Making an IMPACT Building on the Vision of Our AADC Community
Planning is already underway for a memorable Reunion Weekend to be hosted on campus June 7-8, 2024! We are celebrating Reunion during the second weekend of June this year! 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 builds our new century of success. At Reunion, we will herald the Class of 1974 on its 50th Vanguard Reunion and Milestone Classes ending in 4s and 9s. All alumnae and friends are welcome to join us to celebrate at Reunion! In addition to our AADC Awards Ceremony hosted during Reunion, enjoy activities from our “Taste of the Mediterranean Cooking Demonstration,” to the “Art of Online Reselling,” to the George Street Playhouse Binging the Arts,” and more! Registration and the Reunion Schedule of Events will be available soon. Mark your calendars for our upcoming Reunion Committee Meetings hosted virtually via Zoom from 6:00 to 7:00 pm ET. Register for meetings at www.douglassalumnae.org: January 8, 2024 | February 5, 2024 | April 8, 2024 | May 6, 2024 For Reunion updates visit us at www.douglassalumnae.org/aadc-reunion-weekend.
Volunteer & Get Involved with the AADC! Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. Our AADC volunteers get involved where they can make the biggest impact in ways that combine their interests and expertise with vital work that supports our mission. Join an AADC committee, volunteer at the Alumnae Center, help match mentors and mentees for Douglass Alumnae Mentoring, help on the Lectures Committee, organize the Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt ’42 Workplace & Professional Development Symposium — plus so much more! The AADC needs you to help bring our vibrant event and program offerings to fruition. Please contact AADC staff member Lizethe Martinez ’13 at lmartinez@douglassalumnae.org or (732) 246-1600.
Building on the Vision Message from AADC Executive Director Valerie Anderson ’81, MBA When the members of the Class of 1922 founded our organization, now more than 101 years ago, it was with wisdom and amazing foresight. Surely it also took some grit for them to stand by their vision to create the AADC as an independent organization that would grow in the face of changing times, new generations of alumnae and unforseen challenges. I am always humbled to have the privilege of leading this outstanding organization and being part of our diverse and connected AADC community. Leading the AADC for more than a decade following a longtime career in corporate management has been an honor. It is my hope that one of the ways that I lead is by example as an agent to promote change and growth to help the AADC remain strong and relevant. To help us build on the vision that has propelled this organization to greater heights. Nothing that I have accomplished at the AADC has been done alone. It is a joy to work closely with so many who share their talents, passions, and drives to connect with one another and with the AADC through our programs, conferences, lectures, affinity networks, regional groups and much more. Together, we have surpassed goals and created new traditions for the future.
We have reached peaks in our great history. From protecting and leading our organization into its next century of success, to turning many challenges into opportunities, such as navigating the impact of the pandemic. We are resilient and our past helps us stand the test of time. Our AADC community always strives to go beyond. Our alumnae and friends are what help us all press upward and onward, and to do everything possible to ensure our alumnae association remains strong, relevant, and respected. With your continued involvement as volunteers, leaders and, indeed, as agents of change and growth, the AADC is positioned to be a powerhouse for women supporting women for its next 100 years. Thank you for being part of our AADC community. We are grateful to all those who support the AADC, including our Annual Appeal that powers the AADC 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. Our future truly stands on the foundation and vision of our early founders, whose strength and fortitude carry on through the impact of our AADC community today.
Together we ensure our AADC community is strong, relevant, and respected.
Learn more about your alumnae association! Visit us at www.douglassalumnae.org or reach out to us at douglassalumnae@douglassalumnae.org Pictured on cover: Alumnae and guests gathered at recent AADC events & programs include, from top left to right, Ashley Sawyer ’10; Elizabeth L’Hommedieu King, Nicky L’Hommedieu; Julie Stern-Delfiner ’89; Tina B. Gordon ’72, Caprice Jenerson ’90, Raven Jenerson ’17. Second row, Isabel Goll Drzewiecki ’61, Mary Kelleher DiMartino ’85, AADC President Jeanne M. Fox ’75; Judy Meyenhofer Musa ’89; Lisa Dorio Ruch ’89, Alison Maloney, Ikecia Lenese Mapp ’01; Yesenia Perez ’12. Third row, Jessica Bagtas ’15; Hannah Pomales ’14; Symposium Keynote Margaret “Marty” Gillis ’75; Winifred Quinn ’86; Anjanette Highsmith ’94, Debbie Crouch ’94.
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Upcoming 2024 AADC Events & Programs Monday, January 8
Monday, April 8
Virtual AADC Reunion Planning Meeting
2024 AADC Society of Excellence Nomination Deadline
Thursday, January 11
Monday, April 15
Nomination Deadline: Nominate AADC Board of Directors General Members
Wednesday, January 24
Nomination Deadline: 2024 AADC Alumnae Awards
Thursday, January 25
AADC Sisterhood Book Club Virtual Discussion
January – to be announced Virtual AADC Smart Talk
Saturday, February 3
Cabin Fever: Hosted by AADC Bunting Connections Affinity Group & Young Alumnae Network (YAN)
Monday, February 5
Virtual AADC Reunion Planning Meeting
February – to be announced
AADC Event Honoring Black History Month
March – to be announced
Virtual Zagoren Lecture Honoring Women’s History Month
AADC Black Alumnae Network Virtual General Body Meeting & Evelyn Sermons Field ‘49 Literary Society Book Discussion
Saturday, April 27 Rutgers Day
Monday, May 6
Virtual AADC Reunion Planning Meeting
Monday, May 17
Deadline for Voting: Milestone Reunion Class Officers
Saturday, June 3
Fellowship Application Deadline for Graduating DRC Seniors
Friday, June 7, to Saturday, June 8
AADC Alumnae Reunion Weekend 2024
Saturday, June 8
AADC Awards Presentation Hosted at Reunion
Saturday, September 28
Fellowship Application Deadline for Alumnae
Friday, March 1
AADC Presents the Ninth Annual Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt Workplace and Professional Development Symposium
Saturday, March 16
2024 Society of Excellence Induction Ceremony Luncheon
Vision Board Workshop Hosted by Planning Committee for the Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt ’42 Workplace and Professional Development Symposium
Saturday, April 6
AADC Alumnae Council on campus, followed by Luncheon to Honor AADC Benefactors
Monday, April 8
Virtual AADC Reunion Planning Meeting
with the
Saturday, October 26
AADC Black Alumnae Network Jewel Plummer Cobb Sisters Conference
AADC Alumnae Travel 2024
Wonders of Peru: February 22 - March 4 Italy – Charm of the Amalfi Coast: June 19-27 Scotland – Stirling: August 14-22 Havana: Afro-Cuban Experience: November 15-22
For updates and registration, visit: www.douglassalumnae.org/upcoming-events douglassalumnae at
Enjoy photos from our events and programs @ Douglass Alumnae on Flickr 2 AADC Magazine for Alumnae & Friends • DouglassAlumnae on
Have You Seen Our New Website! The AADC is 101 years old and always growing as your independent and dynamic alumnae association! To meet our mission and continue to support the 40,000+ alumnae who seek professional development, networking, connections, life-long learning and serving women, we determined that our website: www.douglassalumnae.org needed to be refreshed to reflect both our history and our bright future.
What’s New and Why?
We “amped” up our technical toolbox for our site with a redesign to give visitors easy: • Navigation Bar with drop downs and one-click access to key information • Visuals, graphics, buttons and links to get right to what you want quickly • Mobile responsive design that works on any digital device • Search (top right) for finding specific information • News and key updates posted to the new AADC News link In addition to redesigning, we revised the registration process, and visitors can add events to their own calendar. We are in the process of making submission forms online, easier to submit automated and more efficient. Special thanks to Board Vice President of Marketing and Communications Judy Meyenhofer Musa ‘89 and staffer Anne Marie Russo for leading our efforts, together with our team of volunteers, including Tina Gordon ‘72, Mallorie Medley ‘08, Christina Crovetto ‘85, and Candace Reynolds ‘09, and our vendors Sheila McWeeney LaMagra ‘84 and Kathy Collins at EP Connects. We are also grateful for the additional content review by Jennie Vila ‘07, Denise Busby ‘76, Claudia Maraviglia Dewane ‘73, Ginny Reed ‘73, Jean D’Amore ‘09, Deborah Hipkins ‘73 and Barbara Maynard Hirsh ‘73. Check out the site regularly as we add to it as the hub for all our communications, allowing the small
and mighty AADC staff to do the core mission work of connecting us and bringing us events and programs that invigorate, inform and support each member, as well as our future DRC graduates as they enter the workforce and build futures.
How Can You Contribute to Keeping Alums Informed? • Check our volunteer page to see how you can be part of our growing community • Share your regional group or affinity network events, activities and meetings • Submit news items to be highlighted on our AADC News page • Share activities with photos to highlight the ways you’ve stayed connected • Submit ideas for programs, smart talks or lectures • Provide a testimonial and help us highlight Amazing Alumnae Please complete our form or reach out the AADC Director of Marketing and Communication Anne Marie Russo at amrusso@douglassalumnae.org.
Share Your Expertise with the AADC Community as a Presenter! We are alumnae driven through the talent and expertise of our amazing and dedicated AADC Community! We invite alumnae to volunteer to present at one of our programs in their area of expertise, including workshops as part of the AADC Excellence In Inclusion and Equity Initiative, our ongoing informative AADC Smart Talks and workshops at Reunion Weekend. To submit your proposal, email Lizethe Martinez ‘13 at
the AADC at lmartinez@douglassalumnae.org. Some areas of interest include, but are not limited to the following: l Empowering vs. Overpowering Women in the Workplace l Class Ceilings and Inequality, Leadership, Gender Identity l Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Workplace & Our Lives l Culinary & Arts, Horticulture, Crafts, l Health, Yoga, Genealogy, and Book Talks
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Highlights AADC 2023 Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt ’42 Workplace & Professional Development Symposium Alumnae and friends returned to campus to connect at the AADC’s eighth annual Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt ‘42 Workplace and Professional Development Symposium hosted at the Douglass Student Center on September 23, 2023. Participants explored the theme “Your Life’s Passion is Your Legacy,” through inspirational and educational workshops by top-notch presenters, networking, and a dynamic keynote by Margaret (Marty) Gillis, Class of 1975, an innovative business owner, community leader and advocate.
Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu Delivers Inspirational L’Hommedieu Lecture
The AADC featured the Most Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu, a race and gender justice activist and daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, at the biennial L’Hommedieu Lecture at the Douglass Student Center on October 24. Rev. Tutu’s lecture, “Truth & Reconciliation: Healing Wounds,” focused on ways to speak our truths without judgment and to heal as individuals and as a society. “It is clear that our communities and our world are in desperate need of peace. For us to achieve true peace it is important that we find ways to listen with open ears, minds and hearts to each other’s stories, hopes and fears.” said Rev. Tutu. “Each of us has an important role to play in the struggle for justice and peace. We will come together to use our voices and gifts to build the just world we all desire.”
Celebrating the Holidays with Camaraderie and Good Cheer with AADC Bunting Connections The AADC Buntings Connections holds its popular holiday gathering at the Ruth Schilling Hennessy Alumnae Center on December 8. Festivities will include an “attic treasures” exchange. Graduates of the Mary I. Bunting Program maintain ties through this active group. Register online to join us. To get involved, contact Bunting Connections Chair Jean D’Amore ’09 at jeanddamore@aol.com.
AADC Pride Network Hosts Virtual Discussion “Turbulence Together” AADC Pride Network Chair Winifred Quinn ’86 will welcome alumnae to the Network’s virtual discussion about the experience of turbulence through the decades in the LGBTQ+ community. Feminist Scholar Kay Turner ’71, Ph.D., left, a folklorist, author, artist, and performer, will moderate the virtual discussion on December 4, about how we understand turbulence and how we can shape positive change together. Kay was recently inducted into the AADC Society of Excellence and has been active with the Network since it was established. Register online to join us.
Shop Online for AADC Merchandise! Browse our AADC online store and choose from a variety of styles, including sweatshirts, sweat pants, duffle and tote bags, water bottles and more! Spread the word and enjoy our latest collection! www.douglassalumnae.org/aadc-onlinestore.
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AADC President Jeanne Fox, Class of 1975, said, “Our outstanding alumnae organization proudly presents this informative and inspiring lecture with an opportunity for our community and beyond, to learn more about how we can help create a more just society.” The free lecture hosted by the AADC is made possible through the generosity of the late Frances Bradley L’Hommedieu, Class of 1926. A special tribute was given at the lecture in honor of the late Paige L’Hommedieu. Together with his wife, Nicky L’Hommedieu, in center at left, who attended the lecture with two of their daughters, Paige was integral to the selection of the outstanding speakers since the lecture began, and dedicated to honoring his late mother through this inspirational, educational and informative event. Pictured with Nicky are Rev. Tutu, left, and AADC Exec. Dir. Valerie Anderson ‘81, right. Standing, from left, Lecture Chair Leigh Brodsky-Schubert ‘04, and Nicky’s daughters Kate Mittnacht and Elizabeth L’Hommedieu King.
Nomination Process is Open for AADC Board of Directors Identifying and selecting candidates to serve on the AADC Board of Directors is critical to our success and leadership. We invite you to submit nominations for general members by January 11, 2024. For nomination forms, please visit www.douglassalumnae.org/board-staff-directory.
Highlights Calling all New and Recent Graduates! The AADC Young Alumnae Network (YAN) have been connecting and hosting recent gatherings, welcoming recent graduates and all alumnae. YAN is getting the word out on its Instagram @AADC YoungAlumnaeNetwork! Over the summer YAN dished up some fun at its YAN Ice Cream Social, hosted at the Ruth Schilling Hennessy Alumnae Center on July 29. For the fall, YAN Co-Chairs Lily Juhasz ’22 and Sandeep Patwalia ’22 and members of YAN continued the tradition of hosting its annual YAN-OWeen Fall Gathering, which was held at the Alumnae Center on October 20. Many alumnae wore costumes and brought favorite fall treats like apple cider and they did some creative pumpkin painting! We Would Like to Hear from You! Please take a moment to tell us about your travels, careers and pursuits here. To get involved with YAN, contact AADC Director of Alumnae Relations Lorrie Delaney ’18 at ldelaney@douglassalumnae.org.
AADC NJ Regional Connection Group Guided Tour of J&J Powerhouse Museum Alumnae and friends enjoyed the AADC NJ Regional Connection Group’s lunch gathering at Tavern on George, followed by a guided tour of the Powerhouse interactive museum at the Johnson & Johnson World Headquarters in New Brunswick. Special thanks to J&J Chief Historian Margaret Van Gluck Gurowitz ’83, who personally led our tour on August 30.
AADC Washington, D.C. Area Regional Connection Group Gathered for Guided Tour of National Portrait Gallery, Featuring Painting of Former Dean of Douglass College Dr. Jewel Plummer Cobb Members of the AADC Washington, D.C. Area Regional Connection Group held a summer outing that included lunch at Clyde’s of Gallery Place, followed by a guided tour of the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. on June 24. The free tour of 20th and 21st Century Americans featured a special stop to view the portrait of former Douglass Dean Jewel Plummer Cobb. The oil painting portrait was commissioned by the AADC and was on loan from the AADC during the exhibition. We were also honored to have Dr. Jonathan Cobb, son of the late Dr. Jewel Plummer Cobb, join us for the occasion.
AADC Black Alumnae Network (BAN) Celebrates with Alums and the RAAA at Rutgers Homecoming! Members of AADC Black Alumnae Network (BAN) celebrated Rutgers Homecoming and welcomed alums to the AADC’s red tent on October 14, 2023. BAN participated in the Homecoming festivities with RAAA (Rutgers African-American Alliance, Inc.).
“Good Night, Oscar” Broadway Show Brought AADC NYC Regional Connection Group Together The AADC NYC Regional Connection Group welcomed alumnae and friends met at Connolly’s Pub and Restaurant in New York’s Times Square for lunch, followed by a matinee performance of “Good Night, Oscar” on Broadway starring Tony and Emmy Award winner Sean Hayes, on August 27. Special thanks to Sharon Matlofsky Karmazin ‘67, one of the show’s producers, who joined us to share her insights about the show.
AADC Black Alumnae Network Hosts “Having Our Say” George Street Theater Event The AADC Black Alumnae Network Theater Event sold out due to popular demand for the outing to see “Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years,” at the George Street Playhouse on December 2. This enthralling full-length play is based on the bestselling book by Sarah (Sadie) Delany and Elizabeth (Bessie) Delany, who both surpass the age of 100. Their extraordinary journey unfolds as they share their experiences, which include growing up as the daughters of a former slave who became a respected professor, establishing successful careers, and integrating a New York suburb. FALL/ WINTER 2023
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Six Distinguished Alumnae Inducted into 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. The Induction Ceremony for our 2023 and 2022 honorees was hosted during the luncheon at the Eighth Annual Victoria Dabrowski Workplace and Professional Symposium at the Douglass Student Center on September 23, 2023. To submit nominations for the Society of Excellence 2024 by the deadline of April 8, 2024, please visit us at www.douglassalumnae.org/awards-medals.
From left: 2023 honorees Caprice Jenerson ’90, Mary Kelleher DiMartino ’85, and Kay Turner ’71; with AADC President Jeanne Fox ’75 and Awards Chair Isabel Goll Drzewiecki ’61; 2022 honorees Julie Wynne Stern-Delfiner ’89, Winifred V. Quinn ’86, and Valerie L. Anderson ’81, AADC Executive Director.
2023 AADC Society of Excellence Honorees Mary Kelleher DiMartino ’85 Executive Director, J.P. Morgan and Community Leader Mary Kelleher DiMartino, Class of 1985, has continued her commitment to advancing women’s leadership and serving her community in her professional and volunteer activities since graduating 38 years ago. She was the first in her family to go to college and graduated from Douglass in 1985 with a degree in Economics. She has spent her entire career in the public finance industry and is currently an Executive Director at J.P. Morgan, which she joined in 2007, and where she is responsible for developing and executing investment banking business. Mary works with state and local governments on the issuance of municipal bonds. Prior to joining J.P. Morgan, Mary spent 18 years as an investment banker with regional program dealer firms. As an undergraduate, she participated in leadership-building activities, including the Douglass College Government Association,
the Women’s Conference, and the Rutgers Women’s Lacrosse team, and proudly received the Margery Somers Foster Senior Service Award. She also participated in what was known then as the AADC Extern Program during her junior year as an extern at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Mary has been a great advocate of sharing her knowledge, wisdom, and talents with others. She has mentored individuals in her company as part of J.P. Morgan’s Leadership Acceleration Program, which focuses on leadership skills for women Vice Presidents within the investment bank. For multiple years, Mary dedicated her time serving as an Extern Sponsor mentoring public finance Externs through the former AADC Extern Program, which provided hands-on experience to further education in a particular field. Today the program is known as the AADC’s Douglass Alumnae Mentoring program. Mary continues to volunteer and provide insights on non-profit and governmental debt structuring and underwriting service fundamentals. In 2005, Mary was recognized for
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her volunteer work on the Lawrence, NJ, Township Board of Education, at the district’s inaugural event. She and twenty other former board members, known as the “Alumni Club,” were presented with a special pin for their dedication and service as former board members. The pin, The Cardinal Wing, is the highest recognition given and is awarded to select community members who have made significant contributions that have impacted the school district, its programs, and mission of providing “extraordinary learning for all students.” Mary has served on the Board of Directors and as a member-at-large for the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey, an organization helping girls discover their courage, confidence, character and make a positive impact on society. She has been recognized for her generous financial support to this organization and has been inducted into its Juliette Low Society. She has also been recognized for providing support to the Girls Scout Leadership Experience. Mary has served as a member of the AADC Board of Directors, and on the AADC strategic planning and nominating
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2023 AADC Society of Excellence Honorees (Continued from page 6) (Mary Kelleher DiMartino ’85 continued) committees. She participates in AADC events, is a generous and consistent donor to the AADC Annual Appeal and was an Onyx Sponsor of the AADC Proud History to Bright Future 100th Anniversary Gala in 2022. She currently serves on the Board of Governors of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and previously served on the Rutgers Board of Trustees from 2013 to 2019, and as chair from 2018 to 2019. Together with her husband Victor DiMartino CC’82, Mary endowed a Rutgers Scarlet Promise Grant in 2019.
Caprice R. Jenerson ’90 Attorney, Nonprofit Leader, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advocate Caprice R. Jenerson, Esq., Class of 1990, has dedicated her career as an attorney to advocating for the elimination of racial disparities, fighting for the underserved, and shedding light on some of the most critical issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. She has also been a leader within the AADC, serving as President of the AADC Black Alumnae Network (BAN) and presenting lectures and virtual workshops. After her graduation from Douglass, Caprice earned her law degree from Georgia State University and is a veteran attorney with 20 years in senior management and leadership in various organizations. She has 10 years of experience as a thought leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Currently, she is President and Attorney in Charge at Office of the Appellate Defender in New York. Caprice began her law career as a criminal defense attorney in Georgia, serving those charged with crimes in both state and federal courts for 19 years. As the Managing Attorney of a small, yet prominent, criminal defense practice, Caprice also worked diligently to recruit, train, and mentor other Black law students and junior attorneys to increase representation of people of color in the judicial system as well as in law office and case management and in instruction in criminal and appellate law. Throughout her career, Caprice has challenged racial disparities in sentencing, over policing and over criminalization of
Black communities, and the systemic mass incarceration of Black bodies. She spent two years in Washington, D.C., as the Senior Resource Counsel of the Clemency Project, led by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, to train lawyers to prepare clemency petitions. Prior to her current position, Caprice had a dual role as President at the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG), which provides free civil legal services those experiencing poverty. She was also NYLAG’s first ever Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer. She launched “Courageous Conversations” to normalize cross-cultural conversations in the workplace, and drafted the organization’s Race Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategic and Change Management Plan, focused on advancing access while challenging racial disparities and structural racism. As the Director of the Pro Bono and Volunteer Unit, she led the call to serve a greater number of people. As past president of BAN, Caprice helped establish the Evelyn Sermons Field ‘49 Literary Society and was integral to planning the 2016 AADC BAN Sisters Conference “Telling Our Truth,” which commemorated BAN’s 35th anniversary. In 2020, Caprice delivered the AADC Zagoren Lecture, “Access Justice for Those Experiencing Poverty: Historical View and Perspective for the Future.” During the pandemic, she presented virtual AADC Inclusion and Equity Initiative workshops, “Removing the Veil of Racism,” about the phenomenon’s of double consciousness and code switching, health disparities, and social injustices. Caprice shares a deep sense of purpose in serving others, along with her daughter, alumna Raven Jenerson ‘17. Caprice is a member of several advisory boards, including the New York State Attorney Emeritus Advisory Council, the Law School Subcommittee of the New York City Bar Pro Bono and Legal Services Committee, and the Volunteer Management Institute of the UJA Federation of New York. In 2019, she was named to the Top 100 Lawyers by the National Black Lawyers. In 2022, she was honored by her hometown when she was inducted into the East Orange, NJ, Hall of Fame. When she spoke, Caprice shared, “My late mother said I’d become a lawyer when I was only seven years old. This honor belongs to her for planting the seed and being my champion.”
Kay Turner ’71 Feminist Scholar, Folklorist, Author, Artist and Performer Kay Turner, Ph.D., Class of 1971, has built a career as a folklorist, performer and an academic whose work has focused largely on the meaning of altars, shrines and memorials. She has inspired countless individuals and communities from her cofounding of a folk arts organization early in her career, to becoming a folklorist, author, artist, performer and working on various community and social justice projects. Kay earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in Literature and Philosophy from Douglass. In 1979 and 1990, she earned an MA/Ph.D., respectively, in folklore and anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin. Her dissertation, “Mexican American Women’s Home Altars: The Art of Relationship,” was the first of its kind to give serious study to home altars and vernacular altars as an aesthetic form. The subsequent book project, ”Beautiful Necessity: The Art and Meaning of Women’s Altars (1999),” is the most widely read of all of her publications. Her research focused on women’s studies, queer studies, and folk and contemporary art. In particular, she introduced queer theory to fairy tale scholarship with “Transgressive Tales: Queering the Grimms.” Her current book project is “What a Witch: The Wise Woman in History, Folklore, and Popular Culture.” As a public folklorist, Kay has researched, organized, and produced public programs, museum exhibitions, and folk music festivals, and served as president of the American Folklore Society. She was a co-founder of the non-profit folk arts organization, Texas Folklife Resources, early in her career and later joined the Board of the New York Folklore Society. She has published articles in the “Journal of American Folklore” and “Western Folklore.” Kay was an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Performance Studies at Tisch School of the Arts and the Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality at New York University, from 2002 to 2022. From 2000 to 2014 she was Director of Folk Arts at the Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC). She has a rich knowledge of Brooklyn’s diverse folk and community-based arts and
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2023 AADC Society of Excellence Honorees (Continued from page 7) (Kay Turner ’71 continued) artists practicing in a range of disciplines— music, dance, material arts, narrative, and foodways. She has initiated a number of field research projects resulting in concert performances and exhibitions in the community. In 2021, Kay partnered with a photographer to make an artist book called “Before and After: What the Witch’s Nose Knows That Andy Warhol’s Nose Doesn’t Know,” which was based on a performance she did at A.I.R. Gallery, an artist-run nonprofit arts organization and exhibition space. Kay published several essays, including “The Witch in Flight” for the “Journal of American Folklore - Winter 2023” and “A Queer Time That Is Not Yet Here” for the
“Journal of Folklore Research,” this fall. Kay continues to be involved in volunteer projects following her retirement in 2022, including “Naming the Lost Memorials” (NTLM) that began in New York City in May 2020. “We put up ephemeral memorials on fences around the city to give people a place to name and grieve loved ones lost to Covid-19,” says Kay about the work that will continue through 2025 because of a grant. Kay also worked with two artists in Brooklyn to produce a multimedia sculpture, painting and performance installation called “Hekate’s Grove,” a feminist meditation on the Greek goddess Hekate. She also created “Lesbopalooza 25th Anniversary: The Movie,” a documentary of the live performances of a
variety show of the same name. The fourhour show was performed to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world. Among her other pursuits is her band, “Kay Turn Her and the Pages,” that held its first show in June 2023. An active alumna, Kay has the distinction of having attended all of her milestone class Reunions except the first one. In June 2022 during Pride Month, she was a panelist for the AADC Pride Network’s virtual program “Pride, A Look Back” Virtual Panel Discussion,” about how advocacy paves the way for a more inclusive future.
2022 AADC Society of Excellence Honorees Julie Wynne SternDelfiner ’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 volunteered at COVID-19 hospital and pharmacy vaccine clinics and a clinic for the Philadelphia Department of Health during the pandemic. In addition,
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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.
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2022 AADC Society of Excellence Honorees (Continued from page 8) 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 thoseworking 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 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, Winifred 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 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 helping 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. Winifred 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. Winifred leads the Campaign’s work to ensure a more diverse nursing workforce, school faculty, and nurse leadership.
As an active alumna, Winifred serves as Co-Chair of the AADC Pride Network. She hosted the Network’s “Diversity and Belonging Workshop,” at Reunion in June 2023, and was the moderator of its Pride Month virtual program, “Pride, A Look Back” Virtual Panel Discussion in June 2022. She also participates in the AADC Washington D.C. Regional Connection Group and AADC programs and events.
Valerie L. Anderson ’81 Executive Leader, Advocate for Women’s Education and Leadership Valerie L. Anderson, MBA, 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.
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Make an Impact Through Planned Giving Did you know that you can touch the lives of others while creating a lasting legacy?
You can leave a bequest to the Associate Alumnae of Douglass College. A bequest is a gift made through your will or trust. It is one of the most popular and flexible ways that you can support our missIon.
Some of the benefits of making a bequest are:
1. You leave a lasting legacy to be remembered. 2. You may receive estate tax savings. 3. You will be recognized as a member of the Associate Alumnae of Douglass College Ivy Society.
In addition, gifts of stock and bonds, real estate, retirement assets, cash and gifts of insurance are examples of other ways that your thoughtful contribution through a planned gift can make an impact. Thoughtful giving benefits everyone. Our Ivy Society members are recognized through special
honor roll listings and with a distinctive member pin. Members may also receive special recognition at AADC programs and events and may be invited to a special event honoring our benefactors. With the help of an advisor, you can include language in your will or trust specifying the AADC as the beneficiary with the following language “I give the sum of (insert amount of sum) to the Associate Alumnae of Douglass College, 181 Ryders Lane, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 to be used to the fulfill its mission (or placed in the AADC endowment).” Questions pertaining to a will or other testamentary instrument should be directed to a member of our AADC leadership or our Development staff at 732-246-1600.
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2022 AADC Society of Excellence Honorees (Continued from page 9) 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 $42 million raised. She brought the vision of very successful new events to fruition with the AADC 100th Anniversary Proud History to Bright Future Gala in June 2022, the firstever AADC Women Moving Forward 100th Anniversary Women’s Conference in March
2023, and the previous 95th Anniversary Forward Together Gala, all with record turnouts. She is a generous supporter of the AADC Annual Appeal, contributed to the AADC 100th Anniversary Bright Future Campaign 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 AfricanAmerican 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 and has been at the helm for its successful conclusion. 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.
With Gratitude
Want to Make an Impact? Support the AADC Annual Appeal. Create a ripple effect of generosity through our alumnae community this giving season by getting involved and supporting the AADC. Volunteer for our many impactful initiatives, participate in events and programs, or contribute directly by giving to the Annual Appeal.
www.douglassalumnae.org/aadc-give Contact Associate Director of Annual Giving Beata Souders at bsouders@douglassalumnae.org to learn about ways to give. 10 AADC Magazine for Alumnae & Friends • DouglassAlumnae on
Financial Support Available for Post Graduate Studies Apply for AADC Alumnae Fellowships
FALL/WINTER 2023 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, 2023
Executive Committee Jeanne M. Fox ’75 | President Lisa Dorio Ruch ‘89 | Vice President for Administration Mary Zimmerman Chyb ’71 | 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 K. Busby ‘76 | AADC Annual Appeal Chair Bertha Lee Aiken ’81 | Alumnae Engagement Chair
Members Jessica Bagtas ’15, Linda P. Clark ’70, Linda Caldwell Epps ’73, Lauren Nathan LaRusso ’03, Ikecia Lenese Mapp ’01, Dianne Mills McKay ’69, Mallorie Medley ’08, Liz Murray ’87, Christine Esposito Sargent ’09, Tiffany Toliver ’04, Jennie Vila ’07
AADC Staff
Applicants will be considered for all The Associate Alumnae of Douglass College (AADC) awards fellowships fellowships for which they are eligible. annually for post Visit our website www.douglassalumnae. graduate study to “My goal is to org/fellowships to graduating DRC seniors download the twoand/or alumnae. empower individuals These fellowships are page application, and communities awarded solely for for more details and for the names of the financial support and by increasing their fellowships offered do not include a service knowledge.” and background component. Recipients information about are selected primarily Joanne E. Igbinosun ’21, Recipient the individuals in on the basis of The Honorable Rosalie B. Cooper academic achievement whose memories ’52 Fellowship these fellowships are or aspirations in the established. For more chosen field of study, information about alumnae fellowships, and secondarily, on need. Please note please email Susan Wallace at the AADC the application deadline is on or before at swallace@douglassalumnae.org. March 1, 2024 for alumnae, and on or before June 3, 2024 for DRC seniors.
Call for Nominations AADC Alumnae Awards 2024
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 Cathleen Fitzgerald Finance Administrator, Ext. 13 Lizethe Martinez ’13 Associate Director of Programs and Administration 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 973-5046215 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. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Florida Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free 1 (800) 435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.
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.
Awards Nomination Deadline: January 24, 2024 AADC Society of Excellence Nomination Deadline: April 8, 2024 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 8, 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 that the 2024 AADC Society of Excellence Induction Ceremony will be hosted in the fall. Learn more about these distinguished awards and download nomination forms at douglassalumnae. org/awards-medals.
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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 community of more than 40,000 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, a spectacular Gala celebration, and the Women Moving Forward Women’s Conference Alumnae-supported: Unrestricted gifts to the AADC keep our Mission in Motion Our loyal and generous alumnae and friends helped us raise over $4M during our AADC 100th Anniversary Bright Future Initiative and exceed our goal 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 of the Douglass Alumnae Mentoring program to connect alumnae Mentors and Mentees, the Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt ’42 Workplace & Professional Development Symposium, free AADC Smart Talks, and Book Clubs. Launched the AADC Excellence in Inclusion and Equity Initiative to create a space among Douglass alumnae through virtual workshops and discussions about how to advance equity and inclusion for all people Successfully Pivoted to provide AADC meetings and events through virtual platforms engaging alumnae and friends everywhere Published Legacy of Leaders Series to commemorate our 100th anniversary and the indispensable work of volunteers 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 more than 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 and DRC graduating seniors Organizes fun and informative global travel opportunities for alumnae to visit new places with other alumnae Informs alumnae and friends via monthly digital AADC E-news | Publishes Class Notes to connect classmates Induct accomplished alumnae into the prestigious AADC Society of Excellence, some 244 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 Over the past ten years, the AADC and the Douglass Fund have distributed more than $25M to DRC including funds for student financial support, college priorities, unrestricted funding which includes a $4.6M distribution in 2016, and significant contributions from alumnae designated for the AADC-led initiative for the Kathleen W. Ludwig Global Village Living Learning Center.
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
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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 douglassalumnae at