The Purple and White Newsletter | Fall 2015

The Purple and White news from ashley hall FALL 2015

ASHLEY HALL

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TABLE

of

CONTENTS

01

Ashley Hall Greetings

14

Standing on the Shoulders of Greatness

02

A Day In The Life of Head of School, Jill Muti

16

A Weekend of Memories

04

Living Our Hallmarks

18

Ashley Hall Alumnae Award Winners

06

Our Campus. Our World.

19

Ashley Hall Alumnae Relations Re-Imagined

08

A Culture of Giving

20

Reunion Class Photo Gallery

09

Purposeful Curriculum

23

Class Notes

10

Finding the Right Fit

28

Reflection

12

A Fresh Take on the Ashley Hall

Food Philosophy

BOAR D

of

2015-2016

TRUSTEES

OFFICERS

Anne Tamsberg Pope

Chairman | Wade Scott Parker

Barton A. Proctor

Vice Chairman | Brett Hildebrand

Jerry Reves, MD (Immediate Past Chairman)

Secretary | Heidi Ward Ravenel ’74

Artie I. Richards

Treasurer | Hugh C. Lane, Jr.

Emily Moloney Swanson

MEMBERS-AT-LARGE

John E. Thompson

Susanne Buck Cantey ’95

TRUSTEES EMERITI

Emmie Aichele Dawson ’70

Mary Agnes Burnham Hood

Ann W. Dibble ’70

Martha Rivers Ingram ’53

Ceara Donnelley

Patricia T. Kirkland

Randolph J. Friedman

Elizabeth Rivers Lewine ’54

Kenneth W. Harrell

Karen Jenkins Phillips ’79

Philip L. Horn, Jr.

J. Conrad Zimmerman, Jr.

Laurie A. Host ’73 Elizabeth Powers Lindh ’67 Kevin W. Mooney

HEAD OF SCHOOL Jill Swisher Muti

Sunil J. Patel, MD

The Purple and White Editor: Paula Edwards Harrell | harrellp@ashleyhall.org Graphic Design: Stitch Design Co. | stitchdesignco.com

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Photography: Anne Jervey Rhett Photography; Libby Williams; Naoko Dionne; Wendy Robbins

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Ashley Hall GREETINGS On September 20th, The Post and Courier featured a front page story on the attributes and challenges of single gender education, highlighting a public school program in North Charleston.

J IL L MUTI Ashley Hall Head of School

Naturally, this piqued my interest and led me to pen an opinion piece for the paper sharing proven data and my strong belief in the power of a single gender educational approach. I’ve taken this opportunity to reprint the article below and hope you enjoy reading it.

T H E CA S E F OR S I NGL E -

his article, in an all boys’ environment, teaching techniques

GE N DE R E DUCAT ION

that incorporate physical activity are critical to ensuring the students’ engagement and concentration.) Simply

The question of single-gender education value was raised on the front page of The Post and Courier in an informative

put, research proves that girls and boys learn and retain information differently and tend to experience greater

story by Paul Bowers entitled, “Single gender success?”.

success when taught in distinctive ways.

As the Head of School for Ashley Hall, South Carolina’s

Concrete data gathered by the National Coalition of

only independent all girls’ school, I feel the overwhelming need to share not only my personal experience but persuasive evidence in support of single-gender education.

For more than a century, Ashley Hall’s mission to “produce educated women who are independent, ethically responsible, and prepared to meet the challenges of society with confidence” has served to keep us steadily on course, guiding us in designing curricula—at all grade levels—to encourage those methods of instruction conducive to the way studies have shown, time and again, girls learn best. For example, we know that in the classroom girls prefer collaboration to competition therefore, working together in small groups that allow each member to make her own special contribution to the collective endeavor enhances the experience for the girls, both socially and pedagogically. At the same time, this ‘team’ approach allows teachers to provide more carefully

Girls’ Schools overwhelmingly confirm the benefits of single-gender education for young women. To take just three examples, graduates of all-girls’ schools are more than twice as likely to earn a doctoral degree (Goodman Research Group), compared to coed peers, girls’ school graduates are three times more likely to pursue careers in engineering (UCLA Study), and from a recent Stanford University study, we learn that girls benefit from a singlesex school environment in terms of higher career aspirations. This last assertion might be illustrated by the careers of such beneficiaries of single-gender schooling as former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, authors Flannery O’Connor and Alice Walker, social commentator Cokie Roberts, actress Gwyneth Paltrow as well as Madeleine Albright and Hillary Clinton, both former United States Secretaries of State. It might be worth noting, too, that 25% of the female members of the U.S. Congress

calibrated instruction and individualized attention, the

have had experience with single-gender education.

sort of personal consideration girls tend to value. Perhaps

I have the privilege and opportunity to experience the

most importantly, in an all girls’ environment, girls hold every seat in the student government, every position on the athletic field, every leadership role in extracurricular activities. In these circumstances, self-confidence cannot help but grow, enabling young women to find their own authentic voices. (Similarly, as Mr. Bowers points out in

strength of the single-gender learning environment daily and see it beautifully realized through the Ashley Hall alumnae base. The evidence is clear that single-gender education does indeed work.

Jill S. Muti

ASHLEY HALL

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A DAY in T H E L IFE of H E A D OF S C H OOL , J IL L M U T I In her role as Head of School for Ashley Hall—a position she has held since 2004—Jill Muti is many things: chief executive officer, teacher, mentor, and a female role model for our all-girl student body. Jill is tasked daily with critical decision making that carries with it farreaching implications for Ashley Hall.

With these responsibilities comes a daily schedule for Jill filled with non-stop meetings and activities. To many, this schedule would seem impossible to keep pace with for the nearly 180 days of an academic school year. But Jill has managed to master the balancing act of internal and external demands while coping with the unpredictably of each day.

“I consider myself fortunate to lead this school,” shares Jill. “Each day is filled with a multitude of opportunities to impact a child’s life, directly or indirectly, and I attempt to commit myself fully to each of them. My daily schedule is planned with purpose, always focused on our girls and their educational success and well being. I wouldn’t change a thing, except perhaps to add another few hours to the day!”

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A day pulled from Jill’s calendar might include a variety of the following: 5 A M : Wake early and mentally prepare for day. Respond to any

outstanding emails from the previous day.

8 A M : Lead conference call with the Southern Association of

Independent Schools, organizing an accreditation visit with an international school in Mexico.

9 : 3 0 A M : Attend Division Director Meeting to discuss ERB

testing and PSATs. (This meeting is one of the most important of the week as Jill hears directly from the Division Directors as to what is happening with students, faculty and specific programming efforts.)

1 0 : 3 0 A M : Teach strings class in preparation for Upper School

Fall Musical concert. Stay after class for a quick rehearsal of musical piece she is to perform for concert.

1 2 : 1 5 P M : Lunch with Alumnae Association President, Cashion

Drolet, to discuss upcoming Alumnae Weekend plans and Alumnae Scholarship Fund fundraising efforts.

1 : 3 0 P M : Prepare for Board of Trustee task force meeting on

financial sustainability. (Jill works closely with Ashley Hall’s dedicated Board of Trustees, ensuring the school’s immediate and long-term stability.)

3 : 1 5 P M : Meeting with area Heads of School to discuss

upcoming re-enrollment deadlines and acceptance periods.

4 : 3 0 P M : Meet with a current family to discuss the college

application process and recommendations associated with the application.

6 P M : Attend volleyball game against Porter Gaud. Go Panthers!

8 P M : Dinner with husband followed by a swim.

ASHLEY HALL

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LIVING

our

HA L L M A R K S The Ashley Hall Hallmarks are at the core of who we are— habits of mind and action that students, faculty, staff, and alumnae strive to cultivate within ourselves. Here is a snapshot of how the Hallmarks are currently being actualized throughout our campus.

DI S C E R N M E N T by our youngest early education students is more identifiable than one might think! Recently, children discovered a butterfly sitting on a leaf for a long period of time—the butterfly was laying eggs! The students quickly decided signs were needed to ask visitors to the garden not to touch the plants or disturb the butterfly eggs. They successfully protected and observed the larvae and pupae and finally released new adult butterflies in front of the entire Lower School.

Inspired by the C O LL A B O R AT I V E nature of our students, parents, and faculty members, Jenkins Life in the Rutledge House for Global Studies is continuously

Hall girls now take advantage of a dynamic weekly

filled with excitement. With 17 international students living in

enrichment program designed to address the specific

the beautiful home this year—the largest number to date—the

needs of various Upper School grades. Study skills

school’s boarding program continues to flourish, offering our

are honed in 7th grade. The Offshore Leadership

students a cultivated, WO R LDLY view which is critical to

Program and its wealth of life lessons is introduced

their success in the 21st century. The international student

to 8th grade girls. The 9th and 10th grade classes are

body also includes a Rotary Exchange student from Brazil and

exposed to music and arts appreciation. Standardized

a student sponsored by the English Speaking Union, both of

test preparation comes to the forefront in 11th grade.

whom will be with us through the year and are being hosted by

Rounding out the program, our 12th grade girls move

Ashley Hall families.

into more directed independent study.

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In this fast-paced, technologically driven society, we constantly seek ways to engage children in the natural world. To that end, Ashley Hall Summer Programs and the Visual Art Department, led by Lower and Intermediate School arts instructor, Tina Hirsig, combined their C R E AT I V E talents to build the nature-inspired Earth Loom for campus. Located behind the Bear Cave in the bamboo grove, the Earth Loom is a large wooden structure that creates an over-sized weaving loom. Using traditional fibers like wool, cloth, and string along with natural materials such as grass, leaves and vines, students weave pieces into beautiful works of site-specific art. Each month throughout this school year a new piece will be woven by a class or group of students.

Last year, Caitlyn Jennings ’15 centered her Senior Project, Redefining the Rules, on the dire need for education in developing countries, specifically India. The culmination of her project took place this past summer when she spent three weeks with fellow classmate, Ciara Staveley-O’Carroll ’15, working with children in some of the most impoverished areas of India. Filled with C OMPAS SIO N and PURP O SEFUL in their work to instill a love for learning in their young pupils, the girls used the Ashley Hall Hallmarks, translated into the local language, Marathi, as a teaching tool, carefully explaining their meaning and how they might be used for personal satisfaction.

Soon, the Indian students began to share how they were embracing the Hallmarks in their everyday lives as sources of empowerment and direction.

Did you know that graduates of all girls’ schools are six times more likely to pursue degrees in science, math and technology?* Ashley Hall alumnae are proving just that with seven graduates recently entering the Medical University of South Carolina—nearly 5% of MUSC’s Class of 2019.

Contributing to the increase in the number of female physicians, these I N T E LLI GEN T future doctors include: Emma Kofmehl ’09; Nancy Hagood ’10; Celeste Jilich ’10; Christina Kearse ’10; Mira Patel ’10; Jamie Harrell ’10; and Patricia Kirkland ’11. See Class Notes on page 23 to read what great things other alumnae are doing at MUSC. *Goodman Research Group ASHLEY HALL

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OU R

CA MP US.

Ashley Hall’s signature Global Studies Program continues

In July, the school played host to six young female students

to offer cultural riches to our campus which enhance the

from Showa High School in Tokyo, Japan for a 10 day English

intellectual and social development of students, as well as

as a Second Language (ESL) course held at the Rutledge

faculty and parents. This past summer, Upper School

House. This language course and cultural immersion was

students used the European landscape as their textbook, as

designed by Upper School language faculty member, Sarah

they traveled to Greece, Spain, and Italy. In Greece, nearly

Margaret Decker. However, what truly made the experience

30 girls explored the country’s ancient sites, experiencing

special was the participation and leadership of four Ashley

firsthand the inspiration for much of their classics studies.

Hall Upper School students who served as mentors and

Nine students delved into language immersion when they

American sisters to our international visitors: Meaghan

spent three weeks with host families in Santiago de

Bonds ’18, McKenna Hardy ’18, Elizabeth Ouzts ’17, and Sarah

Compostela, speaking only Spanish and enjoying this

Tidwell ’16. All of the girls—including our Ashley Hall student

beautiful area in northwest Spain. Spoleto, Italy played host

ambassadors—lodged in the Rutledge House, enjoying meals

to five Ashley Hall girls who participated in the 2015 Spoleto

together, exploring downtown Charleston, and realizing

Study Abroad Program. Additionally, Caitlyn Jennings ’15 and

that many experiences and challenges at this time of life are

Ciara Staveley-O’Carroll ’15 traveled with faculty mentors to

truly universal. We hope this is the beginning of a wonderful

lay the groundwork for the capstone trip to Ashley Hall’s new

friendship with Showa High School and the first of many

BEYOND course, a product of Caitlyn’s Senior Project.

summer ESL programs for an international audience.

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OU R

WO R L D.

Ashley Hall understands that its alumnae will be part of an ever integrated world and therefore must prepare its students to act effectively as world citizens. To that end, with overwhelming support from our campus community, the school launched in 2013 the Global Studies Program Initiative.

This $4,500,000 fundraising campaign included the purchase and renovation of 179 Rutledge Avenue, home for this program which opened the fall of 2014, as well as support of curricular

Welcome

DR. ANNE THORNHILL WESTON ’73

and professional development initiatives within the Global Studies Program. To date, the Ashley Hall community has

We are thrilled to welcome alumna, Dr. Anne Thornhill

generously committed $3,500,000 to this initiative. Thank

Weston ’73, to Ashley Hall as Assistant Head of School and

you to all our supporters who are making this important school

Director of International Student Admission. Anne returns

initiative a success.

to Charleston and Ashley Hall after spending 37 years at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia, South Carolina, serving in a number of vital roles including teacher, coach, counselor, principal, director of advancement, assistant

If you would like to learn more about the Global Studies

head and interim head of school. Working closely with Head

Program Initiative, contact:

of School, Jill Muti, on the daily administrative needs of

Catherine Newman, Director of Institutional Advancement

campus, Anne will also focus her efforts on student re-

newmanc@ashleyhall.org or (843) 720-2886.

enrollment and international boarding student recruitment.

ASHLEY HALL

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A C U LTURE of GI V ING par·tic·i·pa·tion to participate

noun

verb

1. The act of taking part in something 2. A sharing, as in benefits or profits 3. The state of being related to a larger whole 4. An ownership, interest, or profit-sharing right Participation can be seen on our campus every day—through classroom activities such as Upper School

This year the Loyalty Fund focuses its efforts on full

Harkness discussions, athletic events, student community

community participation. All current parents, former parents,

service initiatives, and arts projects and performances.

grandparents, faculty and staff, and alumnae are encouraged

Ashley Hall girls are engaged and understand the power

to take part in something larger than themselves. No gift is

in numbers.

too small and all contributions make a difference. Your “act

A product of this attitude is the beautiful culture of philanthropy that has been created at Ashley Hall—a culture like no other independent school in the Lowcountry—by both

of taking part in” “sharing in the benefits” “being related to a larger whole” and “owning” the right to call this school one of the best in the country is critical to the future of Ashley Hall.

students and the larger community. This can easily be seen by

Thank you to all who helped us hit last year’s milestone goal.

the extraordinary success of last year’s Loyalty Fund campaign,

We look forward to your participation this year. For more

Ashley Hall’s annual giving campaign, and the dedicated

information on how to become involved in Ashley Hall’s

interest in the future of each of our students.

Loyalty Fund, visit www.ashleyhall.org/support.

Ashley Hall is pleased to announce STEPHANIE GLASSCOCK has joined the Office of Institutional Advancement as Director of the Loyalty Fund. Stephanie comes to us from Belmont Hill School, near Boston, Massachusetts, where she served in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations since 2001. Impressed by what she has already observed happening on campus, Stephanie looks forward to getting to know the Ashley Hall community. Welcome, Stephanie.

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PUR P OSEFUL CU R R IC U LU M an Intermediate School snapshot

“An educational approach truly tailored to the way girls learn best…” can be heard on many a campus tour by members of the Ashley Hall Admission team in lively conversation

“ IT’S WO N D E RFUL T O SE E THE GIRL S MATURE IN THE IR APPROACH T O THE IR WO RK.” —Kristen Callahan, Assistant Director of the Intermediate School

with prospective families. In no place on campus is this more evident than in Lane Hall, which houses the school’s Intermediate School, grades 5 and 6. This intimate, nurturing environment encourages self discovery, independence and increased intellectual curiosity within every girl. The overarching goal of Lane Hall’s dedicated faculty is to let nothing stand in the way of a student’s success during this critical time of childhood development.

For girls, the later elementary years are especially crucial to their physical, emotional, and intellectual development.

“Physiological changes can add to the cognitive dissonance the girls are experiencing,” shares Head of School, Jill Muti.

“Recognizing all of these factors, we have designed a two-

for longer class sessions. A new interdisciplinary period meets twice weekly, creating more in-depth study opportunities around STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), the engineering process, and reading and writing workshops.

“In addition to the attention given to the social and emotional growth, our Intermediate School program also begins to hone study skills,” explains Ms. Callahan. “Our literacy rotations now include library and research skills, word study along with digital literacy, and speech. It’s wonderful to see the girls mature in their approach to their work.”

year sequence of instruction for the 5th and 6th grades

Rounding out the Intermediate School’s recent enhancements

that emphasizes the Ashley Hall Hallmarks along with an

is the incorporation of an advisory program. Carefully

increasingly demanding academic course load. These years are

overseen by a team made up of faculty and members of the

transformative for our girls, and it is critical that we give them

administration, Lane Hall begins and ends each day with

the focus and direction they need to ease the transition from

advisee groups of 10 students. This allows for individualized

elementary to high school.”

instruction, regular check-ins, and a dedicated time for

In true Ashley Hall fashion, the curriculum and rhythm of Lane Hall continues to respond to the evolving needs of its students. For the 2015–2016 school year, Assistant Director of the Intermediate School, Kristen Callahan, and her faculty have crafted a schedule that includes extended class periods,

organization and time management. A “No-Child-LeftUnorganized” period at the end of each day provides time for students to double-check plan books, reconnect with teachers regarding homework assignments and organize their lockers and materials in preparation for the next day.

which in turn creates fewer transitions in the day, allowing

When asked how her year was going thus far, Lane Hall

students to dive deeper into content in a more purposeful and

student Courtney Selle ’22 joyfully exclaimed, “Great! I really

meaningful way. Classes now rotate during the week to allow

like the new schedule and I’m having a blast!”

ASHLEY HALL

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THE ASHLEY HALL COLLEGE COUNSELING PR OCESS

F I N D I N G the R I G H T FIT

pursuit of college acceptance is a very stressful time, especially for girls,” says Director of College Counseling, Amanda Murrell. “We begin working with our students and their families early in the Upper School so there is time to explore and vet different options.”

A UNIQUE APPR OACH

Beginning in 9th grade, students are encouraged to reflect upon

For many students, college “preparation” begins at an early

next step is having the girls envision themselves in their next

age. As young children they dream of attending a family

community, which, for a college preparatory school like Ashley

member’s alma mater or perhaps the large state school with

Hall, is a college or university campus setting. A crucial aspect

the big-name football program or even a prestigious Ivy League

of the PAWS program—and why it supports college counseling

institution. The college decision has been made in their minds

so effectively— is the use of self-awareness skills instilled in

and all that awaits is a letter of acceptance. Of course, there is

those early years, making junior and senior girls more informed

nothing wrong with this straightforward approach, as it would

and thoughtful participants in the college search process. They

certainly save a student and her family a great deal of time.

have a clear understanding of who they are and where they

However, the question Ashley Hall’s College Counseling Office

would like to attend school—and how to juggle the pressures of

would ask her is, “Are you sure this school offers you what you

getting there.

themselves and their roles in their own school community. The

need to succeed?”

College Counseling at Ashley Hall is more than a student

AN OVERVIEW OF THE PR OCESS

resource—it’s an area of significant emphasis woven into the

Though the process is individualized to support the needs

school’s curriculum. One of the three components of the

of each student, the College Counseling Office does follow

Personal Awareness and Wellness Seminars (PAWS), college

a rhythm which has proven effective. In 9th and 10th grade,

counseling focuses on identifying the best college or university

morning coffees are scheduled with parents so they can begin

fit for each student and ensuring the search and application

to understand the process and ask questions, especially as they

process is carefully approached and not anxiety filled. “The

pertain to scholarships and financial aid.

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The student then becomes an active participant in the process

scholarships totaling $3.5 million dollars were awarded to the

during November of her junior year. A mandatory evening

Class of 2014.

meeting is held for both the girls and their parents at which they learn best practices in researching schools. Additionally, a detailed questionnaire is used to help the student and the College Counseling Office identify the best college choices.

HOW SU CCESS IS DEFINED When asked what makes the Ashley Hall College Counseling program so strong, Amanda Murrell replies, “The conversation

Junior year work begins in earnest in early January. Based on

is not about schools listed in the US News & World Report

numerous conversations with the student and information

College Issue, but focused on what a school can offer the student,

gleaned from her questionnaire, the College Counseling Office

both academically and financially. When the girls are able to

compiles a list of schools that complement the student’s needs

look outside their obvious choices and see opportunities and

and personality.

advantages at schools they’ve never considered, I feel like we’ve

There is no looking back come fall of senior year. Essays

succeeded. We’re here to help our students every step of the way.”

are written and proofed (multiple times!), letters of recommendation gathered and college representation visits and interviews scheduled. Applications continue into January. Then

Amanda Murrell has served as College Counselor at Ashley Hall

the moment of truth happens mid-March when acceptances

since 2008. She holds an undergraduate and master’s degree

are extended. Over the past three years, Ashley Hall graduates

from Duke University and is also the parent of Ashley Hall girls,

have attended university or college in 23 states, plus Washington

Eliza in 7th grade and Davis in 5th grade, as well as son Charlie

DC, and 4 countries: Scotland, Canada, Italy and France. Merit

who is a 2nd grader.

O N THE I R WAY

Members of the Class of 2015 garnered more than $1.5 million in merit scholarships and were accepted at more than 90 colleges and universities, both nationally and abroad.

ASHLEY HALL

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a fresh take

O N A SH LEY H A L L’ S FO OD PH I L OS O PH Y Since its inception, Ashley Hall has taken very seriously its role as nurturer and provider.

While this function is most often understood in the context of intellectual development, it is nonetheless the case that we also attend to the student’s physical being. In regards to food preparation and consumption, the school takes to heart the most essential lesson of ecological studies: everything is connected.

The Ashley Hall food philosophy impresses upon our constituency the stewardship required to model sustainability, both locally and globally. Our philosophy focuses on: 12

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ENVIR ONMENT Seasonal cycles govern organic growth and the agricultural economy. Our awareness and attention to this can lessen our dependency, both as individuals and as a community, upon foods that must be transported long distances. One simple way to insure just such awareness is to serve and eat foods in season. This practice links one much more intimately to the region in which one lives and simultaneously, results in decreased consumption of fossil fuels. Consequently, Ashley Hall’s attention to the benefits of seasonal foods stimulates a determination to participate more fully in supporting local agriculture through acquiring foods provided by local and regional farms.

The discerning Ashley Hall student recognizes the impact she has on our planet. The food philosophy addresses the concerns that our students have in terms of compassion for their surroundings. In attempts to decrease the need for

limited fossil fuels, our Ashley Hall Dining Commons has

animals, fertile soils and waters that produce our food”

reduced single-use plastics from the facility. Our chef and her

(www.slowfoodusa.org). Given the congruence of concerns

staff carefully provide creative solutions to unnecessary plastic

that exist between the Slow Food movement and Ashley Hall’s

packaging, while maintaining the highest health standards for

food philosophies, it is only appropriate that we have initiated

the students and faculty. In meal preparation for frequent field

an informal partnership with Slow Food Charleston

trips, strategic planning ensures reduced food and packaging

to promote our shared aims.

waste. The amount of landfill waste that is produced has been drastically reduced through composting as all of the food and paper produced in the Ashley Hall Dining Commons is composted at the Bees Ferry Landfill. The students have taken responsibility for composting tasks, and that has helped make them more mindful of our own collective impact on the environment. This program has been a huge success and has provided the opportunity for each student to contribute to our efforts. The compost and recycling station in the rear of the dining commons (a product of student-faculty collaboration) helps to mitigate waste, while providing a daily opportunity to model for others the sustainable practices we endorse.

The provision, preparation, serving, and enjoyment of meals defines culture more than any other single aspect of social existence. This is why our dining facility serves as a shared space for the Ashley Hall family to come together during meals.

These meals are served “family style,” in that conversation is encouraged through purposeful seating design. This practice greatly strengthens the students’ sense of community, while promoting the exercise of social graces, conversational skills, and a cultivation of ethical responsibility to their environment.

It is unique for Ashley Hall to incorporate this exercise into the daily life of the school, and to engage students directly with the issues surrounding “food culture.”

S OCIAL Ashley Hall has recently undertaken a comprehensive review of its health and wellness curriculum to determine how we can most fittingly achieve our goal of creating for our students a truly nurturing environment. In doing so, Ashley Hall strives to not only provide suitable nourishment, but also culinary examples students can adapt to their own use beyond school. The lunch break, during which no other obligations will impose upon our students, provides a beneficial period for replenishing of the body and mind in a communal ritual of good food and social conversation.

NUTRITION There is no shortcut to physical or mental health. Armed with the knowledge of the mind-body connection, Ashley Hall encourages students to be discerning about nutritional choices and how they can enhance their individual health. Sodexo, our food service provider, already demands options that are nutrient rich, local, seasonal, and enjoyable. The Ashley Hall science curriculum purposefully cultivates student-awareness of menus rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, demonstrating the connection between preventable diseases and diet. The health and wellness

Originating in Italy as a response to the culinary and cultural

curriculum establishes strategies to guide students towards

accessibility of fast food, the Slow Food movement has

appropriate individual food choices. In short, we serve food

grown into an international coalition of groups dedicated to

that serves the individual, contributing to the healthy body and

reconnecting people everywhere with “the traditions, plants,

mind of our Ashley Hall family.

INTR ODUCING CHEF MEGHAN B OWEN Ashley Hall is pleased to welcome Chef Meghan Bowen to our campus and community. Chef Meghan is a 2001 graduate of Le Cordon Bleu and has served in a variety of executive chef capacities, including work with educational institutions such as Arizona State University. She is a strong proponent of locally sourced organic and sustainable foods and has experience with developing healthy menus that address a wide variety of tastes and possible health issues. Working closely with Ashley Hall’s enviro/dining task force, Chef Meghan is excited to get to know our student body and realize the school’s food philosophy in a fresh new way.

ASHLEY HALL

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STANDIN G on the SHOUL DERS of GREATNESS Morgan Lee ’16 is in good company when it comes to the

three years, Ashley Hall has won the State Track and Field

Panther Track and Field program. A senior leader of this year’s

Championship, continuing its dominance in the sport. “Our

team, she is well aware that many amazingly fast (and smart!)

girls are impressive,” says Head Coach, John Slepetz. “Bringing

Ashley Hall women have gone before her, helping to establish

home the championship for three years straight is no small

this program’s high stature across the state of South Carolina

feat. Morgan is a key member of this program —a relentless

among independent and public high schools alike. For the past

competitor who serves as both example and inspiration to

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the team. It’s no coincidence that she’s been there for our

Balancing schoolwork with the demands of training and

three straight championships and the three consecutive

meets is difficult, but one Morgan is used to. “Running

runner-up finishes prior to that. She’s a natural leader.”

has given me discipline with my studies. Because my time

Assisting Coach Slepetz in his work with this talented team

is somewhat limited, I have to make the most of it or the

is Coach Gail Bailey ’63 and Coach Steve Bailey.

schoolwork doesn’t get done. I also get inspiration when I run, so if I’m working on a paper and need to organize my thoughts,

AB OUT MOR G AN:

I hit the road.”

She comes from a family of runners, though they aren’t quite as

Since 8th grade she has run five days a week as part of a daily

competitive as she is. They ran the Copper River Bridge Run

routine. She’s been a member of the Ashley Hall team since

together for many years, perhaps instilling in Morgan her love

6th grade.

for running.

Garnering a spot on the University of South Carolina’s Track

Morgan has competed in every running event from the 40

and Field team, Morgan looks forward to competing at the

meter to the 3200 meter as well as the 4x4, 4x8, and 4x16.

Division 1 level, which comes with significant academic and

Her specialty is the 1600 meter, in which she holds the school

athletic demands.

record and third fastest time ever in the state. She is also the reigning State Champion in the 800m, barely a second off the state record. “My intention was to keep up with the fastest runner in my race. Before I knew it she was behind me—I couldn’t believe it.”

She currently holds three school records and one state record.

When asked what former Panther Track and Field athletes have served as inspiration, runners like Louisa Phillips ’09, Brenyce Watson ’13, Michaela White ’14, Isabella Alfaro ’14, and Aliyah Simmons ‘15 jump to her mind. “They really set the bar high,” says Morgan. “It’s great being part of a program with such a great legacy.”

Ashley Hall 2015 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Among Alumnae Weekend’s slate of activities this past spring was the Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee Ceremony. Held every five years and celebrating the remarkable athletic accomplishments of our graduates, the Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony The newly inducted members are ( from left to right) John Slepetz (track coach), Heidi Ward Ravenel ’74, Betsy Saunders Burgess ’02, Lindsay Lyman Skelton ’00, Margaret Anne Florence Siachos ’97, Caroline Talmage Owen ’03, Tanner Louise Kennedy ’00 and Elizabeth McCue Shealy ’95.

reminds us of how talented and determined our student athletes are and what a rich history they leave behind at Ashley Hall.

ASHLEY HALL

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A WEEKEN D

Katharine Good ’90, Ginny Craver Good ’65

of

M E M O R IE S

Amelia M. White ’10, Charlotte M. Neyle ’10, Abby K. Grady ’10, Anna Catherine Thornley ’10, Mary Macrae M. Lynch ’10

For many, the most special aspect of Alumnae Weekend is seeing generations of Ashley Hall women come back together to laugh, reminiscence, and catch up with fellow alumnae. The weekend launched Friday morning, April 17, with campus tours followed by the afternoon induction of new Jubilee Society members, a very special moment in the life of an Ashley Hall alumna.

Gladys Mappus, Nancy Orvin Brumby ’70, Lynne Mappus ’70

Button Stelling O’Cain ’65, Kathy Vansant Bates ’65 16

2 0 1 5 FA L L N E W S L E T T E R

Cacky Rivers ’90, Franny Rivers Slay ’80, Elise Rivers Kennedy ’81

Tucker Cecil ’83, Charlotte McCrady Williams ’76

Margaret MacDonald, Nicole Kapousouz Coaker ’95, Vitre Ravenel Stephens ’95

Friday evening’s cocktail reception and auction featured the theme of “The Purple and White Party” injecting the night with new energy and excitement. With everyone donning their purple and white attire, approximately $15,000 was raised Rhett Ramsay Outten ’82 , Anna Catherine Thornley ’10

for the Alumnae Scholarship Fund which supports a partial scholarship for a legacy student. Additionally, money raised also funds the pearl and amethyst graduation pins that are given out at each year’s commencement. Thank you to the following alumnae who made this evening possible: Auction co-chairs, EB Ravenel ’89 and Heather Garris Pope ’91 along with party chair, Mary Elizabeth Tinkler ’98.

Mary Macrae M. Lynch ’10, Caroline R. Ravenel ’10, Guest, Lauren D. Smith ’10

Ann Hagerty Boyce ’70, Anne Brockinton Lee ’70, Ann W. Dibble ’70, Jane Thornhill Schachte ’70, Debbie Lipman Cochelin ’70

S AV E T H E D AT E !

Ashley Hall Alumnae Weekend APRIL 15 & 16, 2016

Elizabeth Mikell Sinkler ’85, Elaine Conradi Eustis ’84, Hillary L. Caviness ’85, Beth Watson Walker ’85 ASHLEY HALL

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2015 Ashley Hall

ALUMNAE AWARD WINNERS C R A N DA L L C LO S E B OW L E S ’ 6 5 P R O F E S S I O N A L AC H I E V E M E N T AWA R D Honors an alumna who has

achieved significant accomplishments in

Carolina Bar. Professionally, Jane has

A creative spirit, Alice Sims has made

been involved with the Family Law

a name for herself over the past 30

Council, House of Delegates, the

years in the Washington DC arts

Free Resolution Board, the Council

community. She is the founder and

for Mediation, and the Alternative

president of the non-profit, Art for

Dispute Resolution. She is also

the People, Inc., an organization

actively involved in her community

bringing art education, projects and

with organizations such as the Mental

special events to communities with

Health Association of Beaufort &

little access to the arts. Alice has served

Jasper Counties, Beaufort High

in many leadership positions in DC

School Improvement Committee, and

arts groups, including the Takoma

the Beaufort County Literacy Council.

Artists Guild, and has taught art classes around the area.

her chosen profession.

2015 AWARD CO -RECIPIENT:

Elizabeth Hawk Belcher ’70 In 1996, Liz Belcher became the first, and so far only, coordinator for the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission and has been instrumental in creating 270 miles of greenways in Virginia’s Roanoke River Valley. In 2013 she was the author of a grant that awarded $12 million dollars to the Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission to construct a greenway connecting Valley Park with the Blue Ridge Parkway. Liz has worked tirelessly to introduce people—especially children—to the delights of nature and share the importance of environmental conservation.

FERN KARESH HURST ’64 C O M M U N I T Y V O L U N T E E R AWA R D

Honors an alumna who exhibits outstanding volunteer and community service.

201 5 AWAR D R ECIPIEN T:

Mary Bennett Morrison ’77 Mary Morrison currently serves as the executive director for the Association of the Visually Impaired of Charleston County. She assumed this position after serving as Board Chair and in the capacity of interim director for the association. Her keen financial skills and passion for helping others has created exceptional growth for the organization in the areas of programming, services, and screenings.

Mary’s additional community involvement includes participation in

2015 AWARD

the Junior League of Charleston and

CO -RECIPIENT:

board service for Magnolia Cemetery.

Jane Dowling Fender ’65 Excelling in her career at a meteoric rate, Jane Fender was elected to the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Family

Honors an alumna who has demonstrated dedicated volunteer service to Ashley Hall.

201 5 AWA R D R ECIPIENT:

Mariana Ramsay Hay ’77 Mariana’s commitment to Ashley Hall and its mission and hallmarks are reflected in her actions and attitude.

She is a cheerleader for others and is happiest in helping celebrate their achievements. Mariana does whatever is asked of her, and her family’s generosity to the school and community spans decades.

For her dedication to community projects, she was a recent recipient of the Fern Karsh Hurst Community Volunteer Award. The circle pin that is given to each graduate during commencement is a product of her creative thinking. Mariana’s

E X C E L L E N C E I N T H E A R T S AWA R D

proudest accomplishment is being

Honors an alumna who has been recognized by her peers for outstanding work in the performing or visual arts.

the parent of daughters and Ashley Hall

2 015 AWAR D R ECIPIEN T:

years after being admitted to the South

Alice Davidson Sims ’65

2 0 1 5 FA L L N E W S L E T T E R

D I S T I N G U I S H E D A L U M N A AWA R D

MARTHA RIVERS INGRAM ’53

Court bench in 1994, only nine short

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D E WA R G O R D O N H O L M E S ’ 2 6

alumnae, Kathleen C. Hay ’06 and Mariana R. Hay ’09.

C ONNECTION . INVOLVEMENT.

office’s three areas of focus: increasing meaningful connections, encouraging purposeful involvement, and building

L IFELONG LEARNING.

Ashley Hall Alumnae Relations

RE-IMAGINED

the community through lifelong learning opportunities.

CONNECTION What sounds easy isn’t always so!

Finding effective ways for alumnae to stay connected to the school and each other is a key priority. Personal connections, new technologies, more outreach and alumnae travel, and a dedicated alumnae director all will work together to achieve greater alumnae connections. Alumnae can also visit www.

As a group of 3,500 confident, passionate, and independent women spanning eight decades, Ashley Hall alumnae interests

ashleyhall.org/alumnae to share updated contact information or special news or stories.

and abilities are wide-ranging and incredibly diverse. One

A M Y J E N K I NS ’ 8 2

common trait that binds this extraordinary sisterhood together is their love for each other, the school that brought them

Director of Alumnae Relations

together, and wonderful memories of campus life as either a boarding or day student.

In response to the overwhelming need to better serve its alumnae base, Ashley Hall recently announced the appointment of Amy Jenkins ’82 as Director of Alumnae Relations. In a newly designed position solely focused on this constituency, Amy is responsible for nurturing and strengthening the relationship between the school and its graduates. “I am honored to work with this incredible group of women,” Amy said. “As an alumna and from a family with deep ties to the school in many capacities, I understand and live the bond that ties each of us together. Ashley Hall women are exceptionally talented and so willing to share their interests and passion.

We each have examples of how the Ashley Hall mission has

INVOLVEMENT Taking the concept of connection one step further, involvement focuses on engaging our alumnae by providing opportunities for volunteers to directly support the school and each other with their time and talents. Led by the consistent hard work of the Alumnae Association Board and further supported by the Young Alumnae Council, the number of alumnae included in varied opportunities will increase. If an alumna wants to be engaged with other alumnae or the school, we want to provide means to do so whether she is near or far from campus.

LIFELONG LEARNING Ashley Hall Alumnae

impacted our lives.”

Relations will embark on a growth-oriented program to

Assuming her position in July, Amy hit the ground running.

A lifelong learning program builds on what makes an

Researching independent school and university alumni models, Amy crafted a strategic plan framed by the Alumnae Relations

provide learning activities on various topics for its members.

Ashley Hall alumna so special—a woman who nurtures a deep passion for learning. What better way to spark a new interest or reignite a past enthusiasm than to be surrounded by members of the Ashley Hall sisterhood?

We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new blog, Through the Gates, which can be found at www.ashleyhall.org/alumnae.

A dynamic platform dedicated to alumnae communication, Through the Gates is filled with alumnae updates and news tidbits from campus. The blog will allow the Alumnae Relations Office and guest writers to communicate more effectively and in a timely manner; feel free to share any post ideas. (Follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!)

ASHLEY HALL

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Class of

1965

Celebrating 60th Reunion Douschka Thach Hutto, Virginia Reid Platts

In honor of their 50th reunion, the Class of 1965 reestablished the Martha Hamilton Morgan History Award that will annually produce a grant to a rising junior or senior who has demonstrated a natural affinity for history.

Celebrating 40th Reunion Cathy deSaussure Mark, Virginia T. McAlister

Celebrating 15th Reunion Sallie Bennett Robinson, Laura Cole, April Rogers Barker

Celebrating 50th Reunion | Front Row: Thayer Boswell Dodd, Margie Mims Branan, Ginny Craver Good, Kathy Vansant Bates, Bonnie Yaschik Friedman, Glatha D. Madden | Back Row: Evelyn Marion Clarkson, Button Stelling O’Cain, Jane Gregg Pulling, Betsy M. Rockhill, Bambi Dobbins Martin, Sherry Alley Linder, Alice Davidson Sims, Jane Dowling Fender, Biddy Davenport Gaythwaite, Molly Hoyler Gray, Dottie Grantham, Caroline N. Huggins, Mimi Bartol Pospisil, Gail Karesh Kassan, Mary Chapman Webster, Ann Humphreys Gay, Ann Comer Castaldi, Kathy Sherrill Slattery 20

2 0 1 5 FA L L N E W S L E T T E R

Celebrating 55th Reunion | Front Row: Kitty Griffith, Reecie Smith Wilkes, Julie Burns Rieger, Barbara Z. Cantey, Courtenay C. McDowell, Jane Longmire Cuffe, Jane Brooks Ball | Back Row: Pam Elliot Reinhart, Margaret Smith Garbe, Alicia Hayne Mikell, Kathleen Stevenson Turner, Louisa Spruill Reddick, Marsha Solomon Londe, Mimi Bailes Reese, Mandy Welsh Geils, Margaret B. Wilson, Alys Ann Williams Wiedeke, Kitty Eubank Jordan, Georgia Hansen Lucas Barnett, Dottie Pratt-Thomas Leonard, Jane Spraggins Hamilton

Celebrating 45th Reunion | Front Row: Emmie Aichele Dawson, Effie Little Richert, Ann W. Dibble, Deborah Curd Herbert, Debbie Crews Treece | Back Row: Judi Alday Hardwick, Elizabeth Hawk Belcher, Priscilla Wilcox Holzclaw, Caroline James Williamson, Sarah Rice Sandlin Stender, MD, Debbie Lipman Cochelin, Langdon Edmunds Oppermann, Susan Street Gaillard, Harriett B. Daughtridge, Jane Thornhill Schachte, Ann Hagerty Boyce, Anne Brockinton Lee, Lynne Mappus, Nancy Orvin Brumby

Class of

1970 Celebrating 35th Reunion | Front Row: Franny Rivers Slay, Ann Mitchell Thrash, Lisa Mrlik Brush, Eleanor J. Evans | Back Row: Christine Foxworth Reilly, Gene Poulnot Carpenter, Darrah Smoak Thompson, Caroline Cooper Wilhelm, Frances Rhett Steel

Celebrating 30th Reunion | Front Row: Elizabeth Mikell Sinkler, Julie Marjenhoff Akers, Ellen Sloan Nietert | Back Row: Shea Hipp Kuhn, Hillary L. Caviness, Beth Watson Walker, Laura Hahn

In honor of their 45th reunion, the Class of 1970 made a gift of $117,187. The Rutledge House veranda was named in their honor.

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Celebrating 10th Reunion | Annie H. McEwen, Julia B. Mowlajko, C.C. Glenn, Elizabeth A. Blackman, Jennifer A. Reilly

Celebrating 5th Reunion | Front Row: Elizabeth V. Dougherty, Amelia M. White, Lauren D. Smith, Dupre D. Moseley, Cecelia M. Lipman, Eliza C. Harrigan | Back Row: Eliza C. Tew, Abby K. Grady, Anna Catherine Thornley, Charlotte G. Marrow, Charly S. Banks, Christina L. Kearse, Jamie R. Harrell

Jubilee Society

Celebrating 25th Reunion | Mary Perrin Johnson O’Kelley, Katharine Good, Rachel A. Venezian

Celebrating 20th Reunion | Front Row: Hunter McEaddy Dawson, Elizabeth McCue Shealy, Kerry Sawyer Schutz, Harriet Settle Hansen, Lea Studer, Anne Donehue Hall | Back Row: Mary M. Logan, Nicole Kapousouz Coaker, Jordan M. Goffi, Elizabeth W. Johnson, Nathalie Bell Lankford, Vitre Ravenel Stephens, Kimberly L Nelson, Elizabeth Shortridge Childress, Susanne Buck Cantey, Mira Hibri Howard 22

2 0 1 5 FA L L N E W S L E T T E R

CL A S S N OTES

Please share professional or personal achievements or special

Ashley Hall Alumnae, we love hearing from you!

or online at www.ashleyhall.org/alumnae.

’41 Mary-Lou Strong Rhodes resides in a lovely retirement home and loves being near three of her daughters. She is a widow of four years and is still very active with piano performances on a voluntary basis and is still teaching piano exercises. Her motto is “keep busy and keep moving!” ’44 Neva Johnson Herrington is proud to announce that her third collection of poetry, Open Season, was published in 2015 and is available on Amazon. She enjoys spending time with her friends and two children, three grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Neva hopes to give readings of her book in the coming year. ’51 Renee Razook Dunne is happy to report that whenever she thinks of Ashley Hall a smile comes on her face! At age 80, she is fortunate to live near her two children who have provided her with seven grandchildren—life is wonderful! ’53 Martha Rivers Ingram, chairman of the Gaillard Performance Hall Foundation, recently celebrated with Mayor Joe Riley the grand opening of the new Gaillard Center Performance Hall.

Judith L. Young-Thayer had a great trip in May on Viking River Cruises to Eastern Europe! She also celebrated her 61st wedding anniversary in June 2015.

stories by contacting Amy Jenkins ’81 at jenkinsa@ashleyhall.org

almost the entire race.” This was Kay’s 19th marathon including Boston, Chicago, New York City, London, Rome, Geneva and Berlin. She is looking forward to seeing everyone at the 55th reunion in April!

Sally McCrady Hubbard has started a 501(c) (3) to support a school for HIV orphans and other vulnerable children in Uganda. She published the journal of her visit there last April, Uganda Impressions. ’63 D’Anna Fortunato continues to sing and teach after many decades in the classical vocal world. This upcoming season, D’Anna will tour colleges in South Carolina and Tennessee, as well as throughout Maine, performing vocal master classes and giving recitals. She is featured on a new CD of vocal music by composer, David Owens, and this summer, was highlighted at Songfest, a renowned young artist vocal program located at the Colburn School of Music in Los Angeles,where she has been teaching voice and giving master classes for the last 15 years. Recently, D’Anna gave a lecture and recital at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) National Convention on the topic of Boston composers past and present and premiering works by John McDonald and up-and-coming New York City composer, Mohammed Fairouz. She continues to teach at the New England Conservatory of Music where she has been on the voice faculty for the past 24 years.

’58 Loti Kennedy Dunn still loves living in Alexandria, Virginia. She has recently been in contact with a few of her classmates and is enjoying reconnecting.

’65 Mimi Bartol Pospisil resides in Tryon, North Carolina with husband, Jerry. Her two children and their families reside in Florida.

Her daughter, Wendy, is a manager at Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World and son, Matthew, has a construction company in Clermont.

’61 Kay Haselden Chandler ran the Edinburgh, Scotland marathon on May 31, 2015. She shared “the course was gorgeous but weather frightful! Strong winds, rain, and cold prevailed

Jane Gregg Pulling is currently serving on the following boards: Children’s Trust of South Carolina, South Carolina Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, South Carolina League of Women Voters,

South Carolina Democratic Women’s Council, and South Carolina Democratic Party Executive Council. Jane also serves as a Guardian ad Litem.

Kathy Sherrill Slattery says “It was wonderful to see everyone who came to our 50th reunion!

Many thanks to the organizers and to Mary for hosting the party.” Kathy had a lovely afternoon visit with Molly Hoyler Gray ’65 and her husband, John, when she passed through Beaufort after the reunion. ’66 Connie Montague Baldwin reconnected with Ashley Hall this fall to ensure that her first cousin twice-removed (a rising 5th grader) joined her family as a member of the white team. She noted, “My grandmother was Hess Lebby Jenkins. As she was two years younger than her sister, Lucile Lebby Seigling Dwight, I think Granny graduated in 1912. (They both attended the Confederate Home for schooling before Ashley Hall opened in 1909.)

My mother, Hess Jenkins Montague, was the first ‘daughter of a daughter’ (i.e. second generation) to attend Ashley Hall…Miss McBee gave her a little silver cup, but put her mother’s initials on it.” ’68 Peggy Maroney Stallworth welcomed her first grandson, W.J.S., Jr., to be called “Bill,” on January 13, 2015. Her older son, William, and his wife, Mary Riddick Stallworth, are thrilled.

William and his partner opened The Painted Pin, a boutique bowling alley in Atlanta in June. Stop by, if you’re there, it’s fabulous! Her younger son, Joe, married Leigh Blinn in August in Raleigh, North Carolina. He works for the R.A. Jeffries beer distributor. Life is beautiful! ’70 Julie Sanders Cliff says “I’ve really enjoyed having classmates Cherry Payne, Adele Deas Tobin, and Priscilla Wilcox Holtzclaw travel with me to Mexico, Ecuador, South Africa and Zimbabwe recently.”

ASHLEY HALL

23

Emmie Aichele Dawson and her husband, Bob, settled back in Charleston, South Carolina after many moves. They reside on Seabrook Island and love being back. She has thoroughly enjoyed getting reconnected with Ashley Hall.

Judi Alday Hardwick is happy to report that life is great—never a dull moment! Between three children in New York and Chicago, a 3 1/2 year old grandson, and taking care of her 100 year old father, life is full. She and her husband, Jim, love to travel as time permits with friends and family. They enjoy hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. Judith spends time volunteering with many charities and civic organizations, from cooking at the homeless shelter and working at the children’s hospital, to the beautification of their downtown area.

Marie Ferrara McGahan left from San Diego in March to bike the “Southern Tier.”

It was over 3,000 miles with 1,000 of those miles in Texas. She safely arrived back in Jacksonville Beach in late spring, having carried all her gear for biking and camping for three months. She retired from Special Collections at the College of Charleston’s Addleston Library in January of 2013, married Pat McMahan on February 1, 2013 and completed The Ladies Benevolent Society of Charleston, Two Hundred Years of Service on September 27, 2013.

Frederica Mathewes-Green just published her 10th book. She enjoys being a writer and credits Ashley Hall with identifying her knack for writing in the 6th grade and encouraging her all the way. She has been married 41 years to her sweetheart, Gregory Mathewes-Green, a native of South Windemere. The couple has three children and 13 grandchildren.

Cherry F. Payne and her husband, Bob, have returned to the high desert of Santa Fe, New Mexico. They are avid skiers in the winter, travel, and Cherry is active with the Santa Fe Master Gardeners.

Caroline H. Ragsdale has moved Caroline’s Cakes to Spartanburg, South Carolina, where it is thriving. Her son, Richard, works with her as CFO. Her oldest son, Charles, is living in Sweden. It is wonderful to be back in her home state and so close to her mother in Charleston. In 2012, she experienced the most serendipitous experience of her life that

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2 0 1 5 FA L L N E W S L E T T E R

culminated in a documentary, A Cakewalk in Budapest. It is the story of the creation of the first layer cake, the Dobostorte, and will bring recognition back to Joszef Dobos, its creator, as well as returning to him the legacy he deserves.

It was one of the great moments of her life.

Betsy Read Sunde hopes to move South when she retires and get to a reunion after 2018.

my work since then stemmed from those very teaching and learning experiences. I am forever thankful.” ’75 Gail Jenkins Ector is getting married on October 14, 2015. She will become Mrs. Gail Jenkins Holesha.

Caroline James Williamson is incredibly proud of her sons who have graduated from college. Her oldest son, James, is pursuing a graduate degree in journalism. Her youngest son, Charles, is working in northern New Mexico and wants to do some serious hiking out West before the fall. Keith continues to work in agricultural products for a large company.

Caroline is studying watercolor therapy and pilates. She and her sisters care for their 87 year old mother who has had Alzheimers for 10 years. Her mother lives at home and they enjoy being with her as much as they can.

’78 Mary Bissell Tutterow has just finished compiling her course for caregivers, The Heart of the Caregiver, from Overwhelmed to Overjoyed. She has long been talking to small groups about this process and now it is available on Amazon. Mary shared “Like many caregivers, I have often felt so alone and everything looked hopeless. I have discovered that the very thing I thought to be the end of me was actually an invitation to a new beginning.”

She hopes others will find The Heart of the Caregiver is an invitation to a new beginning and a chance to see the situation and the person you are caring for in a whole new way.

’71 Anne Cogswell Burris is working part-time as a bookkeeper at local law firm, Duffy and Young. Her son, Scott, is married and lives in Los Angeles with wife, Harriet, and toddler son, Thomas. Her son, Will, and his bride, Katie, moved to Scottsdale, Arizona in January 2015. Daughter, Carrie, Class of 2005, is getting married in October.

’84 Frannie Baker Reese has recently joined the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy as Director of Fundraising. The mission of the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy is to provide pastoral care and counseling for employees and families of first responders, as well as the general public.

Elsa McDowell received first-place honors in the Carmage Walls Commentary Prize presented at the Southern Newspapers Publishers Association’s News Industry Summit. Elsa is the editorial writer for The Post and Courier. ’74 Merrie Koester with the support and encouragement of many of her former Ashley Hall classmates, completed her doctorate in science education at the University of South Carolina. Her new book, Science Teachers Who Draw: The Red Is Always There, has just been released. It narrates the story of five inspiring educators who teach science through drawing and aesthetic inquiry so that previously struggling students might find meaning in science and improve their academic achievement. Merrie shared, “Over 20 years ago, Ashley Hall afforded me the creative freedom as a faculty member to explore teaching science through the creative arts. All

’86 Jane Stuart Ball has recently joined the Charleston Artist Collective. Janie Ball has been engaged in creating art for as long as she can remember. Her desire to be a professional artist led her to Rhode Island School of Design, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Art and a Bachelor of Graphic Design. Her paintings have strong graphic compositions. Each painting is composed of thoughtful shapes of color which when visually combined by the viewer “paint” the image, be it representational or abstract. ’90 Anne Hanahan Blessing finished her dissertation on slavery in contemporary literature and graduated with a Ph.D. in English from Tulane University.

Heather Sonya O’Malley is the accountant for Physicians Eyecare Plan in Charleston, South Carolina’s leading vision program. She resides in Mt. Pleasant with her daughters, O’Malley, 11, and Legare, 8. O’Malley is in the honors

program at Laing Middle School, enjoys playing the violin in district orchestra, and loves going to Camp Ton A Wandah in the summer. Legare is in the 3rd grade at Jennie Moore Elementary School, and for the past 3 years her entries in the PTA reflections program have placed at State level. ’92 Meaghan Dacey Federico and her husband, Chris, are enjoying life with their 4-year old identical twin boys, Michael and Dominic.

Meaghan is a full time stay at home mom; Chris works for Bank of America. Life is good in Alpharetta, Georgia. ’95 Elizabeth Johnson was awarded the Rosemary Nelson Hutto Award for teaching excellence from Ashley Hall. Elizabeth teaches in the Early Education Center. ’96 Lindsay Wolper is going back to school for computer coding at Iron Yard. Iron Yard of Charleston is run by women and its immersive program offers courses in various types of coding, including backend engineering, data science, front-end engineering, and mobile engineering. ’98 Virginia Hewitt King recently competed in a Regionals dressage competition horse show in Conyers, Georgia. She notes, “My horse, Wunderkind, and I placed 6th overall at 4th level and were very happy with this performance—our best consistent ride all year.” ’00 Heather Mithoefer Adcock is a finalist for the Martha Stewart Made in America Award.

Located in Ashville, North Carolina, her business is called Patch Design Studio ( www.patchdesignstudio.com) and features hand printed textiles she designs and creates.

She lives with husband, Brandan (a Tennessee boy), their son and onesie model, Rowan, and their two scruffy terriers. In this unique mountain town, Patch Design Studio is surrounded by natural beauty, a strong local food scene and a vibrant creative community all of which continue to support and inspire Heather’s work.

Laura B. Cole started a new job within the Medical University of South Carolina in June

’12 Isabelle Lazuriaga ( far left) sailed in a non-school related regatta in Los Angeles last month. It was the Women’s Match Racing Championship! Her team came in second and earned the Mrs. Charles Francis Adams Memorial Trophy. The 2015 edition of the U.S. Women’s Match Racing Championship was hosted by the Newport Harbor Yacht Club.

Seven talented teams of four raced Governor’s Cup 21 sailboats over three days after two days of clinics and practice. The racing took place in the Pacific Ocean offshore of the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach.

as a Clinical Informatics Analyst. She will be utilizing her nursing degree to support all of the clinicians using the Electronic Health Record at MUSC. Jesse Lutz Recor works as a lead graphic designer at Turner Duckworth in San Francisco, ranked as one of the top branding and packaging agencies in the world. Projects that she has worked on include redesigning the logo and identity for the American Red Cross, packaging and identity work for Coca-Cola, Hershey’s, and Samsung. ’02 Sarah Sheldon Gaillard has recently opened and started her private speech language pathology practice, Speech Success, LLC. Meghan K. Titzer runs the South Carolina and Mississippi areas for Liberty Mutual Insurance

and is currently performing in an opera on violin. She has two Bengal cats, Minnie and Daisy, who tear around her house! ’04 Sarah S. Evans received a doctorate of Clinical Forensic Psychology on May 30, 2015, from the California School of Forensic Studies.

Olivia Andrews de Zavala has been living in Mexico City since 2008. She has started her own business, Andrews Development, and has two kids, Victoria Grey Zavala Andrews (age 2), and Joseph Theodor Porter Zavala Andrews (age 8 months). Andrews Development is dedicated to restoring the historic center of Mexico City by providing middle-class housing in the historic area of downtown. She is also involved in a non-profit neighbors organization called Unidos Por Un Mejor Centro Historico that works to create networking between

ASHLEY HALL

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neighbors, local businesses/museums/ restaurants, and politicians. The organization features conference/lectures once a month to create synergy between these groups so they can work together for a better historic center. ’05 Emily C. Hollings is in her final year of dental school at Midwestern University in Illinois.

She was recently awarded the Dr. William S. Kramer Award of Excellence by Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National Dental Honor Society. This annual award is given to the dental student who has best demonstrated scholarship, character, and the potential for advancement in the dental profession and service to humanity. ’07 Arianne E. Wolfe has started her graduate program in Landscape Architecture at the University of Georgia. ’08 Lauren G. DeHaven is heading all of the marketing efforts for CrowdReach. She’s the first employee and partnered with CrowdReach in April. CR is a communications platform for small businesses, non-profits, and places of worship. The app/software will create one-click communications to different channels such as social media, email, and text. Lauren says “It’s very interesting to see something from the ground up. Just recently, I built all of our social media out, but I can’t even post to anything until our site launches! I’m also the only woman in the company, but I plan to find other leaders within the community to help us grow over the next few months.”

Courtleigh R. Watson is currently a third year veterinary medical student at Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine. She officially received her white coat in November and will take her boards in the fall of 2016 and graduate the following May. ’09 Arden Hare joined Lou Hammond and Associates as an account coordinator.

Previously she was with Lowcountry Local First and Donors Cure. Arden majored in language and international trade at Clemson. ’10 Dessane Cassell graduated from Oberlin and is now teaching in South Africa on a Fulbright

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2 0 1 5 FA L L N E W S L E T T E R

’14 Michaela White has become one of the first graduates to attend the Naval Academy.

Scholarship. She will be returning to the United States soon to begin her new job at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

Her Goldbug jewelry collection is gaining the young jewelry designer national recognition.

Megan Clore is currently working at the Mueller Law firm in Austin, Texas. She has deferred her admission to University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Law School for one year and will start in the fall of 2016. In addition to the University of Michigan, Megan was accepted to and awarded scholarships for law school at the University of Houston and Baylor University.

Weezie Hefner has begun the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the Medical University of South Carolina. This is a three year program which provides excellent foundation and the opportunity to progress to clinical coursework, community-based service and inter-professional activities.

Margorie Hanger has started a new job in insurance.

Mariana Hay was featured in Charlie magazine as one of Charleston’s “50 Most Progressive.”

Mary Macrae Lynch has begun graduate school at the University of South Carolina for a Masters in Social Work with a mental health concentration. She shares “I have Ashley Hall to thank for sparking an interest in working with under-served communities. The mandated 40 hours of community service each year allowed

got in the humanities classes with Dr. Davis and Ms. Smith that enabled her to travel to Greece twice with Princeton professors on research projects.

Lauren E. Hall has been accepted into the School of Nursing at Clemson University and will graduate in 2016.

’10 Marie Fogel recently completed the 2,000 mile Appalachian Trail and was an alumna chaperone for Ashley Hall’s Offshore Leadership Program sailing trip in October.

me to become immersed in communities I most likely would not have had personal experience with otherwise. The paradox from leaving Ashley Hall and entering an underserved public elementary school was nothing short of humbling. Watching children share a dilapidated textbook and seeing their faces as they became fearful upon their parents arrival illuminated the true definition of privilege for me. This sparked a passion for establishing change—a change towards fairness and equal opportunity for those less fortunate. I wouldn’t trade my time at Ashley Hall for anything!”

Lauren Smith is co-teaching pre-kindergarten at Frederick Douglass Elementary school in New Orleans, Louisiana. Frederick Douglass Elementary is a Title 1 school and Lauren notes they have 8 girls and 11 boys in her class. ’11 Ellie M. Bleecker is currently attending law school. ’12 Shira Cohen attends Princeton and is majoring in history with certificates (minors) in Western European Culture, humanities and possibly Jewish Studies. She is also the president of the Center for Jewish Life, a peer academic advisor and works for the director of the new Princeton Center for Digital Humanities. Shira has often commented how incredibly impactful the unique education in Greek and Latin that she had at Ashley Hall put her ahead of many of her peers. It was the comfort and familiarity she

Ashley Martin was elected to the University of South Carolina’s Residence Hall Association Executive Board for the 2015–2016 academic year. Within the Executive Board, she holds the position of Central Campus Liaison. ’13 Ellinor Walters teamed up with Kylie MacFarland to win the bronze medal in the sailing competition at the Special Olympic World Games in Los Angeles. MacFarland and Walters were South Carolina’s first Special Olympic sailing team invited to participate in the World Games. Meta Frasch of Mount Pleasant was the South Carolina team’s coach. ’14 Clayton A. Buckaloo studied abroad in China and France briefly this year. She was also elected to Executive Board for Professional Business Fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS Helen Ravenel Hammond ’96 and her husband, Gaines, welcomed a baby girl, Louise Ravenel Hammond, on September 10, 2015.

Louise joins her big sister, Elizabeth (3).

Olga Gomer Hernandez ’94 and her husband, Jose Manuel, welcomed a son, Oliver Diego, in November 2014. Oliver’s two older sisters, Daniela Isabel (6) and Gabriela Sofia (4) are thrilled by his arrival. Oliver arrived just in time for all the holidays and the Hernandez household is grateful for its newest member.

While enjoying living in the suburbs of DC, Vienna, Virginia, Oliver is keeping up with his siblings’ New York City upbringing by enjoying park strolls and museum visits. Olga currently has her hands full at home and has recently decided to take a break from her 15+ years of finance asset management related work. Jose is a banker within the Corporate Client Banking division at J.P. Morgan. Olga, Jose, Daniela, Gabriela, and Oliver relocated from New York City to the greater Washington DC area in mid-2012.

Courtney Parades Plotner ’00, and her husband, Jeffrey, welcomed a baby boy, Judson Gibbons Plotner, on June 28, 2015.

Jesse Lutz Recor ’00, and her husband, Brett, welcomed a baby boy, Tate George Recor, in July 2015.

IN MEMORIUM ’34 Nancy Melcher Diemond passed away on March 28, 2015. ’53 Lucia Manos Morfesis passed away on August 30, 2015. ’54 Inge Silber Crocker passed away on May 10, 2015.

Beverly Ann Jackson Settle passed away on June 20, 2015. ’60 Penny Hillyer Law passed away on March 24, 2015.

Nancy Parris passed away on January 10, 2015. ’70 Condolences to Dodie Warren Truesdale on the death of her daughter, Anne Porcher Truesdale, 33, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, who died at her home on July 12, 2015. ’99 Tanisha Bell-Alston passed away on March 15, 2015. ’05 Jennifer Maxson passed away on July 15, 2015.

CO N T I N U I N G T H E L E G AC Y We were thrilled to welcome back to campus alumnae who attended the recent Admission Open House: Heather Garris Pope ’91 and husband, Ed, for their daughter, Evelyn, for the Early Education Center; Elizabeth Currie Marchant ’92 and husband, Daniel, for their daughter, Currie, for Intermediate School; Alison Durgee Watkins ’97 and husband, William, for their daughter, Catherine, for the Early Education Center.

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CA L E NDAR for these U P C O M ING EVENTS your

For more details, and to purchase tickets, visit the Current Happenings section of our new website at www.ashleyhall.org.

THE CHRISTMAS PLAY December 4, 2015 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul | 126 Coming Street This event is free and open to the public.

ANNUAL OYSTER AND PIG ROAST February 5, 2016 | 7:00pm Hosted by the Ashley Hall Parents’ and Alumnae Association Tickets on sale soon!

PERFORMING ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE SERIES March 7, 2016 | 6:45pm reception, 7:30pm concert Sottile-Thompson Recital Hall on Campus Tickets: $25 adults; free for students Visit www.ashleyhall.org to purchase.

ASHLEY HALL WRITERS’ SERIES featuring National Book Award-winning poet, Nikky Finney March 9, 2016 | 7:00pm Sottile-Thompson Recital Hall on Campus This event is free and open to the public.

S AV E T H E D AT E : Bingo & Ballroom March 5, 2016 | Memminger Auditorium Ashley Hall’s Spring Fundraiser Tickets on sale soon!

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