Sem Snippets SUMMER 2012
Greetings from the Head of School
Message from the BSAA
It’s hard to believe that another school year has ended. On June 12, we had a lovely graduation ceremony, and were honored to have Lauren Belfer ’71 return to her hometown to give the commencement address. Now, nearly a month later, Summer at Sem is in full swing, and the halls and classrooms are filled with the laughter of middle-school girls enjoying their time here as campers. Looking ahead to September and the start of a new academic year, I am excited to announce some important changes to my administrative team. Assistant Head of School Helen Marlette has been named Sem’s first Director of External Relations, a position that underscores a commitment to increasing collaborations with our Buffalo neighbors as well as within the wider community. Math teacher Rebecca Farwell has taken on the role of Dean of Students, and Moira Giammaresi ’05, who worked under Carrie Auwarter ’96, has stepped into the role of Director of Admissions. The chance to congratulate these individuals allows me also to thank Carrie Auwarter, who had been an integral part of the Sem team for the past nine years. Earlier this spring, she made the difficult decision to leave her position as Director of Admissions to begin a new chapter in her career at the University at Buffalo’s School of Management. Carrie’s love for her alma mater and her dedication to excellence in her work set a high standard for all of us. We continue to be inspired by that example, and although she is missed greatly, we wish her the best. Transitions can be both exciting and daunting. As Head of School, I am deeply grateful to have such a committed staff, caring faculty and dedicated volunteers working together for a place we all love. Enjoy the rest of these beautiful summer days, and see you soon! Best wishes,
Each spring the Buffalo Seminary Alumnae Association Board of Directors has the distinct pleasure of hosting a luncheon honoring Sem’s seniors. The Senior Induction Luncheon, which is a relatively recent tradition, is one of our favorites and gives us an opportunity to meet the soon-to-be graduates and officially welcome them into the Association. We also invite each of them to say a few words about her experience at Sem and what it has meant to her. Here are a few of their comments:
Our New Alumna Trustee
My experience at Sem has been eye-opening. I’ve learned what it means to be a leader. Buffalo Seminary helped me find myself. Sem was a growing experience. It turned me into an independent woman. Sem helped me to achieve things I would not have tried somewhere else. I am very proud of what I have accomplished. This experience has been filled with exciting moments…and memorable lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Listening to each of them reaffirmed for me how lucky we are to have graduated from such a wonderful school as Sem. The City of Buffalo is also fortunate to have such an excellent single-gender institution dedicated to preparing young women for the future. Congratulations, graduates! Enjoy the summer! Gabrielle P. DeRose ‘74 President, Board of Directors Buffalo Seminary Alumnae Association
Congratulations to Mary Ross Rice, Class of 1952, who has been named our new Alumna Trustee for Sem’s Board of Trustees effective July 1, 2012. Mary succeeds Ellie Harder Johnson, Class of 1957. We thank everyone who voted!