AADC June 2024 Newsletter for Alumnae & Friends

AADC Carrying On the Spirit

NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNAE & Friends

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

Associate Alumnae of Douglass College - Established in 1922

Message from AADC President Jeanne M. Fox ’75, Esq.

Through my many years of service, both as President, as well as serving in other leadership roles, and as an active alumna participating in all that AADC has to offer, I strive to encourage sister alumnae to get involved with our outstanding AADC community.

The more alumnae who remain active, giving of their time, talents, and treasures, the better we will serve each other and future generations of graduates for years to come. There is nothing like the warmth and energy we get when we come together.

The AADC began now more than 100 years ago with the Class of 1922 -- the first class to graduate from the New Jersey College for Women, later to become Douglass College and now Douglass Residential College -- who started the formal alumnae organization that has grown into the one we know and love today.

We carry on their spirit, embodied in their core idea that the AADC supports a strong alumnae organization and continues the traditions they established and passes them on to the thousands of alumnae following in their path. Today we are some 40,000 alumnae strong because of their foresight and because of your continued support and involvement.

The AADC’s founders resolved that this association – our amazing association – would be self-supporting so as not to take resources from what was then a young college that

fought to get off the ground at a time when women barely, for example, had gained the right to vote and were limited in opportunities for higher education.

Our modern-day AADC endures in that original spirit as a separately incorporated, independent, non-profit organization. I am proud to have served as President for the last four years, and previously for another two terms, for a total of eight wonderful years! Thank you for all of your support. I look forward to serving in new capacities and to experiencing the impact of the AADC community together.

Stay connected by keeping in touch with each other and with your alumnae association: the AADC.

Engage with Douglass Alumnae on social media and by catching up on our website or through AADC publications. We’d love to hear from you.

Recruit sister alumnae to join you in participating in events and programs, such as the Women’s Conference, Lectures, Reunion Weekend, Regional Connection Groups and virtual programs.

Volunteer with us by sharing your expertise and interests on a committee, as a class officer or as a mentor.

Ensure the strength of our AADC community by being part of our success and by making a gift to the AADC.

Jeanne M. Fox ’75, Esq.

Experiencing the Impact of Supporting Education and Empowerment Through AADC Alumnae Fellowships

The AADC remains committed to ensuring support to Douglass alumnae and graduating Douglass Residential College seniors for post-graduate studies through fellowships. Through these opportunities, our mission impacts alumnae seeking to achieve at the highest levels. We share some highlights from just a few of our many current recipients, who are among the more than 650 fellowships awarded since 2001.

For more information visit www.douglassalumnae.org/alumnae/fellowships

Creating Positive Diversity Campaigns

Sangeetha Subramanian ‘08 is furthering her degree in sociology after seven years as a human resource professional, where she “increased employee engagement through the launch of affinity groups, such as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Military, Parents, Gen X/Boomers, Millennials, Gen Z, and Disability.”

She is the recipient of the Bertha Garber Modell Fellowship and is pursuing a Master’s in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the University of Maryland.

“My research focuses on positive diversity campaigns on television. The more authentic stories about marginalized communities we see the better, because if you see it, you can be it!” says Sangeetha, who was a presenter at the AADC’s Eighth Annual Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt ’42 Workplace and Professional Development Symposium.

Undergraduate experiences as the founder and director of the South Asian Rutgers Film Festival and the Movie Chair of Douglass helped shape her studies today. She attended the AADC’s recent Broadway and Bellinis Gathering, where shared her desire “to one day be a Broadway producer of shows featuring the stories of people of color.”

Increasing Accessibility to Digital Archives

Emily Borowski ’21 found a career that suits her passion for helping people research and discover their history. She is the recipient of the Margaret Denton Wagner Fellowship and pursuing a Master’s in Archiving and Preservation from Rutgers School of Communication and Information.

The pandemic heightened the need for increasing access to digital materials, says Emily. “I

want to ensure that archival services are easily accessible online, and I am eager to learn more about digital archiving, collection development, information landscapes, digital libraries, and archival preservation.” Her professional experiences include working in the online reference unit at the New Jersey State Archives, and previously at the Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton helping improve the visitor experience.

“I want the (NJ) State Archive to be more accessible to patrons researching Black and Indigenous history,” says Emily. “I am eager to become an archivist, as I derive lots of pride in being able to help people in their research journey and in making information more accessible to the public.”

Preserving Cultures Through Linguistics

Samantha Zielinski ‘23 is finishing up her first year of graduate studies at the University of Leipzig in Germany. She is the recipient of the Gail Pihlblad Wittman Humanities Fellowship and is pursuing a Master’s in Linguistics with a commitment to “deeply explore the implications of linguistic theory.”

In her studies, she is learning how to document a language and also how to do so as ethically as possible.

“I am mainly interested in the documentation of languages within Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia, including the Austronesian and Papuan language families, to preserve the cultural stories of the region,” says Samantha, who also manages to fit in time as a tutor and as a teaching assistant.

“I would also like to further the linguistic theory related to the Austronesian language family. Perhaps researching the phonology-syntax interface and the effects of prosody in verb initial languages, a project that I started while taking a graduate-level course in Phonology during my final undergraduate semester,” she says.

Supporting Access to Higher Education

Jo-Ana Rivera ‘17 is the recipient of the Sue Estler ’66 Fellowship Fund. She is pursuing an Ed.M. in Higher Education and Student Affairs. “I am excited to take on this chapter in my life,” says Jo-Ana. She will focus on how social justice and inequities are propagated in higher education and in broader society.

“As a first-generation college student, my degree was as important to me as it was to my family,” she says. “My mother was a secretary in the school district where I grew up and stressed the importance of education. As a classroom teacher in Teach for America working with underrepresented students, often from immigrant backgrounds, I try to instill this value. I am driven to support access to higher education,” she says.

She enjoys being part of the AADC Young Alumnae Network (YAN) and connecting at events like the annual Cabin Fever Gathering, and recently volunteered at the AADC T-Shirt giveaway for our newest alumnae. Jo-Ana is grateful for the support of the AADC community, many of whom have been mentors during her own educational journey.

Taking a Leap into Studying Law

Jennifer Lewis-Hall ‘85 accepts The Honorable Rosalie B. Cooper ’52 Fellowship Fund with pride, noting that Judge Cooper was a trailblazer for women during her legal career.

“I’m taking this leap after raising and supporting my own children and family,” says Jennifer, who has begun a decades-long goal and is pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) from Rutgers Law-Camden.

“I have always loved helping to provide a voice for those who are not always heard or seen regarding issues impacting our communities,” says Jennifer, a veteran news anchor in Philadelphia at WPHL-17.

Her parents are among those who inspire her.

“My parents imparted the tremendous importance of laws and fought against laws and regulations that fostered disparate treatment in our communities in education and in the workplace. The outcomes benefited people of all backgrounds,” she says.

“My mother was a teacher and deeply committed her life to community service. She went back to school and got her degree when I was a college student, showing me it is never too late to pursue your goals and dreams,” she says.

An active alumna for nearly four decades, Jennifer is a member of the AADC Society of Excellence and participates in many programs and events. Most recently, she was the moderator of the AADC Women Moving Forward Women’s Conference in 2023.

Improving the User Experience with Design

Angelica Armstrong ‘23 is pursuing a Master’s at the New York University Tandon School of Engineering in User Experience Design (UXD) and a Certificate in Science and Technology Management (MBS) at Rutgers in New Brunswick. She is the recipient of the Julia Baxter Bates Fellowship.

“I’m a first-generation college graduate. Growing up I saw my family struggle to make ends meet. From a young age, they emphasized the importance of education, especially pertaining to being financially stable,” says Angelica, who says the fellowship “eases some of the financial load.”

Her interests center on building websites and apps and her focus is on career paths involving front-end development and user experience design when using a site or an app.

“It wasn’t until my senior design project that I finally felt a fire lit inside of me,” she says. “I created an app from scratch that was used as a more structured platform for CAPS, the mental health counseling service at Rutgers.”

“I hope to create improved experience for users that will make them fell empowered.”

Driven to Become a Well-Rounded Manager

Ashley Polukord ’16 is pursuing a Master of Science in Sustainability Management at Columbia School of Professional Studies and is the recipient of the AADC Fellowship.

After graduating as an Economics major, Ashley volunteered at the AADC as a data entry analyst, honing her skills together with her educational experiences. Today she is studying at Columbia alongside her position as an Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Data Analyst at Bloomberg LP, where she has held various analyst positions during her seven-year tenure. As a Project Management Institute certified Project Management Professional, Ashley leads initiatives on the ESG data team.

“I have learned new skills to meet the needs of the industry,” she notes, as new laws impact the responsibility of companies regarding environmental pollutants and emissions.

“Once I discovered the Columbia University graduate program in Sustainability Management, I knew that I would apply,” says Ashley. “I am learning so much about the management, sciences, and environmental analytics necessary to become a well-rounded manager,” she adds.

What’s Happening at Your Alumnae Association

Register for Events and Programs at www.douglassalumnae.org/upcoming-events

Thursday, June 20, 2024 | 7:00 to 8:00 pm

AADC Pride Network Presents Virtual Panel Discussion

Proud of Us ALL: Expanding the AADC Community

We will discuss creating a more inclusive community, learning more about expansive identities and why it is important.

Sunday, June 23, 2024 | 2:00 to 4:00 pm

NYC Regional Connection Group Tri-State Gathering at the Bronxville Home of Debbie Lynch ’79

Enjoy this special gathering, with refreshments, networking and remarks from AADC leaders. See registration for more information.

Friday, August 9, 2024 | 7:00 pm

AADC Young Alumnae Network Pizza, Hard Cider and Karaoke Night at the Ruth Schilling Hennessy Alumnae Center

AADC YAN welcomes all for its summer gathering, with details coming soon!

Wednesday, August 28, 2024 | 7:00 to 8:00 pm | Zoom

AADC Virtual Sisterhood Book Club Discussion of “Sandwich”

Add this selection to your summer reading and we will see you in August for our virtual discussion.

Maximizing Your Full Potential: Using the Power of Your Strengths and Talents for Professional and Personal Development

Save the date to participate in another outstanding and amazing symposium to be hosted at the Douglass Student Center, where we will address each stage of the professional journey through workshops, presentations, and panel discussions.

Saturday, September 28

2024 Society of Excellence Induction Ceremony

We will announce our 2024 honorees soon and celebrate their distinguished careers and accomplishments at the Ceremony hosted at the Symposium in the Douglass Student Center.

Continued on page 5

Results of AADC Elections for Board of Directors and Nominating Committee

The results of the ballots cast by active members of the AADC for the election of Board Officers and General Board Members for the term of July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2026 and the members of the 2024-2025 Nominating Committee were reported at the Spring Alumnae Council on April 6.

Elected to serve on the Board’s Executive Committee are Lisa Dorio Ruch ’89, President; Sheila Kelly Hampton ’70, Vice President for Administration; and Jeanne M. Fox ’75, Treasurer. In addition, General Board Members elected to second terms are Jessica Bagtas ’15 and Jennie Vila ’07, and to first terms are Dolores Ijames Bryant ’84, Jewel Thompson Chin ’73,

Caprice Jenerson ’90 and Catherine Sackey ’22. We thank Board members Linda P. Clark ’70, Dianne Mills McKay ’69, and Liz Murray ’87, whose terms end June 30. 2024.

Elected to serve on the 2024-2025 Nominating Committee are Jean D’Amore ’09 (Chair & Alumnae Council Representative), Ruth Toni Howell Armstead ’74 (Alumnae Council Representative), Ikecia Lenese Mapp ’01 (Board Member), Jennie Vila ’07 (Board Member) and Cecile Coleman ’14 (Active Member at Large).

Thank you to active members for casting your vote.

What’s Happening at Your Alumnae Association, continued from page 4

Thursday, September 5, 2024 | 6:30 pm

Class Officer, Leadership and Volunteer Training

Save the date for this informative session about leadership and AADC opportunities.

Thursday, September 12, 2024 | 6:30 pm

BAN Virtual General Body Meeting

Our Black Alumnae Network invites you to participate and bring a friend its fall meeting.

Saturday, October 26

Black Alumnae Network (BAN)

Jewel Plummer Cobb Sisters Conference

Advocating for Yourself: Our Voices Matter!

On behalf of Chairperson Dorothy Brown Clay ’77, the planning committee, and BAN President Toni Howell Armstead ‘74, you’re invited to participate in this impactful biennial conference at the Douglass Student Center from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Our conference theme encompasses the importance of advocating for yourself and others in healthcare spaces and securing generational wealth both before and after retirement. We will explore health equity, personal strategies to achieve your best health, business equity barriers and wealth building.

N.J. Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy, pictured, will deliver the keynote address at the conference.

Assemblywoman McCoy is a steadfast advocate for progressive change and community well-being, embodying the essence of a true community champion.

Saturday, November 2

Virtual Fall Alumnae Council

Alumnae from near and far can participate in this important business meeting, hosted virtually via Zoom from 8:30 until 11:00 am ET.

• Save the Date • March 15, 2025

AADC Women’s Conference at the Hilton Hotel & Executive Meeting Center in East Brunswick

Whether you joined us for our spectacular inaugural conference last year, or you missed the opportunity to participate, mark your calendar for 2025! Caprice R. Jenerson ‘90, Esq., a member of the AADC Society of Excellence and past president of the AADC Black Alumnae Network, serves as Chair. To volunteer on the Committee, contact Lizethe Martinez ‘13 at the AADC at lmartinez@douglassalumnae.org.

Welcoming Our Newest Douglass Alumnae: The Class of 2024

AADC volunteers, Board Executive Committee members and staff welcomed the Class of 2024 for a special AADC “Proud Douglass Alumna” free T-Shirt giveaway on May 11. They greeted our newest alumnae and their families on campus throughout the day in honor of DRC’s Convocation being held on Antilles Field. We shared smiles, shirts, and ways to get involved and stay connected with the AADC. Congratulations! Enjoy pictures from this special day at Douglass Alumnae on Flickr.com.

Register for Events and Programs at www.douglassalumnae.org/upcoming-events

2024 Alumnae Award

Dianne Mills McKay ’69, left, received the Vanguard Service Award at the Vanguard Luncheon. She is

with Board Vice President for Administration

The Alumnae Awards Ceremony was held during Reunion Weekend. Recipients pictured with AADC President Jeanne Fox ’75 (far right) are, from left: Amanda Hugelmeyer ’04 and Mallorie Medley ’08, Alumnae Recognition Awards; Jessica Bagtas ’15, Young Alumna Award; Denise K. Busby ’76, Corwin Award; and Olive Huguenin Klein ’68, Alumnae Recognition Award.

Georg Albers-Schonberg (inset) is the recipient of the AADC Medal.

Learn more about AADC Alumnae Awards and how you can submit nominations. www.douglassalumnae.org/awards-medals.

See the World Through Our Alumnae Travel Program

Join AADC Executive Director Valerie Anderson ’81, who will host some of our exciting trips offered from our travel vendor, AHI.

SOLD OUT: Scotland – Stirling .... August 14-22, 2024

Havana: Afro-Cuban Experience .......................... November 15-22, 2024

Chilean Wonders ........... January 27-February 7, 2025

Tuscany ......................................... June 10-19, 2025

South Africa August 24-September 8, 2025 Romance of the Douro ................... September 30-October 11, 2025 Austria October 29-November 7, 2025

Visit us online www.douglassalumnae.org/travel

Cuba photo caption...

pictured

Lisa Dorio Ruch ’89.

Celebrating Alumnae Making an Impact

We welcomed alumnae and friends back to campus for an outstanding Reunion Weekend, where we celebrated on Friday, June 7, and Saturday, June 8. The Class of 1974 was inducted into the Vanguard Fifty Society on its 50th Vanguard Reunion and this year’s Milestone Classes ending in 4s and 9s were heralded. Reunion got underway in Trayes Hall at the Douglass Student Center with the Vanguard Luncheon on Friday, along with a warm welcome from AADC leaders. The Vanguard Service Award was presented to Dianne Mills McKay ’69, who was celebrating her 55th Reunion with classmates.

We kicked off Saturday’s events with our return to Voorhees Chapel for Convocation with the opening of the Milestone Classes Processional, plus a special “Proud Douglass Alumna” T-Shirt giveaway! The Sip & Celebrate Champagne Brunch in Trayes Hall followed before the afternoon’s Alumnae Awards Ceremony

During the weekend there were memories to make and chances to reminisce with the AADC Memorabilia Committee’s oral histories and collections display, our Artists, Authors and Artisans Corner, and Treasured Memories & Mingle in the NJC Lounge. The Alumnae Snack & Social Patio in front of the Douglass Student Center with its

red AADC tent was a gathering spot to connect and get refreshments.

Many enjoyed activities planned by the AADC Reunion Committee, including the popular Rutgers Bus Tour of New Brunswick/Piscataway, tour the Mabel Smith Douglass Library and of Douglass House, formerly known as the Dean’s Residence.

Other activities included: a Rum Cocktail and Mocktail Class hosted by the Black Alumnae Network (BAN); Crafting the Art of Online Reselling with expert advice from Enid Sorkowitz ’89; Taste of the Mediterranean Cooking Demonstration led by Reunion Chair Elena Anastasiou Rossi ‘78; George Street Playhouse’s Bring the Arts to Reunion creative session; and an Update Session from AADC leaders.

Reunion Weekend was capped with the All-Alumnae Cocktail Reception in the NJC Lounge for a final opportunity to connect and wind down from the celebrations.

Thanks to all for celebrating! Special thanks to Reunion Planning Chair Elena Anastasiou Rossi ’78, AADC Director of Alumnae Relations Lorrie Delaney ’18 and the many volunteers who help make Reunion Weekend so special and a great success.

Supporting the Heart of Our Alumnae Organization

Thank you for your support. We are humbled by the outpouring of support received for our Women Uplifting One Another campaign held this spring in May. Thanks to YOU we exceeded our goal and have inspired many with the stories shared by our alumnae community.

As a member of our esteemed Associate Alumnae of Douglass College community, we are sure you enjoyed reading about women who support other strong women and recognize that this is at the heart of our alumnae organization, and why it’s imperative we keep it thriving!

If you missed your opportunity to be part of our campaign, and would still like to participate, we have good news for you. You can still support the AADC and keep our vibrant alumnae community thriving!

Gifts allow the AADC the flexibility to seize unique opportunities which empower and strengthen our sisterhood, to direct funds to alumnae initiatives that are of the greatest priority, and to support general administration which allows us to be a self-funded, best-in-class alumnae organization.

www.douglassalumnae.org/MakeAGift

To donate by phone or for questions, please contact Associate Director of Annual Appeal Beata Souders at 732-246-1600, Ext.14 or bsouders@douglassalumnae.org

Gifts To Honor

December 5, 2023 – June 6, 2024

Class of 1954, from Ingrid Folvig Eldridge ‘54

Class of 1964, from Patricia A. Carty ‘64

55th Reunion of the Class of 1969, from Terrese Williams Martin ‘69, Dianne Mills McKay ‘69 and Elizabeth Barrett Sabo ‘69

Class of 1974, from Annemarie E. Cooke ‘74 and Susan Nachtigal Hume

Class of 1979, from Nancy Nedby Tuffin ’79

Associate Alumnae of Douglass College, from Amanda Gyan ‘18

Georg Albers-Schonberg, 2024 AADC Medal, from Valerie Anderson ‘81 and Sheila Kelly Hampton ‘70

Valerie Anderson ‘81, 2024 RU Loyal Daughter, from Isabel Goll Drzewiecki ‘61, Carol Hansmann Hamlin ‘61, Bernice Proctor Venable ‘62, Madeline Takash Grabowski ‘67, Alice B. Herman ‘70, Mary Zimmerman Chyb ‘71, Marianne A. Ficarra ‘88, Dianne Mills McKay ‘69 and Mary A. Papamarkou ‘90

Andrea Lucibello Atno ‘73, from Lois J. Gregory ‘69

Jessica “Jess” Bagtas ’15, 2024 Young Alumnae Award, from Valerie Anderson ‘81 and Marianne A. Ficarra ‘88

Elizabeth “Bunny” Trocolli Boris ‘64, from Reina Silverman Lightdale ‘64

Denise Busby ‘76, 2024 Corwin Award, from Valerie Anderson ‘81, Sheila Kelly Hampton ‘70, Marianne A. Ficarra ‘88 and Stephanie Cayne-Mayer ‘89

Carol Gordon Carlson, from C. Britt Carlson

Cheryl Daly ‘69, from Lois J. Gregory ‘69

Mary Kelleher DiMartino ‘85, RU Loyal Daughter, from Mary A. Papamarkou ‘90 and Marianne A. Ficarra ‘88

Diane Roberts Easton, from Lois J. Gregory ‘69

Jeanne M. Fox ’75, from Dianne Mills McKay ‘69

Sheila Kelly Hampton ‘70, from W. Michael Murphy and Kathryn Mills Roettger ‘70

Amanda Hugelmeyer, 2024

AADC Alumnae Recognition, from Valerie Anderson ‘81 and Sheila Kelly Hampton ‘70

Elizabeth “Betty” Sullivan Murphy Hughes, from W. Michael Murphy

Margaret “Peggy” Blakeslee Hutchinson ‘64, from Reina Silverman Lightdale ‘64

Olive Huguenin Klein ‘68, 2024 Alumnae Recognition Award, from Valerie Anderson ‘81, Marianne A. Ficarra ‘88 and Sheila Kelly Hampton ‘70

Belle Pretter Liss ‘75, from Lois J. Gregory ‘69

Jo Ann Lucibello ‘69, from Lois J. Gregory ‘69

Dr. Debbie Lynch ‘79, 2024 NJ Women of Achievement and RU Loyal Daughter, from Valerie Anderson ‘81, Marianne A. Ficarra ‘88, Dianne Mills McKay ‘69, Marjorie W. Munson and Jeff and Kristi Spychala

Maureen McDonnell Marchetta ‘72, from Mary Marchetta O’Dowd ‘99

Dianne Mills McKay ‘69, 2024 Vanguard Service Award, from Valerie Anderson ‘81, Stephanie Cayne-Mayer ‘89, Marianne A. Ficarra ‘88 and Sheila Kelly Hampton ‘70

Mallorie Medley ’08, 2024 Alumnae Recognition Award, from Valerie Anderson ‘81 and Marianne A. Ficarra ‘88

Barbara Townley McShane ‘74, from Sandra Tucker Holt ‘74

Diane Menditto ‘70, from Lois J. Gregory ‘69

Carol Thomas Nied ‘64, from Reina Silverman Lightdale ‘64

Paulette Sapp Peterson ‘71, from Jocelyn L. Francis-White ‘72

Margaret “Peggy” Pryor ‘64, from Reina Silverman Lightdale ‘64

Lisa Dorio Ruch ‘89, from Marjorie W. Munson

Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt ‘42, 103 Birthday, from Debra “Debbie” Lynch ‘79

Myra “Myke” Dimetrosky Slachetka ‘69, from Lois J. Gregory ‘69

Women Everywhere and Women Leaders, from Judith Meyenhofer Musa ‘89

Stay Connected with the AADC

We need your help to collect and maintain our alumnae database so you can stay connected to the AADC — your alumnae association — and to our alumnae community! Share your contact updates with us at www.douglassalumnae.org/contact-us or call the AADC at (732) 246-1600.

Memorial Gifts

December 5, 2023 – June 6, 2024

Joyce Kovatch AlbersSchonberg ‘65, from Esther Schachter Barcun ‘63 and Alice B. Herman ‘70

Ruth Berkow ‘33, from Judith Porges Hollander ‘63

Barbara Little Britt ‘65, from Carol Siegel Brookmeyer ‘65

Eva J. Browne, from Susan Browne Rosenberg ‘79

My Mother, Helene Hermine Brug, 1927-2021, from Pamela Brug ‘84

Ruth Ann Shea Burns ‘67, from Lora L. Fong ‘79

Mae Scheld Call ’31, from Sarabeth Call Fuller ’69

Mary Cardinale ‘59, from Esther Schachter Barcun ‘63, Sheila Kelly Hampton ‘70

Bernice W. Carlson, from C. Britt Carlson

Deborah Delaney ‘74, from Katherine E. Milan ‘75

David Drinkwater, from Lisa S. Taubenblat ‘95

Barbara Brown Hamilton

Duffy ‘85, from Marianne A. Ficarra ‘88

Mark Kyle Epps III, Son of Linda Caldwell Epps ‘73, from Esther Schachter Barcun ‘63

Irene Rankell Farkas ‘69, from Marsha Kobre Anderson ‘69

Diane Gingold ‘70, from Alice B. Herman ‘70

Janet Rosenblatt Gordon ‘60, from Cynthia Gordon

Carole Hall Humphrey ‘70, from Linda P. Clark ‘70, Sheila Kelly Hampton ‘70, Kathryn Mills Roettger ‘70, and Michael J. Humphrey

Dr. Mary Ann Conover Jensen ‘71, from Peter H. Jensen

In Memoriam

December 5, 2023 – June 6, 2024

Adaline Glasser Bloom ‘41  March 17, 2024

Bibe Weingold Schnitzer ‘45  November 17, 2023

Ruth Van Duyne Tait ‘47  June 10, 2023

Rayanna Davis Baines ‘49  January 6, 2023

Paul M. Klein, Husband of Hon. Harriet Farber Klein ‘70, from Sheila Kelly Hampton ‘70 and Alice B. Herman ‘70

Ernest Lee, from Mary Ann Vassar ‘73

Roslyn Corenzwit Lieb ‘64, a Dear Friend of 77 Years, from Elizabeth Trocolli Boris ‘64

Carol Petersen Oakes ‘52, from Elizabeth Oberholser Frey ‘52

Carol Pampalone Patrick ‘63, from Elizabeth G. Ricci ‘63

Anna Berkow Porges ‘30, from Judith Porges Hollander ‘63

Anna M. Prentice ‘95, from Carol Prentice Savage ‘74

Joyce Kotler Schwartz ‘63, from Francia Ehrlich Isakoff ‘63

Rosemary Brennan Smith, from Karen Smith Thiel ‘70

Shulamith Berlin Weisman ‘49  January 3, 2023

Patricia Brokaw Apgar ‘50  February 18, 2024

Elaine Greenbaum Strauss ‘50  April 22, 2024

Carol Petersen Oakes ‘52  January 20, 2024

Elaine Greenbaum Strauss ’50, from Lynne Platt ’72

Elizabeth and Charles Trocolli, from Elizabeth Trocolli Boris ‘64

Audrey Brown Walton ‘38, from Wendy Walton Reichenbach ‘74

Robert Bruce Walton, from Wendy Walton Reichenbach ‘74

Shulamith Berlin Weisman ‘49, from Lois S. Weisman ‘74

Helen Weissberger, from Marjorie W. Munson

Jean Westcott ‘64, from Leslie Douglass ‘74

Adelaide Marcus Zagoren ‘40, from Laura Zagoren Baron ‘70

Norah Benway Kuthy ‘55  December 26, 2023

Colonel Diane E. Ordes ‘56  September 29, 2023

Doreen Reinhard Simko ‘58 March 27, 2024

Joan Berman Arbeiter ‘59 March 7, 2024

Continued on page 10

JUNE 2024

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

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

Andrea Adams

Associate Director of Development, Ext. 12

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 973-504-6215 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. 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.

In

Memoriam (continued from page 9)

December 4, 2023 – June 6, 2024

Ann Sherman Bernstein ‘59 May 21, 2024

Carol Gant Fitton ‘63 March 17, 2024

Christabel (Chris) Bettes Carlsson ‘64 January 25, 2024

Ruth Eisenberg Hague ‘64 February 6, 2024

Roslyn Corenzwit Lieb ‘64  November 9, 2023

Carol Starkman Lo Presti ‘64  November 15, 2019

Carol Johnson Malouf ‘65  December 14, 2023

Mary Gordon Gardella ‘66  October 8, 2023

Arlynn Kest Freedman ‘67  March 24, 2024

Donna Buonanno Luttrell ‘67  January 6, 2023

Anne Plum Stiles ‘67  March 2, 2024

Carole Hall Humphrey ‘70  August 3, 2023

Jane Stapert Munro ‘70  December 12, 2023

Judith Wright Visser ‘71  December 6, 2022

Nancy Moore Taylor ‘73  March 9, 2024

Deborah Delaney ‘74  March 12, 2024

Gail Thomas McConnon ‘75  December 1, 2023

Susan Joanne Walsh ‘80 April 19, 2023

Sarah J. Walsh ‘82 May 28, 2024

Barbara Brown Duffy Hamilton ‘85  December 16, 2023

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.

Alumnae Highlights

Alumnae Leaders Inducted Into 2024 Rutgers Alumni Association’s Loyal Sons and Daughters

Congratulations to AADC Executive Director Valerie L. Anderson ‘81 (pictured top left) and Mary Kelleher DiMartino ‘85, (pictured bottom left) who were inducted into the 2024 Rutgers Loyal Sons & Daughters by the Rutgers Alumni Association.

Each year the Rutgers Alumni Association honors individuals who have made a significant contribution of service to the Rutgers community. These accolades represent the highest recognition of service. Honorees were celebrated at the 64th Annual Awards Dinner hosted on campus at Neilson Dining Hall on April 13.

Douglass Alumna Receives New Jersey Women of Achievement Award by the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs and Douglass Residential College

AADC Board of Directors Vice President of Alumnae Relations Debra Lynch ’79 received a 2024 New Jersey Women of Achievement Award, co-sponsored by the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC) and Douglass Residential College (DRC). The New Jersey Women of Achievement Award recognizes women from across the

state who have made a tremendous contribution to their communities through their professional activities and their volunteer work. This year’s recipients were honored at the NJSFWC annual convention awards dinner hosted at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City on May 6.

AADC Douglass

Alumnae

Mentoring Program Announces Co-Chairs

Jennie Vila ’07 and Christine Esposito Sargeant ’09, who serve as Members of the AADC Board of Directors, are the new Co-Chairs of the AADC Douglass Alumnae Mentoring Program. To volunteer on the Ccommittee, contact Lizethe Martinez ’13 at the AADC at lmartinez@douglassalumnae. org. Stay tuned for more information coming soon!

Follow Us on Our New LinkedIn Company Page

We are excited to share our new LinkedIn “Company Page” under the name of Douglass Alumnae. If you have followed us in the past, please follow us on our new company page. Share the news and our page with your friends and associates and help build a network of support throughout our AADC community and beyond! www.linkedin.com/company/douglass-alumnae

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 Associate Director of Development Andrea Adams at 732-246-1600, ext. 12 or via email at aadams@douglassalumnae.org.

YAN Networked at AADC

Broadway and Bellinis

The AADC Young Alumnae Network (YAN) and AADC NJ Regional Connection Group welcomed alumnae for its Dessert Reception, graciously hosted by Tony Award-winning producer Sharon Matlofsky Karmazin ‘67 in her home on May 4. Special thanks to Sharon for her hospitality, delicious desserts and sharing her collection of sculptural glass and American crafts.

YAN Co-Chairs Lily Juhasz and Sandeep Patwalia, classmates from the Class of 2022, have been working hard to connect with recent grads and they encourage you to get involved in YAN. Participate in events and programs where you can network, have fun and grow! Please contact AADC Director of Alumnae Relations Lorrie Delaney ’18 at ldelaney@ douglassalumnae.org to find out ways to take part and volunteer with YAN. And rememer to save the date for the AADC Women’s Conference in March 2025!

AADC 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