Chat Spring 2012

SPRING 2012

C H AT Gary Fountain, Editor Laura Rand ’06, Managing Editor Design by Christine Walker Printing by Collinsville Printing, Martinsville, VA

C H AT H A M H A L L

SPR I NG 2012

Administration Gary Fountain, Rector Robert Ankrom, Director of Communications Ned Edwards, Chaplain Melissa Evans Fountain, Director of the Office of Advancement Martha Griswold, Academic Dean Kyle Kahuda, Dean of Students Earl Macam, College Counselor Ron Merricks, Chief Financial and Facilities Officer Vicki Wright, Director of Admission and Financial Aid

CONTENTS 2 Letter from the Rector 3 The Courage to Speak Out Leader In Residence, Gloria Steinem

Board of Trustees Nina Johnson Botsford ’72, Chair Lucy McClellan Barrett ’53 Katharine Reynolds Chandler ’68 Jerry E. Clark P’04 J. Belk Daughtridge P’13 Sarah Martin Finn ’74 Patricia R. Frederick ’57 Douglas R. Goldstein P’12 Stacey M. Goodwin ’83 Susan Gillings Gross ’98 Katherine Coleman Haroldson ’75 Julia Morris Kashkashian ’75 Robert G. McIver P’10 Lisa Rosenberger Moore ’59 Tracy E.D. Spencer P'07, ’12 Robin Peake Stuart ’69 Dora M. Thomas P’02, ’04 Penelope Perkins Wilson ’41, P’67

8 Tony Gleaton and the Freshmen 9 The Courage to be Herself Chat with the Rector, Petie Pugh Kirkpatrick ’62

12 Into The Woods Fall Musical

14 Campus News 18 Sports News 23 What’s Cooking at Chatham Hall:

Ex-Officio Members The Rt. Rev. Herman Hollerith, IV P’15 Priscilla Pugh Kirkpatrick ’62, President, Alumnae Council Karen Soderstrom P’12, President, Parent Advisory Committee

Mississippi Mud

24 Compelled to Write Reflections and Work from Creative Writing Students

Trustees Emeriti Boyce Lineberger Ansley ’64, P’90 Polly Wheeler Guth ’44, P’70 Robin Tieken Hadley ’57

28 The Courage To Be

Chat is published by the Office of Advancement and is distributed to alumnae and those who have shown a continued interest in Chatham Hall. For comments and suggestions, or to request a copy of Chat, please send an email to lrand@chathamhall.org.

Paul Tillich

29 Spirituality

Contributing Writers: Robert Ankrom, Leslie Claire Blossom, Amy Davis, Ned Edwards, Gary Fountain, Martha Griswold, Kim Jackson, Bell Johnson, Kyle Kahuda, Catherine M. LaDuke, Dasia Moore, Valentina Naveiro, Rebecca Oh, Michelle Penot, Anna Leigh Porter, Laura Rand, Dennis Reichelderfer, Mary-Michael Robertson, and Mary Kate Winebrenner.

30 Service

Photography Credits: Parwaze Ahmad, Robert Ankrom, Eva Greenberg, Catherine M. LaDuke, Dasia Moore, Susan Morley, Caitlyn Morris, Anna Leigh Porter, Laura Rand, Lisa Richmond, Molly Thomas, and Don Wood.

Chatham Hall complies with applicable federal and local laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex, disability, religion, national origin, or any other legally protected category.

33 Class Notes

800 Chatham Hall Circle • Chatham, VA 24531 434-432-2941 • www.chathamhall.org

© 2012 Chatham Hall

32 Going Green 48 Book Review: Steve Jobs

Chatham Hall’s new fencing club is funded by a gift from Richard and Christina Thomas P’15. James Faine of the Charlottesville Fencing Alliance instructs the thirteen fencers. photo by Catherine M. LaDuke

COVER STORY Pictured, Kilraine Pinyard ’15 photo by Robert Ankrom

Letter from the Rector Deciding at the age of 13 to attend boarding school.

That is a courageous act.

O N E M O R N I N G I N D E C E M B E R , I S AT O N T H E E D G E O F T H E S TAG E I N D U TC H with a group of faculty and staff. My legs dangled. They had that airy sensation I remember from grade school. Students sat in front of us, turned sideways, facing a long, gray, rubbery carpet along the sidewall. At each end of the carpet stood a person dressed in white holding a webbed facemask.

What followed was a staccato of stop and go. The fencers were focused, aggressive, competitive, and respectful—an interesting blend of attack and honor to which thirteen of our girls have decided to commit considerable amounts of their free time this spring. Fencing.

Much of my life is watching girls—as well as women young and older—undertake courageous acts. Deciding at the age of 13 to attend boarding school. That is a courageous act. Fencing. That is a courageous act, and one for which I possess neither the mettle nor the agility.

Gloria Steinem’s decision to fight for women’s rights. A courageous act. Taking on a public life, in spite of her abiding fear of public speaking. A courageous act. Disagreeing with some of Gloria’s beliefs. A courageous act.

Chatham Hall’s creative writing students, who put pen to paper (or fingers to iPad keyboard), bring their writing to their tutorials, and submit it for publication. Courageous acts. Those I understand.

Such are the subjects, small and large, daily and history-making, of this issue of the CHAT. Uniting them is a question or two. What drives one to take that courageous leap and persevere? And, in some cases, endure the criticism and backlash?

The courage to do. To change. To become.

the

courage to speak out

An introduction by Anna Porter ’12, read before Gloria Steinem's keynote address at Chatham Hall on January 17, 2012

If we can get excited about a new pair of three inch heels, we ought to get three times as excited about the woman who wore a pair of these heels as a waitress at Manhattan’s Playboy Club, just to capture a story. Gloria Steinem has sacrificed everything, from her feet in the above-mentioned shoes to her comfort in an interview with an unwelcoming Pat Nixon, to make sure all issues became women’s issues, too. Ms. Steinem went from being a freelance journalist, to being a writer with Time, to being the head of the inaugural women-run production called Ms. Magazine. Although Ms. wasn’t the first woman’s magazine on the shelves, it was the first run by women, written by women, and read by women. Before Steinem and co-workers created this magazine, women’s magazines were supervised by men. Now tell me, Dr. Fountain, could or would you be able to write a magazine

Without the impact of

Ms. Steinem

and other like-minded feminists, would our world be as it is now?

that appealed to women in the same fashion?

Until Ms. Steinem and company came along, magazines did not write seriously about abortion, career women, contraception, or sexual harassment. Without the impact of

All the best,

Ms. Steinem and like-minded feminists, would our world be as it is now?

Take today, for example. We’re about to listen to what Ms. Steinem has in store, but without the push for equality that has been impacting the past century, we’d instead be anticipating a talk about how best to run a household and breastfeed. I know that I am not alone in being thankful that we’re listening to Ms. Steinem instead.

That said, let’s get excited!

-Anna Porter ’12 2 CHAT

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Opinion: From The Columns

Each year, Chatham Hall welcomes to its community a woman leader who has gone above and beyond in her field of work or study to impact society.

Among presidents, vice-presidents, organization founders, and renowned professionals of various fields, each Leader in

Similarly, in her Question and Answer session, as Ms. Steinem grew

Residence has brought pieces of information that empower girls to change the world around them. Despite years of

more familiar and candid with her audience, her language shifted from

visits from such remarkable leaders, none has had the impact that Gloria Steinem had when she visited campus on

what some would deem appropriate for a high school audience to one

January 17–18.

that many conservative students and faculty members viewed as unnec-

After months of preparation by various study groups that readied the community for this influential woman, the time for Ms. Steinem’s visit arrived. Students and faculty alike waited with baited breath, some in anxious anticipation and some in less than enthusiastic mindsets.

The morning on which Ms. Steinem arrived had a particular buzz about it. Administrators and faculty members

essary and inappropriate.

Nevertheless, despite varying views, reactions, and interpretations, Ms. Steinem’s visit created a sense of questioning in the Chatham Hall community that had not been felt in some time.

waited anxiously in the Well as students hurried back and forth hoping to catch a glimpse of the activist. Upon her

Ultimately, Gloria Steinem’s visit to campus did just what it was

arrival, the Leader in Residence was whisked to lunch with the Student Council – a much quieter affair than expected

meant to do. It sparked conversation, made girls think about their views

in which Ms. Steinem preferred to discuss the various activities around the School rather than the anticipated “next

on today’s world, and created a shift in the air that was both unex-

step for women” or the problems facing today’s society.

pected and refreshing. As noted by Academic Dean Martha Griswold,

During question-and-answer sessions, Ms. Steinem encountered many girls who were hesitant toward and even

“A good Leader in Residence causes students to wonder and question.

against her visit to campus, but the leader faced their criticisms and questions with grace and dignity, a trait that did

Gloria Steinem’s graciousness in taking the time to answer questions and

not go unnoticed by many who commended the speaker for her composure under pressure. Gloria Steinem declared

explore issues with stu-

multiple times that she would be just as willing to support an individual’s right to not have an abortion as she would a

dents who were not alive in

woman to have one. That attitude aided Ms. Steinem in sharing her views with much of the community.

the 1970’s and 1980’s gave

In her evening keynote address, Ms. Steinem again broached a number of topics from her views on various

some perspective to the

political parties to today’s world and society. Recounting her life experiences, her views on the Feminist Movement,

issue of women’s rights. For

and the motivation behind Ms. Magazine, Steinem seemed more interested in hearing what others had to say rather

Chatham Hall students to

than speaking herself, a characteristic which carried on into her question-and-answer session the next day.

meet in small groups with

During her speech Ms. Steinem managed to express her views eloquently and gracefully, although a few of the

someone at the forefront

topics alienated some in her audience. In her keynote address, Ms. Steinem compared some of the leadership of the

of the human rights move-

Republican Party to the Taliban— a remark which, although shocking, was relatively harmless to those who identify with

ment was powerful to

the Democratic Party or are undecided in their

witness.”

Ultimately, Gloria Steinem’s visit to campus did just what it was meant to do. It sparked conversation, made girls think about their views on today’s world, and created a shift in the air which was both unexpected and

views. There were several students, however,

Although the deci-

who felt deeply threatened and offended by

sion to bring such a radical

Ms. Steinem’s comment. Subsequently,

influence to campus was

Steinem lost a fraction of her audience. “To

questioned by some, the overall benefits of Ms. Steinem’s visit far out-

me, Gloria Steinem’s visit was far too contro-

weigh the implications, and as a result the girls of Chatham Hall came

versial with ideas, politics, and emotions. I

away with new ideals, firmer roots in their beliefs, and an experience

would rather have a Leader in Residence who

that many high school students could never have imagined.

will truly inspire all women,” remarked an

-Mary Kate Winebrenner ’12

anonymous student.

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refreshing.

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Opinion: From The Columns

Opinion: From The Columns

I am more than positive when I say that Chatham Hall needs more Gloria Steinems.

Going into the week of Gloria Steinem’s visit, Chatham Hall prepared for a controversy.

Many questioned her political standpoint versus her feminist standpoint. Was Gloria Steinem too risky and controversial for a Leader in Residence? Some would say so, and I sure would.

Gloria (as she asked us to call her) participated in two question-and-answer sessions as well as offering

She’s opinionated and strong, yet refined and still feminine. Ms. Steinem is true to

a keynote address and closing remarks. Throughout all of these sessions, Gloria voiced her opinions regard-

herself; she doesn’t bow to anyone. At the same time, she is considerate, caring,

Many questioned her political standpoint versus her feminist standpoint. Was Gloria

Steinem too risky and controversial for a Leader in Residence?

ing women’s rights, abortion, gay rights, religion, and our

kind, and well-mannered. It is an understatement to say that she is well-spoken, for

country’s government. Her opinions were loud and at times

she has probably given more public speeches than any of us will ever give.

discouraging to those who have different thoughts on the

“Gloria,” as my mom refers to her, as if they’ve known each other since mid-

matter. Her humor was sarcastic at times, which was offen-

dle school, is the perfect example of the woman who never looks out of place.

sive to those whom the humor was aimed towards or to

She always seems to have an appropriate conversation topic that she will carry

those who were associated with the ideas or groups that she

out with perfect poise, with the small exception of when the conversation gets

focused her humor on. The “jokes” she used were at times

more familiar and allows room for a few obscenities here and there. Ms. Steinem

not necessarily appropriate for a group of high school girls.

can also pull off heels that would give most of us vertigo.

How can those offended by her questionable com-

Even after observing all of these amazing traits in one outstanding woman, I

ments grow from this experience? Steinem made a sarcastic

found that one stands out. She is just like us. She was a teenager once, battled her

comment at one point, relating the Republican Party to the

own insecurities, and suffered through heartbreaks. More than once she debated

Taliban. The message I received from that was discouraging

what to wear, heard what she didn’t want to hear, and most

and insulting. Teaching girls that it’s okay to make comments such as this to people with varying beliefs is

important, rebelled and fought for what she believed. What

certainly not a positive message from a leader and not entirely appropriate for a high school audience.

When Steinem directly insulted Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska, many questioned her idea that all women should empower each other. Isn’t that slightly hypocritical of Steinem? I felt that she was attacking Republican women by doing so, women who share similar beliefs to mine. If you deprive one woman of the empowerment she deserves, we are not learning to empower all women, but the ones with whom we agree and the ones we decide should be respected.

She touched on a number of sensitive topics, such as abortion and religion, which sparked a majority of the controversy. When she spoke on her views about these subjects, she often avoided answering a question that challenged her belief.

Though every other girl who asked a question got her answer, the girls who questioned her opinions on these subjects rarely got theirs. If Steinem had been capable of voicing her opinions without adding remarks that undermined people with opposite opinions on the matter, then more girls here would have gained from the experience rather than not. The idea that we all have the right to our own opinions was not voiced by Steinem.

Gloria Steinem was less of a “leader” than she was a discouragement to some. There are many women in the world that could have been a greater influence and role model to

Gloria,

“

”

as my mom refers to her, as if they’ve known each other since middle school, is the perfect example of the woman who never looks out of place.

is even better is that she still does what she loves; her life revolves around women’s equality in society and reproductive health. She believes in first developing and caring for ourselves, what she likes to refer to as “the golden rule.” This doesn’t necessarily mean being a selfish individual, but rather giving time to ourselves to reflect on and contemplate our emotions and health.

Overall, I strongly believe that Gloria Steinem is the perfect role model for young women in our society who want to think with open minds and are respectful of other opinions. Although her views and opinions on controversial topics, such as abortion, may strike some the wrong way, I believe that it is healthy to have someone challenge or question our own standpoints. By doing so, we can put ourselves in other shoes and evaluate our own opinions. This is a virtue that, in my eyes, every Chatham girl needs.

the girls here by sharing her opinions on appropriate topics for discussion while refraining

-Valentina Naveiro ’13

from the use of humor and sarcasm. If Gloria Steinem is a star example for a leader, then we need to rethink what a leader is to us.

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-Leslie Claire Blossom ‘15

To view a video of Gloria Steinem’s keynote address, visit the Chatham Hall website at www.chathamhall.org S P R I N G

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The courage to be

Herself...

Tony Gleaton

and the Freshmen

CHAT

A FTER A VISIT WITH THE FRESHMAN CLASS TO THE N ASHER M USEUM OF A RT AT D UKE U NIVERSITY, Annika Tice ’15 contacted photographer Tony Gleaton, whose work had attracted her. He wrote back with a simple, “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

A week later Annika contacted Gleaton again, asking him what he had been thinking about when he had taken his distinctive photos of people with intense stares, because she was writing an essay about his work for English class. Gleaton’s response was lengthy, and, after further communication with Annika and her English teacher, he Untitled, Corralero, offered to send the freshOA X AC A , M E X I C O 1 9 8 7 man class five photographs (he sent seven) of Annika’s choice.

Gleaton asked that the signed photographs be framed and that the Class of 2015 give the photos to another group or organization upon their graduation.

“Share the wealth,” La Angelita de la Laguna de los Cerdos he said.

G U E R R E RO, M E X I C O 1 9 8 6

WITH

TH E

Petie Pugh Kirkpatrick ’62 President, Alumnae Council G A R Y Marta Desde el Grupo Quetzal F R A N K RO M E RO ’ S S T U D I O L O S A N G E L E S, C A 1 9 9 8

Untitled, Savai'i, W E S T E R N S A M OA 2 0 0 0

F O U N TA I N

I

had known Petie Pugh Kirkpatrick ’62 by bits and pieces for some time. I had seen her working energetically with alumnae during

Reunion Weekend, had received clippings and bits of information from her periodically (when she had read a book or had come upon an article that she thought I might enjoy), had listened to her shrewd comments about education at Board meetings, and had seen her parade her Women’s Movement memorabilia for Gloria Steinem’s visit.

I developed a singular impression of her: here is a person, I thought, who thinks and acts for herself, or, rather, from herself. Plus, she is a professional educator with many years in the classroom and in the administrative office. I was interested in getting a sense of that self as a whole. So, one day, in a conversation, I started poking around…

Petie, in this issue of the CHAT, we are hoping to explore what it takes—we’re calling it “bravery” or “courage,” for lack of better words—for people to go out of their comfort zones in daring and unusual action, or to take others out of their comfort zones. Was coming to Chatham Hall a brave act for you?

though, was segregation in the area. I found it abhorrent, but I also had good friends who accepted it: they had grown up with it in their cultural and family backgrounds. So, I found myself confronted with the issue of how to live in that environment, be myself, and stand up for what I believed, while not alienating my friends.

Not really, because back in that time you did what your parents told you to do. My sister had attended Chatham Hall, so I knew that I didn’t have any choice about attending. Some of the travel took a bit of courage: taking the train alone from Darien, my first plane ride, a layover on one trip in D.C. and exploring the city with a friend—all when we were sixteen! Going to Chatham in and of itself, though, was not a brave thing. It was obedience.

Did you solve the issue?

Did life at Chatham challenge you?

That certainly did happen—in part, because the School was a more academically challenging environment than I’d been in before, and, in part, because I was on my own. The major challenge, Standing in the Garden of Allah, Awaiting the Coming of the Lord

8 CHAT

R E CTOR

Not satisfactorily. I tried to convince people through logic (I mentioned that Chatham Hall is a religiously-affiliated school and that segregation did not go with the Golden Rule) and sometimes through emotion. I made some headway with some people and not any with others. We were instructed not to talk to black males when we were in town, even those we knew from their working on campus, because they would pay the price for it. We went to the black community center and played with the little kids—the white graciousness. I ended up feeling very uneasy and was glad to leave that environment. In fact, this issue turned me off of organized religion because of the hypocrisy. I also became alienated from the School. It wasn’t

until many years later, after Julia Morris Kashkashian ’75 urged me to meet with a group of alumnae in Florida and I learned of the new directions of the School, that I came back into the fold.

What kind of challenges did your professional life require you to take on?

In college, as the 60s took root, I began to assess how I could make a contribution toward a better society.

However, it had not been in my upbringing to think about what I was going to do after college. It was just assumed that I would get married, have children, and play the social role, a role that I did not want to play. The obviCollege Photo 1965 ous options for

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Chatham Athletic Council 1962 Row One: Jane Allen ’62, Diana Simrell ’62, Julie Dalton ’62 Row Two: John Fitts ’62, Lynn Scholz ’62, Nicky Kreutz ’62 Row Three: Petie Pugh ’62, Miss Wagoner, Anne Gwalthney ’62

Chatham Hall Senior Portrait 1962

have to remember that sexual harassment was not even a concept at the time.

I figured I should wait two years professionally to protect my career, and I did, but that was the kind of force against me when I started my career. I knew a number of other people who had the same problem.

Were you able to find a position from which you could make changes?

young women of my age were Yes. My next superintendent was very teaching, nursing, or secretarial much, “This is your school. You are the work. Even though my dad was leader. Make the changes you want, but a lawyer, it had never occurred you pay the penalty if they don’t work. to me to be a lawyer. So teachThe responsibility is on you.” There ing seemed like a good way to were innovations taking place in educamake the world a better place, tion at the time, and one I tried was and I was determined to work matching students’ learning styles with in the public schools to deal teachers’ teaching styles. I was hoping with all kinds of kids from all to break with the cookie-cutter approach kinds of backgrounds and to that suggested that every teacher had to move them along.

Chatham Hall Dance Committee 1962 teach and every student had to learn in Row One: Gladys Lloyd ’61 So I got a job teaching. I one way. At that time everybody was Row Two: Susan Turcan ’61, Lynn Scholz ’62, Petie Pugh ’62 discovered that my principal being forced to team teach, or to do Row Three: Gay Newbern ’61, Mimi Luebbermann ’63, Susan Beekman ’63 was a male former shop individualized learning, or to have stuRow Four: Scottie Liipfert ’62, Hansell Gaines ’61, Anne Boone ’64 teacher and that every principal Row Five: Miss Henry, Miss Harlow, Miss Yardley, Miss Holt dents at tables instead of desks—that in the district was a former junkind of thing. Each strategy was good ior high teacher who had never So I applied for my next job with my for some students and some teachers, taught elementary school. I liked them Ph.D. in hand. I was hired by one man, but not for others. I wanted teachers to very much, but, in time, it struck me who left shortly after I had arrived, and become the very best teachers they that I knew more about elementary was replaced by a very sexist man. He could be given their own strengths. teaching than they did. I earned my Mas- told me outright that he did not want Also, when the special education ter’s degree, and a new superintendent women principals. He called me his laws were passed, our principal and I came along who noticed that I had lead“pet” in meetings. He said that he became coordinators for the program to ership ability, so he suggested that I be a wanted to inspect the locker rooms, took change our school’s approach to special curriculum consultant. That position me with him, and tried to corner me education to align with the federal prompted me to want to become a prinphysically. He was just awful, but he had guidelines. That was a huge job. I cipal, so that I could run my own school the Board of Education in his pocket. We worked in special education for quite a and make some changes in the way things were done. I was happy in education in those days.

One (teaching innovation) I tried is However, I also knew that I was going matching students’ learning styles to have to be better qualified than the with teachers’ teaching styles. men, so I earned my Ph.D. and wrote my dissertation on perceptions of whether or not the positions of principal and superintendent were open to women. My results: the Boards of Education thought they were and the people in the ranks thought that suggested that every teacher they were not. So, I was already into what we would have called Women’s Lib. In fact, all the professors on my dissertation committee at Northwestern were male, and they asked if I was sure that I wanted to pursue such a subject. Of course, I said that I was. It did take some pushing to get the topic approved.

I was hoping to break with the cookie-cutter approach had to teach and every student had to learn in one way.

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few years, very rewarding years, actually.

I also worked on the Governor’s committee to write the guidelines for Title IX implementation in Illinois. That was very challenging and also very rewarding. The project was also right down my alley: I’d been an athlete at Chatham.

Through your educational and professional life, you encountered many people whose opinions are quite different from yours. What’s your advice as an educator to people who are in such situations.

income is more than that. You’ve disregarded mine.” He said, “You are a woman of child-bearing age, so we don’t consider your income.” Many of us, inspired by Gloria Steinem, had to fight those battles. Gloria Steinem modeled living up to the courage of her convictions for many of us of my generation.

And for those who disagree with Gloria?

First they should acknowledge their feelings for themselves, honor them, and explore where those feelings came from, why they have them, and measure them against Ms. Steinem’s ideas. Explore

still fit you, fit your life. It’s okay to be different, whether you’re conservative in a liberal place or liberal in a conservative place. But just know why and that it’s really you.

We need to develop a daily pattern of listening to ourselves. It is important to be outside ourselves, to watch ourselves, as well as being inside ourselves, feeling ourselves. We need to be a participant in our lives and an observer of our lives.

That dual attitude helps us judge why we are who we are, do what we do, and believe what we believe.

Speaking of schools…You are an educator, so what are the right directions for schools these days?

I think having an open mind is very important, so schools need to teach students to take a wide worldview. Schools should be supportive environments.

Students are young; they need support.

When faculty truly know their students,

This is a lifelong journey.

Keep going through life and keep examining basic assumptions to see if they still fit you, fit your life.

My response is two-pronged. First, respect. If people do not feel respected, they are not going to be willing to change or even listen to you. Asking good questions is another part, but ask questions that you think will make the other person think, not be turned off.

Because everybody has to come to conclusions themselves. I’ve always found that a sense of humor helps, along with being able to delineate your own opinions and thoughts in a fairly clear way.

Gloria Steinem’s coming to campus meant a lot to you.

Absolutely. I feel that she has opened many minds. She has challenged many inherited ideas. Yet I found her so approachable, so honest with the students and interested in what they had to say. I found her very respectful while, at the same time, sure about her opinions.

She also opens minds to what history has forgotten. If we told girls today that they would have a problem gaining a leadership position as a woman educator, they would not believe us because they see more women principals than men.

When I went to a bank to get a mortgage with my first husband, this superior-acting bank officer crossed out my income on the form. I said, “Wait a minute. Our

It’s okay to be different them in terms of the home, the part of the country, and the church where they were raised. Are the feelings really theirs? If their feelings remain the same, that’s fine. This is a lifelong journey.

Keep going through life and keep examining basic assumptions to see if they

they make it safe for them to explore— to go to South Africa, to read challenging literature, to ask questions about spiritual development, and so forth.

Students need to know how to ask the right questions and persevere to find the answers.

Petie with sisters Weezie Pugh Smith ’66 and Georgia Pugh ’59

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Into the Woods

Out of the woods and happy ever after

THE CHATHAM HALL DRAMA DEPARTMENT presented Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical Into the Woods as the winter production. A 22-person cast and eighteen dancers (who served as a forest come-to-life), along with a cadre of crew, costumers, and make-up artists delivered the ironic take on intertwined Brothers Grimm fairy tales.

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The Wolf (Trilby Hren ’13) and Little Red Riding Hood (Victoria Fitzgerald ’13) come face to face in the woods

Rapunzel (Kendahl Walz ’13) sings from her lonely tower

The cast prepare to go Into The Woods

Opportunity is not a lengthy visitor.

-Cinderella

“Once upon a time—” begins the narrator (Cassidy Tebeau ’13)

Cinderella (Molly Penny ’14) wishes to go to the King’s Festival

The Baker (Caitlyn Morris ’14) and his wife (Kelsey Woody ’15) wish more than life for a child

Cinderella’s Prince (Katherine Thomas ’15) finds his Princess (Molly Penny ’14) at last

Trees (Zoey Sims ’15 and Anna Porter ’12) twist and gnarl as the story unfolds

Campus News

The Chatham Hall Robotics Team, Amy MacDonough ’13, Rocio Rodriguez ’12, Antoinette Flowers ’14, Kathryn Waters ’14, and Meredith Lee ’12, with Robot, Snappy.

“The members of this team came from across the globe to build their robot.

Their magnetic approach was unique and added to their already snappy design. This team of girls has no reason to hide in their shell for their great performance today.”

T H E C H AT H A M H A L L R O B OT I C S T E A M participated in regional challenges in Richmond and Charlottesville in December and January. In Richmond, the Turtles were awarded a trophy and medals for being part of the Finalist Alliance. The Turtles and their robot, Snappy, received the Judges Award in Charlottesville. The judges said, “The members of this team came from across the globe to build their robot. Their magnetic approach was unique and added to their already snappy design. This team of girls has no reason to hide in their shell for their great performance today.” The girls competed well in the FIRST Tech Challenge State Championship in Richmond on March 3, making it to the district finals.

They were also finalists for the Promote Award (they produced a one minute video to promote engineering), and were presented with the Judges Award once again.

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Campus News

Montreal, D.C., and NYC

2011–2012 Writer in Residence Danzy Senna Being a child of a white, blue-blooded mother and a dark, intellectual father, Danzy Senna had a childhood that was anything but easy, especially after her parents’ divorce. In her presentation to the school, Ms. Senna jokingly read a passage from her personal history, Where did You Sleep Last Night?, about the first interaction her family had had in many years. The passage, heartwarming yet provocative, gave the Chatham Hall community a glimpse of the life she had experienced growing up as a bi-racial child. This reading, along with another about a humorous outing when her father dressed her as a Puerto Rican child-bride, made any students’ notion of coming from a crazy family pale in comparison.

Ms. Senna’s novels raise questions about race, family relationships, friendships, love, and identity. Her vivid stories and easy reading created an evening that was a breath of fresh air for the community. Sophomore,

The Nilsen Scholars marvel at the wonders of our nation’s capital

CHATHAM HALL MODEL UN STUDENTS TRAVELED TO MONTREAL, QUEBEC TO ATTEND THE Secondary Schools United Nations Symposium hosted by McGill University in November. The Chatham Hall delegates gathered with one hundred other high school students from Canada and the United States to debate some of the pressing issues of the day.

The group also journeyed to New York in January to participate in the Columbia Model United Nations Conference and Exhibition.

Over the February long weekend, Chatham Hall’s first group of Nilsen Scholars traveled to Washington, D.C. with Rector Gary Fountain and Academic Dean Martha Griswold. The Scholars explored the National Mall, toured Georgetown University with Catherine Merwin ’11—a freshman at the University— took in a show by the political satirists The Capitol Steps, and celebrated Holy Eucharist at the Washington National Cathedral, among many other adventures.

The Nilsen Scholars Program provides up to ten full and partialtuition, merit-based awards each year to exceptionally talented new, domestic Chatham Hall applicants.

I feel very lucky to have been awarded the opportunity to be a Nilsen scholarship. What does it mean to be a Nilsen scholar? The answer to that may still be unknown.

As a part of the first group of Nilsen Scholars, I believe that it is still being shaped and defined every day!

—S RIYA C HADALAVADA ’15

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Model U.N. students Rachel Tuite ’14, JiaChen Ji ’12, Merjen Atayeva ’14, Emily Hussey ’14, Robin Emmons ’14, Kendall Woodlief ’14, Hannah Franks ’14, and Rocio Rodriguez ’12 in New York City

Antoinette Flowers, commented on Ms. Senna’s poise: “She has made my life a bit easier by the words she expressed to us students, whether it was by mouth or what she has written.

I admired her for answering many of the possibly uncomfortable questions with such poise.” —BELL JOHNSON ’12

BRINGING THE WORLD TO CHATHAM HALL As part of Chatham Hall’s World Cultural Talk Series, the Foreign Language Department sponsored a talk on Afghanistan presented

by Mr. Joe Woody, the father of Kelsey Woody ’15. Mr. Woody has been living and working in Afghanistan for Nomadic tribesman in Eastern Afghanistan the past two years.

Photo by Parwaze Ahmad “Mr. Woody’s talk was the 48th in this series of informative presentations given by students, faculty members, and invited guests,” said Foreign Language Department Head Mary Lee Black. “All have offered first-hand experiences and perceptions of the speaker that enabled our students to learn Joe Woody with through interaction. daughter Kelsey Woody ’15 Students see personal photos, are able to ask pertinent questions, and come away with a deeper understanding of today’s world challenges. The Foreign Language Department believes that the World Cultural Talk format is a strong piece in our continuing global commitment.”

C H AT R E A D S Antoinette Flowers ’14, Kaylee Berkun ’14, Dasia Moore ’14, Danzy Senna, Dayzah Blaine ’14, Alex Varanelli ’14, and Molly Baskin ’14

Senior Hannah Marie Merrigan was named a National Merit Finalist, recognizing her for scoring in the top percentage of high school students who took the PSAT as juniors.

The Body Politic: The Battle Over Science in America by Jonathan D. Moreno BELLEVUE LITERARY PRESS, 2011

merica has always been driven by innovation and progress, but that collective enthusiasm is tempered by increasing devotion among some to moral imperatives shaped by conservative values, environmentalism and other concerns. The rancor over reproductive science, stem cell research, end of life considerations and genetic engineering in politics and the media threatens to add modern bioscience to the list of topics considered taboo in polite conversation.

Moreno outlines the history and importance of scientific innovation from this nation’s founding onward, and then skillfully investigates the momentous achievements and resulting ideologies that have brought us to the acrimonious present. The author’s unabashed self-identification as “bioprogressive” tips his hand here, but The Body Politic stands as an informative treatise for any reader interested in these issues. K Y L E K A H U D A

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Sports News Fall and Winter Sports 2011–2012

BY C AT H Y L A D U K E , R A A , D I R E C TO R O F AT H L E T I C S

Field Hockey 2011 Blue Ridge Conference Runner-up with a 1-0 loss to Carlisle in the Championship Game.

Basketball

Riding

Both the Varsity and Junior Varsity basketball teams got a bid for the Blue Ridge Conference Tournament this winter.

Chatham Hall launches an Interscholastic Equestrian Association Team.

B RC B A S K E T B A L L 2 N D T E A M A L L - CO N F E R E N C E

B RC 2 N D T E A M A L L - CO N F E R E N C E Bell Johnson ’12, Hannah Haymes ’12, Lena-Marie Pätzmann ’14, Helen Schorling ’14

Stryker-Ann Vosteen ’14

Elise Dugan ’12

B RC A L L -TO U R N A M E N T T E A M

The Chatham Hall IEA Team hosted two horse shows over the October 22 and 23 weekend. The shows, hosted here at the Chatham Hall equestrian facilities, proved to be a successful start to the competitive season.

Bell Johnson ’12, Hannah Haymes ’12, Lena-Marie Pätzmann ’14

T U RT L E S F I N I S H 1 - 2 AT T H E C A R L I S L E C L A S S I C F I E L D H O C K E Y TO U R N A M E N T The Turtles picked up an exciting 2-0 win over Ronald Reagan High School from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Game number two found the Turtles matched up against the defending state champion and the #1 ranked team in the Division II—Cape Henry Collegiate out of Virginia Beach. A tough loss for the team, but a well-played game. The final game saw the Turtles drop a close game to Division I state-ranked Saint Anne's-Belfield School from Charlottesville, Virginia.

Field Hockey Players Travel to National Festival Greer Chapman ’13 and Madison McAdams ’14 traveled to Phoenix, Arizona over Thanksgiving break to participate in the National Hockey Festival, an event of

“Playing in the USA Field Hockey events will give both Greer and Madison a chance to play with some of the best players in the country,” said Athletic Director and field hockey coach Cathy LaDuke. “It will challenge them both as hockey players and field leaders. When they take the field next fall, they will bring a new level of play with them.”

On December 3 Chatham Hall’s IEA team traveled to Natural Bridge, Virginia to compete against nine other teams from Zone 3, Region 3 at Stone Bridge Farm as they continued to compete for team and individual points.

Cross Country A L L - M E T RO T E A M H O N O R S Kristen Compton ’13, Stephanie Tuck ’13, Mary Soderstrom ’12, Krista Phillips ’12, and Christina Ostro ’13 The Turtles hosted the 14-team Southern District Invitational in September and finished in 3rd Place.

Delaney Evans Rode for Chatham Hall in IEA Regionals Delaney Evans ’15 competed in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association’s Zone 3, Region 3 Finals at Stone Bridge Farm in Natural Bridge, Virginia.

Stephanie Tuck ’13, Mary Soderstorm ’12, and Kristen Compton ’13

National Field Hockey Coaches Association 2011 Gladiator by SGI/NFHCA High School National Academic Squad Four senior student-athletes were named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association’s 2011 Gladiator by SGI/NFHCA High School National Academic Squad.

Libby Goldstein ’12, Hannah Haymes ’12, Bell Johnson ’12, and Margaret Spencer ’12 were recognized for their outstanding play on the hockey field and their exceptional work in the classroom. “Whether it is a conference match-up or a final exam, these girls approach both situations with the same work ethic and tenacity,” said field hockey coach and Athletic Director, Cathy LaDuke.

Director of Riding James F. Morris and his staff hosted riders from 23 teams in two IEA Horse Shows in the Mars Arena at Chatham Hall on Saturday, January 21 and Sunday, January 22. Chatham Hall IEA team members continued to collect points for their competitive season and a chance to ride at the IEA Region 3 Finals on February 11 at Stone Bridge Farm in Natural Bridge, Virginia.

In addition to playing at the National Hockey Festival in Phoenix, Madison McAdams played in the Windy City Tournament in Chicago, Illinois in early November and traveled to Orlando, Florida for the Disney Field Hockey Showcase in February.

Four Chatham Hall Players Receive National Honors

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Chatham Hall finished in 3rd place for Saturday’s competition and in 4th place on Sunday, gaining 7 points toward the 15 needed for regional competition.

USA Field Hockey. Madison McAdams played for The Gateway Midwest Club and Greer Chapman played for the KaPow Hockey Klub. Each team played six games in the pool-play style tournament. More than 125 college coaches were on hand at The Festival to get a look at the up-and-coming players from across the country.

Madison McAdams ’14 plays with the best in the country

Bell Johnson ’12

Chatham Hall IEA team members—Memi Pearsall ’15, Meredith Lee ’12, Eliza Caprio ’15, L.A. Daughtridge ’13, Mary Madison Laffitte ’14, Delaney Evans ’15, and Allie Brown ’15

Chatham Hall won their 3rd consecutive Danville Metro Championships.

The Turtles ended the season with a 17th place finish at the Virginia Independent Schools 47th Annual Varsity cross-country championships in November.

Assistant Athletic Director and Cross Country Coach Eva Greenberg received Coach of the Year Honors.

Marie Merrigan ’12

Volleyball B RC A L L - CO N F E R E N C E H O N O R A B L E M E N T I O N Michelle Penot ’13

Swimming Turtles finished 4th at the Blue Ridge Conference Swimming Championships.

Allie Brown Earns Champion Title On November 5 and 6, Chatham Hall riders headed to the North Carolina State Fair Grounds for the NCHJA Finals. Allie Brown ’15 earned the title Champion in the PreChildren's on the first day, and was also awarded the NCHJA Year End Circuit Championship in both the Pre-Children's Equitation and Hunter divisions by gaining the most points throughout the year.

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Campus News

T IME L APSE : Little Women The Drama Department presented Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women as the fall production. Director Sheppard Morrison designed and created the period costumes.

Show your love!

This photo, found in the Chatham Hall archives, was taken of the cast of Little Women circa 1940.

C H AT R E A D S The Years with Laura Díaz Carlos Fuentes MARINER BOOKS 2007

s Mexico prepares to elect a new president this July 1, we are reminded of the sweeping changes the country has experienced during its history. These past years of fighting the drug cartels may be radically changed with the new administration. Through all the changes, ordinary people must continue to live their lives, and Mexico's famous novelist, Carlos Fuentes, tells their stories. This novel narrates the loves and losses of Laura Díaz while momentous historical events swirl around her. She witnesses the brutality of Porfirio Díaz’s regime when her half-brother is executed, the violence of the Mexican Revolution, and the years of “democracy” when her grandson is shot during the student revolution in 1968. Fuentes masterfully weaves the fictitious life of the protagonist with the historical lessons of Mexico. K I M J A C K S O N

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Rev. Roger Bowen, and his wife, Kennon Bowen, with Taina Accime ’13.

Rev. Roger Bowen has spent his career, when not in the Peace Corps, in the Independent School world as an Episcopal Chaplain, Head of Upper School, and Head of School at a number of boarding and day schools. Since retiring in 2007 he has worked with the National Association of Episcopal Schools (of which Chatham Hall is an active member) to create partnerships among Episcopal schools in the US with Episcopal schools in Haiti. He and his wife, Kennon, are junior Taina Accime’s sponsors, and it was he who facilitated her coming to Chatham Hall from Haiti. Rev. Bowen was a guest speaker at St. Mary’s Chapel in February.

Did you know that you can make your gift to Chatham Hall in honor of a member of the staff, a friend, a teacher, or your class?

Show your love by making an honoring gift to the Annual Fund today.

Not only will your gift support the School’s critical programs, it will recognize the people that make Chatham Hall special. Please use the enclosed envelope to make a gift or pledge to the 2011–2012 Annual Fund. You can also make a gift online at Chatham Hall’s website at www.chathamhall.org

Campus News

Billy Mills: Still Running Strong The 2012 Freshman Leader in Residence

G RAMMY AWARD W INNERS P ERFORM AT C HATHAM H ALL T HE G RAMMY-AWARD WINNING C AROLINA C HOCOLATE D ROPS wowed Chatham Hall with an intimate performance in the Well on December 5.

“So much of the music we play was never meant to be amplified so it was especially nice to get the chance to perform in an all acoustic setting,” shared lead singer and fiddle player Rhiannon Giddens. “The girls were a great audience!”

The band’s sound, which expands on the powerful AfricanAmerican string tradition and features banjo, jug, kazoo and fiddle, works on both their readings of classic roots music as well as on interpretations of modern songs.

The Carolina Chocolate Drops won the Best Traditional Folk Grammy Award for their 2010 release Genuine Negro Jig. In addition to the Grammy honor, the band has been featured in several NPR and BBC profiles, was featured at the Bonnaroo Music Festival, and was the first African-American group to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.

Olympic Gold Medalist and Native American activist Billy Mills will be coming to Chatham Hall this spring as the 2012 Freshman Leader in Residence.

Billy Mills was born in 1938 on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota and is a member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe.

Despite the Reservation’s proximity to the symbolic American monument Mount Rushmore, it is plagued with intense poverty. After his mother’s death when he was seven and his father’s when he was twelve, Mills left the Reservation to attend boarding school, where he began competitive running and earned a track scholarship to the University of Kansas.

At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Mills became the second Native American to win an Olympic gold medal and the first and still the only American to win the gold in the 10,000-meter race. In this race, Mills slashed almost fifty seconds from his previous personal record and set a world record.

The aspect of Mills’ life that the freshmen see as remarkable and important to the Leader in Residence program, however, is his work as the spokesperson for Running Strong for American Indian Youth. This organization’s mission is to “help American Indian people, especially youth, meet their immediate survival needs- food, water, and shelter-while implementing and supporting programs designed to create opportunities for self-sufficiency and self-esteem.”

Billy Mills was the subject of the major motion picture Running Brave, is the author, along with Nicholas Sparks, of the book Lessons of a Lakota. —MARY-MICHAEL ROBERTSON ’15

hat’s Cooking W

at Chatham Hall Each issue

we will bring you a favorite recipe from Chatham Hall.

We thought we would start with the legendary

Mississippi Mud

Students Sing the Gospel The Chatham Hall community participated in an inspiring musical event as Edward “Chief” Menifee, Jr., a Music Minister from Atlanta, GA, led Chatham Hall’s choir through an intense gospel music workshop. The workshop culminated in a gospel concert open to the public held in St. Mary’s Chapel.

The joy and spirit of the evening was contagious as the concert ended with the choir spilling into the aisles to invite the audience to join them in dancing, clapping, and singing along with the music.

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compelled to

write

Reflections & Work from Creative Writing Students I haven’t had a fear of writing so much as I have had a fear of speaking. That is essentially how I have developed into a poet; however, that is not the beginning. As soon as I realized song lyrics were poems, I began writing what I thought to be hit songs. They were usually about romance or something that I really didn’t know much of as a six year old, but they were certainly sing-song poems. When I performed these songs for myself, however, my parents told me, “You’re only singing one note.” I was and still am tone deaf, so my aspiring career as a lyricist and even as a poet seemingly stopped there.

Although this may just be in my head, when I entered Chatham Hall my junior year, I remained quiet. I hinted that I liked poetry, but I didn’t seek an outlet, until I hesitantly submitted to IRIS at the end of the year. Afterwards, I was shocked to find myself named Best New Poet at the publications banquet. I didn’t think I deserved the credit. Most poems come to me at 1 a.m., so it is my ability to wake up at that hour and record which most should be celebrated. Having an independent study in creative writing has challenged my habits greatly. I present new works each week, and can’t keep up with this schedule using just 1 a.m. poetry. Sitting and writing a poem, then, is a challenge. Most challenging, though, remains the speaking and presentation part of being a poet. My teachers must have sensed that in me, however, for each week I must not only read my poems aloud, but I must also explain the where and why of their origins. Now that we are more than halfway through our year together, I can definitely say that I am finding my voice through poetry. I am looking forward to heading off to open mic nights, perhaps even ones where I don’t know the whole crowd (as is often the case in my town or at school).

Someday too, I want to be published before a big audience. Then though, my poetry will have to be loud enough to capture my writing and spoken voice. In some ways, then, it is beneficial that those two have always been intertwined in me.

ANNA LEIGH PORTER ’12

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anna leigh porter ’12

Understanding It is only Because I’ve tried to juice a nut Like a ripened mango That I now know Not everything yields A nectar.

Were I to know this Before I jostle the world In anticipation Of fruits falling down before my feet, Would I want Where nature is content?

I couldn’t.

Stagnant Bitter water, so easily disturbed by the slightest trickle of wind rolling from a cool front in late summer, sits calmly.

Change comes to this still encampment.

The wishes of springtime, spoken into the mirrored pond by hopeful youths now evaporate from the surface in the rays of the August sun.

The last of the mosquito eggs hatch— leaving behind, in the small pond, a foam of transparent casing.

This decays.

Shells of origin, descend into the murky sediment of aged water.

The water, though, stays still amidst these changes.

It has nowhere to rush, and no mind for worry to hurry over its perpendicular and cockeyed existence.

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When I sit down at my computer, preparing to write a poem or song, a rush of adrenaline fills me.

Hearing the satisfying click of the keyboard as I write is even more invigorating than completing a 5K. The hard part is what comes next. The moment I finish a first draft, exhilaration gives way to anxiety.

Kathy’s Wedding

Sometimes, I worry that I have not expressed myself well enough; even worse is the knowledge that I have shown my feelings all too well. Seeing my deepest thoughts in writing is an experience that is both

Eleven Feathers

empowering and terrifying.

In order to get past this fear, I remind myself that poetry is art. In writing it, I have created something beautiful and unique. I also like to think that I am being courageous to write and share things that I would never say out loud. I am able to keep writing because, in the end, I feel rewarded for revealing a little bit of myself.

DASIA MOORE ’14

When my older sister told me

Artwork by Alexandra Powell ’14

I was in kindergarten Every time I lied A feather would fall off my angel wings in heaven.

“You have eleven feathers left,” she said.

Eleven lies till eternal damnation.

“Michelle, would you like to help clean up the mess?”

The teacher asked.

Dressing Up

“No, but I will.”

In a room two degrees too warm With curtains drawn on a setting sun, Candlelight hits her diamond earrings, Reflecting like silver teardrops.

Honesty could hurt, Honesty made me sad.

A slip of the tongue, Answering too fast,

Under lights a bit too dim The holes show in her lacy gloves, And the blush is pink but darkens red Like irremovable shame.

On a face too round and soft To reveal sharp lines of pain, Mascara weighs her drooping eyes Made heavier by the night.

In a mirror with a face too clear And a full-length wooden frame, Her reflection frowns at being overdone But she blames the light and leaves.

dasia moore ’14

Lantern Light Candles in the dark, Stars that fell to light our way, As earthbound angels guide us Through the night.

Black tree shadows in the sky, Silhouettes of our high hopes, As the white dresses flaunt their glow Hidden in daylight.

Singing in the silence, Innocence whispering her prayers, As hopes and expectations rise To touch the leaves.

A canopy in the meadow, A fortress we gather beneath, As the first stars begin to speak Of what will be.

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Ten, nine, then eight.

I remember being tightly squeezed between you and destiny.

Your head in my little lap, I brushed my hand against your face, tears on the tips of my fingers.

Why would your day of eternal happiness bring such a change of heart?

The day you were in white, he was in black.

The day was in black and sitting there that day, with my flowers on the floor, I decided I would never write of love.

I was only six.

Over time, I accepted my fate.

C H AT M U S I C

Sunday at Mass, I stared at the statue of the angel in the corner, Ready to lift off into Heaven.

I knew that when I died, I would fall forever.

When I first started writing poetry, I had no intention of letting others read it. Writing poetry was like writing in a diary, even if the piece wasn’t personal.

When I was a freshman, it took all my guts to send the IRIS editor two poems I had written. I actually deleted the email twice before I finally sent it. Over the years, I’ve gotten a bit more comfortable with others reading my work. I wasn’t afraid of people thinking that I was a bad writer—I understood I was a beginner and I was OK with that—but I feared that they would not understand the point I was making in my writing. I started to write pieces that would almost directly say how the reader should feel. It wasn’t until last year, when

michelle penot 1’ 3 Writer in Residence Li Young Lee came to Chatham Hall, that I understood what poetry is about. He explained it is like being on a stage speaking with a curtain in front of you. Everyone is going to interpret you in his or her own way, and that is the beauty of it. I might

write a piece about a quirky childhood memory, and someone might read it and connect it to God, and that’s wonderful. As long as the reader gets something out of my poems, even if it’s just a laugh, I’m happy with it.

MICHELLE PENOT ’13

“A Day in the Life” The Beatles 1967 heard “A Day in the Life” for the first time as part of a TV special after John Lennon was gunned down—which would have made me eleven.

I can still recall Lennon’s dreamy vocals, McCartney’s frantic interlude, and the soaring orchestral finale as if I’d just heard the song for the first time. I begged my mom to help me track that song down and soon had a copy of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

In sweeping and graceful strokes, the beauty of all the right pieces come together--each surrendering it’s own voice--for the good of the final statement. Those five minutes and three seconds prepared me for a life spent pursuing that sort of perfect construction. There will always be a part of me striving to find the kind of superior balance The Beatles exposed me to all those years ago.

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ROBERT ANKROM

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Challenging Nietzsche:

The Courage To Be Paul Tillich B Y N ED E DWARDS , C HAPLAIN AND P HILOSOPHY TEACHER

“Courage is the self-affirmation of being in spite of the fact of non-being.” –P T , T C AUL

Twenty-two years before Gary Fountain received his Master of Arts in Religion and thirty-five years before I received my Master of Divinity from Yale University’s Divinity School, theologian Paul Tillich (1886–1965) came to Yale to give the Terry Lectures, defining courage in a most philosophical way. These lectures introduced the general population to a new and radical way of thinking about God, faith, forgiveness, being, and courage.

Since that time Tillich has been denounced as both unorthodox and atheistic by those who do not grasp the overt philosophical perspective of his theology. His condemnation of theism, his insistence that all language for God is symbolic, his belief that God does not exist as other beings exist but as the “Ground of all Being” and our “Ultimate Concern,” his embrace of the nihilist philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, and his running battle with neo-orthodox theologian Karl Barth have all fueled this fire. Yet it is the way that his theology speaks to both my intellect and my heart that has kept me reading Tillich for 32 years.

For those who understand his philosophical bent, Tillich’s definition of courage is courageous in and of itself. It sets him apart from most theologians of his day, and ours, as truly postmodern, speaking to the post-Christian age in which we now reside. He acknowledges that the anxiety the Reformation was designed to allay, the anxiety of guilt and condemnation, is no longer our greatest anxiety. In its place we have developed another more deeply felt anxiety brought about by a multitude of social, political, religious, and phenomenological events.

Between two devastating world wars, the horrors of the Holocaust, the incredible loss of life in Hiroshima and Nagasaki ending WW II, the growth of the psychoanalytic movement, and the increase in our scientific knowledge and ability, we have had to confront our own ontological and ethical crises. Tillich was one of the first to observe that this results in our living in an “age of anxiety” which is ontological in its source. It stems from the realization of our non-being, the realization that we may not be, the anxiety of death. It is courage that allows us to continue “being” at all, and the ultimate source of that courage is God, our “Ground of Being.”

Tillich knew about courage and the possibility of non-being.

At 28 years old, three days after his wedding, Tillich volunteered as a Chaplain in the German army. He spent four years in combat during WW I, experiencing both a conversion and hospital-

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ILLICH

HE

OURAGE T O B E

ization (twice) for “shell shock.” His courage was further challenged when, after being discharged, he returned home to find his wife pregnant by a good friend of his. Plus, in a few short years he would be forced out of his position as professor of philosophy under threat of the Nazi movement because he had spoken out against the regime and had refused to swear allegiance to Hitler. These profound personal experiences were defining for him and his Existentialism.

I discovered Tillich while in college, taking a course from a visiting scholar from Yale. I was so taken by his thinking that I went on to major in Philosophical Theology at Yale Divinity. I can honestly say that no other theologian has influenced me to the extent that Tillich has.

When I served as the pastor of a large church, I led funerals for hundreds of people, young and old, rich and poor, prepared for the end and not prepared. One Tillichian moment has stayed with me. A well-known and well-loved high school student had taken his own life. Most of his class and many of their families were in attendance at his funeral at the neighboring church.

Unexpectedly, the pastor used the service to condemn the young man to Hell and warn the mourners of the dangers of suicide. While I understood theologically what he was doing, lost on him was the extreme ontological anxiety that adolescents feel in the face of their own sense of indestructability. Lost was the opportunity to acknowledge the pain, the hurt, and the courage it takes to continue to “be” in the face of “non-being.”

Lost was the pastoral care and love that speaks not only to the real fear of our human existence in this world, here and now, but also the pain of life. Lost was the consideration that faith is the “state of being grasped by the power of being-itself,” which is God, that leads us to affirm the prophetic challenge, in the face of all to the contrary, that “today is set before you the ways of life and death, choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:18-20).

As I worry about the safety of our children, as I continue to be astounded at the genocide possible in our world, as I grieve and watch our children grieve over the deaths of friends, whether by natural or unnatural causes, it is obvious to me that Tillich’s words and concepts have been both prophetic and courageous. It is the ultimate source of this courage, God, that Tillich has helped me not just to understand but also to know.

A Chapel Talk by Senior Rebecca Oh When I was a kindergartner, I was a pretty good sprinter. On one sports day, as soon as the whistle went off, I sprinted as hard as I could, passed a few girls who were running in front of me, and finally grabbed the gold medal that had been placed on a table. While I was proudly holding the medal, one of the teachers told me that I was not the winner. The crowd was cheering another girl’s name instead of mine.

Then, quickly, my mom came and hugged me. She told me that I should have run toward the finish line, which I had not reached, not toward the medal on the table. It was the biggest disappointment of my childhood.

As Nietzsche said, “We have art in order not to die of the truth.”

Art became my escape route as I grew older. In order not to die of the truth, I immersed myself in music.

The music itself could only be a temporary escape, but what encouraged me to hold on, I had discovered, was the presence of God through music.

When I was stressed from all the busy weeks and needed a break, I sat in front of the piano. When I had to leave my family in 6th grade to live in Canada, without knowing any English, I played melodies on the black-and-white keyboard. When I missed home, when I found out that my dad had been diag-

nosed with cancer, when crying seemed to be hopeless, when fear seemed to overpower me, when I felt as if I had nowhere else to go, I ran to the piano.

For a long time, I imagined myself living in a world of music— listening and playing whatever I wanted to. I thought that the only way to live in such a world would be to attend music school. So I started to prepare myself for auditions, and I had a chance to audition in Korea. As soon as I walked off the stage after the audition, I burst into tears in my mom’s arms. I was disappointed with my performance, but my mom seemed as if she had expected this to happen. So I asked her how she knew this was going to happen.

“You were running toward the wrong thing. That’s how I knew,” she replied. It was just like the race and the medal. I had completely thrown myself into my music but all the time had been calculating how to show off my skills for the audition. I was running toward the medal, not the finish line. That’s when I decided to stop.

Until then, I had thought that only music could enable me to endure harsh reality. I was wrong again. The music itself could only be a temporary escape, but what encouraged me to hold on, I had discovered, was the presence of God through music.

When I tried to play my own way, according to my own technique, I was just like a monkey trained to show practiced skills in the circus. I tried to play God myself, and I lost my touch with the music.

“God is dead. And we have killed him,” said Nietzsche.

Once, I, too, killed God, to become God myself. I pushed Him out of my sight because sometimes His will seemed to be different than what I had wanted it to be. Now, I hope to run toward God when playing music. I hope you look back and ask yourselves, “Toward what am I running?”E

Girls’ Spirituality and the Teen Brain Chatham Hall Chaplain Rev. Ned Edwards, D.Min., and Dori Baker, Ph.D. P’13, have coauthored an article that has been selected for publication in the Religious Education Journal, an international journal that deals with the cutting edge of education in a variety of religious settings. Dori is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church and a consultant on youth culture and theology to a national nonprofit organization engaged in leadership training. She uses her “Girlfriend Theology” method of theological reflection to help girls articulate the sacred in everyday life.

This paper explores how new knowledge about the adolescent female brain lends theoretical support to narrative and contemplative practices of spiritual formation with girls.

Baker and Edwards found that current brain research suggests

five spiritual practices (a. thoughtful ritual; b. novelty; c. feedback and social interaction; d. meditation and contemplation; and e. trusted circles of sharing and mentoring) are particularly conducive to and consistent with the development of the adolescent female brain. These methods, as they are practiced communally and when combined with other nurturing techniques, may help shape contemporary young female leaders.

As contemporary leadership styles welcome spiritual integration and leaders become more attuned to their spiritual centers, these practices serve as means by which adolescents can become “active contemplatives and contemplative activists.”

Baker and Edwards presented these findings at the annual meeting of the Religious Education Association in Toronto last November, and Ned will be presenting at a meeting of the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education in Los Angeles in April and at the National Association of Episcopal Schools conference in Baltimore next fall.

S P R I N G

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Service

Chatham Hall is about community and lending a hand

FOR THE SIXTH YEAR, Chatham Hall sent a group of students to South Africa during spring break. They spent nine days working at Soil for Life (a Cape Town-based non-profit organization that gives people the knowledge and skills to grow their own food), Brave Heart Orphanage, Steenvliet School, and Caravelle Primary School.

Kendahl Walz ’13

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Noelle Wilton ’14 in the library the group created from donated books and “Beanie Babies.”

Each book has a corresponding “Beanie Baby” which students can cuddle as they read.

Sasha Seliverstova ’13

Serving at Home

W H I L E A G RO U P O F C H AT H A M H A L L S T U D E N T S traveled to South Africa to participate in the School’s annual service trip, five Chatham Hall girls gave part of their spring break to work on renovation of Habitat For Humanity houses in Danville.

Hannah Early ’12, Trilby Hren ’13, Alyssa Parrish ’15, Helena Schorling ’14, Annika Tice ’15, and faculty and staff members Cathy LaDuke, Gilda Milner, Sheppard Morrison, and Ken Tyburski put in long hours to help bring several houses up to speed.

Helena Schorling ’14, Alyssa Parrish ’15, Annika Tice ’15, Hannah Early ’12, Trilby Hren ’13, and Ken Tyburski S P R I N G

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Class Notes

going

green

S P R I N G

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By Mary-Michael Robertson ’15 Most of us are aware of the importance of taking care of our planet and “being green.”

Sustaining the environment is a tall order considering the immense demands of our industrial world and exploding population. Luckily, here at Chatham Hall, we have a group that is intent on the mission of assisting us all in becoming more environmentally conscious. This group, the Sustainability Committee, which was started last year by biology teacher Amy Davis and her environmental science class, is aimed toward implementing green solutions at Chatham Hall.

One of the main goals of the Sustainability Committee is to help Chatham Hall achieve recognition as a “Green School” by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS). In order to achieve this goal, Ms. Davis says, “We have a long way to go.

We will need more time to implement new sustainable programs before we can get certified, and we are taking steps toward this.”

The Sustainability Committee is currently seeking approval for their Energy Improvement Plan, which would be implemented in the spring, the first of its kind at Chatham Hall. The plan will assist in informing the entire school community about energy and electricity conservation. Also in the current plan is the goal of forming an “Energy Patrol” group that will pass through the campus at night to turn off all unnecessary lights.

This year, the Sustainability Committee has also planted “a very productive fall garden, made window boxes for the greenhouse, and continued with composting and aluminum recycling.” According to Ms. Davis, the Committee’s most exciting accomplishment so far is the community garden: “I’m sure I have never seen such a productive garden...absolutely incredible throughout the spring and summer growing seasons.” The Committee also created a reward program for faculty members that promote green solutions in their classrooms or support the committee’s programs.

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The Sustainability Committee hopes that the entire Chatham Hall community will help in their efforts to make the school more environmentally friendly by “participating in our programs, talking them up, and being enthusiastic about seeing more green on campus,” says Ms. Davis.

Mary-Michael Robertson ’15 writes for Chatham Hall’s newspaper, The Columns. The High School Journalism site, my.hsj.org, chose this article, as well as an article Mary-Michael wrote about birding, to be featured on the National Edition, a collection of the best journalism on my.hsj.org. The stories featured “represent stories that were the most interesting or moving of the week.”

C H AT R E A D S The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan PENGUIN BOOKS, 2006

ilemma is the most important book I’ve ever read—inspiring Chatham Hall’s community garden, environmental science and biology lectures, a field trip to Polyface Farm (featured in Dilemma and the 2008 documentary Food, Inc.), and scores of sustainable ideas for the School. It has moderately reshaped my philosophies and goals while validating some of my suspicions and fears. What are we eating every day, anyway, and where did it come from? That we can’t answer this most basic question of existence without investigative journalism is…scary.

Pollan’s sound scientific approach backs up his common sense posit—that we should recognize the food we eat. In an age where emotional sensationalism dominates persuasive journalism, his impeccable research does the work instead—swaying this baloney detective squarely to the side of sustainable agriculture and a return to the family farm. A M Y A . D A V I S

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A huge year for Wendy Wilson O’Brien with the culmination of representing the USA on the Pony Driving Team at the world championships in Lipica, Slovenia, where her team brought home the bronze medal.

“

In November I welcomed my 7th grandchild into the world, Penelope (Pipa) Mercedes Mattos, with number eight due March 1st. I have three new ponies that I hope to qualify and take to the 2013 Pony Driving World Championships in Holland—and the saga continues. One never knows where life will take you, but I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be on a USA Equestrian Team, especially at age 62!!! Love to all and hope to see the WHOLE CLASS of 1967 at our 45th !?! in May.

Class Notes

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Mary Speer Marr As I reached 90 in October, I asked the children to give me a party in the Spring. I have 4 grandchildren (out of 8) on the West Coast, so my daughter (also born on my birthday) went with me to celebrate out there. Lunch at the Coronado in San Diego and dinner at the Presidio in San Francisco were highlights—weather fantastic.

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Edith Gwathmey Grassi I see as much of Cookie Greene ’41 as I can. In October, she and I had dinner with Nellie Greene ’70 and Eleanora Baird ’42.

cut. A little travel now and then with Elderhostel has taken me far and wide.

Counting blessings, my family lives close by in Newtown and Washington (CT), and I continue to work two days a week at the Housatonic Valley Association in Cornwall Bridge, keeping things green up and down the river in Litchfield County.

Hello to all ’46ers!

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Margaret Ker Gotz I continue to enjoy a variety of activities along Florida’s Gulf Coast near Ocala, though I lost my husband last year. Best wishes to you all.

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Polly Porter Still no assisted living yet, but my golf knees are killing me! Anybody planning on our 70th? Love to all, Polly.

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Harriet Simons Williams Still leading a split life between Charleston, SC and The Forest at Duke Retirement Community in Durham. Both G and I are fine, though a little creaky in the knees.

Charlotte Streeter Goodhue We continue to hike. We just returned from Spain where we hiked 115 miles on the Camino de Compastela—a beautiful trek. I see Mary Hooker Crary ’45 frequently and we have many laughs together. I wish I was young enough to go to Chatham now. It sounds like an exciting place.

Kathryn Reed Smith Bill and I have moved into a retirement community in Davis after 47 years in our house. “Down-sizing” and BOOKS were quite a challenge. But, we are enjoying our new home.

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Joan Miller Tait Sixty five years out! I’m thankful to be still living independently here in Bridgewater, Connecti-

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Eda Williams Martin I am proud that the daughter of Bishop Herman Hollerith of Southern VA (formerly Rector of my church, Bruton Parish of Williamsburg) is a new student at Chatham—Elizabeth Hollerith ’15!

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Mary Griswold Horrigan My husband of nearly 57 years died of Mesothelioma, the asbestos caused lung cancer, which was probably picked up in four years of ship board exposure as a supply officer in the Navy in the

1950’s. The only “good” part of this is that I would never have met him if he had not been in the Navy.

Some of you may have met him at Chatham reunions in Portland, Maine.

Sally Reese Pryor I live near Centes Morrill Papes ’50, whom I see as often as she is in the “neighborhood,” sojourning as she does also in the Adirondacks and Florida. Less often I also see Elizabeth “Betty” Barker Frank ’50, who lives in N.J. Both Centes and Betty are widowed. My husband, Sam, was hit by a car in Manhattan while crossing the street in 2010 and has not recovered well. Luckily, we live in a lovely little Westchester valley over looking a hidden lake, which provides wildlife galore to enjoy and admire.

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Mary Shoup Gardner Summer 2011—Excellent music festival as always. Sister and family here for 2-week Aspen visit. Glorious fall weather. Aspen leaves of gold and red best ever.

Currently waiting for much needed snow!

Ann Cochran McCandless We have moved to a condo in Clayton, which is in St. Louis County. The house and grounds became a bit much, so we have a small patio and garden alongside our apartment, which our dog has “just” gotten used to. She didn’t think much of our move and sat next to the front door for two days waiting for someone to take her back home! It was very sad! All is well now, though. I am still trying to find where I carefully put various things.

Christina Sawtelle Teale Six of us from the class of ’51 attended our 60th (can it be??) reunion and had a glorious time coming “home” to Chatham.

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Alison Wright Cameron All’s well in Bronxville. My two children and their spouses and four very young grandchildren live nearby in Westchester County. I saw Priscilla “Petie” Pugh Kirkpatrick ’62 at Chautauqua last summer and talk to Clare Harwood Nunes ’52 quite a bit. How about our 60th Reunion?

Mary Webster Kampf Can’t believe it is our 60th Reunion! Seems impossible. Family is all fine, four grandchildren employed— one of whom is getting married in August—one still in college, “A Duck” (Rose Bowl Champ) and last but not least, two in middle school. Where did all my babies go?

Alice Pack Melly Wonderful trip with the Metropolitan Museum of Art on The Golden Eagle Train through the Silk Road in Central Asia. Eleanor Lyman Hodges ’47 was in the next car!!! Great fun to discover her through conversation and enjoy her company throughout the trip.

Ann Kirkpatrick Runnette We have moved to a retirement community on Hilton Head, SC called “Cypress.”

We like it here and there are many nice people.

Some of whom we knew before. We are off to London with our youngest son for a week of theatre.

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Joan Cass Adams I look forward to hearing from other

Chathamites and even more, welcome visitors to my home near Taos.

Olivia Hutchins Dunn Nothing special to report but MAYBE next year—fingers crossed!

Anne Bourne Rose Jim and I feel so fortunate to be healthy and strong. We continue to be Docents at the Washington National Cathedral, right next door to the National Cathedral School For Girls, where I taught for twenty years. I still volunteer at the information desk at Sibley Hospital and am on the Flower Guild of our church. I adore arranging flowers and continue to do quite a bit of oil painting. Jim and I are bi-coastal, for Lee and her husband live in Los Angeles and have two lovely children, Averill— age 9 and Hayden—age 7.

Annie and her husband, Chip, live in Maine where we all get together in the summer. We have had a wonderful life for which we are most grateful.

Winston Case Wright “Hi” to all my classmates.

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Sarah Austen Adams Still living in Houston but plan to move east in the Spring to be closer to children.

Caroline Ramsay Merriam We continue to live in Georgetown. I work at my foundation, which makes grants to community and international development organizations. Serve on some non-profit Boards.

My husband, Duke, is retired from the World Bank and is writing a memoir about his service in Jordan, where he knew

King Hussein. We have three living children, seven grandchildren, and two great grandsons. We remain ardent Democrats!

Caroline Young Moore It’s been another busy year for us. We still have the travel bug and take a couple of trips annually. Spend four months a year at Martha’s Vineyard in the off season.

Our grandchildren are doing well and growing much too fast! Oldest is 26 years— youngest five. Aspen’s still wonderful—keeps us hopping. If in the area please get in touch with us.

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Louanna Owens Carlin Had a wonderful visit with Shelby Elliott Roberts ’55 in early November. I continue to be a ballet fan and go to as many performances as I can, and to the theater almost as much. Am avidly studying Italian and try to go for at least a week every year, although I missed 2011.

See Barbara “Barbie” Barker ’55 at least once a year when she comes to NYC. What fun to get reacquainted after so many years!

the Fountains and Robin Tieken Hadley ’57 this summer. Then went off to Montana to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary with our sons and families.

Still riding and ranching.

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Katherine Norcross Wheeler We’ve just had our 10th grandchild, Kai Wheeler, and find all of them enchanting. Life is wonderful in Maine.

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Leila McConnell Daw I was astounded, flattered, and happy with the Chat article about my work! Thank you (yet again), Chatham Hall, for all you’ve done for me!

I see Georgia Pugh ’59 occasionally at openings and such—she’s also an artist—but we live too far apart to see one another as often as I’d like. We have a wonderul new granddaughter, Azalea Cybele Daw, born August 19—another

chance for a Chathamite??

I had 23 pieces of work in an exhibition, “Ground Truth: Mapping the Senses/Charting Experience,” at the Housatonic Museum of Art in Bridgeport, CT this winter. The show ran January 13–Feb 10, and included work by 17 artists, including Pat Steir, John Cage, Ree Morton, and Merce Cunningham, among others. I’ve been in Myanmar (Burma), where I’m starting a new project.

Eleanor Silliman Maroney Wissie Thompson ’58 invites me to the Philadelphia Orchestra at least 2X a year—we have lunch with wine (of course) and discuss all the Chatham news, then have a relaxing 2+ hours at the Orchestra, where I try not to embarrass myself by falling asleep (though I would be in good company if I did!).

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Louise Shartle Coleman I have moved from an 80 acre farm in Wisconsin to a small cottage in Berkeley, CA.

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Mary-Jo Loomis Kail I am enjoying my retirement up here in the Smoky Mountains—it is beautiful! My daughter and four grandchildren live in the village below (about 10 miles away). My oldest son and his wife are living in Florida; my youngest son and my granddaughter live in NY. Lots of BEARS here!!

Sue Wolf Moore Enjoyed a lovely mountain lunch with

Kathleen Gillespie de Comenge Submitted through Sally Saltonstall Willis ’58 The ’08 reunion really was such fun—I have a clear, warm memory of everything, and one of the best parts was the drive to and from with Sally and Allen Craig Mears ’58 and Molly Buck ’58. At the time of the reunion, we had one grandchild with two on the way, and when we parted, I was headed for Cleveland to see my ailing mother. She died less than two months later. So, since the reunion, my life has had both the sorrow and joy that many of us are experiencing at this time. It sounds sugary, but the grandchildren really do bring joy. I love getting on the floor or the ground and playing with them, however clumsy I feel when I get up! Miguel and I are having a pleasant retirement. Miguel has done some freelance work and is involved in many hobbies, both new and old. And I’m only semi-retired since I still give some classes, which I love. I read recently that many people our age prefer to continue working at least in a reduced schedule, and I guess I’m one of them. On the other hand, I love the relaxation and added enjoyment that come with more free time for other activities. I had great fun seeing Molly and Wissie Thompson ’58 again, each in New York after the births of our third and fourth grandchildren respectively. Hopefully, Molly will be coming to Spain again this fall. Wissie drove from Philadelphia especially for a luncheon celebration of our 70ths at a super French restaurant, and we had a wonderful time. On that note, late happy 70th (or perhaps 71st) birthday to you and all the members of our great class of 1958. xo, Lynn S P R I N G

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Allen Craig Mears Don and I have bought a petite house in Oro Valley outside of Tucson. New England winters are too long we find—we love the change.

Wissie Thompson Have seen a number of Chathamites this past year.

When visiting Lee Porter Page ’59, in Vero Beach, FL saw Betsy Baldwin Montague ’59, Peggotty Worthington Gilson ’59, Lala Mapes Maresi ’59, and Janie Huntley Webster ’57. This summer in Maine I saw Floy Schroeder Ervin ’58, Ellie Morgan Moran ’58, Sally Saltonstall Willis ’58, Molly Buck ’58 plus Andy Staples Waldron ’57, Sally Lawrence Clark ’40, and our Beth Griffin, Chaham Hall’s Associate Director of Advancement.

Enjoy being on the Alumnae Council because it keeps me in touch with Chatham friends and the school.

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Lee Porter Page Wissie Thompson ’58 came to Vero Beach, Florida for a visit in January 2012. During her visit we were able to get together with Lala Mapes Maresi ’59, Betsy Baldwin ’59, Peggotty Worthington Gilson ’59 and Janie Huntley Webster ’57.

Come visit us!

Georgia Pugh I am very busily preparing for a big step professionally: a New York solo exhibition of my paintings this coming June, at the Durst Gallery in the Wall Street Journal Building, at 1155 Sixth Avenue. It’s a very dramatic venue! In case there are any Chathamites who would be interested in seeing the work of my “Seawall Series,” the show will be up from June 1–July 11, and the opening reception will be June 7, from 6:00–8:00.

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Mary Potts Montgomery Hi there— Gracie Nunes Thompson ’60 and I get together now and again to walk around Seattle’s Green Lake.

We invite any other Chathamites in the area or passing through to get in touch and join us.

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Virginia Willson Welch We have finally left the bright lights of Manhattan and moved to Stonington, CT. Moving was stressful—trying to fit three residences into two but we did it! Of course, we didn’t toss nearly enough stuff, but at least

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Adelaide McKenzie Moss Hi there. Dyer and I have been living in Abingdon, VA for 7 years, hard to believe. I think in my heart I missed Virginia, so here we are. We love it here—we knew no one when we arrived, just took a chance. There’s lots of art and, of course the famous Barter Theatre, which we support and try never to miss. I have been painting (I still owe so much to Gertrude Whiting!) more and more. Adelaide aka “A” McKenzie Moss, for some, my nickname has become Addy, but I recognize “A” from school days.

Toinette Tucker My partner, Paul Coughlin, and I have just launched an internet site www.BerkshireStyle. com. It is an online magazine and resource for the tri-state area of the Berkshires where I live. It has been a year and a half in the making. I am the photographer. Who knew I would end up doing this???? Please visit us online, on Facebook and on Twitter. Also my photo website at www.Toni Tucker.com

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Bettina Brown Irvine Celebrated the 7th anniversary of her double lung transplant over Thanksgiving.

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Priscilla “Petie” Pugh Kirkpatrick Excitement continues to build for our 50th Reunion!

we’re more or less in order.

Visitors are welcome.

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Mahala Tillinghast Beams Am enjoying my first year of retirement after 40 plus years of teaching music and dance.

Family, friends, dogs, lots of activities and endeavors keep me active, engaged, and thankful.

Craig Coggins I enjoy the mystery photos in the Chat and I am looking forward to our 50th Reunion in 2014.

Mary Lloyd McDonald has entered into a new lifestyle.

“I have bought an RV and spend the summer and fall months on the road working at various temporary jobs. Summer of ’11 was spent living in my RV and working on an organic

berry farm in Rochester, VT. Spent a fabulous weekend with Dede Smith Waite ’65, in Maine. Fall months spent working at Amazon.com with 750 other workampers, not to mention the 3500 other employees.

Interesting but very physically challenging work! We were all very grateful for mild winter weather!

Workamping is a great way to see the country, meet really interesting folks, and experience jobs you may otherwise not have the opportunity to do.”

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Laura Bullitt Despard Busy volunteering at an inner city mission, city school tutor, local food pantry, Rochester Episcopal Diocese, and my church. Keeps me hopping in retirement.

Hope Metcalf Johnston Planning to retire in April 2012. Chris and I hope to travel around the US to see family and friends without the limitations of work schedules. Our two daughters (and sons-in-law), living in the Boston area and Atlanta, have given us four fabulous grandsons. My son is in NYC, and Chris is in Portland, OR, and both are single. So if any of your daughters are looking for great guys.....

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Julia Felker My grandson, George, has just turned one year old. George is expecting a little brother in 2012. I split my time between my summer home outside Washington D.C. and winter home in Wellington, FL. My horses and dogs do too.

I ride almost every day— dressage now.

Charlie Strater, son of Georgia Bennett ’67, and his daughter Jordan

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Georgia Cadwalader Bennett We have settled happily into York, Maine, where today it is a cold three degrees! No regrets though, and also no snow! My one child, Charlie Strater, has taken up painting in the steps of his great grandfather Henry Strater and is selling well! I am so proud of him. My granddaughter Jordan rides horses over tall fences in the

footsteps of my father. Had a great birthday lunch with Kathy Reynolds Chandler ’68 in Concord, NH. I am hoping to travel with her to the reunion in May. Had lunch yesterday with Fenton Goodwin Friend ’55 and the Chatham connections go on! Another dear friend here in York is Carol Jeanes Hollingsworth ’50.

Maura Smith Collins I have a new last name! I married Bill Collins in September.

All is going well—just trying to figure out closet space! Can’t wait for the Reunion in May! Debbie Humphreys Jones I am looking forward to our 45th class reunion at Chatham May 4–6. I hope, many of our classmates of ’67 will be there!

Margaret Perkins Sise Have you read Ida Little’s ’67 book about beach camping with small boats? It could change your life and you might set sail. I WOULD except I do love sleeping in a real bed. It’s a fascinating book though! I have six horses over the age of twenty. Please stop by and help me take care of them if you are in New England.

Laurie Nussdorfer ’68 comes every winter and brings carrots. That is a real friend!

Marney Ault Wasserman Sorry I won’t be able to get back to Virginia for the reunion. Sounds like there’ll be a good crowd.

But I’m still preaching on Sundays, and working my tail off the rest of the week, as pastor of a downtown church in Tucson, Arizona —Trinity Presbyterian. Dave

and I are looking forward to retiring sometime in the next few years. We have two sons, a daughter, and three grandchildren! Matt runs a landscape design business in Denver, CO; he and his wife Karalee have a two-year old son, Dylan.

Nick, with a new PhD is on the Math Education faculty at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX; he and his wife Clare have two daughters—Addie, 5, and Tali, 3 1/2. Our youngest, Kate, is a music therapist in Houston, TX. Mary “Polly” Wotherspoon I was recently in the hospital and my great nursing student asked if I had gone to Chatham Hall. I got tremendous care from Nanette Murtha ’06 who is a granddaughter of my friend Florence Monks Ault ’46.

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Annie Clarke Ager John and I are living in my parents’ home at Hickory Nut Gap Farm in Fairview. I still teach riding and collect eggs and do whatever needs to be done here. My son Jamie and his wife run the farm now, producing grainfed beef, pastured pork, chicken, and turkeys. We have seven grandchildren. Son Eric is at the Pentagon, son Keven in the Army Reserves on his way to Kosovo in the Fall, and Douglas getting a masters in Creative Writing. I love hearing from Chatham friends and love the new magazine.

Laurie Nussdorfer Corinne Rafferty ’68 and I had a wonderful weekend visit with Nancy Remley Whiteley ’68 at her family’s Lake Michigan cottage in September, 2011. Nancy’s virulent version of Parkinson’s (Multiple System Atrophy) is a challenge, but she takes great joy in her family and beautiful dog Cooper.

Muffy Dent Stuart Life is full and great in Kentucky!

Grandson Will lives close by and was born August 22, 2011. Son Harrison and his wife, Katherine, live in Orange, VA with my grandsons Teddy and Jack. Harrison is the Director of

Trina Robinson Secor ’68 and family

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Admission at Woodberry Forest School. I am Secretary of the National Association of Colonial Dames in KY board. Active in outreach at church. Fun times over the year with Trina Robinson Secor ’68, Julie Johnson ’69, Lucy Williams Maish ’68 and Jessica Bell Nicholson ’67—Love to classmates! Cheers to Gary for his leadership at CH!!

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Talmadge Ragan Things are good in Charlotte. Mary Murrill Oakes ’69 and I have spent hours talking, and we’re looking to get a group together for a beach trip— let us know if you’re in! I have a new audiobook out, “AfterAge” by Yvonne Navarro who invented “Buffy,” and I recently did a music video about the Women’s Rights Movement—look for it on YouTube. Hope to see old friends at the Reunion in May. Do come! It’s even better than you can imagine.

Mary Bailey Vance Suitt I am still living in Atlanta, GA. My son Fleming continues to produce large events and recently produced his sister’s wedding.

My daughter Mary Ellen was married in my hometown in Clinton, SC and the reception was at my mother’s historic home built in 1886. Mary Ellen is a Wellness Coordinator for Colonial Life Insurance Corporation and my son Ben is getting his masters in World Religion and Ethics at Emory University.

Husband, Tom, is still doing well in industrial construction at THS Constructors headquartered in Greenville, SC. I still enjoy painting and have several recent commissions.

fundraiser—the Kentucky Bluegrass Wine Auction & Derby Gala. They have helped develop many new donors and patrons to the organization, raising thouA group of us from the Class of ’69 all met out in San Francisco this fall. sands of dollars in support From Left to Right-Anne Blodget Holberton, Tucky of LCF’s mission to raise Stout Pogue, Julie Johnson, Mary Wolcott Davis, funds and awareness in the Linda Alford Sahl, and Carol Harlocker McBee fight against cancer.

Catherine Walker Am now Because of all of these conretired after 34 years worktributions, LCF is proud to ing for the United Nations honor Dr. and Mrs. Nicol High Commission for on National Philanthropy Refugees. Discovering all the Day. National Philanthropy things I missed while workDay is a special day set ing. Reading more, catching aside to recognize and pay up with old friends. Taking tribute to the great contritime. That’s wonderful! butions that philanthropyand those people active in Ninna Fisher Denny Saw the philanthropic commuRobin Peake Stuart ’69 in nity-have made to our November. We had a quick lives, our communities, and catch-up at her house in our world. For more inforLake Forest. Our daughter mation go to www.

Mary Carter Denny is getlexingtonfoundation.org ting married in New Orleans in October. Cathy Williams Elizabeth Cary ’70 and her Mother Noel Pierson Greetings to Barnes Williams ’47 have all my classmates! I hope been our wedding consultyou’re all doing well. I have ants. Lucky for us! so many great memories of Chatham. It’s wonderful to Martha “Mott” Givens Nicol read about all the exciting The Lexington Cancer Founthings happening there! dation announces that Mott and her husband, Bruce, Margaret Malloy Sanders I were honored during am still loving Naples, FL. National Philanthropy Day My family went to Kauai in November 2011 for their this summer and we padsupport and leadership of dle boarded for the first the organization. Dr. and time. Too much fun! Nona Mrs. Bruce Nicol have been Pinkoson Upshaw ’71 and I long time supporters of LCF. see each other on a regular Mrs. Nicol is an original basis. founding member of LCF. Since LCF’s inception in Martha Stevens 2004, Mrs. Nicol has served Brown Daughter on the Executive Committee Elizabeth is in her 2nd year and tirelessly volunteered of three in Duke’s Physical her time and efforts to every Therapy Doctorate Proaspect of the organization. gram. Son Derek will be Her enthusiasm and positive graduating with a Bacheattitude are inspirational to lor’s Degree from Carnegieall staff, board members and Mellon University’s School volunteers that work with of Computer Science. Glad her. Dr. and Mrs. Nicol have to have Frannie Wallace been very instrumental in Robertson ’73 join us on growing LCF’s largest Alumnae Council.

Marian Henley I live in Austin Texas, among the deer and coyotes with my son William and husband, Rick. We adopted William (Né Igor) from Vladivostok, Russia, in 2004. He’s now a lively and handsome blond third-grader who keeps me young (if occasionally fatigued). My love to Chatham Hall!

Mia Miller I am still living in Anchorage, Alaska; I work for First National Bank Alaska doing chargebacks. My husband, Paul, is the regional manager of Qdoba restaurants in Mia Miller ’73 and her dog, Ralph

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ing up this way on a vacation is welcome to give me a call.

Frances Wallace Robertson Son, Alex, 21, is a junior at Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO majoring in Geology. Son, Stewart, 19, is a sophomore at University of Colorado, Boulder majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

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Anne Wynn Weissinger I teach various subjects at a small private school in Rolling Fork, MS. Each year I tell the story of my most inspiring teacher, Miss Gillam. The first trimester my grades were AWFUL, especially in Latin, but Miss Gillam told me she would never give up on me, so I should not give up on myself. Thank you Chatham Hall for giving me such a great example.

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Alaska and our daughter Vera lives with us as well.

We have found Anchorage to be an extremely diverse and unique place to live although the winters and increased darkness have taken some getting used to.

We enjoy fishing and camping in the summer time and I enjoy cross country skiing with my dog in the winter. Anyone com-

Five of the six Bolduc sisters (Clare Bolduc Richards ’79, Susan Bolduc Hunter ’71, Patsy Bolduc, Nancy Bolduc ’72, and Genie Bolduc ’77–Mary Bolduc McKeown ’76 is not pictured). All but the youngest, Patsy, attended Chatham Hall. This photo was taken in July 2011 in Hermosa Beach, CA when Clare turned 50

Catherine Sperry I am a clinical nursing instructor at Southern CT State University these days. That picture was taken when I was in Sydney Australia. I was one of 170 people who sang in a sold out concert. There were 2500 people in the audience! I am a member of the Connecticut Choral Society and have been so for four years now. I have sung in Carnegie Hall (2010) and on 2/20/12 we

sang in a benefit concert at Radio City Music Hall. I will be singing at Westminster Hall in London in 2012 as well as Edinburgh.

Alums in the CT/NYC area should look us up on the web at www.ctchoral society.org to see us live....

I wonder what Mr. Whittington would say!!!!

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Robin Musser Agnew and her husband Jamie are getting ready to celebrate 20 years of being in the book business next fall. Our mystery bookstore, Aunt Agatha’s, turns 20 in September.

We’ll be throwing a giant party in October if anyone is out Michigan way!

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Clare Bolduc Richards Here’s what you do when you turn 50: Visit your in-laws in England, then meet your friends in France for a week at a country house, and eat, visit castles, caves,

Kate Sperry ’76 in Sydney, Australia, where she sang at a sold out concert

Pace Cooke Emmons ’77 with daughter Robin Emmons ’14 at Parents Weekend

rivers, medieval cities, markets, and speak questionable French. Let your husband and son throw you a party, Hawaiian themed, and drink a lot.

Be sure to wear something ridiculous, preferably faux python skin platform boots, and invite as many people as possible. Because, you are the queen. Make your sisters join you at the beach for a long weekend of relaxing, Korean spa and scrub, gourmet meals, Xbox Kinect games that make you laugh so hard you pee, view beach volleyball, shop, talk, and enjoy the beautiful California coast. Have your friend the french chef prepare you and your friends an amazing couscous, and a seven layer chocolate mousse cake. Get a massage. Count your blessings, including your wonderful son, fabulous husband, fantastic family, and awesome friends. Also, your health, happiness, and good fortune. Other things that are happening: still living in Houston, my son Julian started 4th grade, our cat Oscar passed away at 19 1/2, so we are without pet, I can’t seem to buy a house, I got laid off, I am enjoying not working, I’m thinking of changing career S P R I N G

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Annette Kirby ‘80 with Chatham Hall students at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk for the Cure in September

Class Notes beautiful campus. I am living on St. Simons Island, Georgia, running a small cottage rental business. I have twin boys who are twelve and a wonderful husband. It is a shame that they can’t attend Chatham but my mind wanders to my niece as I write this....

P.S. Hope to visit sometime.

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from laboratory manager to something (?) else, my parents are aging, I seem to spend a lot of time with family, I made a new friend, I took a class to learn about personal finance, I’m thinking of things I’d like to teach my son, or help him with, I am considering menopause.

This year I’d like to be more creative. I sometimes chat (via phone or internet) to Beth Stephens ’79 or Xandra Coe ’79, and Nancy Whittaker ’79 gave me some fantastic advice recently. I am already missing Beth’s weddings.

Feel free to drop a line— clarebolduc@hotmail.com.

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Allison Sutton Fuqua All is well in North Carolina! Our oldest, Caroline, is a Junior at Clemson and is getting ready to study abroad at Lorenzo de Medici in Florence. Our youngest, Sarah Randall, is a freshman at the University of South Carolina.

Annette Kirby Currently I am working on my Masters Degree with an Arts concentration at Hollins University. I moved to Warm Springs in June but still have an apartment in Roanoke. I love my new

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house and if any classmates are in the area of the Homestead, give me a call!

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Karen Gates Kettler is living in Chadds Ford, PA with husband, Peter Kettler. Karen’s oldest son, Hugh, graduated University of Delaware Engineering in 2010. He is employed in Danbury, CT. Her second son, David, graduated from Stanford University in 2011 in Symbolic Systems (Phi Beta Kappa). He is employed in San Francisco, CA. Her

daughter, Ellen, is currently a freshman at Stanford.

Ellen is in the marching band and on the Equestrian Team. Karen plays tennis and cares for her four dogs and two horses.

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Michele Smith Beveridge I recently had the chance to read through a boxful of letters that I sent to my mother during my years at Chatham Hall. The experience brought back some fond memories of faculty, students, staff, and that

Terri Coleman Washington In 2011 I became a published author. My debut Novel titled Yesterday’s Lies was on the Amazon top 100 list topping the list at number 24 and has remained on the list for the past three months. I also won the AAMBC 2011 Book of the year award. My next novel, which will be titled Today’s Truth, will be out this spring.

so glad we had this opportunity to see the school—and that it is thriving!

Alumnae Council Charms (Proceeds benefit the Alumnae Legacy Scholarship Fund)

’93 Kermit Birchfield father of Guthrie Birchfield Schweitzer ’93 and David Robinson (former trustee) father of Anna Robinson ’93 and Laura Robinson ’97, at the wedding of Emily Blair Harvey ’93

Chatham Hall Glass Ornaments (Proceeds benefit the Sophomore Class Gift)

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Susan Gillings Gross Daughter Emma Nicole was born to Susan and husband Dustin on 11.11.11. Emma is Susan and Dustin’s second child and joins her brother Owen.

Below: Nini and with cocharacters, Amber (Elizabeth Roberts) and Cosie (Angele Perez)

I made an impromptu visit to Chatham Hall on October 15th, which just happened to be in the middle of the Parent’s Weekend. I have always wanted to show my husband around the school and it was looking FABULOUS! It’s too bad

impressed with the new dining hall, the Van Voorhis lecture centre, and the refurbished classrooms and common rooms for the students. It was total LUXURY compared to what I remembered! It was wonderful to see CH looking so well and to see so many happy girls and their parents all busily heading into the Chapel. It brought back many happy memories and I am

Nini Hadjis So I am back in Los Angeles after producing and acting in the feature film Old Fashioned, filmed throughout Tuscarawas County, OH. Currently it is in the editing phase of post production.

Please check us out on Facebook under Old Fashioned Movie and “Like” us! You can also find some information at www.oldfashioned movie.com. So proud to be part of this film! The film is about a former frat boy and a free-spirited woman who attempt the impossible: an “old-fashioned” courtship in contemporary America. It is scheduled to be released in early 2013.

Left: Nini Hadjis ’89 on the set of Old Fashioned, a film in which she acted and produced. Her character, Lisa, is pictured at an antique shop in a small mid-western college town

Stephanie Dozier Kirkman ’83

that I was a student back in the early 80’s because the Chatham Hall of today is truly an amazing place to be. I was so

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Chatham Hall Vineyard Vines Collection (Proceeds benefit the Senior Class Gift)

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Elkin Cushman Taylor I am living in New York and life has been a little busy lately. I married Roger Taylor last year and gained two beautiful step daughters. This year we had a little boy named Jack. Please be in touch if you are in New York. elkintaylor@ gmail.com.

Visit us online at http://chathamhall.org/bookstore/index.php to view and purchase these and many more great items!

Questions? Please call Bookstore Manager Maureen Webb at 434-432-5512. Bookstore merchandise may be purchased online or by phone.

Gretchen Blair Clark ’92, Kate Blair Farmer ’00, Tafton Lane Coleman ’99, and Hilary Shaye Coleman ’03 at Kate’s wedding in July. Kate married Benjamin Farmer here at Chatham Hall. Photo by Lisa Carter www.photobylisa.com

Class Notes

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Rose Ward Kreger ’98, Jennifer Jackson Moulton ’98, Elizabeth Hutchinson ’98, and Lori Palmore Heath ’98

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Lori Palmore Heath In 2011, I was fortunate to see so many of my Chatham Hall friends. I visited with Susan Gillings Gross ’98 in February when I was in NC and then Parker Leigh Heath, daughter of attended the first birthday Lori Palmore Heath ’98, born April 30th, 2010 party for Candice Dickinson Hamilton’s ’97 little girl Savy in May while I was in Memphis. In October, I was a bridesmaid in Kerry O’Neill Irwin’s ’98 wedding in Lexington, Kentucky, where Alyson Kent ’97 was also a bridesmaid and Jennifer Jackson Moulton ’98 was in attendance. In November I flew across the country to Portland, OR for a mini reunion with Rose Ward Kreger ’98, Elizabeth Hutchinson ’98 and Jennifer Jackson Moulton ’98 in celebration of Rose’s recent nuptials.

Most recently I was in NYC and stayed with Elizabeth Hutchinson, my former roommate. It was just like old times! For the past five years my family and I have been living in the Midwest, south of St. Louis, Missouri, where I work in medical sales, which I love. In April of 2010, my husband and I welcomed a little girl, Parker Leigh Heath, who is the apple of our eye. We are living in rural bliss on ten, horse-friendly acres, complete with two horses and a red barn. Life is grand!

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Morgan Brawley Rhodes One of my 2011 New Years Resolutions was to visit some of my Chatham Hall sisters. As a result, I had the honor of watching my godson, JR Flood, son of Carolyn Watson Flood ’99, be baptized in July. I also had the opportunity to visit Asami Inaguma Moren ’99 and her husband and to meet their son Alex in New Jersey in October. Within the next month I was able to visit Christine Littlejohn Chalko ’02 and her husband and their daughter Rylie in Illinois. I love being “Auntie Morgan” and I feel

truly blessed to have such wonderful sisters, and the resources to visit them.

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Kerry O’Neill Irwin I married Christopher William Irwin on October 22, 2011 in Lexington, Kentucky. Alyson Kent ’97 and Lori Palmore Heath ’98 were two of my bridesmaids, and Jennifer Jackson Moulton ’98 and Kathryn Mills Warren ’03 also attended the wedding. Chris and I spent two wonderful weeks touring Ireland on our honeymoon. In November I started a new job at Dinsmore & Shohl in Lexington, Kentucky, where I practice equine, gaming, and general corporate law. We are enjoying life in Lexington with Arlo the horse and Mosby the dog.

Mollie Allen P’04, Kelly Keefe ’04, and Mary Elizabeth Wilkes ’04 visited Chatham in January to hear the 2011–2012 Leader in Residence, Gloria Steinem

02 Kerry O’Neill Irwin ’98 with husband Chris and Arlo the horse

Jennifer Jackson Moulton ’98, Lori Palmore Heath ’98, Kerry O’Neill Irwin ’98, Kathryn Mills Warren ’04, and Alyson Kent ’97 at Kerry’s wedding in October

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Katherine Velasco Rutherford and husband Bryan announce the birth of Julia Mariel Rutherford. Julia was born on July 13, 2011. She weighed 7 lbs 2 oz, and was 18.5 inches long.

Julia Mariel Rutherford, daughter of Katherine Velasco Rutherford ’00

Claire Elizabeth Parsons, daughter of Rebecca Boswell Parsons ’01

Beth Mason Fortner I have a BSW from Campbell University and am working on a MA in Mental Health Counseling (anticipated graduation May 2013). I am a Early Intervention Service Coordinator for the Sandhills Children’s Developmental Services Agency (CDSA) with the State of NC (since 5/2008). I married John Robert Fortner on December 10, 2011.

Emily Brown Sales wed Matt Sales at the Wintergreen Resort, Virginia on October 1, 2011.

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Averil Liebendorfer Mary Katherine Evans Rordam ’03, Mary Giddings Dunlap ’03, Sarah Arnn Parrish ’03, and Jennifer Hinson ’03 travelled to Baltimore, MD to visit me the weekend of January 13–16 for a mini-reunion. We went to a chili and wine festival, experienced fine-dining, and had a lot of much-needed catch up time. We are unfortunately extremely spread out (Rordam in Atlanta, Dunlap in Greenville, SC, Parrish in Burlington, NC, and Hinson in New York), so this was a special treat for me! It was nice to share stories about working in private schools, wedded life, child-rearing, and much more!

Averil Liebendorfer ’03, Mary Giddings Dunlap ’03, Jennifer Hinson ’03, Mary Katherine Evans Rordam ’03, and Sarah Arnn Parrish ’03 in Baltimore, MD for a mini-reunion

Olga Ramsay ’06, Taylor Hucks ’04, Christy Park ’00, Megan Grissett ’05, Laura Rand ’06, Amanda Peterkin ’05, Jennifer Hinson ’03, and Emma Smith ’05 at a young alumnae gathering in New York City

Class Notes Lea Lane ’08 with history teachers Dennis Reichelderfer and Geoff Braun at Monticello, where Lea is a guide

Katherine Peery Students Active in Education (SAE), under the supervision of sponsor Nina AdkinsFisher, selected Katherine Peery Wright ’03 as November Teacher of the Month. In her fourth year at Giles High School in Pearisburg, VA, she teaches Algebra 1 and Algebra 2, coaches Math MACC, sponsors the Junior Class, and is the Prom Advisor.

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Aemelia Hudson graduated from the College of Charleston, in South Carolina, during May 2011, with a degree in English Literature and Philosophy. She then spent the summer traveling abroad to England, Scotland, and Ireland with one of her Phi Mu sorority sisters. She is now a preschool teacher at St. Philip’s Episcopal

Church, and an International Real Estate Associate at Handsome Properties, both of which are within walking distance of her home in downtown Charleston, where she lives with her one year old cockapoo named Callie.

Aemelia recently saw classmate Liz Lowenstein ’07 for the first time in years, when Liz visited a friend in Charleston. Aemelia plans to stay in Charleston for at least the next year, but hopes to make it home to Virginia and back to Chatham sometime soon!

Elizabeth Loewenstein In January Sandy Turnbull ’07 and Liz met up for a visit in California’s Bay Area.

The trip included wine tasting, a day trip to Berkeley, and lots of talk about the upcoming reunion in May!

In January Sandy Turnbull ’07 and Liz Loewenstein ’07 met up for a visit in California’s Bay Area. The trip included wine tasting, a day trip to Berkeley and lots of talk about the upcoming reunion in May!

Sandra Turnbull I graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in May, and moved to Boise, ID to become a process engineer for the semiconductor company, Applied Materials.

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Whitney Phelps A while ago, I applied to be a paid blogger on behalf of the Office of International Education at my school. I was chosen as one of four people out of over 15 applicants to study abroad in the Netherlands! With that being said I wanted to make sure you have the link to my blog in case you wanted to follow my adventures while I’m gone. Here’s the link: http://urtravelogues. wordpress.com/

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Kathryn Bennett is studying abroad in

Lelan Dunavant ’05, Chen Xie ’11, Laurel Street ’11, and Tally Stanley ’11 at Spoon restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia

the Netherlands for a semester in the fall.

Catherine Merwin is a freshman at Georgetown University in International Health. She returned to Chatham Hall for Gloria Steinem’s visit and enjoyed seeing friends and alumnae at Chatham Hall.

Other Notes Mrs. Victoria Taylor Allen (French Teacher 1965–73) I work part time at Convent of the Sacred Heart, Greenwich, CT as their historian and archivist. I was an English teacher with their school in NYC for a number of years, and 17 years ago, after I was widowed, went to their school in Greenwich, part time doing the work I do now. I love it! It keeps me busy and with young people and

Corinna Hedge ’12 and Elise Dugan ’12 visited Victoria Litos ’09 and Heather Yepez ’10 at Sweetbriar College during Chatham Hall’s College Visit weekend

wonderful faculty and staff. I guided a group of 12 faculty and staff to Paris and Joigny, France this past summer (’11) on a pilgrimage to the places connected with the foundress of the religious order I work with: the Society of the Sacred Heart. We have 200 schools around the world, but our foundress was born in Joigny, Burgundy and spent most of her 85 years in Paris. What is now the Rodin Museum in Paris was our school from 1820 to 1905. Needless to

say, it was a fabulous trip.

We are pulling together one for the alumnae this coming summer. Our website is www.cshgreenwich.org.

Chatham Hall was one of the happiest periods of my life. I was there for 8 years and really just loved it. I feel so blessed to have worked in education since 1965 at schools like Chatham and Convent of the Sacred Heart.

Mr. and Mrs. Barry K. Brown Report that daughter Emily Brown Sales ’02 got married

to Matthew Sales on October 2011 in Wintergreen, VA. She is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) at the Child Development Center in Lynchburg, VA. Daughter Meredith Brown ’04 is a Sales Rep for Kraft Foods.

She lives in Candler, NC and serves the Western, NC region.

Dr. and Mrs. Michael B. O’Brien Report that Amy O’Brien Covert ’06 and Ann O’Brien ’07 are doing well.

Amy is an Xray Technician

in my office. Ann is doing event planning in D.C. Mr. John L. Thorndike My two sisters, Olivia Thorndike Cheever ’38 and Sally Thorndike Haydock ’47 went to Chatham, and my younger one Sal Haydock brought home her Chatham roommate several times and soon I became smitten, which resulted in a wonderful 58 year marriage to Dorothy Dudley Thorndike ’47, originally from Bronxville, New York.

NANCY MARSHALL FORCIER ’45 OF ADAMSTOWN, MD, DIED FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2012 Nancy was raised in Bethlehem, PA. and after graduating in 1945 from Chatham Hall, she attended Smith College, where she studied history, government, and economics.

In 1951, she married Guy S. Forcier of St. Louis, who predeceased her in 1995. During her many years in St. Louis and later in Maryland, she was an enthusiastic community volunteer and was active in her church and in politics, serving as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in Chicago in 1960. Throughout her life, she was an accomplished and highly competitive athlete, particularly in swimming and golf.

Her daughter, Anne Watson, died in 2006 and she is survived by her son, John M. Forcier, grandchildren including Carolyn Watson Flood ’99, and great-grandchildren

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Former Faculty member Dawn Skilbred Hall married Sacha Hall on October 8, 2011 and is now living in Florida

As a student, Nancy is remembered as spirited, fun to be with, and very opinionated. As an enthusiastic alumna, Nancy served on the Alumnae Council for many years. Her fellow council members loved her for her upbeat spirit, wonderful stories, and steadfast commitment to Chatham Hall.

Nancy became a member of Chatham Hall’s Esto Perpetua Society in 1996 with a gift to The Chatham Hall Pooled Income Fund that would benefit the School upon her death. Her generosity and forethought has resulted in a gift of $ $53,877 to the Alumnae Association’s Legacy Scholarship Fund.

Nancy Marshall Forcier at the 2010 Reunion

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Obituaries Mr. Lawrence M. Andres died on January 4, 2012. Mr. Andres worked at Chatham Hall from 1968–1976 as the Business Manager. He was predeceased by his wife, Ruth Andres, who also worked at Chatham Hall as the Bookstore Manager from 1969–1976. They are survived by their daughter Helen Andres Bennett ’69.

Josephine “Jo” Daniel died February 11, 2012. Mrs. Daniel was the nurse at Chatham Hall from 1971–1976.

Elizabeth “Liz” Hairston died February 4, 2012. She is survived by her husband, The Hon. Samuel M. Hairston and her daughters, Caroline Hairston English ’70, Katherine Hairston LaRosa ’72, and Elizabeth Hairston Steere ’73.

Dr. Richard Lane father of Lea Lane ’08 died December 26, 2011.

Mrs. Dorothy Meadows died January 30, 2012. Mrs. Meadows was the grandmother of Maggie Oakes ’08.

Mr. Edward “Ned” Simmons, father of Ellen Simmons Ball ’73 and Bradford Simmons Marshall ’76 died on January 28, 2012. Mr. Simmons served on Chatham Hall’s Board of Trustees from 1974–1980.

Carol Welch, grandmother of Elise Dugan ’12 died on February 10, 2012.

Tales from Chatham Hall

Elizabeth Hamilton Ingle ’33 died December 14, 2011.

Barbara Zimmermann Johnson ’44 died November 30, 2011. She is survived by her sister, Helene “Lanie” Zimmerman Hill ‘46, and nieces, Sarah Hill ‘80 and Helena Hill ‘82.

Carolyn Good Morgan ’35 died December 16, 2011.

Anne Robinson Conklin ’46 died February 4, 2012.

Elizabeth Wiedersheim Carter ’39 died on February 7, 2012. Betty was a member of the Alumnae Council from 1957 to 1962.

Marie Lukens Swietochowski ’46 died on September 5, 2011.

Nancy Blackford Metcalf ’39 died on November 22, 2011.

Lorna Blaine Halper ’42 died January 6, 2012. She was predeceased by her sisters Katharine “Tats” Blaine Swan ’41 and Charlotte Blaine Vaughn ’45. She is survived by her niece Katharine “Katie” Swan Francis ’71.

Shirley Lansing Bentley ’43 died May 15, 2011.

Audrey Hillman Hilliard ’43 died October 9, 2011. She is survived by her sisters Marguerite “Maggie” Hillman Purnell ’38 and Sally Hillman Childs ’45.

Patsy von Kienbusch Little ’43 died January 17, 2012.

C H AT R E A D S The Beauty and the Sorrow: An Intimate History of the First World War Peter Englund ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN SWEDEN BY

Thanks! to Louise Nash Gardner ’70, Lisa Schmid Halpin ’65, Becky Lyon McGregor ’71, Petie Pugh Kirkpatrick ’62, and Victoria Allen (French Teacher 1965–1973) for writing in to help identify these photos!

Faculty Skit, 1964 or 1965

Talent Show Early ’70s

Row 1: Mrs. Robinson, Mr. Yardley, and Miss Holt Row 2: Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Yardley, Miss Harlow, and Mr. Hopkins

Studie Johnson ’70 or Polly Dent ’70, Charlotte Caldwell ’70, Mott Givens ’70, Dana Daw ’70, Mia Miller ’73, Camille Agricola ’71, Preston Lyon ’70, ?, Nona Pinkoson ’71, and ?

Mr. Francis H. Cabot, husband of Anne Perkins Cabot ’47 died on November 19, 2011.

Catherine Coxe Page ’48 died November 21, 2011. She was predeceased by cousin, Frances Huger deSaussure ’43 and is survived by cousin, Frances “Francie” deSaussure Meade ’64.

Margaret Studdiford Stein ’48 died February 4, 2011. She is survived by her sister Rosalie Studdiford Richards ‘54.

Look Familiar? These lanterns were recently found on campus, do you recognize them or remember where they once hung? Please send your entry to Laura Rand ’06, Managing Editor of Chat, Chatham Hall, 800 Chatham Hall Circle, Chatham, VA 24531, or by email to lrand@chathamhall.org.

Ray McLean Gordon ’49 died October 5, 2011. She was pre-deceased by two cousins Clara “Clay” Appelgate Pollard ’36 and Susan Applegate Plum ’38.

®

Join Chatham Hall Alumnae on Facebook Our page provides the most up-to-date information about alumnae gatherings and Chatham Hall news. Search for Chatham Hall Alumnae to find us!

Susan Smith Hawkings ’52 died December 13, 2010.

Elizabeth Murray Wasserman ’58 died January 15, 2012.

Mr. George D. Beischer, husband of Susan Fox Beisher ’59, died September 24, 2011.

ATLANTIS, 2009

have a particular interest in World War I, and because that conflict did much to shape the 20th century, my students do an in-depth project on the war and its effects on people’s lives. That is why I was delighted to receive a copy of The Beauty and The Sorrow for Christmas. The book explores World War I through the lives of twenty different individuals. The stories are personal and poignant, like that of Laura de Turczynowicz, the American wife of a Polish aristocrat serving in the Russian Army. Not knowing the fate of her husband, Laura had to cope with German soldiers in her house, food shortages, and the uncertainty of civilians in a war zone. Another was Elfriede Kuhr, a twelve-year-old German girl who witnessed soldiers departing for war.

Elfriede plucks up her courage, stretches out her hand, shyly mumbling “Good luck”.

The young soldier smiles, takes her hand, “Until we meet again little sister.” Elfriede’s eyes follow him as he climbs onto the train. She is deeply moved and walks home, choking back tears, holding the hand the soldier touched out in front of her as if it contained something very valuable and very fragile. D E N N I S R E I C H E L D E R F E R

I

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Social Networking with Chatham Hall

Mr. Charles “Chuck” Heuchert, husband of Mary “Bird” Fishburne Heuchert ’59, died September 20, 2011.

Susan Adams Comfort ’65 died February 11, 2011. She is survived by her sister Laurie Adams ’67, and daughter Natalie Comfort ’90.

Do you have a photo to include with your Class Note? Please send it along! Digital photos work

Sending hard copy print photos:

best, but we can scan a hard copy print photo, too. Make sure to include where and when the photo was taken and identify everyone pictured.

Glossy 4 x 6 photos are preferable. We can return photos to you at your request.

IF YOU SEND A DIGITAL PHOTO A photo size of at least 4 x 5 and 300 dpi will work best for printing. Save your photo as a JPEG or TIFF and send as an attachment to an e-mail (Please do not include the photo in the body of the e-mail). Send to ablair@chathamhall.org

If you are job searching, looking for new business opportunities, or just looking to network professionally, please find us (Chatham Hall Alumnae) on LinkedIn so that we may connect you with other alumnae who can help.

Follow us on twitter @chathamalumnae If you have questions please contact Laura Rand ’06, 434.432.5505 or lrand@chathamhall.org

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Book Review M A R T H A

G R I S W O L D ,

A C A D E M I C

D E A N

STEVE JOBS by Walter Isaacson (Simon and Schuster, 2011) Reading the Steve Jobs biography was bittersweet. I have a short list of luminaries with whom I would like to speak: Martin, Madeleine Steve Albright, Meryl Streep, Tina Fey, any U.S. President, Jon Stewart, and Steve Jobs. Knowing that Jobs is no longer a possibility, I was eager to begin the book; finishing it, I had more questions and an even greater desire to sit face-to-face with this man whose creativity and genius has made so much possible. Knowing that the subject of the book had not lived long enough to read it, but had been aware that author Walter Isaacson had not soft-pedaled Jobs’ well-documented difficult personality, made the read all the more poignant, as Steve Jobs’ goal was to leave behind a record—an accurate record—of his life for his kids.

Adding to the bittersweet feeling was that when I first heard of the book, I pictured, well, a book. In asking me to write this review, Chatham Hall offered to cover the cost of a copy of the book. I envisioned myself going to a bookstore and walking out with a bag with some heft to it. The reality is that I downloaded the book and read it in e-form on both my iPhone and iPad, depending on where I was and which device I had with me. As I read Jobs’ description of the products that he wished to create for the consumer, I held those devices and experienced what he had envisioned—simplicity and ease of use— along with beautiful lines and design. I smiled to myself as I read Jobs’ words, such as “...how about drawing rectangles with rounded corners?” out with the harsh, squared corners on icons, menu bars, and, indeed, in the design of the actual devices. Jobs persevered in the face of pushback from his designers, and those rounded corners, which I have always loved, are omnipresent on Apple devices.

Pushback is a theme throughout the book. From the earliest Apple computer through the Mac, iPod, iPad, and iPhone 4S, the reader is treated to plethoric and volatile disagreements among Jobs, designers, programmers, business partners, musicians, publishers, and artists. Plethoric and volatile. One expression to which readers are also subjected was introduced to Jobs by Robert Friedland, a life-long acquaintance: the reality distortion field. This field was, for some, Jobs’ unrealistic expectations being forced on them—the feeling that if Jobs wanted something badly enough, he would get it. Many of those quoted in the book attributed Jobs’ outbursts to this reality distortion field. While most of those who worked with Jobs in

creating world-altering devices faced his unwillingness to bend, to relent, to accept sub-par work, many of them agreed that in the face of public humiliation, ranting, and expectations that seemed impossible to meet, they did their best work.

They did not want to disappoint a genius whose instinct was right time and time again.

When I was in graduate school, my family welcomed an Apple II into the household. Shortly thereafter, I received an Apple IIc. As I was introduced to each of these computers my mind raced as I thought, “Wow! What will I be able to do with this? What are the possibilities?” A confirmed Applephile, I felt renewed excitement and wonder when I first took an iPad out of its packaging. (Packaging received its own mention in the book—that’s part of the experience.) Having now read Isaacson’s book, I cannot help but look back to last spring when my colleagues and I collaborated to design the iPad Pilot Program and the parallels between the excitement we felt as we met weekly to discuss what we had learned about the device and new apps we had discovered, the creativity that the device engendered, and the passion and collaboration that went into creating the iPad. Jobs was critical of traditional public education, extolling a more personally designed curriculum, and believed that necessary change could occur if the right tools made their way into students’ and teachers’ hands. I am convinced that Jobs would approve of the work Chatham Hall students are producing with their iPads. In the same way that Jobs enjoyed working at the intersection of the humanities and technology (as Isaacson notes), Chatham Hall students use their iPads across the curriculum to create, access information, and to communicate.

While I knew that Jobs was the creator and face of Apple, I had no idea exactly how broad his involvement was until I read Isaacson’s recounting of all the facets of production—from conceptualizing devices, to advertising, to packaging, to unveiling products, Jobs was at the core.

What Isaacson conveys so well, and what is perhaps the most compelling piece of the Jobs puzzle, is the high level of passion and determined focus that drove Jobs throughout his entire and too-short life. Jobs’ limitless creativity and absolute control of how that creativity would be passed on to the consumer, his compulsion to make change, to extract the best work from his team, and his collaborative efforts in computer production, design, music, publishing, animation, and retail sales, assert how Steve Jobs was not only the force behind meteoric advances in technology, but also the leader in how to succeed in setting and meeting extraordinary goals.

As I read Jobs’ description of the products that he wished to create for the consumer, I held those devices and experienced what he had envisioned— simplicity and ease of use—along with beautiful lines and design.

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AN IDEA OF A LIFETIME: GIFT PLANNING AT CHATHAM HALL You can make a difference in Chatham Hall’s future.

My planned gift is part of a comprehensive plan for giving back to Chatham Hall that includes service as well as financial support. I contribute an unrestricted gift to the Annual Fund each year and, as capital projects arise, I support those needs of the School as well. Planned giving is the third tier of support I have committed to Chatham Hall.

The needs of the School are ongoing; the facilities need continual maintenance and modernization and faculty needs must be supported. I have chosen to make an unrestricted planned gift so that the future leadership of Chatham Hall can allocate those resources as needed. –Patricia R. Frederick ’57 Chatham Hall means so much to me. Lifetime friendships and great memories...rainy day walks...footprints on Senior Stairs left at 3:00 a.m...spitballs propelled onto Mrs. Crandall’s ceiling...red and green sweaters worn backward a month before Christmas...Curtis...Phyllis...

John Henry and the gang...

I believe it’s important to support Chatham Hall through the Annual Fund—the Chatham Hall of today. But, I also believe it’s important to plan for Chatham Hall’s future, just as we should make plans for our own. For that reason, I’ve taken out two insurance policies on my life and have given them to Chatham Hall.

Each year, I give Chatham Hall a gift that pays the premiums on these policies.

Life insurance satisfies multiple objectives. I am able to make a much larger gift to Chatham Hall than I normally would be able to make. The annual premium payments are within my means and tax deductible. Most important, I know that the school I love will benefit in the years ahead. –Muffy Dent Stuart ’68 I owned property bought years ago at $4 an acre, now worth $4,000 an acre. I contributed this land to a Charitable Remainder Trust, allowing me to avoid a heavy capital gains tax and to take an income tax deduction. The managers of the trust sold the property and invested the proceeds in the trust. The trust will provide me with a steady income for the rest of my life and at my death will make possible significant gifts to Chatham Hall and my church.

This trust is a blessing. If I had sold the property outright I would have lost half of the proceeds to the government. Now I have a steady income until I die and am helping two institutions I care about. –Amanda Mackay Smith ’58

To learn the essentials of estate planning, to receive free ebrochures, and to learn how you can help shape Chatham Hall's future, visit the continuously updated Estate and Financial Planning section on the Chatham Hall Web site. Please visit http://www.chathamhall.org/giving/ and click on “Planned Giving” on the right hand menu. For more information, please contact Melissa Evans Fountain, Director of Advancement, at (434) 432-5549 or mfountain@chathamhall.org. photo © 2010 www.lisarichmond.com

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAID 800 Chatham Hall Circle Chatham, Virginia 24531-3085 www.chathamhall.org

April Wu ’13 studies how natural selection chooses the “fittest” organisms for survival

Collinsville, Virginia Permit No. 57