Thompson 1922, Catherine Sackey ’22.

Our beloved community looks to the future with our newest alumnae

Saturday, March 18, 2023 | 9:00 am – 5:30 pm

Hilton East Brunswick Hotel & Executive Meeting Center | 3 Tower Center Blvd., East Brunswick, NJ

Choose from a variety of inspiring breakout workshop sessions throughout the day. Explore mindfulness, tips about how to take time for reflection, plus networking with presenters and participants. Special thanks to benefactor the Blanche & Irving Laurie Foundation, Inc. We are also pleased to welcome Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway, who will give remarks as our conference gets underway.

For tickets, registration, schedule at-a-glance and speaker bios, visit www.douglassalumnae.org/aadc-womens-conference. Take advantage of early bird ticket prices through January!

Featured Keynote Speaker Finding My Voice

Valerie Jarrett, Chief Executive Officer, the Obama Foundation

Our keynote found her voice, leaned into life’s “zig-zags,” and became the longest serving advisor to President Obama. She has worked to promote equality, advance civil rights, criminal justice reform, and improving lives.

We Won’t Go Back: Better Healthcare After the Lockdown

Jeannine LaRue, Moderator; Panelists Mary E. Marchetta O’Dowd ‘99, Amy B. Mansue, Dr. Pamela Brug, and Betsy Ryan

Our panelists will discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we view mental health, using telemedicine and healthcare apps. In addition, how do we leverage these changes in a positive way to get better access to health care services and how do we selfadvocate and get taken seriously in health care?

Fireside Chat with New Jersey

Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver and Former Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno

Sharing the stage for the first time, New Jersey’s only two Lieutenant Governors share a look at how women have progressed – or not – in the political arena.

Women and Wealth

Session One (morning): Invest in You: Grow Your Future

Session Two (afternoon): Are You Ready?: It’s Never Too Late

Presented by Beth Lawlor

Session one and session two span from early in life and career, to experienced and those at or in retirement, discussing how to make the most of what you earn, spend, and save at every phase of life.

Writing As a Life Tool

Presented by Julie Maloney

Women need an opportunity to express themselves and writing can be a powerful tool. This workshop will guide participants through a writing exercise to build confidence and self-expression.

Thawing the “Chilly Climate:” The Female Presence in the Visual Arts

Presented by Dr. Ferris Olin ‘70

This illustrated presentation will introduce contemporary women artists and discuss women’s leadership in the arts as collectors and museum directors, providing evidence that women are active participants in all aspects of the art world.

From left, top row: Conference Chair

Amanda Hugelmeyer ‘04, with speakers

Jeannine LaRue, Mary E. Marchetta O’Dowd ’99, Amy B. Mansue, Pamela Brug ’84; center, Elizabeth Ryan, NJ Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, Former NJ Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno, Beth Lawlor, Julie Maloney; bottom, Ferris Olin ‘70, Michele Hudgins Ozumba ‘73, Lora L. Fong ‘79, Debra Grey White, Stefanie Lachenauer ’06.

The Journey Matters More Than the Destination

Presented by Michelle Hudgins Ozumba ’73

When we think of life’s destination, it is often seen as an endpoint. However, the many things we do and experience along the way shows us what kind of person we become. Engage in our conversation about life’s journey and the ways in which it defines who we are, rather than what we are.

Beyond the Buzzwords – Demystifying Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Featuring Lora L. Fong ‘79

This session provides a judgement-free safe space and is aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of how we can all benefit from DEI initiatives, and how to incorporate those lessons into our personal experiences.

“The Personal is Political: We’re Not in South Carolina Anymore, Toto”

Presented by Dr. Debra Grey White

The speaker’s grandmother, Lillie Hines, was born around 1899 to a cotton sharecropping family in rural South Carolina. She never went to school, married when she was only 14 years old, and had ten pregnancies. Born in 1918, the speaker’s mother, Florence, Lillie’s oldest surviving daughter, graduated from the Colored High School of McColl, SC, migrated to New York City where she became a domestic worker, and had eight fewer pregnancies than her mother. Two generations removed from cotton picking and illiteracy, our speaker holds a Ph.D. and chaired

professorship at Rutgers University. While she notes that her family history is unique in many respects, it nevertheless charts the progress and history of most American women during the twentieth century. Our presenter will share her personal history as she tells a story about American women’s education, career opportunities, and personal autonomy during the twentieth century.

Mindful Moment Breaks

Presented by Stefanie Lachenauer ‘06

Learn about the power of mindfulness as a tool to enhance leadership skills, strengthen emotional intelligence and manage stress.

AADC 100th Anniversary Women’s Conference Planning Committee

Amanda A. Hugelmeyer ’04, Chair; Stephanie Cayne ’89, Beverly McCummings Canady ’81, Coretta Graham ’93, Sheridan Quarless Kingsberry ’79, Sheryl Krongold ’89, Alexcia Mikell ’90, Justine Luque Reuben ’03, Leigh Brodsky-Schubert ’04, Tiffany E.M. Toliver ’04; Karen Lynch ’89, Alumnae Engagement Chair; Lizethe Martinez ’13, Staff Liaison; Jeanne Fox ’75, AADC President; Valerie L. Anderson ’81, AADC Executive Director

To get involved, please contact Lizethe Martinez ’13 at lmartinez@douglassalumnae.org

Young Alumnae Network Co-Chairs Bring New Energy

The AADC is pleased to introduce you to our new Young Alumnae Network (YAN) co-chairs Lily Juhasz and Sandeep Patwalia, both Douglass Residential College Class of 2022, as they bring new energy to this important and influential network as two of the newest members of our AADC community.

“I knew I wanted to work with Sandeep as a co-chair,” said Lily, who worked closely with her as leaders on the Douglass Governing Council (DGC) during their senior year. “Sandeep was head of the events committee and I was serving as president. She is the perfect person to team up with.”

Sandeep also served as the Commuter Student Representative and Ad Hoc Committee Chair on DGC, where she helped address concerns of commuters and was involved with the teams putting together welcome festivals and other events. She says she “helped people detox from the separation during the pandemic” and initiated a biweekly newsletter to provide updates and news.

Participants enjoyed gathering at AADC Young Alumnae Network’s YAN-O-Ween at Von Thun’s Country Farm Market in Monmouth Junction, NJ.

Together, Sandeep and Lily have begun to re-energize YAN, first hosting a kick-off meeting, followed by organizing the group’s traditional spooky-season gathering called YAN-O-Ween. They promoted the October 15 event to classmates and alumnae from more recent classes, resulting in a good turnout at the New Jersey farm where alumnae connected over apple and pumpkin picking, hayrides, and other fall festivities.

“My experience with events at DGC gives me the confidence and reassurance to trust my decisions. I like to see how people connect and discover how they found out about YAN through social media or other marketing,” says Lily.

Lily was recognized as a student actively engaged in a leadership role with the 2022 Sheila Kelly Hampton Prize established by Sheila, who was a two-term AADC President.

Sandeep says she is looking forward to making new connections with other classmates and newer alumnae through YAN, especially those that may be living in Northern New Jersey where she lives and works.

Both co-chairs see the potential for the group to grow.

Sandy and Lily are looking forward to working with the Bunting Connections Network, who are hosting the upcoming

popular Cabin Fever event. YAN hopes to plan an event in or near New York City where some of their classmates and others interested in YAN live.

In addition to her new role, Lily is also busy pursuing her goal of working in entertainment and media. She is currently a fulltime paid intern working remotely at the Walt Disney Company, where she is learning about and working on the team that markets events Disney hosts to recruit talent for technology roles across all of its entities.

Lily shares she “was always a Disney kid and wanted to work in entertainment and media.” She built her resume as an intern during her senior year at Disney’s WABC 7 TV, where she worked on “Here and Now,” a program that covers topics and interests of the Black community in the tri-state area. She also remains involved with Dr. Pamela Brug ’84, an ObGyn, with whom she worked as a research assistant previously and now helps with marketing one of Dr. Brug’s projects that addresses health care disparities.

Sandeep enjoys traveling and takes the chance to go somewhere new whenever she can. She is busy furthering her education in pursuit of a Master of Business and Science, Food Technology and Innovation at Rutgers. Her classes are conducted half in person and half via remote learning, a balance she appreciates because she also has a full-time position as a Sensory Analyst with Takasago International Corporation. At Takasago, she studies various fragrances, such as laundry detergent, and liquid electrics, where she tests the performances and weighs data from the studies done at every stage of the products’ use.

“We are just getting used to being on our own as new grads and already I enjoy reliving memories when we get together. Being involved in YAN is a great way to meet up with alumnae and with the friends they bring along,” says Sandeep.

“I love that I can work 9-to-5,” Lily says about being a new graduate, “and I don’t have homework or club meetings, class assignments, or mid-terms on my mind.”

“YAN-O-Ween was one of the ways I enjoyed my first fall as a graduate,” she says.

YAN welcomes all alumnae. To get involved, reach out to AADC Director of Alumnae Relations Lorrie Delaney ’18 at ldelaney@douglassalumnae.org

Young Alumnae Network Co-Chairs Lily Juhasz ’22, left, and Sandeep Patwalia ’22 at graduation.

Women Supporting Women:

The Importance of a Lifelong Women’s Network

Editorial Marking AADC 100th Anniversary

Published in NJ.com By AADC President Jeanne M. Fox ‘75

This is a thrilling time for New Jersey’s high school and college graduates, where the future is limitless for so many. But not so long ago, young women had very few choices in their education or careers. Women weren’t even accepted to New Jersey colleges until the early 1900s. And for a long time, female graduates faced limited career options. Thankfully, generations of trailblazing women over the past 100 years fought to change that.

The New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs worked with the state Legislature and Rutgers University to establish the New Jersey College for Women, which opened in 1918. Now known as Douglass Residential College, the new college opened at a time when women had limited rights, with New Jersey voters rejecting women’s suffrage in 1915.

Four years after NJC’s founding, members of the first graduating class of 1922 gathered after commencement and formed the Associate Alumnae of New Jersey College for Women, now known as the Associate Alumnae of Douglass College, so alumnae could remain connected with each other and with their alma mater. These women understood the importance of supporting each other and helping younger women achieve their career and educational goals at a time when women certainly were not treated equally.

support to graduating Douglass seniors and alumnae seeking to further their graduate education in a variety of fields.”

Mary DiMartino, Douglass Class of ’85, Rutgers Board of Governors, talks about how the AADC positively impacted her as a student: “During my senior year, Adelaide Zagoren, AADC executive director at the time, had heard of my interest in a threeweek women’s leadership seminar in Washington, D.C. I couldn’t afford the trip, but Adelaide reached out to let me know that the AADC would provide a stipend so I could attend the seminar. The lessons learned during my time in D.C. made a lasting impression. I came away feeling more confident about my future and what I might accomplish, all thanks to the support of the AADC.

picture of one of the college’s first commencement exercises shows Mabel Smith Douglass, the first dean of the college, and William H.S. Demarest, president of parent Rutgers. (Rutgers News Service file photo)

Dr. Carole Sampson-Landers, Douglass Class of ’69, Rutgers University Board of Trustees, explains that “many alumnae are still trying to pay back student loans and do not have any supplemental income for post-graduate courses or training. AADC Fellowships provide financial assistance for their further education. I received financial support from others throughout my education; it is now my turn to help the next generations, which I am doing through an AADC fellowship to support alumnae with postgraduate studies in a STEM field.”

This June, the Associate Alumnae of Douglass College is celebrating its 100-year anniversary with more than 39,000 alumnae in its ranks. Studies have shown that graduates of women’s colleges typically have deep ties to their alumnae associations, developing a life-long support system for female graduates. We often hear about the “old boys’ network” that helps men get ahead in their careers. Now more than ever, it’s critical for organizations like the AADC to provide a strong women’s network for graduates as they progress throughout their education and careers.

Women’s alumnae associations like the AADC also play an important role in supporting students and sister alumnae financially. According to Mary Chyb, Douglass Class of ’71, Rutgers University Board of Trustees Emerita: “Throughout the 100 years of its history, the AADC has worked with generous alumnae to provide Douglass students with millions of dollars in scholarships and other critical financial aid. AADC fellowships have given vital financial

Rutgers University Trustee Debra Lynch, PhD., Douglass Class of ’79, talks about the diverse programming and opportunities for life-long learning available to alumnae: “Having been an active part of the AADC since my graduation, I can attest to the many advantages of the AADC. They range from diverse programs such as lectures, services, networking, mentoring and life-long learning opportunities to the leadership opportunities to chair committees and serve on the Board. These have been invaluable not only in my AADC role but also in my professional and personal life.”

According to a recent LinkedIn study about the “gender network gap,” women are 28% less likely than men to have a strong network of career and business connections. That’s why it’s so important that women’s organizations like the AADC continue to grow and thrive. We are our own network of strong, accomplished women who are dedicated to supporting our fellow alumnae and the next generation of women. For 100 years, the AADC has been alumnae-created, alumnae-led, alumnae-driven and alumnae-supported. We look forward to what the next 100 years will bring.

Published in NJ.com on June 6, 2022

This

Choosing to Support Women

Extolling the Merits of an Education at Douglass College, the Women’s School at Rutgers

By Yesenia Perez ’08

“You choose.”

My mother said this to me in early 2008 when I started to receive my acceptance letters to college. I was overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of this decision. I was 17, after all, and the biggest decision I had made to date was whether my boyfriend and I would go see the 8 pm showing of “Juno” or whether I’d push curfew and go at 10 pm (Hint: We pushed curfew. Sorry, Mom!)

The college decision was difficult for me until I started to attend open houses and on-campus tours. Every place I visited, something was missing, but I couldn’t put my finger on it — that is, until I pulled up to the New Brunswick campus of Rutgers University.

Douglass Residential College, the women’s college at Rutgers, had invited me to their open house to showcase their students and programming. What I was missing was right in front of me — a display of strong, smart, diverse women who were collaborating and supporting each other. The air of competition that I felt at nearly every other university tour was nonexistent, even in the science dorms.

This was unheard of to me. Where else could I live in a place with like-minded women who did not seem to be in competition with each other but instead were organizing study sessions and informal tutoring with recent graduates? The choice was obvious, and it was all mine.

After I had turned down more prestigious universities and places farther from home, my high school classmates and even my guidance counselor were confused: “Why a women’s college at a state school?” And my answer was always the same: “It felt like home.” You see, in my own home, although we valued competition, the women in my family modeled for me that strong women are not intimidated by other strong women. If anything, we welcome them into our orbit because they make us stronger.

Amazing Network

Not only did I receive a first-class education in a supportive learning environment, but when I graduated I had the support of an amazing network of women eager to mentor me and support my career. The same women who were pointing me in the direction of my dorm room and the library on my first day were now eager for me to become active with their association as an

alumna.

For 100 years, the Associate Alumnae of Douglass College has supported women, provided educational opportunities and helped women achieve their goals. It is an organization that exemplifies the mission of “women supporting women.” As a young professional, I’m proud to know this strong group of powerful women that represents a diverse group of career professionals and spans several generations of Douglass graduates, dating to the founding of the organization in 1922.

During the past few years of my career, I was elected to the AADC board of directors, co-chartered the Sisterhood Book Club, helped reinvigorate the New Jersey Regional Alumnae Connection Group and continued to stay a part of the AADC Alumnae Mentoring program. Throughout my time at the AADC, I’ve met some incredible women — all who’ve helped me in different ways. From helping to negotiate a better salary, letters of recommendation, job leads, networking opportunities and countless hours of laughing about one thing or another, these women have continued to support me. When I needed to step away from my leadership duties to focus on being a mother, they respected this choice and continued to encourage me.

Now more than ever, women need to stand together and support each other. With the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, women must fight for basic rights of health and well-being. It terrifies me that my 3-year-old daughter is growing up in a world with fewer rights than me, her mother — even her grandmothers.

I will continue to fight for my daughter’s rights, and I hope she will find her own network of strong, like-minded women that can carry her through her twenties, thirties and beyond. My hope is that my daughter will be given similar opportunities that I was provided — even if some people want to take those choices away from her.

As a Douglass alumna, I’m proud to support and work with the AADC, an organization that’s been uplifting women for 100 years. I know they will continue to educate, empower and engage women for many years to come. Who knows, maybe my daughter will join the AADC after she graduates. Either way, it’ll be her choice.

Published October 7, 2022 in NJ Spotlight News

Yesenia Perez ’08

Three Outstanding Alumnae

Named to The AADC

Society of Excellence

The AADC Society of Excellence recognizes alumnae who have made major contributions in their field of expertise and whose life’s work embodies exceptional accomplishments and leadership. This year’s honorees are Julie Wynne Stern-Delfiner ‘89, Winifred V. Quinn ‘86 and Valerie L. Anderson ‘81. Our 2022 Induction Ceremony will be hosted at AADC Alumnae Reunion Weekend on June 3, 2023, during the Alumnae Awards Presentation.

To submit nominations for the 2023 Society of Excellence, please visit us at www.douglassalumnae.org/alumnae/awards-for-alumnae. The deadline is June 23, 2023.

Julie Wynne Stern-Delfiner ’89 Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist and Clinical Professor

Julie Wynne Stern-Delfiner, M.D., Class of 1989, has built a distinguished career as a pediatric hematologist-oncologist and a clinical professor over the last three decades. She has always achieved at the highest levels in her educational, career and volunteer pursuits. As an undergraduate in the Douglass Scholars Honor Program, Julie majored in Political Science with minors in Biology and Chemistry. She was a Garden State Scholar, named to the dean’s list each year, elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and to the Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society. She graduated with the Class of 1989 Summa Cum Laude, with Honors in Political Science, and received the Margery Sommers Foster Senior Service Award.

Dr. Stern received her medical degree from McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, IL, in 1993. She returned to the northeast, where she was a Resident in pediatrics at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, followed by a Fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), beginning a career-long connection.

Today, Dr. Stern is the director of Outreach Services for CHOP’s oncology division, where she specializes in treating children with cancer and conditions such as anemia, clotting disorders, sickle cell disease, hemophilia, leukemia, and lymphoma. She takes pride in getting to know each patient and family. Her work enables her to combine her passion for clinical care with her interest in community outreach. In addition to treating children with all types of cancer, she meets with referring doctors to provide information about CHOP’s clinical services. She also leads educational sessions for physicians in surrounding communities, “helping them learn how to recognize pediatric cancer,” she says.

In her academic career, she is a Clinical Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, where she was previously a Clinical Assistant Professor. Throughout her

career, she has served as volunteer physician. For more than a decade, Dr. Stern has worked with the Ronald McDonald Camp, which enables critically ill children to go to summer camp while in medical care. She has volunteered at COVID-19 hospital and pharmacy vaccine clinics and a clinic for the Philadelphia Department of Health. In addition, she has served on various committees, including the Division of Oncology Clinical Care Committee, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Transfusion Committee, Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Committee, and the Pediatric Executive Committee at Lehigh Valley Hospital.

She regularly presents at conferences and symposiums and has delivered numerous lectures about childhood cancer. She continues to contribute to publications, including chapters in the 2nd through 9th editions of “The 5 Minute Pediatric Consult.” Posters include the “Quality Improvement Project to Improve Documentation of Home Medication Adherence and Dose Changes in Pediatric Cancer,” which was presented at the Children’s Oncology Group Fall 2019 Meeting.

She has received numerous awards, including the Lehigh Valley Hospital’s Walking on Water Award, the Main Line Today’s Health Care Hero Award and twice named to its Best Docs list, most recently in 2021. Dr. Stern is a member of the Board of Trustees of Julia’s Grace Foundation and a trustee at large on the Temple Brith Achim Board of Trustees. Previously, she served on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Board of Trustees.

WinifreD V. Quinn ’86

Public Policy Advocate Advancing Nursing and Health Equity

Winifred V. Quinn, Ph.D., FAANP(h), FAAN(H), Class of 1986, has been making an impact throughout her career in the field of healthcare and in the lives of those working in the nursing profession. She is dedicated to advancing nursing through advocacy in public policy. As the Director of Advocacy and Consumer Affairs for the Center to Champion Nursing in America (CCNA), she advances nurses’ rights to serve

2022 AADC Society of Excellence (Continued

(Winifred V. Quinn ’86 continued)

patients to the full extent of their education and training. CCNA is an initiative of AARP Foundation, AARP and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and runs the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action, an initiative of the same organizations. She is a tireless advocate working to bring justice, equality, and affordability to healthcare.

Following Douglass, she earned a Ph.D. in Health Communication from Rutgers University School of Communication and Information. Winifred was named an honorary fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) in October 2021, who noted “she is a dedicated nursing champion whose commitment has led to numerous, highly influential policy changes that have directly improved the profession.” She was also inducted as an honorary fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners in 2018 and the American Academy of Medicine last year.

As the Director, Dr. Quinn initiated a national coalition that led to Medicare funding graduate-level nursing education for the first time. Her team supports “Action Coalitions” across the country to modernize laws in more than 20 states, improving access to health care providers. In this role, she places a strong emphasis on coalition building. She says her pillars of advocacy

Valerie l. anDerSon ’81

Executive Leader, Advocate for Women’s

Education and Leadership

Valerie L. Anderson, Class of 1981, has built a distinguished career as Executive Leader, and Advocate for Women’s Education and Leadership, and is recognized as an extraordinary Douglass alumna.

As a first-generation college student at Douglass, she was an active leader who served two terms as the President of the Douglass Black Student Congress and graduated in 1981 with a B.A. in Psychology and a certificate in Criminal Justice.

Valerie’s professional career began with FedEx Corporation. Valerie progressed through positions of increasing responsibility during her 21 years of service, managing the operations of distribution and service centers supporting worldwide commerce, managing multi-million-dollar budgets and large workforces.

While at FedEx, Valerie returned to school and received her Master of Business Administration (MBA). She transitioned into the non-profit sector as the State Director of Field Services for the March of Dimes, where she oversaw the operations of three Regional Chapters in New Jersey.

Valerie joined the AADC as the first African American Executive Director in 2011. She was instrumental in guiding the AADC, along with staff and key alumnae leaders, to achieve the organization’s greatest fundraising results to date, in the Campaign for Douglass, “Innovative Education, Women’s Leadership,” which surpassed its initial goal and concluded with more than $41

for nursing are “modernizing state policies where they have not been addressed, as well as some policies on the federal level, both of which would recognize advanced practice nurses’ full potential and remove outdated clinical requirements.”

She is passionate about helping older adults thrive and live with dignity, and to help their families in achieving peace of mind. She puts her passion into action by improving policies that allow people to choose where to live, who to get care from, and how to obtain care. Dr. Quinn says her work has roots in her personal experience. “It is still my experience as a family caregiver that inspires me and helps me honor the memory of my parents,” says Winifred who provided care to her parents in their later years.

She is also an advocate for increasing diversity in the healthcare system because she believes the demographics of providers should more closely match the patients being served. Dr. Quinn leads the Campaign’s work to ensure a more diverse nursing workforce, school faculty, and nurse leadership.

As an active alumna, she currently serves a Co-Chair of the AADC Pride Network, participates in the AADC Washington D.C. Regional Connection Group and AADC programs and events.

million raised. She also brought the vision of two very successful gala events to fruition with the AADC 100th Anniversary Proud History to Bright Future Gala in June 2022, and previously with the 95th Anniversary Forward Together Gala, both with record turnouts. She is a generous donor to the AADC Annual Appeal, and her generosity will help ensure the strength of AADC initiatives and programs for generations to come.

In conjunction with the AADC Black Alumnae Network (BAN), she was instrumental in the renaming of BAN’s conference to the Jewel Plummer Cobb Sisters Conference, which honors the legacy of the late Dr. Cobb as the first African-American Dean of Douglass. She also helped launch the timely and impactful AADC Excellence in Inclusion and Equity Initiative, seeded through the generosity of an alumna. She has helped bring renowned authors for AADC L’Hommedieu Lectures, including Rebecca Skloot, author of “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” and Piper Kerman, author of “Orange Is the New Black.” She has led our organization through challenging times, including the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Valerie has also garnered partnerships with other units across Rutgers University.

In 2017, she received the AADC Medal as part of the negotiating team that worked on the July 2016 Agreement with Rutgers Parties. She received the 2018 Sojourner Truth Phenomenal Woman Award from Rutgers Student Affairs. The New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs and Douglass Residential College presented her with the New Jersey Women of Achievement Award in 2018, and that same year she was inducted into the Rutgers African American Alliance, Inc., Hall of Fame. In 2020, she was inducted into the Plainfield High School Alumni Association.

Leaders from the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC and the AADC connected for partnership-building lunch meetings this fall to exchange organizational ideas and strategies. Together with members of the AADC

Embracing Herstory, Progressing in Sisterhood

Black Alumnae Network Presents Sisters Conference

Our AADC Black Alumnae Network presented the Jewel Plummer Cobb Sisters Conference, where it celebrated its 40th anniversary and an array of dynamic presentations on October 29. Featured guest speaker New Jersey Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, pictured, delivered an inspiring message, “The State of Our Union – We are Not a Footnote,” as the kickoff.

Chairperson Dorothy Brown Clay ’77 and BAN President Candace Reynolds ’09 welcomed more than 150 alumnae to the virtual conference. As a result of the pandemic and its profound moments and change, sessions explored social action, expressions of gender identity, worklife balance, self-care and financial literacy.

Dr. Roy Jonathan Cobb, son of the late Dr. Jewel Plummer Cobb, shared a tribute to her legacy as the first African-American Dean of Douglass, a scientist and a leader. He also shared a photo of himself beside Jewel Cobb Rd. in Woods Hole, MA.

“My mother would be thrilled,” he said, “of this honor in a place where she was affiliated with the scientific community.”

To get involved with BAN contact AADC Director of Alumnae Relations Lorrie Delaney ’18 at ldelaney@ douglassalumnae.org

ts

Raising Awareness About Colorism in the Latine/x Community

As we celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month’s theme "Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation," we hosted an AADC Excellence in Inclusion and Equity Initiative virtual workshop, Colorism in the Latine/x Community on September 21. Moderator Dr. Debra Joy Perez ’84, right, Chief Equity Officer and Senior Advisor to the President of United States Pharmacopeia, welcomed facilitator and speaker Dr. Nancy Lopez, the Associate Vice President for the Division of Equity & Inclusion at the University of New Mexico, who is a Professor of Sociology and Director and Co-founder of the Institute for the Study of Race and Social Justice. The workshop was to raise awareness and explore the impacts of colorism, whose roots are complex and historically entrenched. Colorism is defined as “prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a dark skin tone, typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group.”

Douglass alumnae are stronger when we move forward together and are able to value, include, respect and embrace our differences with other alumnae and friends. In doing so, we help make our alumnae community and the world a better place.

Removing Boundaries – Radical Reinvention and Innovation

Alumnae and friends connected with each other, the AADC and with experts at our informative and inspiring virtual symposium, now in its seventh year, which was held on September 17, via Zoom Events. Participants shared what our theme meant to them, such as, “Forgetting what I thought my life was going to be and embracing change;” and “The ultimate evolution of self again.” Special thanks to chair Mallorie Medley ’08, and the entire team of volunteers and staff, and to benefactor Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt ’42.

In our interactive and educational conference setting, we explored the roadblocks and obstacles women are facing in our new normal. Our presenters helped us discover ways to reinvent ourselves in our new workspaces, uncover how innovation impacts the future of women, and how we can remove the boundaries and create new ones. Our virtual platform brought us speakers from New Jersey, California, Hawaii, Maryland and more!

Our 2023 Symposium Chair Catherine Sackey ‘22 invites you to get involved. Please contact AADC Director of Alumnae Relations Lorrie Delaney ’18 at ldelaney@douglassalumnae.org

staff, leaders included, from left: New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC Second Vice President Chris Sienkielewski, President-Elect Barbara McCloskey, and President Shirley Holly, with Associate Alumnae of Douglass College President Jeanne Fox ’75, VP of Development Linda Caldwell Epps ’73 and Executive Director Valerie L. Anderson ’81.

FALL/WINTER 2022

Associate Alumnae of Douglass College 181 Ryders Lane, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8557

Telephone: 732-246-1600 FAX: 732-932-2883 www.douglassalumnae.org douglassalumnae@douglassalumnae.org

AADC Board of Directors

Note: Listing as of July 1, 2022

Executive Committee

Jeanne M. Fox ’75 | President

Lisa Dorio Ruch ‘89 | Vice President for Administration

Linda Caldwell Epps ’73 | Vice President for Development

Debra Lynch ’79 | Vice President for Alumnae Relations

Judy Meyenhofer Musa ‘89 | Vice President for Marketing & Communications

Tina B. Gordon ’72 | Secretary

Kathi Love ’75 | Treasurer

Valerie Anderson ’81, MBA | Executive Director

Chairs

Denise Busby ‘76 | AADC Annual Appeal Chair

Karen Lynch ‘79 | Alumnae Engagement Chair

Members

Ruth Toni Armstead ’74, Jessica Bagtas ’15, Linda P. Clark ’70, Ikecia Lenese Mapp ’01, Dianne Mills McKay ’69, Mallorie Medley ’08, Liz Murray ‘87, Linda Swenton Naselli ’81, Tiffany Toliver ’04, Jennie Vila ’07

AADC Staff

To phone staff, call the AADC at 732-246-1600, enter staff extension number noted below:

Valerie Anderson ’81, MBA Executive Director, Ext.10

Susan Wallace

Vice President of Finance and Operations, Ext. 16

Anne Marie Russo

Director of Marketing & Communications, Ext. 15

Lorrie Delaney ‘18

Director of Alumnae Relations, Ext. 17

Beata Souders

Associate Director of Annual Giving, Ext. 14

Natalie Margolin ’01

Associate Director of Development, Ext. 12

Cathleen Fitzgerald

Finance Administrator, Ext. 13

Lizethe Martinez ’13

Associate Director of Programs and Administration, Ext. 18

Design: Patricia A. Downes, Dutch Hill Design

Information filed with the Attorney General concerning this charitable solicitation and the percentage of contributions received by the charity during the last reporting period that were dedicated to the charitable purpose may be obtained from the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey by calling 973-504-6215 and is available on the internet at http://www. state.nj.us/lps/ca/charfrm.htm. Registration with the Attorney General does not imply endorsement. The official registration and financial information of the Associate Alumnae of Douglass College may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1 (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Fellowships Make a Difference

Apply for an AADC Alumnae Fellowship by March 1

Each year, the Associate Alumnae of Douglass College awards fellowships to alumnae for the pursuit of graduate work in a field in which the graduate has achieved academic excellence and has identified sound career objectives.

To apply for an alumnae fellowship, please complete

and return an application during the application period from November 1, 2022 to March 1, 2023. You will be considered for all fellowships for which you are eligible.

If you have questions regarding alumnae fellowships, please email Susan Wallace at swallace@ douglassalumnae. org

For details about fellowships and to download the application, please visit www.douglassalumnae.org/alumnae/fellowships

Call for Nominations AADC Alumnae Awards 2023

Deadline: January 13, 2023

Do you know an alumna or friend of the AADC deserving of recognition by the Associate Alumnae of Douglass College? Consider submitting an AADC Alumnae Awards Official Nomination Form or an Alumnae Awards Nomination Referral Form to our AADC Alumnae Awards Committee today. This year’s recipients will be honored at our Awards Ceremony hosted on June 3, during AADC Alumnae Reunion Weekend.

Each year, we present the

Margaret T. Corwin Award, Alumnae Recognition Award, AADC Medal, Vanguard Service Award, the Young Alumna Mabel Award and the AADC Society of Excellence Award. Please note the deadline to submit nominations to be considered for the upcoming fall ceremony for the 2023 Society of Excellence is June 23, 2023.

Learn more about these distinguished awards and download nomination forms at www.

douglassalumnae.org/alumnae/ awards-for-alumnae.

AADC awards given to honorees, from left: Corwin Award gold pin, Alumnae Recognition Award pin, Young Alumna Mabel Award engraved frame, Vanguard Award clock, AADC Medal, Society of Excellence medallion.

“I am passionate about making positive changes in the world.”

Eunji Kim ’13

Margaret Denton Wagner Fellowship recipient

AADC Points of Pride

Associate Alumnae of Douglass College

Alumnae-created: Established in 1922 and incorporated in 1927 as the Associate Alumnae of the New Jersey College for Women

Our Mission: The Associate Alumnae of Douglass College develops and promotes connections among Douglass alumnae by providing programs, services, networks and lifelong learning opportunities that represent the interests and needs of our diverse alumnae.

The AADC provides prudent stewardship of the Douglass Fund and other endowed funds held by the AADC for the benefit of Douglass; distributions from these funds contribute financial support to Douglass and her students

Alumnae-led: Governed by a 21-member Board of Directors

Alumnae-driven: Executes its mission with the support of more than 700 alumnae volunteers Is a sisterhood of more than 39,000 diverse alumnae worldwide Develops and promotes connections among Douglass alumnae

Heralded our milestone anniversary AADC 100th: Proud History to Bright Future on June 10, 2022, with numerous activities and a spectacular Gala celebration.

Provides and hosts signature programs such as the annual Zagoren lecture, the L’Hommedieu Lecture, AADC Celebrates Founders Day and Alumnae Awards, AADC Alumnae Reunion Weekend and donor recognition events

Created the Women’s Life-long Learning Initiative, consisting of the Douglass Alumnae Mentoring program to connect alumnae Mentors and Mentees, the Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt ’42 Workplace & Professional Development Symposium and AADC Smart Talks, a free series of diverse and informative talks

Launched the AADC Excellence in Inclusion and Equity Initiative to build on the intrinsic trust among Douglass alumnae to discuss how we can advance equity and inclusion; featuring virtual “Removing the Veil on Racism” workshops and discussions

Pivoted from live meetings and events to offer AADC programs and events through virtual platforms Publishes Legacy of Leaders Series honoring the 100th anniversary and the indispensable work of volunteers Published digital “Stories from our Alumnae Community” about coping with the COVID-19 pandemic Connects through our social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube; promote our brand through three annual publications and digital outreach

Supports regional groups in New York City, Washington D.C., NC, NJ and FL, with more to come Partners with the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC, founders of the New Jersey College for Women Connecting for nearly 40 years through our longest-standing affinity network, the Black Alumnae Network, and its Jewel Plummer Cobb Sisters Conference

Conducted three successful capital campaigns that raised nearly $80M Administers fellowships for post-graduate studies for Douglass Alumnae Organizes fun and informative global travel opportunities for alumnae to visit new places with other alumnae

Informs alumnae and friends through monthly digital AADC E-news and Douglass Alumnae Highlights and a newsletter Publishes Class Notes to highlight news about alumnae in all graduating classes.

Honors accomplished alumnae with induction into the prestigious AADC Society of Excellence; more than 234 women recognized since 1973 Celebrated the AADC’s 95th Anniversary in 2018 with the grand “Forward Together” Gala Brings hundreds of alumnae from near and far together to celebrate sisterhood at AADC Alumnae Reunion Weekend

Alumnae- created. Alumnae- led. Alumnae- driven. Alumnae- supported.

AADC Magazine for aluMnae & friends

The Associate Alumnae of Douglass College 181 Ryders Lane | New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8557 www.douglassalumnae.org

Fall/Winter 2022

Mission

The AADC is an independent 501(c)(3) organization. The AADC develops and promotes connections among Douglass alumnae by providing programs, services, networks and life-long learning opportunities that represent the interests and needs of our diverse alumnae. The AADC provides prudent stewardship of the Douglass Fund and other endowed funds held by the AADC for the benefit of Douglass; distributions from these funds contribute financial support to Douglass and her students.

www.douglassalumnae.org