Spring Chat 2018

chat

the alumnae magazine of chatham hall

spring 2018 the finance issue

2 letter from the rector / 3-9 the finance issue 11-18 campus news / 19-25 alumnae news 26-36 class notes

on the cover

chat

spring 2018 the finance issue

the alumnae magazine of chatham hall

chat

Christine Cutright Knight, Editor Laura Benjamin Chappell, Designer Printing by Collinsville Printing Company, Martinsville, VA

chatham hall administration

Cover image is a page from a 1906 ledger book .

Suzanne Walker Buck, Rector Wendy Bradley, Assistant Head for Student Life/Dean of Students Brett Chappell, Chief Financial Officer Maisie Deely, Chief Communications Officer Ned Edwards, Assistant Head of Internal Operations and Strategic Initiatives; Chaplain Martha Griswold, Assistant Head for Academics

Nan Hambrose, Athletic Director Christine Cutright Knight, Assistant Head for Advancement Dr. Erin McHugh, Director of College Counseling Ronald Merricks, Senior Financial and Facilities Officer Carney O’Brien, Assistant Head for Enrollment Management Sean Terwilliger, Chief Technology Officer / Dean of Global Initiatives Jacqueline Hettel Tidwell, Dean of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

board of trustees

Sarah Monarchi Longpré ’84, Chair John Runnells P’19, Vice Chair Donie Martin Carlson ’87, P’18, Secretary

Sarah Collie ’85, Treasurer Katharine Bulkley ’77 Alison Carter-Cady ’91 Katharine Reynolds Chandler ’68 Diana Howard Fisketjon ’78 Jane M. Garnett ’73 Stacey Goodwin ’83 Richard Hare P ’18 Katherine Coleman Haroldson ’75 Melanie Kirk Holton ’87 Pam Johnson P’20 Mary Kay Karzas ’71 Andy Lee P’20 Jennifer Gammill McKay ’84, P’20 James Secor III Robin Peake Stuart ’69 Michelle Thomas Supko ’02

ex-officio member

The Rt. Rev. Herman Hollerith IV P’15, Bishop, Diocese of Southern Virginia

trustees emeriti

Robin Tieken Hadley ’57 Penelope Perkins Wilson ’41, P’67

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 e-mail lchappell@chathamhall.org. Contributing Writers: Hunter Barnhardt, Dr. William Black, Suzanne Walker Buck, Maisie Deely, Christine Cutright Knight, Cathy M. LaDuke. Photography Credits: Hunter Barnhardt, Laura Chappell, Maisie Deely, Catherine M. LaDuke, Chip Riegel, and Dan Waters. 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.

designated representatives

Margie Hastings Quinlan ’66 President, Alumnae Council Brenda Huth P’18, President, Parents Advisory Committee 800 Chatham Hall Circle • Chatham, VA 24531 • 434-432-2941 www.chathamhall.org © 2018 Chatham Hall

letter from the rector

The Finance Issue

Dear Friends, As a college student I was drawn to courses in the social sciences. I immersed myself in anthropology, sociology, women’s studies, and a smattering of English classes as well. While I satisfied perfunctory requirements in math and science, I maneuvered around economics and finance with great dexterity, much like I tried to get around a defender on the lacrosse field. It wasn’t until many years later, enrolled in graduate school, that I saw the synergy between economics and the social sciences that I loved. Understanding the human condition required understanding of the economies of those who exist. When contextualized in such a way, I could appreciate the study of economics. I could see why the study of money matters. One of the reasons I love serving as Rector of Chatham Hall is that I not only am blessed by the opportunity to foster the holistic education of young women, but I also serve as CEO, working to ensure the long-term fiscal sustainability of the institution. Welcome to the Finance Issue of the Chat. Throughout the next several pages you’ll read about Chatham Hall’s financial journey. You’ll hear stories of leadership (see C.O. Pruden and Andrew Carnegie: Difficulty Saving a School on page 6) and the deeds and actions of dedicated stewards of the school’s resources (Trustee Spotlight on the Investment Committee leadership on page 7; and Ron Merricks Farewell to the Chief on page 8). You’ll read about luminaries in the financial arena (Venita Fields ’71 Career in Finance on page 4, and about this year’s Freshman Leader in Residence, Katlyn Grasso on page 12). You will also learn of Josie McFadden’s ’57 bequest (page 37) and the power of her philanthropy. This fall we will open school with the largest enrollment since the 1980s, and to support this growth, a newly-renovated Yardley Dorm will house students. This exciting transpiration speaks positively to the relevance of Chatham Hall and our longer term fiscal sustainability. Thank you for your support and partnering with us on this journey. We are invigorated by that which lies ahead. Esto Perpetua,

Suzanne Walker Buck Rector

Photo of Sallie Krawcheck, 2018 Polly Wheeler Guth ’44 Leader In Residence, speaking with students following her keynote. Krawcheck is founder of Ellevest and former CEO of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, of Smith Barney, and of Sanford Bernstein.

3 chat

chat

2

Venita Fields CAREER IN FINANCE Spring Break Service Trips to Africa and India, Ms. Fields was leading the way in studying people and culture, an interest and ability that would serve her well in banking and private equity realms. Following college, Ms. Fields entered a career in the field of banking and finance, an industry typically dominated by men. Shortly thereafter, Venita earned her EMBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern enhancing her leadership and management expertise in business. In this early phase of her career, Ms. Fields worked in leveraged buyout loans, a role that positioned her well for her next venture.

M

ergers & Acquisitions named Venita Fields, Chatham Hall Class of 1971, to the “Most Influential Women in the Mid-Market M&A Honor Roll” for the second time. Ms. Fields is a founding partner at Pelham S2K Managers LLC, providing junior capital and private equity investments for privately held middle market companies. Those who knew her as a young Chatham Hall student are not surprised to witness Ms. Fields’ successes. At Chatham Hall, Venita was an active member of student life. Ms. Fields was a member of St. Mary’s choir, Sextet, and participant in the Drama Club. (In case you are wondering, Venita Fields is a Purple.) Clearly seen by her peers as a leader, Venita served as a member of student council. She was also a strong student and earned recognition as a national merit finalist. Her academic aptitude, pioneering spirit, and leadership of others have continued to shine throughout her collegiate and professional careers. Her childhood story begins in Greenwood, Mississippi. Her parents, Roberta and George Fields, were public school teachers who placed a high value on education. By the time

Venita was a young teenager in the late 1960’s, disruptive social changes were happening in our country and in the world of education. And, in Dr. Yardley’s last years, Chatham Hall was beginning to change. The graduating Class of 1971 included the school’s first two African American students: Venita Fields and her friend Gloria Bond. These young women were pioneers, trailblazers and leaders. From Chatham Hall, Venita Fields traveled to Chicago to enroll at Northwestern and major in History. As an upperclassman, Venita was appointed a Richter Fellow, one of nine students to receive this honor. With that award she embarked on a six-month study to investigate and compare religion and music in African villages in Ghana and African-American culture. Long before Chatham Hall conceived of iQuest projects or

After a twenty year run in corporate banking, Ms. Fields shifted into private equity. Her friend, Gwendolyn Smith Iloani, had co-founded Smith Whiley & Co. by launching the firm as a joint venture with Aetna Insurance Company. Ms. Smith asked Fields to open the Chicago office of Smith Whiley & Co.; Fields embraced the opportunity for a new challenge and to work for a woman-owned firm. Smith Whiley & Co. specialized in mezzanine funds and private equity, investing in industries such as food and beverage, consumer products, health care, and industrial products. Venita Fields’ background in leveraged buyouts provided a valuable skill set as she transitioned to private equity, creating ways to finance investments in privately held companies through a combination of private capital and debt. By 2007, Fields was nominated for Middle Market Financing Professional of the Year for funding of the Midwest Dental Holding Company Inc. Ms. Fields became active with the

Larry and Carol Levy Institute for Entrepreneurial Practice at the Kellogg School which enabled her to inform her business strategy and build relationships with other entrepreneurs. Fields taught entrepreneurship at the Kellogg School of Business for several years. In turn, she became the subject of a Kellogg School of Management case bearing her name “Venita Fields: What Private Equity Professionals Really Do.” In 2016, Ms. Fields and three partners, including her friend Ms. Smith, ventured off to create Pelham S2K Managers LLC. The firm now has $110 million under management. Fields recognized the need to network and build a support system with other entrepreneurs given that, as a principal partner in the firm, she accepted great personal responsibility and risk for building all aspects of the business - from portfolio management to management of client relationships. It takes diligence, drive, determination and risk to build a successful enterprise. And, while it takes a great deal of vetting and financial expertise to identify prospective investment companies, a core of the work entails relationship management and networking. Venita Fields is recognized for her astute ability to identify and invest in talent at the companies in which she invests. She has also proven to be a sought after mentor and advocate for women and minorities. Ms. Fields believes in the power of service to others on all levels: through her professional associations, in her community, and with her family. She has served on numerous corporate boards as an independent board member. She currently sits on the boards of Derry Enterprises, a distribution company and LifeSpace Communities, one of the largest senior living providers in the country. Ms Fields has served on more than a dozen corporate boards as an investor. She currently sits on the board for VSA Partners, a design driven branding and marketing company. Finally, she has served on volunteer boards and is currently the board chair of ACG Chicago (Association of Corporate Growth) and a trustee of Ravinia Festival, the oldest summer music festival in North America.

Ms. Fields places a high value on education and educational opportunities.

“Once you have a strong educational foundation, it cannot be taken from you. However, one needs to maintain a state of continuous learning, particularly in this day and age.” Her own natural curiosity has contributed towards her success in the private equity world. Ms. Fields continues to learn about many different industries as she evaluates investment opportunities. She then makes decisions to invest in specific companies based on the managers running the business and with whom she has identified as having integrity. Ms. Fields attributes Chatham Hall with giving her the solid educational base and fortitude to go out and conquer the world. Chatham Hall enabled her to garner the courage and confidence to remain open to opportunity and to take the risk to explore new things, such as wanting to go on her own to western Africa. She maintains a life view which includes an acceptance of risk. Ms. Fields is also fueled by her commitment to her faith and its guiding principles as well as a commitment to family. As a mother she has sought to invest in her family to ensure they are happy individuals. Ms. Fields is married to Lonnie Hampton and the couple has two adult children: Alexandra and Andrew. Venita is a member of the Chatham Hall Class of 1971, served on the Alumnae Council from 1998-2000 and on the Board of Trustees from 2000-2004. She chaired the Rector search which led to the hiring of Gary Fountain. She is a regular contributor to the Annual Fund and has supported special initiatives from time to time. And, if you ask, she will tell you she is delighted to speak about entrepreneurship anytime and anywhere!

Corporate Terminology Leveraged buyout: management in a private firm contributes its own money (equity) and then takes a loan from one or more banks/organizations for the balance of the money needed to purchase the company. (Levett, Don. “Mezzanine Funds.” Mergers Inquisitions, www.mergersandinquisitions.com/ mezzanine-funds/.)

Mezzanine funds are a hybrid of debt and equity. They have elements of private equity and investment banking. (Levett, Don.

“Mezzanine Funds.” Mergers Inquisitions, www.mergersandinquisitions.com/ mezzanine-funds/.)

Investment banking relates to the buying and selling of companies and the financing of these transactions. (Investopedia.

“Investment Banking.” Investopedia, 12 Jan. 2018, www.investopedia.com/terms/i/ investment-banking.asp.)

Private equity is capital that is not listed on a public exchange. Private equity is composed of funds and investors that directly invest in private companies, or that engage in buyouts of public companies, resulting in the delisting of public equity.

(Investopedia. “Private Equity.” Investopedia, 26 Jan. 2018, www.investopedia.com/ terms/p/privateequity.asp.)

Entrepreneurship is the pursuit of opportunity beyond resources controlled. (Eisenmann, Thomas R.

“Entrepreneurship: A Working Definition.” Harvard Business Review, 7 Aug. 2014, hbr. org/2013/01/what-is-entrepreneurship.)

A limited partnership (LP) exists when two or more partners unite to jointly conduct a business in which one or more of the partners is liable only to the extent of the amount of money that partner has invested. (Investopedia. “Limited Partnership - LP.” Investopedia, 4 June 2018, www.investopedia.com/terms/l/ limitedpartnership.asp.)

America’s middle market firms have revenues in the $10 million to $1 billion range. There are about 200,000 such firms—most are privately held—and their annual revenues total more than $10 trillion. (Thangavelu, Poonkulali. “Middle Market.” Investopedia, 18 Aug. 2015, www.investopedia.com/terms/m/ middle-market.asp.)

5 the finance issue

chat

4

chat

6

TRUSTEE SPOTLIGHT

Chatham Hall continues to be governed by a 7 Board of Trustees (Board.) Individual Trustees abide by a duty of care and a duty of loyalty for the oversight of the school and its resources. The full Board acts in good faith for the best interest of Chatham Hall and its ongoing and future operations and financial health. The business of governing a school requires a diverse body of individuals who bring a variety of talents and skills to the table.

C. O. PRUDEN AND ANDREW CARNEGIE: Philanthropy and Difficulty Saving a School William Black The great fire of February 16, 1906 forced Chatham Episcopal Institute to locate in temporary, cramped quarters on Whittle Street in Chatham. The need to rebuild was urgent. Prospects were exciting at first. The trustees commissioned a design for a brick structure. Local contributors almost immediately raised $3,600, a major sum for 1906, but the estimated cost of building was $45,000. Still owing on the wing opened five months before the fire, the trustees had to deduct $5,600 from the $14,000 gained from insurance. The arithmetic was simple. Local pledges and insurance gave the school a little over $10,000 leaving a daunting minimum of $30,000 to raise. Nonetheless, with faith in the ability to raise such funds, the board confidently accepted the plans for the new building on April 7, 1906, and hired L. S. Agnor and Sons of Lynchburg to build it. C. Orlando Pruden and Chiswell Dabney, the principal fund-raisers, had until September of 1907 to succeed. When high hopes began cooling by the spring of 1906, Pruden wrote hopefully to industrialist Andrew Carnegie asking for the full $30,000. Photographs of the destruction underscored Pruden’s plea for the necessity of rebuilding. The school was, he told Carnegie, essential for what he termed the “unfortunate class of girls in the South.” An accompanying letter from Bishop Alfred Magill of the Diocese of Southern Virginia declared that the “unfortunate girls” were from “many hundreds of families of gentle birth and training” that had been reduced to “comparative poverty” without hope of educating a daughter “beyond the

meager and imperfect training of the common country school.” Carnegie had not responded by the time the bishop and the trustees gathered to lay the cornerstone on November 7. New tactics were in order. The board borrowed $750 from Julia Wickham Old Pruden, the board president’s wife, on the same day as the laying of the cornerstone. This money probably enabled Pruden to take the plea directly to Carnegie. By November 23, 1906 Pruden was ensconced in the St. Denis Hotel in New York. Writing on hotel stationery that day, Pruden appealed to Carnegie on behalf of the board. Letters of support from a Chatham resident, the president of Colorado Fuel and Iron, a former governor of Virginia, and the current governor of Virginia accompanied the appeal. It is noteworthy that Pruden’s letter downplays the parochial sounding name of Chatham Episcopal Institute in two ways; first, by noting that the Episcopal Church was one of the “more ecumenical” of American churches and second by affirming the school’s independence from church governance. A final appeal for the “homeless girls” and the “good work” of the school prompted a response. On November 27, 1906, four days later, James Bertram, Carnegie’s private secretary, wrote to Pruden at the St. Denis. While cautioning Pruden that “such an institution as the Chatham Episcopal Institute is not in Mr. Carnegie’s field work,” he nonetheless suggested that Carnegie sometimes allowed an exception and so asked for a statement showing what the school had before the fire, including all assets, and what was lost in the fire.

Pruden’s list of assets and losses sent by return mail on November 28 underscores the extent of the emergency facing CEI. Only $12,720.37 of value remained of what he estimated as having been $34,697.51 of value before the fire. Bertram was not satisfied. He returned the list with pencil notations on the reverse asking for such specifics as assets before and after the fire, as well as the amount needed to make good the loss. At the end is an admonishing emphatic declaration: “It only wastes our time to use general expressions.” Pruden’s answer must have again missed Bertram’s demand for specifics. On January 4, 1907, Bertram admonished Pruden that his lack of detail was putting him “to a great deal of trouble.” He concluded by repeating the warning that the school is “out of Mr. Carnegie’s field.” How difficult it must have been dealing with an industrialist and his private secretary. Pruden’s letter of January 23, 1907, answers further questions, but also exhibits a tone of weariness. Carnegie had objected to the new building’s being “more grand” than the lost cluster of frame structures. Pruden bristled:

“The erection of a more expensive house is unavoidable if we are to improve on the past.” The building under construction in Chatham was “demanded by the times” and “worthy of the great work.” Apparently, the answer was satisfactory. On March 5, 1907, Bertram noted that Mr. Carnegie had determined that the actual loss was $10,000 and that he would “gladly give you the last Five Thousand dollars of the needed rebuilding fund … when you have had the rest contributed & expended.”

Five thousand was nice, but with the new building scheduled to open September, 1907, Pruden and the trustees still had to raise $25,000 before they could get the final $5,000. The trustees borrowed $15,000 from the Chatham Savings Bank to pay a remaining $22,500 construction debt, but the bank would not extend more credit. Now Pruden turned to the Episcopal Church. On January 9, 1908, Pruden appealed to the Episcopal Board of Missions. That board had made an earlier pledge of $7,000, but as it had been promised “conditionally,” the money was not available. Pruden therefore asked for $7,500 from the Men’s Thank Offering. He explained that the school was unable to borrow any more and desperately needed to raise the $7,500 in order to meet a February 15, 1908 deadline. “Unless we can secure this,” Pruden wrote, “we are in great danger of more serious trouble.” Hand to mouth was the pattern for the next 3 years. By the first of January, 1909, the debt had been reduced to $14,000 prompting Pruden to again appeal to Andrew Carnegie. This time he wrote directly to Carnegie himself rather than to James Bertram. Pruden hopefully asked for the full $10,000 Carnegie himself had determined was the actual fire loss. There was simply too much to raise before the final $5,000. With the full $10,000, Pruden was certain the other $4,000 could be raised by that summer. After enumerating the reasons for the appeal and the

difficulties he and the trustees had encountered, Pruden allowed a note of weariness to creep in. “The strain has been so long and has become so constant and trying,” he wrote, “ that I often fear that at any moment there may be a complete break down of my whole being.” Carnegie did not agree. Eventually, appeals to other resources succeeded enabling Pruden to write to Carnegie on March 5, 1910, that the school’s trustees had “reached the conditions of the gift promised.” But apparently, this letter was insufficient evidence. Pruden responded on March 31, 1910 with a sworn affidavit attached to a letter to James Bertram. Pruden, trustees, teachers, and students gathered in front of the new building on April 14, 1910 to formally burn the mortgage. The ordeal was over. Above: Pruden, trustees, teachers, and students gathered in front of the new building on April 14, 1910 to formally burn the mortgage. At left, Reverend Pruden. Below: the 2017-2018 Board of Trustees.

The primary role of the Board Investment Committee (IC) is the oversight of the School’s endowment. The endowment is a pooled investment fund, meaning it is comprised of a number of philanthropic donations given for the long-term benefit of the School as well as funds placed into endowment under the direction of the Board. The IC develops the Endowment Investment Policy Statement (IPS) and engages a team of professionals chosen for their investment expertise and experience with educational endowments. They select a diversified portfolio of investment instruments, monitor and analyze the portfolio’s performance, and report regularly to the Board. Today, the endowment hovers around +/- $60 million, depending on fluctuations in the market. The IC has been led by talented Chatham Hall associated individuals. Following a career in institutional investment consulting and investment education, Marcie A. Cobble P ’93 CFP, CFA (BS Vanderbilt University, MBA Averett University), chaired the IC from 2006-2012, with continued service through 2016. Under her leadership, the IC conducted a Self-Assessment of Fiduciary Excellence (SAFE), revamped the investment policy statement and committee by-laws, and put prudent control procedures in place that have proven invaluable. Trustee Katherine Coleman Haroldson ’75 came to the IC in 2009 with a solid background in fixed income investments. Katherine studied business at Duke University and then worked for Wall Street investment firms such as EF Hutton and Shearson-Lehman, now part of Smith Barney. Since 2012, Katherine has led the IC and continued to diversify the endowment’s investments which provide substantial support for the School’s annual budget. Katherine has now completed her service on the Board. A Trustee since 2015, Donie Martin Carlson ’87 P ’18 will assume the role of IC chair. Graduated from Vanderbilt University, Donie built her early career in institutional fixed income sales at JP Morgan in San Francisco. She is the founder of DMC Group, LLC which operates as Greybox Investments in Birmingham, AL. The stability and growth of a school’s endowment is a bell-weather to its overall financial strength and health. Your philanthropic investments are in good hands at Chatham Hall!

RONISMS chat

THAT MAN WAS SO NARROW-MINDED HE COULD LOOK THROUGH A KEY HOLE WITH BOTH EYES AT THE SAME TIME. GREETINGS FROM THE LAND OF ENDLESS NEEDS AND LIMITED RESOURCES! HE’S SO LIBERAL, HIS LEFT FIELD DOESN’T HAVE A FENCE. YOU TELL ME WHAT YOU NEED, AND I’LL TELL YOU HOW TO GET ALONG WITHOUT IT. ALWAYS TREAT THE JANITOR THE SAME WAY YOU TREAT THE PRESIDENT. THE THUNDER ROARED, THE LIGHTNING STRUCK, AND A FLEA WAS KILLED. IF THE GRASS IS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE, THEN YOU NEED TO FERTILIZE YOUR OWN LAWN. THERE’S ONLY TWO WAYS TO SAVE MONEY: DO LESS OF IT OR DON’T DO IT AT ALL. THERE’S A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL, AND I SURE HOPE THERE’S NOT A TRAIN BEHIND IT. COMMON SENSE IS THE KNACK OF SEEING THINGS AS THEY ARE AND DOING THINGS AS THEY OUGHT TO BE DONE. THAT IS MY GOAL FOR CHATHAM HALL. MONEY STILL TALKS, BUT IT HAS TO CATCH ITS BREATH MORE OFTEN. SOMETIMES I THINK THIS PLACE IS WORSE THAN A BAPTIST CHURCH. ALL I SEEM TO DO IS STAY IN SOME KIND OF MEETING. RON’S DEFINITION OF THE AUDITORS: THE ONES THAT CAME IN AFTER THE WAR AND SHOT THE WOUNDED. THAT HYMN WAS UN-SINGABLE. WHEN I TRIED TO HIT THAT HIGH NOTE, I SOUNDED LIKE A COW DYING IN A HAIL STORM. TOUGH TIMES DON’T LAST, BUT TOUGH PEOPLE DO. EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE I ASK MYSELF THE QUESTION, “IF MONEY WEREN’T A CONSIDERATION, WHAT WOULD I BE DOING?” I KNOW WHAT I WOULD BE DOING AT CHATHAM HALL. I WOULD BE BALANCING THE BUDGET!

RON MERRICKS Farewell to the Chief From August of 1985 through February 2018, Ron Merricks was the beating heart of the business operations at Chatham Hall. In addition to his role as the Chief Financial and Facilities Officer, Ron also brought his business background to the classroom. Shortly after his retirement this winter, Maisie Deely was able to sit down with Ron and discuss the work he did for Chatham Hall, as he puts it, “since Genesis 1:1.” What was your business philosophy for the school? We tried to do the best we could for the least amount of money that we could. In terms of quality, my motto is “the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low prices is forgotten.” Often you could save money but it could be at the expense of something else. I always tried to do the right thing and look out for the school’s money as if it were my own. When did you start teaching your economics class? About 13 years ago. They were looking to add an elective and I said, “Why would you pay someone to do that? I’d be happy to do it!” You know how when you volunteer something- it’s like church, you end up doing it forever. That said, I really enjoyed it. In my world connecting with the students tended to only happen if something had gone wrong; otherwise, they might never come to my office. So it was good to get in front of the students and to get to know them. It really gave me a different window into the life of the school and the girls. It was a laid back class. I always told them, “Look, this is an elective. You are going to have fun, but you are going to learn something too.” And I think they did. We had a good time and they did learn- but it was stress-free. What were your favorite things to teach in economics? I always loved to teach Supply & Demand and Equilibrium­— that was always popular. For their exam, the girls had to do a final presentation. They always picked interesting topics- it didn’t always have to do strictly with economics- though that had to be an angle. The presentations were always creative and enjoyable. This past year two girls presented on the economies of Germany and Nigeria. And that was very interesting. It was great for the whole class to learn from each other. Looking back on your whole tenure, what were some of your favorite projects? There have been so many. My favorite projects were those when I got to work with Mrs. Wilson to clean up old buildings, and the campus as a whole. And, of course, building the new maintenance shop, that was nice. Where is your favorite place on campus? I always enjoyed the chapel. To me, it is the most beautiful place on campus, especially when the sun shines through the stained glass windows. Just walking in that space feels important. That cross on top of the building means something to me. I hope it will always be there. What was your experience like working with the Board to steward the finances of the school? There are some very brilliant people on the Board. In terms of working on finance and investments, it was great to work with Laura Cronin as Finance Chair. I also enjoyed working with Stacey Goodwin, we went through a lot when she was Chair of the Board in terms of putting things in place for the school. The Board was always very helpful. It was a joy to work with Katherine Haroldson on the Investment Committee. It has been

wonderful to work with all of the Trustees. It was also great to partner with different heads of school- Jerry Van Voorhis, Gary Fountain- as well as Marlene Shaw and of course Suzanne Buck. All four were great and all four were different- with their own leadership style. How would you compare the school you came to with the school you left? The school has changed, and overall I think for the better. The culture, both inside and outside of the school, has changed over the course of 30 something odd years, and the school has addressed issues today that we didn’t even dream about 30 years ago! Security, all the threats in the country today- things that affect not only Chatham Hall but all schools. When my daughter went to Chatham Hall, we didn’t even have locks on the doors and we never even thought twice about it. But things change and it changes how you do business and how you look at things- and it costs more money! I feel good about the direction of Chatham Hall. I believe I left the school better than when I found it, but it wasn’t because of me. I had a great team of people and great colleagues. As of today, the school is in great shape. We still need to become more financially sound, we need more money, more endowment. On the other hand we don’t waste money if there are operating inefficiencies I don’t know where they are. And we’ve seen that in feedback from consultants we have brought in and studies we have done. And I feel good about that. What are your hopes for the future for Chatham Hall? I hope that we raise enough endowment to sustain the program of the school and the facility, and maintain the operations and the physical plant to such a level that the stress of trying to maintain things won’t be there. It’ll take a lot. *Editor’s note: This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

On Monday, October 6, 2014 the Chatham Hall community gathered to officially open the new maintenance building on campus named in honor of Ron.

Opposite: Ron’s family gathered at his retirement party.

9 BRETT CHAPPELL: OUR NEXT CFO Brett Chappell comes to Chatham Hall with extensive experience in the financial arena. In over 20 years in financial services, he performed investment research, managed bond portfolios, led investment strategy committees, and managed teams of portfolio managers in multiple asset classes. He served as head of Public Fixed Income at New York Life Investment Management and Head of US Portfolio Management at RGA Reinsurance. For the past six years, Brett has worked in schools. What began as board service to his children’s independent school soon morphed into a calling to provide professional financial services to the educational sector. Brett filled what was thought to be an interim role as Business Manager at Crossroads College Preparatory School, and there he discovered a passion for work in the nonprofit sector. Most recently, Brett has served as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School in Faribault, Minnesota. Brett holds a B.A. in Economics and Religious Studies from Emory University and an MBA from Duke University. He and his wife, Laura, are active Episcopalians and have three children: Henry, a 2016 graduate from Emory; Annie, a rising sophomore at Emory; and Lily, a rising 9th grader at Chatham Hall!

the finance issue

WE8 NEED MONEY, WE NEED A LOT OF IT, AND WE NEED IT NOW.

alumnaeVoices

Campus News

fro m CHATHAM HA LL

Kathleen “Roo” Brown ’50 “I had a wonderful visit to Chatham in February. I saw the student-directed musical, “A...My Name Will Always Be Alice” (so enjoyable), took a student-directed tour of the campus, and brunched with the musical’s student-directors, Sabrina Yvellez ’18 and Mira Alpers ’19. I am overwhelmed with pride! These girls are so smart, poised, and articulate. They are attuned to the world of today. They write grants, post Congressional doings, and leave their iPhones outside the dining hall. They were actually talking to their friends while they ate, looking them in the eye. The Chapel was as beautiful as ever, my old choir stall in tact. I left feeling more confident about the American future. Everyone should take a look!”

I feel that I’m still “living” Chatham Hall: writing music, singing in choir, taking classes at a Lifelong Learning Academy, cherishing friends, honoring White Flag and balancing my checkbook. What better way to ensure that today’s talented students continue to “live” Chatham Hall in the years to come, than to support the Annual Fund.

Kathleen “Roo” Brown ’50 is a graduate of Smith College and an accomplished composer and actress. Roo starred in the original broadway production of “A… My Name is Alice” and “A… My Name is Still Alice”. Roo is a loyal supporter of the Chatham Hall Annual Fund; she has contributed yearly for 47 years since graduating from Chatham Hall. Thank you, Roo, and all alumnae who help Chatham Hall empower today’s girls to better the world through your support of the Annual Fund! The Chatham Hall Annual Fund year runs from each July 1 through the following June 30. To make your annual donation today, visit www.chathamhall.org/give or use the enclosed envelope in the Chat! You can also contact the Director of Advancement Services, Starlet Lemon, at 434.432.5600 or slemon@chathamhall.org with questions.

On February 14, Chatham Hall girls participated in GIRLS Day - a day set aside at least once per semester to focus on topics related to Growth, Independence, Relationships, Leadership, Spirituality. This spring program began with morning meditation followed by goat yoga for the entire school followed by gradelevel programs around a common theme.

11 chat

chat

10

leaders in residence

travel & service

13 chat

chat

12

South Africa

Rhiannon Giddens is Writer in Residence Grammy Winning Singer Songwriter

Freshman Leader in Residence Katlyn Grasso CEO of GenHeration

On April 11 and 12, celebrated musician Rhiannon Giddens visited Chatham Hall as the 2018 Writer in Residence. Over her two-day visit, Giddens led a writers forum open to interested members of the community, spoke and performed in her keynote address, and met with some classes to discuss her music. She is known as the lead singer, violinist, banjo player and a founding member of the Grammy-winning country, blues and old-time music band Carolina Chocolate Drops. She is a native of Greensboro, North Carolina, an alumna of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, and a 2000 graduate of Oberlin Conservatory where she studied opera. In addition to her work with the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Giddens has released two solo albums.

On February 13 and 14, Chatham Hall welcomed Katlyn Grasso as the 2018 Freshman Leader in Residence. Grasso is the founder and CEO of GenHERation, a network that connects young women and companies through their digital platform and national events.

In October 2017, Giddens was named one of the 2017 class of MacArthur “Genius” Fellows. The organization noted, “Giddens’s drive to understand and convey the nuances, complexities, and interrelationships between musical traditions is enhancing our musical present with a wealth of sounds and textures from the past.” In her keynote address, Giddens talked about the winding path of her career from office temp worker, to founding the Carolina Chocolate Drops, to her two solo albums. Giddens placed special emphasis on the importance of resilience, openness to change, and the idea of pursuing one’s passions.

In her role as CEO, Grasso has created the GenHERation Summer Leadership Series, developed original GenHERation digital content, and grown the GenHERation community to more than 60,000 members. Grasso was selected to participate in the 2015 Millennial Trains Project, a cross-country trip for 25 social innovators from around the world sponsored by NBC Universal. She was featured on the cover of Philly Biz Magazine as the youngest woman on the “Women to Watch” list. Her time at Chatham Hall was spent in special workshops connecting with students and, in particular, the Freshman Class. Grasso addressed the entire student body with a spirited keynote that focused on the story of the development of GenHERation, emphasized the importance of visibility for women in leadership roles, and actively engaged students with a short “pitch fest” where girls from the audience were given 30 seconds to pitch ideas for social entrepreneurship. Grasso firmly believes that active engagement with young women is a critical facet of leadership development and underscored the importance of women’s visibility via her mantra “if you can see it, you can be it.”

As part of our global citizenship initiative, forty-seven people, including students, chaperones, parents, and alumnae, traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa for an incredible journey which provided the group with many opportunities to interact directly with South African students and peers.

Spring Break Volunteerism During the first week of Spring Break, five students remained on campus to do service work. Led by Rachel Hightman ’18, the group began the week by clearing and improving the trails running through the woods around campus as part of Hightman’s Girl Scout Gold Award project. In addition to the students, faculty members Abraham Tidwell and Ryan Bradley also made significant contributions to the project by helping to clear large tree limbs that had fallen across the trail. Community Service remains an integral part of the student experience. Students made regular trips to the Pet Adoption Center and the Boys & Girls Club. They also supported one-day events such as a school community blood-drive and a Danville charity road race. Service to the local community included Thanksgiving food baskets, a holiday angel tree, and May Day baskets.

chat

14

RIDING

athletic news

The riding program had a great year in three areas: Hunter Jumper Shows, Interscholastic Equestrian Association Team (IEA), and individual growth in riding and horsemanship. We welcomed a number of regional competitors to campus for several South West Virginia Hunter Jumper Association (SWVHJA) rated shows. Chatham Hall participated in these shows after many years to allow for more girls to learn new and vital skills both in and out of the ring and to showcase their talents and horse show. Chatham Hall students also participated in the SWVHJA Annual show at the Virginia Horse Center in the fall and in the spring the program traveled to show at the Sedgefield Show Grounds in Greensboro, NC.

Swimming The Chatham Hall swimming turtles had an excellent 201718 season! We saw great progress and improvement from each and every swimmer while growing together as a team. The Turtles beat every team they raced against during the regular competition season with the exception of one. The conference meet was filled with excitement and success; the Turtles won medals of every color, including gold in two events. Emily Boesen ’20 became conference champion in the 200 yard freestyle and the relay team of Cheney Knight ’19, May May Drimer ’20, Sarah Bennett Smith ’20, and Brooke Lahti ’20 won gold in the 200 yard freestyle relay. The meet came to a jubilant finish as the Turtles were named conference

runners-up and Ms. Blaesing and Ms. Bodnar were voted Coaches of the Year. At the states meet, Knight, Drimer, Smith, and Lahti swam in the 200 yard medley relay and the 200 yard freestyle relay. Knight and Lahti were joined by Stephanie Zhang ’20 and Talley Roberts ’21 in the 400 freestyle relay. In addition, Smith, Lahti, and Drimer competed individually in the bonus 50 yard freestyle event. The Turtles had a truly phenomenal season!

Tutu Turtles On February 10, the Tutu Turtles Robotics team traveled to Richmond for the Central FTC Qualifier. Over nine matches against teams from throughout Virginia, Chatham Hall swept the competition, finishing with a perfect 9-0 record and earning the highest score at the meet. For their outstanding performance, the Tutu Turtles received 3rd place in the Control Award for programming, 2nd place in the Connect Award for community involvement, and 2nd place in the Innovate Award for innovative design. The team also walked away with the highest honor of the competition, the

Inspire Award, which is given by the judges to the most wellrounded and professional team. Thanks to their outstanding performance and awards, the team secured a spot at the Virginia State Meet held on February 24, 2018. At the State Competition the Turtles were chosen to compete in the division finals and received the Control Award for programing. In addition to competing at the qualifiers and state competition, the Turtles participated in community service by regularly helping the local Boys and Girls Club with STEM projects. The nineteen members of the Tutu Turtles worked closely with Virginia Commonwealth University engineering student and Chatham Hall alumna, Rachel Neller ’15–as well as event sponsor Dominion Energy–to promote sustainability through recycling. Team mentors Molly Thomas and Dan Waters were impressed by the outstanding work of their team, with Thomas commenting, “No matter the game scores or awards, I am always proud to be associated with the students from Chatham Hall, but it’s super exciting to win!”

SPORTS AWARDS

The IEA team had another banner year! The girls rode well throughout the regular season horse shows; both the team and five individual competitors were able to qualify for Regional Finals in March. Chatham Hall hosted Regional Finals again this year and welcomed over 400 competitors and upwards of 600 total people to the campus for two days of showing. The entire IEA team worked tirelessly to prepare the facility and the horses for this huge event as well as helping out throughout the weekend holding horses, being jump crew and welcoming everyone to our beautiful campus!

15

Winter Basketball MVP - Delali Som-Pimpong ’19 Most Improved - Christina Fast ’20 Coaches Award - Emma Denny ’21 Swimming MVP - Brooke Lahti ’20 Most Improved - Hannah Faison ’21 Coaches Award - Charlotte Jannach ’19 Robotics MVP - Smith Pittman ’18 Most Improved - Frannie McBride ’18 Coaches Award - Anna Gardner ’18 Strategist - Margaret Sophia Pedersen ’18 Spring The Regional Finals results were strong: Three girls qualified to move onto Zone Finals individually by receiving first, second or third during the competition: Chandler Runnells ’19, Caroline Hawthorne ’19, and Athena Critides ’21. The team was first overall at Regionals and then second overall at Zone Finals earning them a spot at National Finals in April. Runnells was second at Zone Finals and earned a place individually at National Finals! For the third time in four years, the team has qualified for National Finals. This is a huge achievement! By qualifying for Nationals, the team bested over 700 total teams throughout the country to be in the top 18 teams. Though competition at Nationals was tough and the girls missed the ribbons, their great riding through out the year and at National finals was a huge accomplishment. The riding faculty is so proud of them for their great riding, team spirit and positive attitudes. We are excited about another year of summer programs including a new camp for advanced riders and lots of new riders joining us in the fall.

Lacrosse MVP - Louise Strawn ’21 Most Improved - Christina Trexler ’20 Coaches Award - Cheney Knight ’19 Riding- IEA MVP-Isabella Hubbard ’19 Most Improved- Lily Porter ’19 Coaches Award- Hailey Johnson ’19 Soccer MVP - Anna Gardner ’18 Most Improved - Emily Grass ’19 Coaches Award - Athena Critides ’21 CAC Senior Charms Catherine Hare ’18 Rachel Hightman ’18 Anna Gardner ’18 Lanie Walsh ’18 The Lala Harrison Field Hockey cup Delali Som-Pimpong ’19 The 2017 -2018 Gloria Cole Award Delali Som-Pimpong ’19 The Gene Scott Connor Memorial Tennis trophy-Catherine Hare ’18 The Katherine Lea Reynolds Athletic Award (Best Athlete Trophy) Delali Som-Pimpong ’19

16 YARDLEY PROJECT

Living Poetry “Still I Rise”- Living Poetry at Its Finest

“Still I Rise” is the title of the highly celebrated poem written by the preeminent author, Maya Angelou, whose soulful voice captures the hopes and dreams, fears and glory, of the African-American woman. With this poem as a backdrop, the students of 20th Century African-American Women in History class were tasked with presenting the history of black women in a unique way. For the spring semester, the students channeled their energy to become African-American women in real time. The result-a stimulating opportunity to introduce the Chatham Hall community to the contributions of women of color from across the decades.

she selected, the student’s focus on the appropriate costume and dress was an important consideration. Dr. Katherine Diuguid, a studio artist specializing in hand embroidery, dressmaking, and textiles, and who is affiliated with North Carolina State University as Associate Professor, visited Chatham Hall on several occasions. She served as a consultant to the course project and her guidance was integral in the facilitation of an instructive seminar which served as a springboard for creativity and designthinking in its most literal form. We were honored to have her as an important part of this endeavor and hope to work with her again in the future.

Back to the Future

Utilizing multi-faceted research, the students of the 20th Century AfricanAmerican Women in History course took a fascinating look back at the life and times of black female luminaries of past generations. The young ladies chose from a stimulating cross-section of American society, spanning the early 1900s through the late 1990s. Each woman was chosen for her contributions to the development and history of this nation. Critical to the successful completion of this class, however, was the ability of the students to appreciate and understand the complex nature of these women and their individual histories. The final phase of the course allowed the student the unique opportunity to “become,” in the fullest sense, the African-American woman of her choice. In an authentic attempt to highlight the life and accomplishments of the leader

History Comes to Life!

On May 4, 2018, the students, presented their comprehensive projects by becoming their heroines. Their passion was clearly evident as they presented their individual interpretations of complex history to the community. The girls consistently utilized their critical-thinking skills in exploring their decisions, creating provocative presentations. By doing so, the students, in essence, were making history themselves. The success of this deeper dive into history will serve as the model for future classes as the students of 20th Century AfricanAmerican Women in History move forward into the 21st century.

Re-introducing …. Student and faculty housing in Yardley! The opening of the 2018-19 school year will populate ten student rooms and faculty housing in Yardley. The enrollment for Chatham Hall is higher than it has been since the early 1980’s. Construction is underway. Stay tuned for project updates. The renovation is made possible through the generosity of donors.

congratulations MRS. HAYMES! After 31 years of service to Chatham Hall, Math Teacher, Cheryl Haymes is retiring this year. In addition to being a faculty member, Cheryl is also the mother of three Chatham Hall graduates, Abi Haymes Ibarra ’04, Erin Haymes Huan ’05, and Hannah Haymes ’12. Cheryl began her career at Chatham Hall in 1986. We’ll miss her around the halls next year, but can’t wait to hear about what adventures lie ahead for her!

If you have an interest in supporting the Yardley renovation please contact the Office of Advancement at 434-432-5600.

Below: Maggie Shiftan who portrayed Daisy Bates. Daisy Bates was a civil rights activist who was a major participant in the Little Rock desegregation crisis of 1957. She was an important advisor to the nine students who desegregated the Little Rock Central High School, and who are commonly referred to as the Little Rock Nine.

To everything there is a season: a time to every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 Alas, the time and season for our beloved chapel chairs has come and gone. We are delighted to have been honored with a gift of new chairs for St. Mary’s Chapel. When Chatham resident, Bill Simpson, attended the Lee Yardley Day program in the fall, he noticed that the existing chairs were in need of repair and noted that the chairs were rather narrow relative to the average person today. As a long time neighbor and friend of Chatham Hall, Mr. Simpson inquired as to whether he might present the school with a gift of new chapel chairs. It would be expected that Mr. Simpson would have a keen eye regarding aesthetics and seating. As one who has served his life’s work in the funeral business, it is incumbent upon him to ensure that individuals are comforted and comfortable. Mr. Simpson spends a lot of time in chapels. He directs funerals and owns a company which manufactures caskets for Presidents and dignitaries around the world. In 2014, he opened a Funeral Museum on Main Street in Chatham. It was important to Mr. Simpson that his gift be one that served an important function for Chatham Hall and be in keeping with the grace and spirit of St. Mary’s Chapel. Next time you are on campus, come spend a few moments of reflection in St. Mary’s Chapel and enjoy the comfort of the chairs. Interested in obtaining one of our former chapel chairs? Stay tuned for an upcoming opportunity to purchase these for a specified donation to benefit the school plus the cost of shipping.

campus news

chat

17

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2018!

Alumnae News and Events

Despite the March Nor’easter, Chatham Hall alumnae, parents and friends gathered at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem Massachusetts on March 8, 2018 for the Georgia O’Keeffe: Living Modern Exhibition. Regional gatherings provide a wonderful opportunity to stay connected with Chatham Hall friends. Join us on the road or make a visit to campus. We are always delighted to connect with you. Have you registered for our new online community: www.chathamhallconnect.com ?

19 chat

chat

18

alumnae awards and honors

Chatham Hall is proud to announce that this year’s Distinguished Alumnae are Helene Zimmerman Hill ’46 and Kathy Reynolds Chandler ’68.

and programs accessible to individuals with disabilities. While at AbilityPLUS, nine other programs were started in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Each year since 2007, her organization has hosted soldiers who were wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan with support from Disabled Sports USA. She has also served on the Board of Directors of Massachusetts Special Olympics. In March 2017 she went to Austria to the World Games as a coach for the US Special Olympics Alpine Ski Team. In 2009 she took the first sit down skier to the World Games in Alaska for Special Olympics International. Over the years, Ms. Chandler has traveled to Spain, Austria, and Canada and throughout the U.S. to teach adaptive ski techniques. Ms. Chandler currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Chatham Hall, and is a former member of the Alumnae Council.

Dr. Helene “Lanie” Zimmermann Hill ’46, retired Professor of Radiology from Rutgers University, is noted for her research in radiobiology of melanoma as it relates to radiation resistance and photobiology of melanin as it relates to pigmentation. Dr. Hill has contributed articles to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Science, Cancer Research, BioEssays, the Journal of Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis and the Journal of Pigment Cell Research. Dr. Hill is a member or lifetime member of numerous medical and scientific professional associations.In 2016, she published Hidden Data: the Blind Eye of Science, a book about scientific fraud. On her website, she states: “I want other scientists but especially women to know that you have to keep fighting for what you believe in, no matter what the odds. And even though I lost (a False Claims Act aka Lincoln Law lawsuit), I want changes to come about with the ways scientific misconduct is handled.” Dr. Hill was previously awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from The Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr, PA in 1991 and the Smith College Medal in 1997. She is a member of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America. Kathy Reynolds Chandler ’68 was inducted into the National Disabled Ski Hall of Fame in 2013. This prestigious award spotlights “individuals who have had an influential role in disabled sports as well as athletes who have excelled in disabled sports.” In 2015 she was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Waterville Valley Resort. Ms. Chandler founded the Waterville Valley Resort’s Adaptive Snowsports Program in 1992 which continues to be recognized nationally as a premier adaptive sports program. Five years later, she formed a non-profit organization, AbilityPLUS Inc., committed to helping other mountains make their facilities

Fireside Chat with Judy Carter ’63 Students gathered at the Rectory on Tuesday evening, April 3, 2018 for the opportunity to converse with alumna Judy Carter ’63 about her career as a computer programmer and operations executive. Carter spoke about her early career as a systems engineer for her family’s life insurance company where, with the help of classes in computing from IBM, she built a tailored computer system from the ground up. Students asked about her experience being a woman in a male-dominated field. The conversation even included a group discussion of the implications of modern technology, from social media to Artificial Intelligence. Ms. Carter told the group she pursued a career in math and technology after Chatham Hall in part because “it was one of the few fields in which women were paid equally as men.” Ms. Carter was a stalwart in her professional arena and a pioneer in the writing of code. She also served as an executive throughout her career, working as the Executive Vice President of her family’s insurance company and then as the Head of Operations for a financial software company in Greensboro, N.C. Carter told the students that she credits much of her success to the challenges she faced and friendships she formed at Chatham Hall.

21 2018 Annual Meeting Awards Recipients

Community Awards Recipients

The Boyce Lineberger ’64 Award is given to an alumna who exerts a longstanding influence on the affairs of Chatham Hall. Katherine Coleman Haroldson ’75 has managed the careful investment and stewardship of school resources. She is completing her service on the Board of Trustees since 2009 as a member of the Investment Committee, serving as Chair since 2012. Pictured with her daughter Katherine.

Frazier Millner Armstrong ’77, an independent public relations, marketing and communications strategist, received YWCA Richmond’s 2018 Outstanding Women Award in the Marketing & Media category. She is the former vice-president of audience and content development at the Richmond TimesDispatch, following that was the Director of Patron Communications and Advancement for The Richmond Symphony. Her many years of community engagement include currently serving on the advisory board for The Robertson School of Media & Culture at Virginia Commonwealth University, the Board of Governors for The Woman’s Club as well as Board of Directors for Cultureworks. Frazier is being recognized for effectively using media platforms to advocate, inform, educate and expand or impart knowledge and information to better the greater Richmond region and beyond.

The Ellie MacVeagh Award is for that alumna who best represents the School’s goals for fellow constituents. Stacey Goodwin ’83 has demonstrated outstanding leadership for the school for nearly a decade. She has not only served on the Board of Trustees since 2009 but also served as Board Chair from 2013-2017. Her leadership and devotion to the school is much appreciated. Presented by Alumnae Council member Carleton Thomas Henrich ’85. The Nancy Gwathmey Award is given for superior skills in fundraising. This year the Nancy Gwathmey Award was presented to the Class of 1993 25th Reunion Committee, Kerrington Ramsey Molhoek, Anna Robinson, Joanna Edgell, and Laurel Cobble Fountain. This young class had the vision to begin working 5 years ago to raise funds to establish a scholarship fund in honor of their 25th Reunion. The Mildred Harrison Dent Award is given to that alumna who demonstrates an enthusiastic longterm commitment and devotion to the ideals of Chatham Hall. This year’s recipient is Lucy McClellan Barrett from the Class of 1953. She served on the Chatham Hall Board of Trustees from 2008-2017, has served as a Class Agent since 2009 and has been a cheerful and enthusiastic advocate for the school. Presented by Muffy Dent Stuart ’68.

Anne Lanier ’65 was elected 2018 Woman of the Year by the Junior League of Indian River on April 18. This award honors women who shape the community. Lanier was nominated for the Junior League’s Women of the Year award by the Mental Health Association in Indian River County. Lanier established the Rebecca Streetman Fund at the Indian River Community Foundation in memory of her daughter to support programs that focus on helping those with eating disorders or other mental health issues. The fund has supported wellness initiatives and programs at Chatham Hall like GIRLS Day. Lanier was an active member of the board of directors of the Mental Health Association in Indian River County for six years. Lanier speaks at schools and other events to discuss eating disorders. She organized and financially supported an all-day Eating Disorder Forum in Vero Beach in conjunction with the Alliance for Eating Disorders and the Mental Health Association. Along with being a past Indian River County PTA president and supporter of the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County, Lanier has engaged in numerous charitable causes such as the Indian River Community Foundation, the Indian River Land Trust and Girls on the Run, which teaches young girls about healthy lifestyles, positive body images and self respect.

alumnae news

chat

20

chatham hall on the road

The network of Chatham Hall alumnae, families, and friends gathered at events held around the world this Spring! Rector Suzanne Walker Buck and Assistant Head of School for Advancement Christine Cutright Knight traveled to Shanghai, Beijing, and Hong Kong to visit with current families, friends, and alumnae. In London, alumnae and friends gathered for “Fortified Tea at Fortnum and Mason” hosted by Trustee Kate Bulkley ’77. Trustee Jennifer Gammill McKay ’84 P’20 along with her husband, Kennard McKay P’20, and her mother Lynn Gammill P’84, G’20 toured Rector Suzanne Buck and Christine Knight throughout Mississippi and Louisiana. Friends gathered at Rowan Oak in Oxford, MS, at the home of Cynthia Bryant Parker ’61 in Ridgeland, MS, and at Antoine’s in New Orleans. A special visit was made to the Two Museums: Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum which opened in December 2017. Earlier in the winter, friends gathered at the Peabody Essex Museum for the Georgia O’Keeffe: Living Modern exhibition.

23 alumnae news

chat

22

REUNION MAY 4-6, 2018

25 chat

chat

24

class notes SPRING 2018 41

Edith Gwathmey Grassi The Class of ’41 can well be called survivors & I wonder how many of us “survive”? Elinor Robinson Greene ’41 and I had a lovely visit to Cape May - still found lots to talk about .... Fun!

45

Kathryn Reed Smith I am blessed with 2 great-grandchildren. A girl - 5 years and a boy - 6 months.

46

Alison Erskine Farrar I moved from my farm in Lyme to a condo in Hanover, NH, home of Dartmouth. Great to be in a college town: courses, lectures, sports and music - when the spirit moves!! Helene Zimmermann Hill After 52 years in academic medicine doing research and teaching, I retired on December 31, 2016. We spent most of 2017 downsizing and preparing to move from our home of 36 years in West Orange, NJ to Baltimore, MD which we did last October. Our daughter, Lana Hill ’82 lives here and has been a wonderful guide and help. Now that we are settled, we are beginning to explore our new surroundings and find them very much to our liking. We always have room for guests and would be delighted to welcome any and all of my Chatham Hall classmates and friends. Arvia Crosby Morris and Eleanor Earle write “Congratulations Lanie!!” Arvia and Eleanor were roommates above Dr. Lee’s office with the late Carter Chanler. Eleanor researches Eutruscan objects and lives in Barrington and Narraganset, RI. “We meet often when

Arvia moves nearby in winter from her “Pick Your Own Apple” apple farm in Rhinebeck, NY. Happily friendships have come down to next generations. Wishing you all good health, happy times, and don’t forget to vote!”

Louise Erdman Larsen has been participating in theater productions for many years. Now she has started a custom fashion design business to create one-of-a-kind outfits from unique fabrics.

Nancy Howland Washburne My younger great-granddaughter, Kimberly, will be one this Valentine’s Day and I will be 90 a couple of days later. Kimberly is the daughter of my granddaughter Nancy and her husband Diego. Nancy and Brenda are daughters of my older son, Peter Gratiot Washburne. I go daily to the Senior Center to play games (Bridge, Hand and Foot, Mahjong, Bingo, & Bunco) and now live with my other great-granddaughter, Elena, and her mother, my granddaughter, Sarah. I have much to be thankful for. In July, I went to Italy for the wedding of my granddaughter, Brenda to Marco and was able to meet Kimberly there. In August, on a trip with my younger son, I was able to have a last visit with my sister and my cousin and to stop by Chatham Hall. I often think of my days at Chatham and those I knew there.

Cordelia Ruffin Richards has at last moved to a retirement community in Annapolis and has survived downsizing and moving with help from her sister Jean Ruffin Lilly ’45, friends and her brother.

47

Eleanore Walton Bequaert reports that she continues to enjoy spending time with her nephew, a caterer, who lives nearby. Esther Coke is happily living in her condominium in Marshfield, Massachusetts; she continues an interest in birding and family genealogy. Marjorie Flory divides her year into two parts; she spends summers in Shelburne, Vermont and winters at her apartment in New York City.

Eleanor Owens Earle and Arvia Crosby Morris at Eleanor’s home in Barrington, RI.

Mervyn Adams Seldon reports that co-managing a cooperative art gallery is one of her many activities. She continues to enjoy painting. Noel Barnes Williams is pleased that her daughter has returned to New Orleans so they can enjoy many outings together. Noel is in a retirement community which she enjoys.

48

Trygve Norstrand Cooley writes “We are happily ensconced in a retirement community in Naples, FL.”

49

Joanne Shartle Anderson Andy and I were at the Bar A Ranch in Wyoming last summer when this picture was taken. I will be 88 on March 13!! Can’t believe it. We are well but have slowed down a lot. I am still singing (not well!!) in my church choir. I have done a lot of weaving and I wove the fabric for the vests we are wearing. We will move into a very nice local retirement place in a few weeks. No more cooking!!

Joanne Shartle Anderson and husband Andy at the Bar A Ranch last summer.

ago. I loved running into Ellen West Childs Lovejoy ’50 several years ago outside the Exeter Inn in Exeter, New Hampshire and wish I ran into more of my classmates. Our lives have all gone too fast but I think of all of you often and with great affection. Alison Fennelly Siragusa I have moved to Florida - I like it a lot here.

51 Sabrina Yvellez ’18, Roo Herty Brown ’50, and Mira Alpers ’19 after the Winter musical in February.

50

Kathleen Herty Brown I had a wonderful visit to Chatham in February. Saw the student-directed musical, “A... My Name Will Always Be Alice” (so enjoyable), took a student-directed tour of the campus, and brunched with the musical’s student-directors. I am overwhelmed with pride! These girls are so smart, poised, and articulate. They are attuned to the world of today. They write grants, post Congressional doings (the Senate side of the board was blank), and leave their iPhones outside the dining hall. They were actually talking to their friends while they ate, looking them in the eye. The Chapel was as beautiful as ever, my old choir stall intact. I left feeling more confident about the American future. Everyone should take a look! Cynthia Murray Henriques I found a good home for my Haflinger mare this past summer. A fellow board member on the Skyline Farm Carriage Museum, Nick Buck, recently lost a Haflinger, one of his pair, and is delighted to have my mare. Nick and his brother Rinker drove a team of 3 mules across the Oregon Trail in 2011 and Rinker wrote a book about their adventures published in 2015. Quite a tale and the mare is in Newcastle, Maine, so I can visit when the weather improves. Still studying and working at the piano, performing occasionally for two Portland Music Clubs, Schumann and Beethoven at the moment. Had a good talk with Westy Childs Lovejoy ’50 and we hope to get together this summer. My first cousin, Frank T. Murray, brother of Midge Murray Baldrige ’45, is in the same retirement community and Westy sees him occasionally. Small world. Also spoke with Roo Herty Brown ’50 and she told me how impressed she was with the school and the girls she worked with in Chatham’s production of “A...

My Name Will Always Be Alice,” and that everyone at the school was really welcoming. She is still busy with her music, as always! Dick turned 90 last fall, all the kids, grandkids and spouses, and two great granddaughters came to Maine and gave him a wonderful party! We are hoping that all the snow here in Maine melts soon, lots of digging out from three northeast storms in the last two weeks, but there may be another one next week! Life in New England! Mary Griswold Horrigan writes “Getting old, but doing well!!” Ellen Childs Lovejoy We are happily ensconced in our cottage at the Exeter, NH RiverWoods retirement community in the winter and move up to our farm in Strafford, NH for the summer, which seems to last till Thanksgiving! Because we are “farming” in the summer we have to do our traveling in the winter so went to Yellowstone Park last January, which was a great time to go - no people and lots of wildlife - and Iceland this February. Three of our sons have homes in Strafford and are often there weekends. Our first grandson will be married in October. I am finding being “so old” is lots more fun than I thought, mainly because of the vitality of living at a CCRC. I go to water aerobics, play Mahjong, walk with our dog, play ping pong, and mingle with very interesting new friends. I highly recommend it!!! Ellen MacVeagh Rublee I now live in Peterborough, New Hampshire in a community called Rivermead. My husband George is 92 and fairly frail. I live independently in an apartment. We still have our summer house in Dublin, New Hampshire 8 miles from Peterborough. I spend my summers mostly in Dublin. My children, grandchildren, and step-children visit us often throughout the year. I still enjoy gardening and I do find myself reading a lot of the books I meant to read long

Povy LaFarge Bigbee We have leased our little farm and so for the past year a portion of it has been in flowers tended by two of our granddaughters who run Calhoun’s Flower Farm (Susannah Calhoun ’09 and Lillian Calhoun ’11). Eldest sister Emily Calhoun James ’03 runs Floriography, her flower event business, from Albuquerque. Emily married Eli James last November. The entire wedding and reception took place on a neighboring farm, against a silo painted with sky, mountains, fields, a river, and grass. It was beautiful. Dulcinea Lee Green I just had my 85th Birthday. My daughters Niki and Alicia cooked me a gourmet dinner. At one point Alicia worked for Al Pacino who sent her to The Culinary Institute. Niki is a translator for abused women and tells them about a safe house and how to get help. My eldest granddaughter Jessie du Pont lives and works in France and has taken out French citizenship. Spends more time there than here. Her sister - Dulcy (11th Dulcinea) lives with her beau, Eric, and works in DC. Eric travels with The World Bank. My youngest granddaughter Sarah Sasirit Sewatamra du Pont lives in Bangkok and is a Freshman at Bates College. My eldest son, Peter, married a lovely woman, Dhon, who works for the Thai Government and invented the first Drone several years ago. She has also started a school. Pete recently chaired a conference in DC on climate change. Scott, my youngest son, lives in L.A. and is a writer and movie actor. He has an electric car (Niki and I do as well) and tours the country talking about them as well as acting. I’ve never been back to Chatham Hall but keep up with Sarah and do plan to return. It is interesting to learn about the girls before me from this area who went to Chatham Hall. Dr. Lee prayed over me for going up The Senior Steps when I was a Sophomore; and I had Dr. Yardley whose son Jonathon wrote a book about his experience in a girls’ boarding school. For me - three wonderful years. Smith was then very easy. For that I’m grateful as well as Miss Holt’s kindness during a difficult family time!

27 class notes

chat

26

Ann Cochran McCandless I have no new news from St. Louis, except that all is well here. I have lost some friends, of course, but still have my faithful dog, “Rosie” (a Westie) and she and I take walks (if you want to call sniffing at every tree a walk)…and Susan Fair Boyd ’51 and I keep in contact. Had a grandson married in September (1st one) - wonderful weekend for an outside occasion at the Ausable Club in the Adirondacks. Went to Ireland with friends this summer. Busy year for me. My best to you.

53

Judith Ruffin Anderson I recently moved closer to Winchester, Virginia and I’m very happy with the change. Some exciting travel plans for 2018: Portugal in July and Panama in October! Lee Edwards Anderson Pixie here. I don’t know if this is a first for our class, but I am thrilled to announce I have 3 new grandchildren, please note not great-grandchildren. Each of my 3 sons chose to marry strong women from Israel, Germany and China, all now U.S. citizens! My elder daughter chose an American man, and my younger daughter spends most of her time on her organizing business and an occasional beau. My pride in them has no bounds, especially as they were brought up primarily on a simulation of Chatham Hall’s honor code and live it. My very best to all, good health and stay safe. Lucy McClellan Barrett Our youngest grandchildren are now teenagers and some are in the working world. How did that happen? No weddings or great grandchildren yet. We are still dividing our week between New York City and Connecticut - a routine we really enjoy. Since we are spread all over the country, we are planning a family get together in August in Oregon. Being our class agent is very rewarding as I do have the opportunity to reconnect with classmates. And we all know that connecting is critical. As I said in my February letter to all of you, 1953 continues to be fabulous. Thank you to those of you who sent in news for the Fall Chat. We also set a high standard in terms of participation and dollars in the Annual Fund last year! Let’s keep it up for this year. Deadline is June 30. It would be grand to see some of you at Reunion in May - here’s hoping. I wish each of you a happy and healthy summer and do please keep in touch. Cheers. Jean Connelly Mooney My notes involve my different moves which I

don’t want to repeat in the future! I moved down to Ojai where my older daughter, Alex, lives, and lived in an adult community for 1 1/2 years. We were evacuated during the Thomas fire and I came back up north for that time and decided to move here again. I didn’t feel old enough to live there! So I’m now happily back in Northern California, still painting a little but more involved with quilting. Alex still lives in Ojai and Clare has become a pioneer in the great state of New Jersey. She’s living in Newark and is really liking it. Anne Bourne Rose A lot has happened these past three years, the main thing being that Jim and I moved from Washington, D.C. to Maine, close to our summer community at Prouts Neck, in March 2014. We sold our house in Washington in June of 2014 after having refinished all our floors and painting every room from top to bottom, so that it would be just right, as our realtor suggested. She said people want to move into a house which is ready to go, and that is what they did, which was such a relief! We adore the house which was a very happy, warm, and loving home for 43 years. Although we had not planned to move for several years, a very attractive cottage at Piper Shores, a Continuing Care Community, came upon the horizon which we felt was too good to pass up, so we swung into action and here we are. We keep in close touch with our friends in Washington but are continually reminded that there is nothing more constant than change. We are very happy to be near our older daughter, Annie Rose Williams and her husband Chip, who live in Pemaquid, Maine, overlooking the Harbor. Lee Rose Emery, our younger daughter, lives in Prague with her husband and two children Hayden age 13 and Averill age 15. Josiah, Lee’s husband is a filmmaker and has been teaching at The Film School. The whole family has had an incredible five years there where the children have been at a British International School and have traveled extensively. Averill this past year elected to be in the United States and completed her freshman year at Middlesex, in Concord, MA. She is now beginning her sophomore year and absolutely loves it, although for us life is moving by much too quickly. Both Jim and I are well and are enjoying the people at Piper Shores very much. We feel very fortunate to still have our house at Prouts Neck where we all get together as a family in the summer. Our grandchildren adore being on the ocean and spend every minute of the day outside swimming, sailing, riding bikes - whatever - always outdoors! I continue

to volunteer at the local public school, play tennis in the summer with my friends at Prouts, and have been doing a fair amount of oil painting since I retired from teaching. I have sold quite a few of my paintings over the years, had a one man show at Piper Shores this year of 17 pieces, which were not for sale. These I am keeping for our children and grandchildren.

54

Jane De Hart This past year has contained a mixture of pressure, pleasure, and pain. The pressure to get my legal biography of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in shape for a publication date of October 16, 2018 by Knopf has been unrelenting. Even my brief vacation, nearly a week of opera in Santa Fe in August, included an interview with the Justice along with some glorious music. The pain arrived in December with the largest wildfire in California and ten days of evacuation and the subsequent horrendous mudslides that made national news. Our house and grounds were spared but the losses suffered by very close friends in Montecito is heartbreaking. Those friends who did not lose their homes are again evacuated at least for another month until roads can be cleared and repaired and utilities restored. But spring, which comes very early in this part of California, should provide a welcome sense of renewal and rebirth. Caroline Ramsay Merriam My husband John “Duke” Merriam and I continue to live in the Georgetown section of Washington. We have 3 living children, 7 grandchildren, and 3 greatgrandchildren. We go to Britain in the summer and Jamaica in the winter. Caroline Young Moore We have moved from Aspen - 30 miles away to Carbondale. Great neighborhood. Still traveling to Martha’s Vineyard spring and fall, as well as globally. We’re very grateful for our good health.

55

Martha Justice Martin After 51 years in Blacklick (Columbus), Ohio my husband of over 50 years and I followed our children to the northwest in 2014. Sadly, Will died in May of 2016 just short of our 58th anniversary. I am very happy we made the move to Timber Ridge, a retirement community, as I am near all our family including a grandchild who will be 4 in April. It is a good place to find new friends and a new way of life hard though it was. Are there alumnae in the Seattle area that I might not

29 class notes

chat

28

Maria Gallagher Truslow and her family at Christmas. know? I am continuing to travel and plan to be in Peru in March with a Yale group.

57

Fay Wilmerding Burdon As possibly the only member of our class living outside the USA, I can report that life down under in Sydney continues smoothly, albeit more slowly, for my husband Fraser, and me. We continue to travel. We went to Borneo for the recent Christmas holiday period and saw wonderful wildlife, including an orangutan and baby in the primary rainforest. Earlier in the year, we took a tour to Cape York, Australia’s northern most point and, again, saw untamed lands and coast. I was delighted to be at our class 50th reunion and was there in spirit for the 60th. Nancy Campbell Fales Dan and I are enjoying keeping involved in our Pittsburgh community. We have 8 grandchildren. Best wishes to my classmates of the Class of 1957. I am grateful for my years at Chatham Hall.

58

Leila McConnell Daw So far this year: Spent a month working with traditional tapestry crafts women in Myanmar - my 5th trip there - and am still finishing the work we began. Sold our beloved sailboat. Bought a motor boat and brought it home from the Chesapeake Bay. Enjoyed Wissie Thompson’s mini reunion in Maine for the Class of ’58. Looking forward to reunion! In the meantime, the book Museums and Public Art?, for which I wrote a chapter about my skywriting work from the 1980’s, “Sky Maps: Public Airspace as Museum Space”, has just been published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing. The editors are Cher Knight and Harriet Senie. Ethel Baskerville Powell So proud of my grandsons! Matt, our 17 year old, made Eagle Scout in April! Will, our 14 year old, won the William Babcock Memorial Scholarship! It is awarded to the student in the 8th grade who has demonstrated the greatest potential for leadership through his involvement in

Simone Crockett and Harka Sherpa last fall.

Carol Harkey Garner and husband Fred at the Texas 2-Step Ball.

the community and scouting. Pete and I made it to 50 years! On January 28, 2017 we had a glorious party and barrels of fun! Wissie Thompson Still traveling as much as I can while I can. This spring am off to do part of a trek along the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain. Before hand, we’ll go to southwestern France to Carcassonne and afterwards to Porto and the Douro Valley. Really looking forward to seeing whomever can make it to our 60th in May. Jane Clark Warren We have finished our work in the Sudan where Stuart and another doctor worked to reduce carbon monoxide poisoning in women. Fascinating and great people.

59

Daphne Crocker-White Unfortunately, my husband Tony White died last spring after a long bout with leukemia. He never complained and remained loving throughout the whole long process. We had been married for 55 years and I began going out with him a month after graduating from Chatham Hall. My life has been quite shattered but I have a loving family who have been of great support. I am expecting Lisa Rosenberger Moore ’59 this Spring for a nice long visit wherein we will partake in many Marin adventures not found on the east coast. Priscilla Mapes Maresi (Lala) We moved into a wonderful retirement community here in Vero Beach in May and are very happy! I recently had lunch with Betsy Baldwin Montague ’59, Lee Porter Page ’59, Peggotty Worthington Gilson ’59, and Wissie Thompson ’58 on a beautiful day as we overlooked the ocean - lots of reminiscing and laughing. Lee Porter Page We have enjoyed having Wissie Thompson ’58 visit this January and lunch with Betsy Baldwin Montague ’59, Lala Mapes Maresi ’59, and Peggotty Worthington Gilson ’59.

Maria Gallagher Truslow I retired on May 31, 2014 after a rewarding 50 years of professional life as a registered nurse. This was in time to be free for my daughter Anne’s wedding to Jim Harders and their life in the Hartford area. Soon after, Frank, my son, married Nicole Shorwood and they now live in Brooklyn with my first grandchild, Theodore (Teddy), born October 3, 2016. When not with family, life is full for me in Newtonville, MA. Volunteer work and varieties of activities with relatives from afar, and old and new friends. I feel most fortunate.

60

Simone Crockett The picture is of me with Harka Sherpa without whom I could not have trekked the Himalayas last fall and survived. I had a great 3-hour breakfast with Katrina Watson ’60 a few weeks ago. The recurring topic in our all-over-the-place conversation was how are you dealing with being 75. Carol Harkey Garner Fred and I love to dance, even if it’s two-step Texas style! We are kept young in our fun-loving Florida community in Fort Myers, but still look forward to summers at the cottage on Green Bay in Wisconsin, where our family of 29 gather for the 4th of July. We will welcome our 1st great-grandchild in May! Jane Webster Grigsby My husband of 30 years died peacefully on Feb 11, 2018 of severe dementia. He had been sick with this horrible disease for three years. The family is doing well. I have two children living in the area so they have been very helpful. I have 5 grandchildren ranging in age from 10 to 19. I closed my jewelry business in May 2017 and am now officially retired. I have been keeping very busy playing pickleball, bridge, and bowling. Pickleball is the fastest growing game - a cross between badminton and tennis played with a wiffle ball on a court half the size of a tennis court. Check it out...

Anna Porter ’12, Katherine Leak ’15, Frances Johnson LeeVandell, ’60, Peggy Johnson Lee ’50, Meredith Lee ’12; Alletta Lee Bode-Griss ’86. We’re at Stephany and Will Lee’s wedding on October 20, 2017. Margaret Lloyd Keuler A highlight this year was having lunch with Mary Potts Montgomery ’60, Gracie Nunes Thompson ’60 and Jenny Reed Slote ’60. Jenny was the impetus as she had recently moved to Seattle. The rest of us had talked of getting together since the 50th reunion. We had a wonderful time reconnecting and catching up. In addition I added a 7th grandchild, Arek Lloyd Kolacz, in October. We sold a vacation place in eastern Washington and have nearly moved everything out. We gave away lots but still don’t know where we will put the rest. Finally, I joined the 2.0 Women’s March with one daughter and one grandson. It was smaller, shorter, and easier but no less inspiring. It started with speeches about missing and murdered indigenous women and was followed on Sunday with lectures, panels, voter registration, and more. Proud of Seattle with a woman mayor and a super-majority of women in the city council. Already changes are happening. Eleanore Lee Gee, I can’t think of anything really new: We’re quite involved in the care of our two grandchildren as our son Jonathan has moved back to Berkeley with them. I’m still working on writing. I just got another poem accepted for publication last week. Our daughter Jessica is very active in the Women’s March movement and has just taken the lead in organizing a big march in Sacramento in January with 35,000 people attending. Ann Davenport Mavroleon Dixon Last December, Art for Youth London had its 2nd best year ever in Mall Galleries, raising almost £107,000 in net profit for UK Youth. Gross art sales were at a record high of £162,581 a welcome Christmas bonanza for artists who donate 35% of their profits to the charity. My sisters, Amy and Glorianna, flew over the pond to help with the frantic set-up and also to look after me! On 12 November, with no forewarning, I had a dissected aortic artery and was suddenly (in front of God and everybody) not able to move my feet at all. At high noon,

Caroline Tate ’60 with her beloved golden retreiver.

this was not what I set out to experience that day at breakfast. I am convinced, however, there are angels about because, if I had been able to get my feet to work and thus make it home from where I was, I would, in the surgeon’s words, have been a goner. As it was, a lovely parishioner of our local church drove me straight to a local A & E from whence I was blue lit to a hospital across town and was operated on at 1:30 AM by the top aortic specialist in the field (bless for the fantastic NHS)! Personal events did not stop there however. I just had a cataract removed from my left eye. I can read without specs -a plus -but was warned I would see dust and I do! (So much of it in fact that a deep house clean will be the only solution). I am also coming to terms with the fact that I can now see a host of wrinkles on what was before an eternally youthful visage. Clarity is not always an advantage. Anyway, with my upper aorta and its aortic arch now replaced by Teflon and super-glue, no less, and a new lens made up of whatever - better not to inquire about - I have joined the bionic woman set in 2018. My lovely daughter, Caitlin, has been a complete blessing in the nurse dept. too. Lucky, lucky me! Eliza Wolcott Morehead Kai, age 16, came around Christmas and will be here for the rest of high school. My slightly lazy, easy life is gone and cooking dinner every night for someone who is used to Japanese food is a challenge! Life seems much the same except for having one more person to think about. My traveling last year was 2 weeks in Tokyo and 3 weeks in northwest Spain, ending up in Madrid. Those trips were fun and I’m looking forward to seeing everything through young eyes! Caroline Tate My beloved golden retriever, abused and abandoned, was without one hair on her tail when I got her two years ago. I have had Goldens for 48 years. She is the smartest, softest, and prettiest. She is the only one ever who is totally on voice command, no leash.

Toinette Tucker Life just keeps getting better and better!!! BERKSHIRESTYLE, an online resource and magazine, which I co-founded and work as its publisher, rolls into its eighth year. I have seventeen independent contractors working for me and we publish weekly. Lots of fun and interesting - keeps me out in the world and involved. I have moved to NYC, living there full time, and commute to the Berkshires to manage the website. Please visit us at www.berkshirestyle.com. I have been studying with an Indian guru for over fifteen years and have traveled the world with her. Who knew that my Episcopal upbringing would lead to this path with a Hindu teacher! So grateful, my children and grands are healthy and leading exciting lives. I have three of the latter in college, two in high school. It seems only yesterday they were toddlers. I continue to enjoy my dogs and am showing both Bichons and Toy Poodles. Wishing all my classmates much love. Elizabeth Walter-Echols My life goes on in Germany much as always. I teach German to and assist refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, Iran and Eritrea. We rail at the changed political climate with the new coalition government, but we go on helping as before. On the personal side, I sing in a choir, attend a literature group and dance, folk dance and Latin for Seniors! It’s fun and engaging! Some health issues: our son Michael is afflicted in one eye with a parasite, Acanthamoeba, which is very persistent and hard to treat--an affliction of contacts wearers. We pray it can be overcome. I was diagnosed with thyroid underfunction, or Hashimoto’s disease, take a hormone pill a day and otherwise notice nothing. Husband Gerd has high blood pressure but is otherwise fit as a fiddle. We hope our daughter and family will visit this summer, as they love to come and it’s been several years. Love and good wishes to the classmates.

61

Mary Allen Cox Loved a call from Barbie Hollister Black ’62!! Older grandson (13) was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society! So proud of him! Nothing new. Life is great!

Eugenie Hintzpeter Redman My news this last year was very exciting wins for 1 of my 3 competition horses. Adventure E was selected to compete as a show jumper in the South East Asian Olympics representing the Phillipines. My rider/trainer is Colin Syquia whose father is Phillipino. Adventure performed well and won overall in his division. Adventure and Colin have become quite a successful team. Adventure also won a Grand Prix in Vermont before going to the South East Asian Olympics.

63

Judy Carter We continue to have a large house on the farm for short term rentals (Wintersun). I’m trying to ride daily but it’s been a harsh winter. Looking forward to a fireside chat at Chatham in April with students. Anne Clement Haddad My husband Charles has just retired and returned from living in Kuwait, and we are now reunited and living together again. We look forward to a holiday season with all the family together.

64

Linda Trent I still live in Sebastopol, California. I have a wonderful cremello Tennessee Walker named Hamish, which means warm and cuddly in Yiddish, who I take for a ride in the nearby park every morning. I go to Los Angeles often to visit my 2 granddaughters; Chantal, 12 and Delphine, 9. I am leaving for Peru on April 12 for the rest of that month with our Dr. Viljoen and a group of us from the Center for Spiritual Living in Santa Rosa. After that I will be turning 72. I have become a very strict ethical vegan. I feel more alive and happier than I thought possible at this age. I welcome any Chathamites who would like to come to visit me here. I have a guest room and all are welcome.

65

67

Wendy Wilson O’Brien It has been quite a ride so far!!! I now have 9 grand children!!! I continue to compete with my driving ponies although not at the international level any more and now drive 4...still fun but taxing on this brain...I see Betsy Stout Foehl ’67 at least once a year.....but would welcome anyone to Aiken, SC for a visit.....caught up with Jessica and Muffy Dent Stuart ’68 in Lexington last October while at The Horse Park. My mother turns 95 this spring and is in excellent health..... My latest project has been the building of a new state of the art Therapeutic Riding Center here in Aiken...we just had our Grand Opening on March 2!! Great Oak Aiken Therapeutic Riding Center Mission: To provide equine assisted activities that promote the physical, emotional and psychological health of individuals with special needs. Marney Ault Wasserman I am happily retired in northern New Mexico and enjoying 5 grandchildren ages 3-11 when we can (3 children in Denver, NYC, and Houston.) Not sailing this year (sad), but glad to have sold our boat in the islands before last fall’s hurricanes hit! Loved the reunion last spring.

68

Wendell Shepard Chisholm Looking forward to our 50th reunion at Chatham this spring! (First time back in 50 years.) Photo is a picture of our daughter, Kimberley, and myself in Florida, at the Orlando Veterinary conference. (We took a day off from the conference to go to Universal Studios). She has taken over the veterinary practice and I now work for her! John and I are still enjoying our family farm in Maine. We would love to see any Chathamites that may venture this far north. Muffy Dent Stuart I am looking forward to seeing classmates at our class reunion May 4-6. We will have such a great time reconnecting and catching up. Life is

Susan Farwell Houston Age 70 is a great year for adventures and we are embarking on as many as possible! Cheers to all, especially to the great Class of 1965! Son-in-law Corey Hennesey, daughter Kimberley Chisholm, son Nathan and his bride Marianna and Wendy Shepard Chisholm with husband John.

busy in KY as I continue coordinating a scholarship fund for education after high school for kids of central Kentucky Thoroughbred farm workers. I am busy with tennis, travels with family, and fun reunions with Chatham Hall friends including Trina Robinson Secor ’68, and husband Jay, Julia Johnson ’69 and Sally Johnson ’70 and Lea Cummings Parson ’44 and husband Steve, all at the Hillsboro Club this winter in Florida. Lucy Williams Maish ’68 and I keep I-75 busy as we travel back and forth having fun art museum adventures as well as attend Colonial Dames Society events. Life is good!! Cheers! Come to KY and visit!!

31 class notes

chat

30

69

Talmadge Ragan My audiobook career is blossoming. I have over 50 books out now on Audible and I’m happily continuing to do more and get better at this - a perfect way to complement my love for reading and sharing stories. I recently joined The Charlotte Singers, a group of about 75, and we perform around the city. I’ll be back volunteering at the Kitten Nursery when the season starts up again this Spring. I was a surprise and the only (!) guest speaker recently at a big gala for Broadway Costume Designer William Ivey Long, an old friend from The Lost Colony days. I just missed seeing Kit Ivey Ward ’69 but we’re hoping to get together soon. Look forward to seeing a lot of old friends at the Reunion this May and can’t wait for our big one next year. Can it really be 50 years?!

70

Ninna Fisher Denny I saw Tucky Stout Pogue ’69 and her daughter, Elizabeth, and granddaughter, Farrah, when they were in New York. It was such fun to catch up with them. Lyn Davenport ’70 and I are constant e-mailers as class agents, trying to do our best. Cathy Williams ’70 is the one we go to by e-mail and phone when we really need help! Best!

Wendy Shepard Chisolm ’68 and daughter Kimberley at Universal Studios, Florida.

Carol Harlocker McBee ’69 and Linda Alford Sahl ’69 at annual reunion on the island of Bequia, January 2018.

32

33

chat

class notes

Pam Purcell ’70, Nell Willis Twining ’70, Lynette Gaido ’70, and Molly Steffey ’70 enjoyed a weekend in Sanibel and had a blast kayaking, beach walking, swimming and reconnecting over lots of great food and wine!

Camp Bear Track Chapel Olivia Sprunt Dowell My husband, Jack, and I are celebrating our 25th summer of operation for our Christian Youth camp, Camp Bear Track. After Jack’s victory in 1990 over Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the two of us bought 200 acres on a beautiful mountain top in the Ozarks of Arkansas. We built it from the ground up, and I must say I never knew I would learn so much about water lines, septic fields, and construction! I like to say I have never worked so hard and had so much fun. The treasured relationships with campers, families and staff continue to bless our lives daily. Chatham Hall was the foundation of my study and organizational skills for which I am forever grateful!

72

Julie Cleveland Living in Maine is always full of surprises! Just had our second March nor’easter that dropped 20+ inches of snow. They have had to bring in the tractor... that is not a cloud but snow behind me and you can barely see the house. We love it.

77

Patty Kellogg Maddock I’m still living in Bozeman, Montana and loving it - even with a foot of snow on the ground! My daughter, Ginny, just graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Vocal Performance with a Julie Cleveland ’72 in front of a mountain of snow in Maine.

Jazz emphasis and is starting her “real life” now. Not sure where she’ll end up but Boston, NYC, and Seattle are on the list - all having great jazz scenes. I’m in my 6th year at Bozeman High School coordinating all of their online learning, helping with freshmen who have a hard time transitioning into the world of high school, and working in our program that enables expelled students to keep up with their classes online. It can be challenging at times but so rewarding. My husband and son are happy and healthy as well. I so enjoyed our 40th reunion last year. It was terrific to see good friends who graduated in 1977 and 1978. Wish I could be there this year. Chatham Hall always seems like home even after all of these years. Had a wonderful visit with Frazier Millner Armstrong ’77 when she visited Bozeman with her husband in September; loved reconnecting. If anyone comes through our beautiful state please get in touch!

80

Allison Sutton Fuqua Our daughter, Caroline, was married in Raleigh, NC in October 2017 to Joe Owens, attorney in Charleston, SC. They live in Mount Pleasant. Sarah Randall Fuqua, sister of the bride was maid of honor. Sarah Randall is currently living and working in Charlotte, NC. Randy has just committed to hiking the Appalachian Trail and leaves in March- I will meet him at numerous sites along the way and plan on hiking the Mount Katahdin Summit in September when the hike is complete!! Randy will hike 2,278 miles through 14 states from Georgia to Maine. The journey will take about 6 months to complete. Jane Redd Last October I graduated from medical massage school in Lebanon, Ohio and received my limitedbranch medical license from the Ohio State Medical Board in December 2017. Not bad for a music major! If you have a physical issue and are in the Cincinnati area, email me for an appointment!

Mary Jo Blake ’84 Allison Sutton Fuqua ’80 with daughters Caroline and Sarah. Irene Siragusa Phelps ’71 married Charles Joseph Eastman II (Joe) on November 4, 2017 in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Mary Kay Karzas ’71 and her husband Warren Reiss were among the family and friends who attended.

81

Janet Scott I moved to Atlanta to work at the CDC mothership and loving it! Give me a ring if you’re in the area.

84

Mary Jo Blake Hey guys, I’m in Baltimore, MD attending the 39th annual hostage negotiators conference, honing my job skills. Just read the recent issue of the Chat and loved reading about some of you. A few months ago I got to compete in a UMW alumni horse show and snagged 3rd place on the flat. First time competing in decades! Truthfully, my goal was simply not to fall off in the over fences class which I somehow accomplished. Hope to see everyone at the reunion in May. Go purps!!!

85

Terri Coleman Martinez I graduated as Terri Coleman but I recently married in October 2017, so I am now Terri Martinez. I am currently living in the Dominican Republic with my husband. I retired from my job as Director of IT Program Management at Aetna where I worked for 27 years. I released my fifth novel last spring and am currently working on my 6th which will be 80’s alumnae and legacies: Jennifer Gammill McKay, Sarah Crosby McKay, Donie Martin Carlson, Mary Reynolds and daughter Mamie Cox, Sarah Monarchi Longpré, Sarah Collie, and Melanie Kirk Holton.

released later this year. I also have a blog where I share my experiences about being a Dominican housewife. My blog can be found at https://authorterrid. blogspot.com

86

Eleanor Burke Happy Fifty and Fabulous Birthday to Us! We Class of ’86ers had a mini reunion to celebrate our collective 50th Birthdays!!! We spent the President’s Day long weekend together in Isle of Palms, SC (near Sullivan’s Island). Yes, we ARE holding our beloved IRIS in the photo! Caroline Sloan Still in Portland, still writing software. Charles is 10. Spending all the time I can on midterm elections. Go Purps.

92

Alison Beckner Kaloumenos Hello from Mexico! After 15+ years in Paris (and some time in Greece), I decided to switch continents for a bit and dropped pin in the Yucatan. I currently live in Valladolid, a colonial town inland from Tulum, Cancun and Merida. From my base here, I am a digital nomad: acting as the Chief Content Officer for the English language part of Inside/Out (www.insideout.world), the French-English platform for female empowerment through sports and wellness that I co-founded (with my Class of ’86 in our 50 ROCKS T-shirts & iris, front row: Mary Freed Lee, Alletta Lee Bode-Gris, Flora Garner Platt, Kerry Alexander. Back row: Eleanor Burke, Leigh Shuford Sparks, Hallie Bettcher Pettegrew, Carrie Bingham, Michele Motley Wilson, Jennifer Chandler Davies.

business partner in Paris) in 2016, and also contributing to magazines, organizing events and consulting for clients in the lifestyle industries. I would love to hear from anyone coming through the Yucatan peninsula.

97

Candice Dickinson Hamilton Hi Friends! In October 2017, I fulfilled a life-long dream of visiting Rose Ward Kreger ’98 in her native Anchorage, Alaska! We flew into Seattle, Washington for my brother John’s wedding on Whidbey Island, and we weren’t about to leave the West Coast without checking our bucket lists. With my husband of 12 years, Bryan, son, Joseph, 11, and daughter, Savannah, 8 in tow, we made our way to the Last Frontier! Rose, husband, Jesse, and daughter, Madeline, 2, were wonderful hosts and we even ventured to Seward, AK for a wildlife cruise in the Gulf of Alaska where we viewed bald eagles, sea lions, jellyfish, and even a few goats! We hope to return host favors when the Kreger family come to Tennessee. My husband is a Senior Developer at Xerox, and I am a full-time homeschool mom teaching my children in 2nd and 5th grade. Why you ask? Well, I am also the Founder and Principal Managing Director of The Bravery Over Bullying Organization-- a non-profit I started in 2016 with the help of my two very brave children who witnessed violence at their private Christian school and became the targets of a known bully. Check us out on Facebook! We are a community educational resource that hopes to teach kids how to #bebravenotabully, as well as, provide free counseling to families and educational tool-kits for every classroom in the state of TN. We plan to go nationwide! Love & hugs to all! Alison Beckner Kaloumenos ’92

Terri Coleman Martinez ’85 with her husband in October 2017. Candice Dickinson Hamilton ’97 with Rose Ward Kreger ’98 in Anchorage, Alaska and below, her children Savannah and Joseph.

98

Elaine Lao Campbell It’s been a busy past several years with a lot of moves and having kids! We finally settled down on Lake Norman, NC in 2013. I have a 3 year old son, Jack Kellan and 5 year old daughter, Penelope Mei. I am an internal medicine physician and partner at Mecklenburg Medical Group in Huntersville, NC. I also started my handcrafted jewelry line this past year at Sweet Grass Boutique in Mooresville, which had been an amazing experience. Over the past 2 years I’ve also become an avid wakesurfer and am featured in the Mooresville Visitors brochure. I’ve met up with Tiffany Yokeley Martin ’98 and Morgan Brawley Rhodes ’99 who live in the area too. I’d love to meet up with other graduates in the area and look forward to celebrating our 20th Chatham reunion in May!

34

35

chat

class notes

the snow piles, exploring Denver on the weekends, or studying for her Certified Sommelier exam she plans to take in June and expanding her palate. Shout out to everyone from class of 2009. I can’t wait until our 10 year reunion! Julia Rowe Cullimore ’05 with classmates from Chatham Hall.

Elaine Lao Campbell ’98 wakesurfing on Lake Norman in North Carolina.

99

Morgan Brawley Rhodes Howdy Turtles! I have had a pretty big year. I had the opportunity to attend the AKC Agility Invitational with my dog Eddie for the third year in a row. At 30 weeks pregnant I headed down to Florida to compete where Eddie finished 1st in his breed and 31st in his class of 147 dogs. On February 3, 2018 Wes and I welcomed the arrival of Lillian Elise Rhodes. We are all happy and healthy. I’d love to hear from you: morganbrhodes@gmail.com.

03

Arlene Huebner I wanted to share I had twins last September! Twins make 5! I have a 6 year old called Michelle!

Morgan Brawley Rhodes ’99 at the AKC Agility Invitational. Above, Morgan’s daughter Lillian.

04

Danielle Thomas Kimmel and her husband, Jeff, joyously welcomed their first son, Thomas Zutes Kimmel, on December 31st 2017 at 11:53pm, weighing in at 7lb 13oz and measuring 22 inches.

05

Lelan Dunavant Davidson I left my job as a college counselor at a high school to put all of my time into my granola bar company, Le Bar (www.lebarbars.com). I’ve been selling at farmers markets all over Nashville, and they are also available online. I hope to get into coffee shops, juice bars, and gyms around town in the near future! Members of the class of ’05 gathered in Nashville for a mini reunion. It was so great to get to spend quality time together and eat our way through Music City. It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly thirteen years since we graduated! Julia Rowe Cullimore I got married last fall to Jeremy Cullimore, originally from San Clemente, CA. We met in DC when I first moved here over five years ago and got married on September 9, 2017 in my hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. Lelan Dunavant Davidson, Ashley Hockensmith, Laura Stocke Farmer and Rebecca Jones Mansell from the Class of ’05 traveled down to celebrate. Locally-based alums Elizabeth Anne McGowan ’06 and Francis Sommers

Arlene Huebner ’03 sent a photo of her three children. Wheelock ’75 were also in attendance. I was thrilled to be able to celebrate such a special occasion with my Chatham sisters!

06

Abigail Murnick Jones welcomed baby George Buchanan Jones on October 14, 2017. George has enjoyed meeting all his aunts from Chatham Hall. Laura Rand Matheny Jon and I joyfully welcomed our precious daughter, Bebe Anne Matheny, to the world on October 20, 2017. She is named after my grandmother, Bobbie “BB” Ann Blalock, who was an exceptional woman and one of my most adored companions. Bebe shares her great-grandmother’s radiant spirit and bright smile, nothing could make me happier. Each smile is a gift, and we are grateful. Love and good wishes to you all! Sara Norman Wielgus I got married in March 2017 and was surrounded by all of my Chatham girls! After 3 years in Boston, my husband and I will be moving down to Norfolk, VA in June. I’m excited to be back in Virginia and get back to my southern roots!

07

Ann O’Brien Singh I’m super excited to share that I got married to Gurpreet Singh on September 23, 2017 at the Tides Inn in Irvington, Virginia. We live

Danielle Thomas Kimmel ’04 and her husband, Jeff, with their son, Thomas Zutes Kimmel.

Members of the class of ’05 gathered in Nashville for a mini reunion.

in Venice Beach, California with our golden retriever, Charley, and spend the weekends surfing and playing beach volleyball!

08

Laura Rand Matheny ’06 and daughter Bebe Anne Matheny.

Kristin Reese Solomon On October 7, 2017 I married the love of my life, Mike Solomon, in Sutherlin, VA. We were so blessed to be surrounded by our family and friends on one of the biggest days of our lives.

09

Constance Harris I am engaged and will be getting married to my fiance, Brandon Wentworth on November 21, 2018 and was recently accepted into the Dance MFA program at UC Boulder, which I will be starting at the end of August. I can’t wait for the next time I can come to Chatham for a visit! Ridgely Knight reports that 2017 was a whirlwind. In the beginning of 2018 she made a cross country move with her 7 year old beagle from Hilton Head Island, SC where she was a wine buyer for the last 4 years, to Breckenridge, Colorado! She lives with her sister (for the first time since before leaving for Chatham) and works as a Fine Wine Sales Rep for Veraison Beverage Distributors selling wine to restaurants and retail stores around Summit County. She misses the beach, but she’s extremely happy in the mountains! Her beagle Ollie absolutely loves the snow! When she’s not selling wine she’s snowboarding, practicing yoga, watching Ollie romp in

Photo by Molly Cronenwett Photography

George Buchanan Jones, son of Abigail Murnick Jones ’06 Ann O’Brien Singh ’07 married Gurpreet Singh on September 23, 2017.

Pictured left to right: Billy Reese, Mike Solomon, Kristin (Reese) Solomon ’08, Wendy Reese, Reagan Solomon future class of 2033.

Sara Norman Wielgus ’06 and her husband surrounded by her Chatham Hall classmates at their wedding.

Constance Harris ’09 and her fiance Brandon Wentworth.

Ridgely Knight ’09 is a fine wine sales rep in Colorado.

chat

36

11

Natalia Stanley reports that Isabelle Dunham ’11 was able to visit her in Austin for SXSW. “We are really enjoying being able to see each other often now that we both live in Texas.”

14

Rachel Tuite is graduating with an Honours M.A. in Archaeology from the University of Edinburgh, School of History, Classics and Archaeology, in Edinburgh, Scotland on July 3, 2018.

In Memoriam

Billie Jean Wheeler Reynolds died peacefully on April 23, 2018. From time to time the Alumnae Council has the privilege and honor of recognizing a member of the wider school community who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to the welfare of the school and its students. We embrace this community member as one of us, bestowing upon them the status of honorary alumna in recognition of their long-standing impact on our alumnae community. Ms. Reynolds was recognized for her contributions to the school at the Annual Meeting of the Alumnae Association. Billie is survived by her three daughters, Elizabeth ’82, Mary ’84, and Jean ’85, who were in attendance at the meeting and accepted the recognition on her behalf. Ms. Reynolds served on the Chatham Hall Board of Trustees from 1998 to 2007 including as Treasurer from 1999 to 2005. After rotating off the Board, she continued to serve on the Audit Committee from 2009 to 2016.

The Chatham Hall community extends its deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the following alumnae and friends of the School who have recently passed away.

Lee Stuart Cochran ’42 passed away on December 19, 2017. She is survived by her cousins Susan Collins Miles ’87 and Haley Collins Poole ’90. Rita Kip ’44 passed away on January 21, 2018. Eleanore Williams Arnold ’45 passed away on February 18, 2018. Marie Teague Cranston ’48 passed away on January 28, 2018. She is survived by her cousin Eleanor Burke ’86. Eleanor Pennell ’48 passed away on January 27, 2018. She is survived by her sister-in-law Marion Lowry Pennell ’39 and her niece Linda Pennell ’69. Marty Snowdon North ’49 passed away on January 10, 2018. Ann Farnsworth Mestres ’51 passed away on March 10, 2018.

Kent Brain Rogers ’51 passed away on November 13, 2017. Deborah Nicely ’52 passed away on November 22, 2017. She was preceded in death by her sister Martha Nicely Sigg ’49. Ann Kirkpatrick Runnette ’52 passed away on November 17, 2018. She was preceded in death by her mother Thora Elers Kirkpatrick ’22. Betty Gullatt Budlong ’54 passed away on August 3, 2017. Jacqueline Cannon Brown ’56 passed away on December 9, 2017.

Former Chatham Hall maintenance staff member Mr. Louis DiChello passed away on December 8, 2017. The Rev. Julian P. Griffin passed away on January 4, 2018. Grandfather of Rebecca Jones Mansell ’05 and Helen Jones ’09. Mr. Jobe Morrison passed away on September 23, 2017. Grandfather of Kaitlin Tebeau ’08 and Cassidy Tebeau ‘13. Mr. Archie R. Murphy, Jr. passed away on December 12, 2017. Husband of staff member Sherri Murphy and father of Shannon Murphy Barker ’99. Mr. Dennis Samuel passed away on February 20, 2018. Grandfather of Victoria Bates Samuel ’16. Mr. Lee V. Taylor passed away on February 17, 2018. Grandfather of Jingi Hairston ’15.

alumnaeVoices

fro m C H ATH AM H AL L

Josephine N. McFadden ’57 A member of the Chatham Hall Class of 1957, Ms. McFadden went on to graduate from Wheaton College before returning to live in New York. Josie spent her life’s work in selfless devotion and advocacy for those in need. A lifelong member of Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church, she served as both Deacon and Elder, a full-time volunteer on the Pastoral Staff, and one of the church’s Commissioners to the Presbytery of New York City. As a community leader, Josie was an active advocate for safe and humane criminal justice policies, safe and affordable housing, hunger relief, and healthcare for elders. Carnegie East House, which she was instrumental in bringing into existence, honored her as a 2006 New York Treasure. Ms. McFadden became re-engaged with Chatham Hall in the late 1990’s, nearly 40 years after graduating. She attended events in New York City such as the Chamber Choir Tea and Alumnae Association Annual Meeting. She participated in the Toast from Coast to Coast more than once and attended Reunions on campus and traveled to Santa Fe for the Georgia O’Keeffe in the Southwest trip. Josie made her first gift to Chatham Hall as a young alumna in 1963 when Chatham Hall was embarking on a fundraising campaign. Her first gift was both modest and quite generous for a recent graduate. As she became more personally connected in later years, Ms. McFadden began to be a consistent yearly contributor to the Annual Fund. Over time, she increased her support to the Rector’s Circle, the highest Annual Fund level. Her support as a Rector’s Circle member demonstrated not only generosity for the school but also an unfailing confidence in the various Rectors and members of the Board of Trustees who have guided the school over time. In a fall 2016 visit with Rector Buck, Ms. McFadden’s only complaint was too few school spirit items for members of the gold team in the bookstore! Ms. McFadden passed away on December 23, 2016. As a member of the Esto Perpetua Society, Ms. McFadden remembered Chatham Hall through her estate plans. Chatham Hall was honored and humbled to be the beneficiary of Josie’s long-standing philanthropy and to receive her ultimate gift in excess of $1.5 million. Ms. McFadden’s final gift to the school was given with absolute faith in the school’s leadership and the school’s future.

What is the Esto Perpetua Society? Chatham Hall welcomes into the Esto Perpetua Society individuals who have included the School in their estate plans. If you have designated Chatham Hall as a beneficiary of your estate, retirement plan, life insurance, or other assets, you are a member! Just let us know. Esto Perpetua!

If you would like to become a member of the Esto Perpetua Society, we would be glad to help you! For information, please contact Assistant Head for Advancement Christine Cutright Knight at 434.432.5549 or at cknight@chathamhall.org. For online resources including eBrochures on a range of estate planning topics, visit our website at http://chathamhall.planmygift.org/.

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

NON-PROFIT U.S.POSTAGE PAID CPC

Can you picture a girl you know at Chatham Hall? All-Girls | Est. 1894 | Grades 9-12 | Chatham, VA Contact the Office of Enrollment Today! 877.644.2941 chathamhall.org