Hood Magazine | Fall 2024

THE M AGAZINE OF HOOD COLLEGE

FALL 2024

S AV E T H E

D AT E !

2025 HOOD COLLEGE REUNION WEEKEND Friday, June 6 - Sunday, June 8, 2025 Hello, Hood Alumni!

More information will arrive in November, and final event schedule and details will be

Reunion Weekend 2025 will be here before you know it.

This year, we’re spotlighting the classes that end in ’5 and ’0, with a special 50th reunion celebration for the Class of 1975— but remember, Hood Reunions are for everyone.

sent in April. For now, mark

See you in June!

how you want to celebrate

your calendars and call your roommates, teammates and classmates to start planning Reunion 2025!

VIEW PHOTOS OF LAST YEAR’S REUNION AND GET A FEEL FOR THE EVENT.

hood.edu/REUNION

FALL 2024 VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Laurie Ward, MFA’26 EDITOR

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Meg DePanise ’15, MBA’20 ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN

Renee Rohwer Ronda Wolford-Smith COPY EDITOR

Matt Lee ’15 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mary Atwell

Archivist, Collection Development Services Manager

Mason Cavalier ’19

News Editor, Media Manager

Matthew Gelhard

Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications

Zoe Finholm ’24 Elizabeth Knapp, Ph.D. Professor of English

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Nancy Gillece ’81

Vice President, Institutional Advancement

Michelle Burnett

Assistant Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement

Jaime Cacciola ’04

Director of Grants and Sponsored Programs

Kellye Greenwald ’86

Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement

Emily Wise VanderWoude, CFRE Senior Director of Advancement

PHOTOGRAPHY

Paul Burk Photography, Mason Cavalier ’19, Craig Chase Photography, Meg DePanise ’15, MBA’20, Kurt Holter ’76, Derek Knecht, Matt Lee ’15, Doug Via Photography, Ronda Wolford-Smith

ON THE COVER

A portrait of Opal Lee, “the Grandmother of Juneteenth,” by Taurean Washington ’12.

Story on Page 8.

ADDRESS CHANGES Please report all address changes to the Hood College Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement at 301-696-3900 or alumoffice@hood.edu.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR If you have a letter you would like to send us for possible inclusion in the next issue of Hood Magazine, please email us at marketingoffice@hood.edu.

Hood Magazine is published twice a year for Hood College alumni, friends, parents, students, faculty and staff by the Office of Marketing and Communications. Every effort has been made to contact copyright holders of any material reprinted in this magazine. Any omissions will be corrected in subsequent issues if notice is given to the Office of Marketing and Communications.

Copyright © 2024 Hood College

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1994-2024

IN THIS ISSUE

02 SOCIAL SNAPSHOT 03 M ESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 04 NEWS MAKERS 08 GIVING BACK 12 LEARNING CURVE

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14 GRADUATE SCHOOL 18 STANDOUTS 20 ATHLETICS 24 F EATURE: 30 YEARS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES

34 HOODPROUD 40 CLASS NEWS 49 POINT OF VIEW 64 A LOOK BACK

30 F EATURE: PRESIDENT CHAPDELAINE’S LEGACY FALL 2024

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Hood Through Your Lens

From the iconic Pergola to stunning sunsets, these photos capture the timeless beauty of Hood in every season.

We love to see campus through the eyes of those who hold it dear.

KayKay Redden ’24

Sandra Cavalier ’85, P’87

Gretchen Busweiler, P’27

Laurie Ward, MFA’26

Leah Giambarresi MacDonald ’03, M.S.’10, C’05

Melinda Cohen Donegan ’93

Laurie Machovec Tomcanin ’04

Caroline Jeranek ’21

Melissa Carter ’02

Follow Hood College for your chance to be featured in the next Social Snapshot.

Hood College |

@hood_college |

@hood_college |

@hood_college

Message from the President Dear friends, Welcome to the fall 2024 issue of Hood Magazine, which features many exciting transitions on campus. Foremost, we celebrate the transformational leadership of our 11th president, Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Ph.D., H’24. While Andrea and husband Dave have moved to Connecticut, their positive impact is still felt at Hood. This year, I have the honor of serving as interim president while a national search for Hood’s next president is underway. During this leadership transition, I assure you that we will continue moving forward with our ambitious strategic goals, capturing every opportunity to meet with Hood alumni to spread good news about the College.

Times of transition are also an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate Hood’s storied past.

In this issue, we highlight the pioneering work of Hood faculty and students who launched the African American studies program 30 years ago. We celebrate the inspiring and creative talents of Hood alumnus Taurean Washington ’12, whose portrait of Opal Lee is featured on the magazine cover. We also share details of our most recent launches, including new academic programs spanning several disciplines. On November 1, the first puck will drop for Hood’s newest athletic program, women’s ice hockey. Finally, we proudly welcome two new trustees to our board.

As Hood alumni and supporters, I hope you agree that there is much to be excited about and that our beautiful campus is bursting with energy. In the year ahead, I will be sharing some of this energy with you as we host several alumni events, which I hope you can attend. This fall, we have confirmed events in Atlanta, Georgia; Naples, Florida; and New York City. Check the College’s website for more information. If you can’t make it to an event, then please follow me on Instagram (@debbieathood). While I am no social media maven, I hope to use this platform in the coming year to share my positive experiences as Hood’s interim president.

I look forward to seeing you on campus or on the road soon. Until then, all best wishes, and GO BLAZERS!

Follow @debbieathood on Instagram!

DEBBIE RICKER, PH.D.

NEWS MAKERS OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Debbie Ricker, Ph.D., Appointed as Interim President Debbie Ricker, Ph.D., was named interim president of Hood College by the Board of Trustees on April 30, with her first day in office being July 1, 2024. Ricker’s appointment follows the departure of Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Ph.D., H’24, who served as president for nine years.

Ricker first joined Hood as provost and vice president of academic affairs on July 1, 2016, after a long career at York College of Pennsylvania, where she previously served as a faculty member and chair of the biological sciences department, associate dean of academic affairs and the founding dean of the Division of Academic Services.

“I am honored to have the confidence, trust and support of Hood College’s Board of Trustees and look forward to serving in this interim position for the 2024-25 academic year,” Ricker said. “During this leadership transition, my goal is to continue working with the Hood community and campus partners to advance our positive momentum.”

“Ricker’s commitment to academic quality and to the students’ whole experience—in the

Debbie Ricker, Ph.D.

President Ricker meets with first-year students and families.

classroom and out—perfectly aligns with the mission and vision of Hood College,” said Tonya Thomas Finton ’78, chair of the Board of Trustees. “The College will be in good hands while we search for Hood’s next president.”

Read more about the current presidential search below.

OFFICE OF THE PROVOST

Provost Office Transitions Announced Paige Eager, Ph.D., has been appointed interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, following the appointment of Debbie Ricker, Ph.D., as interim president. Eager, a professor of political science at Hood, served as dean of the faculty for three years and served as director for Hood’s undergraduate global studies program.

As interim provost, Eager will act as the chief academic officer, working with leadership of the College’s 17 academic departments to uphold Hood’s mission and to support areas that ensure student success.

April Boulton, Ph.D., has been named associate provost in an expansion of her role as dean of the Graduate School.

Boulton will continue leading the Graduate School while also overseeing the Academic Program Review process for all undergraduate and graduate programs, the Center for Teaching and Learning, new faculty orientation, strategies for academic and research grants, and the College’s new Biomedical Research and Training Center.

Paige Eager, Ph.D. (above) and April Boulton, Ph.D. (below).

Presidential Search Update The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce we have selected Isaacson, Miller to assist us in identifying Hood’s next president. The search for a new president is among the most important roles that a board undertakes, and we are thankful to the members of the search committee—students, faculty, staff, trustees and alumni—for also taking on this crucial role. For more information on the presidential search, visit hood.edu/nextpresident.

–Tonya Thomas Finton ’78, Chair of the Hood College Board of Trustees Tonya Thomas Finton ’78

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NEWS MAKERS Hood Board of Trustees Welcomes Two New Members Marylou Herrmann Foley ’64 and Veleka Peeples-Dyer, J.D., have been appointed to the Hood College Board of Trustees following the Board’s June meeting.

Foley earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Hood in 1964 before receiving a master’s degree in social studies from Eastern Michigan University.

Professionally, Foley has 13 years of educational experience, ranging from high school teacher to director of the National Student Travel Bureau. Foley served as president and CEO of Tour Designs, Inc. for more than 40 years, planning and hosting sightseeing trips in dozens of countries and cities worldwide.

Peeples-Dyer graduated from Hampton University and the University of South Carolina School of Law. She has spent more than 24 years advising biopharmaceutical and life sciences companies around the globe as part of executive management teams and committees, developing and implementing corporate strategy and ensuring legal and regulatory compliance. Peeples-Dyer was named a Top Women Leader of D.C. in 2024 and 2023, and she was named one of the most influential Black executives in corporate America by Savoy Magazine.

Hood Launches Nursing Master’s and Doctoral Programs The Graduate School at Hood College is launching two new nursing programs: the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These graduate-level programs will complement the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Hood’s fastest-growing undergraduate major.

Under the recently established Ruth Whitaker Holmes School of Behavioral and Health Sciences, the MSN and DNP will address the growing need for future nurse practitioners, nurse educators and healthcare leaders in Maryland and beyond. Hood’s partnership with Frederick Health will bolster workforce development, while the greater Frederick region will also benefit from an increased pool of healthcare professionals.

The MSN program is currently accepting applications, while the DNP program will begin accepting applications in 2026. Both programs are offered fully online.

Nursing students training in the simulation lab at the School of Behavioral and Health Sciences.

Hood College Hosts HIV/AIDS Research Leaders Keynote speaker Salim S. Abdool Karim, Ph.D., headlined “HIV in 2024: Progress, Problems and Prospects,” a Salim S. Abdool Karim, Ph.D. scientific symposium hosted by Hood College in partnership with the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNL) from September 23 to 25.

The symposium, held on Hood’s campus, was led by FNL investigators Mary Carrington, Ph.D., and Dr. Jeffrey Lifson and featured researchers and clinicians whose discoveries have shaped the public’s understanding of HIV/AIDS research and patient care. Experts and research leaders covered topics such as epidemiology of HIV, vaccine and non-vaccine prevention, treatment of HIV infection, KSHV and the HIV reservoir for audiences comprised of students, trainees, active researchers and clinicians.

I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H :

interdisciplinary focus, building on the legacy of the Hood College–National Cancer Institute Oncogene meetings, a national fixture in Frederick for more than 20 years.

This issue went to press prior to the event. All details were accurate at the time of publication.

However, changes may have occurred after printing. We apologize for any discrepancies.

S P O N S O R E D B Y:

The symposium was offered as part of the Hood College–FNL Symposium series, which showcases topics in life sciences with an Marylou Herrmann Foley ’64 (left), Veleka PeeplesDyer, J.D. (right) and the board room in the Beneficial-Hodson Library and Learning Commons (below).

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY

FALL 2024

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Hood in the News | Our Experts Cited in the Press Hood Student Helps Uncover Salt-Era Artifacts at Kanawha County Archaeological Dig Art and archaeology student Miranda Hummer ’26 uncovered a gold dollar coin from 1853 during a four-week long archaeological dig outside of Charleston, West Virginia.

From WV MetroNews story “Archaeological students uncover nineteenth century archaic findings at historic Hale House site in Kanawha County,” published July 14, 2024:

Matt Lee ’15

Hood Copywriter and Author Matt Lee ’15 Featured by Polygon Lee, author of “The Backwards Hand,” explores the concepts behind what makes a disability and how horror films challenged his relationship with being disabled.

From Polygon.com story “The monsters that made me: Growing up disabled, all of my heroes were villains,” published May 13, 2024:

“I was born with a rare condition—radioulnar synostosis—which restricts the movement of my forearms. I am unable to turn my hands over palms up, the way you might accept loose change or splash water on your face or land an uppercut. I have lived with this condition all my life, and yet it wasn’t until my late 20s that I started referring to myself as ‘disabled.’

“This word carries immense baggage, and many of us within the wide spectrum of disability tend to minimize our experiences or, as in my case, suffer from feelings of impostor syndrome. Could be worse, I often tell myself.

You don’t deserve to call yourself disabled.

“Coming to terms with my disability took a long time, to not only accept my identity, but also to discard the lingering shame and stigma that coincide with being disabled. A major part of this reconciliation was thanks to an unlikely source of solace—horror films.”

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Miranda Hummer is an art and archaeology major at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, who has been a part of the field team at the most recent session of digging. She said uncovering the gold coin was definitely a favorite find for her during the four-week project, as it told a lot of history.

“I think they said it was minted in Philly, I’m pretty sure, and that was my favorite thing so far, it was in such good condition, it was so cool,” Hummer told MetroNews.

Miranda Hummer ’26 (center) at Hale House dig site.

“It has been a dream, I’m West Virginia born and raised, my whole family is, and I want to do my career in West Virginia in Appalachia, so this was my dream field school for me,” she said.

Hummer said growing up in Martinsburg and having a love of history, she has gotten to combine her passion for the Mountain State, its history and now archaeology all into one dream and future goal to keep doing what she’s doing.

Delaplaine School of Business Professor Featured in Frederick Faces David Gurzick, M.S.’03, Ph.D., was recognized as a leading voice in business academia within the Frederick community.

From “Frederick Faces 2024,” published April 17, 2024:

David Gurzick, a leading voice in business academia, is an expert working at the intersection of business and technology.

Working in multiple roles at Hood College, including as a professor of management science with The George B. Delaplaine Jr. School of Business, Gurzick’s goal is “to shape an educational landscape where (artificial intelligence), advanced technologies and data-informed

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David Gurzick, M.S.’03, Ph.D.

decision making are integral to the study of business,” he said.

Gurzick said he is working to propel Hood College into the future by championing the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom. As such, he contributes to discussions on generative Al via presentations and podcasts and incorporates it into his cutting-edge curriculum.

NEWS MAKERS

WORTH THE WORK STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES

Hood Biology Student Completes Internship with National Cancer Institute

Kate Ehrlich, M.A.’10

Riana Caldwell ’25 is a biology major with a chemistry minor at Hood College. She recently participated in the Summer Internship Program through the National Institutes of Health. Caldwell worked at the National Cancer Institute, where she assisted lab animal technicians and veterinarians on their daily rounds. Her duties included prepping for surgeries, delivering medicine and performing Riana Caldwell ’25 at the NCI lab. status checks on various animals.

Hood Graduate School Alumna Named FCPS Social Studies Teacher of the Year

“I wanted to experience a different perspective of how veterinary medicine can be applied to animal health and explore a path that I could take as an aspiring veterinarian,” said Caldwell.

Kate Ehrlich, M.A.’10, graduate of Hood College’s humanities master’s program, was recognized for her role in developing multiple courses for Frederick County Public Schools.

“The internship helped me hone my lab techniques and gave me an understanding of animal anatomy that will be useful for my future endeavors,” said Caldwell. “This opportunity allowed me to develop a better understanding of what I want from pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and has provided me with knowledge that will last me a lifetime.”

From Frederick News-Post story “Oakdale High teacher recognized by Maryland social studies council,” published April 15, 2024:

The Maryland Council for the Social Studies has named Oakdale High School’s Kate Ehrlich as secondary social studies teacher of the year, according to Frederick County Public Schools. The Maryland Council for the Social Studies (MDCSS) recognized her achievements, particularly for her role in developing several courses in FCPS. Colleen Bernard, FCPS’ curriculum specialist of secondary social studies, called Ehrlich dedicated, a leader and said she is a “consummate professional.”

“She is always seeking new knowledge and ways to grow her professional practice. Every summer she engages in a ‘study abroad for teachers program,’ then returns to share her learning with her peers.”

She gained firsthand experience operating advanced lab equipment, learning industry protocols and mastering highly technical terminology. Caldwell was able to connect what she learned in the classroom at Hood with these real-world responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

R ead the full story at hood.ws/caldwell

Teacher Mentors Help Education Department Seniors Prepare for Teaching Careers hood.ws/top-24

Public History Major Suzanna Codd ’24 Gains Valuable Experience at Maryland State Archives Internship hood.ws/codd-history

Political Science, Global Studies Students “Prepare to Lead” at Osgood Center Development Program hood.ws/osgood

FALL 2024

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GIVING BACK

From Canvas to Community TAUREAN WASHINGTON ’12 IS THE ARTIST BEHIND A THRIVING BUSINESS, A HOOD COLLEGE ACADEMIC AWARD AND THIS MAGAZINE’S COVER.

By Matt Lee ’15

June 17, 2021, marked the inauguration of Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Often described as America’s “second Independence Day,” Juneteenth commemorates the liberation of more than 250,000 enslaved African Americans in Texas, following the arrival of Union troops on June 19, 1865—two years after the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Although it has long been celebrated within Black communities, Juneteenth gained traction to become a federal holiday thanks to the tireless efforts of activist Opal Lee, who is known as “the Grandmother of Juneteenth.”

A retired teacher from Marshall, Texas, Lee spent decades campaigning to raise awareness on the history of Juneteenth. She led a series of marches throughout the country, including a symbolic walk from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. After securing 1.6 million signatures on a petition, Lee garnered nationwide attention, and a bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday was passed by Congress before being signed into law by President Biden. In 2024, Lee was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor.

The artist who painted Lee’s portrait, which adorns this issue of Hood Magazine’s cover, is proud Hood alumnus Taurean Washington ’12.

The opportunity to paint Lee’s portrait came

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from what Washington calls a “divine twist of fate.” A relocation to his home state of Texas led Washington to discover that his brother Ryan was deeply connected with Lee. As it turned out, Lee lived in Washington’s birthplace, Fort Worth. As a result, Washington was able to meet Lee and paint her portrait. He has now partnered with Lee to produce an entire series of portraits, which will be released as signed, limited edition prints.

Securing 1.6 million signatures, Opal Lee received nationwide attention, and a bill was passed to make Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021.

“I want to increase the value and worth of the art, but also make it more special, with such an important and influential figure in our country,” said Washington.

At Hood College, Washington majored in art and archaeology, with a studio art concentration.

He exhibited artwork on campus as part of his

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OPAL LEE, KNOWN AS “THE GRANDMOTHER OF JUNETEENTH,” AND TAUREAN WASHINGTON ’12.

senior thesis and received the Susan Gottert ’68 Prize in Art. He describes his style as vibrant, punchy and bold.

“I believe in leaving an impression with every stroke that I make on the paper or canvas,” said Washington. “One of the major goals I have is to be a living example of how one can break the myth of the starving artist. I am now an artist full time, and I am on a mission to prove that you can have a financially viable and thriving career as a creative.”

He recently launched Cr8n St8n LLC (pronounced “Creation Station”), a multimedia art business. Cr8n St8n is a collective of artists who design, produce, market and distribute graphics and artworks for organizations and individuals. Washington’s mission is to bring art to the masses and infuse the entertainment industry with a dose of the avant garde.

GIVING BACK

“ This gift of creativity is my purpose.

It is my assignment. It is my air.

There is a fire in me that has always been burning, and there is a hunger for how to improve, evolve and use my talents for service, uplifting

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN TALKS WITH OPAL LEE DURING THE JUNETEENTH NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY ACT BILL SIGNING, JUNE 17, 2021. (OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE PHOTO BY LAWRENCE JACKSON)

others and enhancing the environments around me.” ­­–TAUREAN WASHINGTON ’12

BLACK BUTTERFLY

MONA LISA REMIX

FALL 2024

KENDRICK FREESTYLE

CAUGHT UP

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GIVING BACK hone and channel it, the arts can provide therapy and service to themselves as well as others,” said Washington. “I hope that in terms of arts and education, [students] can see more women and artists of color represented.

It is important to be shown that you can be successful as an artist if you are not a white or European male. There needs to be more exposure of that in society as a whole.”

TAUREAN WASHINGTON ’12 DISPLAYING ARTWORK AT HOOD’S HODSON GALLERY, 2019.

Shortly after founding Cr8n St8n, Washington was honored with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition as a new business in Texas.

Even from an early age, his artistic talents were complemented by a natural business acumen.

Washington recalled that when his childhood friends were setting up lemonade stands, he was drawing and selling his own comic books.

“I’ve always had the entrepreneurial spirit and wanted to be a full-time artist for as long as I can remember,” said Washington. “This gift of creativity is my purpose. It is my assignment. It is my air. There is a fire in me that has always been burning, and there is a hunger for how to improve, evolve and use my talents for service, uplifting others and enhancing the environments around me.”

As part of his goal to nurture the next generation of artists at Hood, Washington established the Taurean Washington ’12 Investment in Artistic Excellence Award, which is reserved for art and archaeology majors with studio art concentrations who are members of the BIPOC community. While he was at Hood, Washington was the only student of color pursuing a studio art concentration in his class. He attributes the encouragement of Martha Bari, Ph.D., assistant professor emerita of art history, with motivating him to succeed at Hood and instilling him with the confidence to make a career as an artist.

Establishing the academic award was Washington’s way of paying it forward.

“With this award, I hope to provide opportunities for future students and jumpstart their emerging careers as artists when they graduate college,” said Washington.

Although depictions of Black culture and heritage are often major themes in his work, Washington does not want to be known as simply an artist of color. He believes that art is a universal experience, but he is still proud to represent and share Black history. Washington has also dealt firsthand with racial barriers

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As part of his goal to nurture the next generation of artists at Hood, Washington established the Taurean Washington ’12 Investment in Artistic Excellence Award. in the art world and continues to push back against institutional racism and bias.

“Before anything, I am human first and then an artist, who happens to be melanated,” said Washington. “I embrace my identity as being a descendant of the African diaspora, but that is not all that I am. I have a bachelor’s in studio art, but as I have conversations about my work and put it in context of where I stand in relation to other artists and art movements, I see a look of surprise or disbelief that I can articulate ideas and have an awareness of something that historically did not belong to someone like me. However, I welcome the weight of making sure I represent my ancestors, and it has been an honor to have had this opportunity for my art to highlight and celebrate something as historical as Juneteenth.”

For Washington, staying involved with Hood in the years since he graduated has created new opportunities and connected him with a network of fellow alumni across the country. In 2019, he exhibited artwork at the College’s Hodson Gallery for a show titled “The Re-education of Taurean Washington,” featuring a series of paintings inspired by hip-hop and graffiti. This fall, Washington returned to his alma mater to pursue a master’s degree in humanities. He hopes younger alumni such as himself will consider keeping close ties with Hood and giving back however they can, and notes that the benefits are mutual.

“Staying connected to your alma mater unlocks a whole network and community,” said Washington, “and if you cultivate those relationships, you will see how much people want to see you succeed.”

In addition to honoring Opal Lee and Juneteenth, the cover art on this issue of Hood Magazine recognizes the 30th anniversary of the African American studies program, which incorporates Black art and artists as part of its multidisciplinary curriculum (Read more on Page 24). Alongside African American studies, Washington hopes that today’s Hood students, regardless of their major, will consider taking an art course.

“The arts are an important part of education because there is so much that art can do with our society. Students can benefit because it’s an outlet of expression, and if they can truly

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A TRIBE CALLED HER

GIVING BACK

DISCOVER THE NEW GEAR SHOP!

DESTINATION GHANA Make new memories with an extraordinary trip to Ghana in April 2025. This is a transformational journey to the very roots of our ancestry, a birthright that connects us to a continent steeped in breathtaking beauty, culture and timeless traditions.

This is an incredible opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of BSU. Please join us for this extraordinary experience!

Hood College t-shirts, sweats, athletic gear, totes and more are all a click away at

SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY! SCAN THE QR CODE TO WATCH A VIDEO TOUR WITH ABA BLANKSON ’99, H’22, AND REGISTER FOR THE TRIP.

hood.getugear.com

hood.edu/ghana-trip-2025

CREATE YOUR LEGACY AT HOOD.

IT’S EASIER THAN YOU THINK!

A LEGACY GIFT:  Preserves your savings

and cash flow.

 Is easy to arrange with a simple

paragraph added to your will.

 Makes an impactful difference

JOIN ME BY INCLUDING HOOD IN YOUR ESTATE PLANS. “ The knowledge, friendships and opportunities I gained at Hood have had a lasting impact. By leaving a financial gift to the College, I want to ensure that future generations of students will have the same opportunities.”

To learn more, visit

hood.giftplans.org or contact Emily VanderWoude, CFRE, senior director of advancement.

vanderwoude@hood.edu T H E M A G A Z I N E O F H O O D C301-696-3708 OLLEGE HOOD MAGAZINE

­– CAROL DECK MONTOYA ’94, P’26 FALL 2024

for students.

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Exploring the Benefits and Risks of AI INSIGHTS FROM DAVID GURZICK, M.S.’03, PH.D. David Gurzick, M.S.’03, Ph.D., is the director of The Michael S., P’09 and Marlene B. Grossnickle Young ’76, H’14, P’09 Data Driven Frederick Center. As a professor of management science at Hood, he offers courses in the management of information systems, analytical methods, socially responsible management and, most recently, artificial intelligence (AI). Generative AI, which democratizes access to machine intelligence, has the potential to fundamentally reshape business processes at all levels and across all industries. This transformative technology is also the focus of the Graduate School’s first Skill Accelerator digital badge course, which Gurzick taught in summer 2024 (Read more on Page 14).

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE FIELD OF AI? My journey into AI began during my master’s in computer science here at Hood in 2003. I took every AI course available, including a special topics course on genetic algorithms. My work in handwriting recognition caught the attention of one of my professors, leading to an introduction to some venture capitalists. This connection resulted in the founding of Sonum Technologies, where I became the first employee. Sonum specialized in natural language processing, language translation and speech recognition— as I like to say, AI before AI became cool. Our work was even featured on the front page of The Baltimore Sun.

Increasingly, AI is being infused into social computing, both by the platforms themselves and in tools used to automate interactions on these systems. Recently, I published an article for the Information Professionals Association,

discussing how non-state actors are using generative AI to inject and spread disinformation on social media platforms like TikTok. This research led to discussions with Senator Mark Warner’s office about potential regulations for social media algorithms.

TELL US ABOUT THE NEW APPLIED GENERATIVE AI SKILL ACCELERATOR COURSE YOU'RE TEACHING. Our new course, Applied Generative AI, is designed to explore the strategic application of generative AI in driving innovation and value creation across various business domains like healthcare, government, marketing and finance.

Students will learn to leverage generative AI techniques to solve real-world problems and optimize processes within organizations, exploring the theoretical foundations of how these systems work and how the mechanics behind them can be customized toward particular use cases.

This is also the first digital badge we’re offering from the Graduate School, reflecting the growing importance of AI skills in today’s job market.

WHAT IS THE CURRENT FOCUS OF YOUR RESEARCH? My research primarily focuses on understanding and designing social computing technologies—the systems and communities where we discover, interact, share and create.

David Gurzick, M.S.’03, Ph.D., demonstrates AI at Data Driven Frederick.

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LEARNING CURVE WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEVERAGING AI IN BUSINESS?

HOW IS HOOD HARNESSING THE POWER OF AI TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR STUDENTS?

AI, particularly generative AI, has the potential to fundamentally reshape business processes at all levels and across all industries. The impact of AI on business is comparable to the revolutionary changes brought about by the emergence of the internet, which gave rise to e-commerce and a myriad of online services.

We’re at a similar inflection point with AI.

At Hood, we’re integrating AI across many aspects of our programs to enhance student learning and prepare them for an AI-driven future. Our new Applied Generative AI course is a prime example, offering students hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI technologies.

We’re also examining how AI can improve various aspects of the student journey, from the admission process to assignment feedback.

One of the most exciting aspects of AI is its potential as a great leveler for businesses of all sizes. As we discussed at the Downtown Frederick Partnership Small Business Forum, mom-and-pop shops can now create marketing plans, customer service chatbots and data analysis that would have been unattainable without corporate-level budgets just a few years ago. This democratization of advanced capabilities is opening up new opportunities for small businesses to compete on a larger stage.

The key is to identify areas where AI can augment human capabilities, allowing us to focus on more strategic and creative tasks.

Through Data Driven Frederick, our community analytics lab, students get real-world experience applying AI to local challenges. This not only reinforces classroom learning, but also demonstrates AI’s potential for positive community impact.

We’re continually exploring innovative ways AI can enhance the learning experience, streamline administrative processes and equip our students with the skills demanded by the evolving job market. Hood is committed to leading the way in responsibly integrating AI to improve student outcomes and experiences.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND LIMITATIONS OF AI? HOW SHOULD WE ADDRESS THESE CONCERNS? While AI offers exciting possibilities, it also presents a host of serious risks. AI can spread misinformation, it can depersonalize workplace interactions, and it can perpetuate biases that lead to unfair outcomes.

It’s going to take a multi-pronged approach to tackle these issues. This includes creating strong regulations to surface and combat misinformation, coming up with norms for balancing AI and human interaction at work, and ensuring AI systems are transparent and audited to minimize bias.

But perhaps the most important thing we can do is educate everyone about the opportunities and limitations of AI. This is where Hood can take a leading role—by preparing those who can lead this dialogue. To do this, we must equip students with the skills and knowledge to navigate these challenges responsibly and shape AI’s future. By incorporating relevant assignments and projects into our coursework, we can ensure that our students are well-prepared to develop solutions that harness AI’s potential while addressing its risks.

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THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

SKILL ACCELERATOR PROGRAM OF HOOD COLLEGE A NEW WAY TO GO FURTHER, FASTER.

By Matt Lee ’15

Remote learning. Artificial intelligence.

Dual-degree programs. The Graduate School at Hood College is no stranger to innovation. In staying abreast of the latest educational and workforce trends, the Graduate School is thrilled to be launching its latest venture—Skill Accelerator.

The Skill Accelerator program offers verified badges for professional development. A fairly new phenomenon, digital badges are short, focused, competency-based credentials that provide in-demand skills, knowledge and experience. Companies like Google and Microsoft popularized the advent of asynchronous online course modules, where users can earn digital certificates upon completion. Now, colleges and universities are taking this concept to the next level.

At Hood, Skill Accelerator courses are adjacent to master’s programs and taught by faculty members. The main difference, however, is that badges are designed to be completed within a typical college semester as opposed to several years. This makes Skill Accelerator badges an attractive option for anyone seeking to advance or even change their career without committing to the time and cost of a full degree. Most courses are completed online for added convenience and can be applied toward a future master’s degree.

“Increasingly, we see that businesses and organizations value the skills and competencies workers possess above other qualifications,” said April Boulton, Ph.D., associate provost and dean of the Graduate School. “We want to respond to that need with a non-degree program like Skill Accelerator badges, which complements our existing master’s and doctoral degree programs.”

Focus areas for Skill Accelerator badges are as diverse as the workforce itself: biotechnology, business, computing, counseling and trauma, education, equity and inclusivity, generative

“ Increasingly, we see that businesses and organizations value the skills and competencies workers possess above other qualifications.”

— April Boulton, Ph.D.

Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School

AI and more. Within these subjects, badges are offered at the foundational, intermediate and advanced levels. This means that badge courses can be taken “a la carte” and stacked in ways that best meet an individual’s unique needs.

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Every badge is issued through Milestone™ and can be displayed on resumes, social media or online portfolios.

According to a LinkedIn report, more than 44% of users have added some form of digital badge or certificate to their profile. Badge recipients can highlight specialties like data analytics, management or bioinformatics to help stand out in an increasingly competitive field. With a single click, employers can view the specific competencies tied to each badge.

One of the inaugural Skill Accelerator badges kicking off the program is Applied Generative AI. Taught by David Gurzick, M.S.’03, Ph.D., professor of management science, the course introduces key AI concepts, from large learning models to data analytics, and explores cutting-edge strategies for AI in business (Read more on Page 12).

Serving as coordinator for the Skill Accelerator program is Hood alumna Marcy Taylor ’81, MBA’00. “The program offers professionals an opportunity to deepen their expertise in a subject area and learn skills that will help promote their career,” said Taylor. “We think this is especially appealing because earning badges does not require the long-term commitment that is needed to earn a master’s degree. Plus, badge credits can still be stacked toward an advanced degree if desired, which provides the flexibility to select courses that will best fit your career goals.”

The Skill Accelerator badge program meets the demands of emerging trends in education, as professionals seek affordable, accessible and efficient ways to upskill and boost their careers.

Likewise, industry leaders are looking for ways to retain employees by incentivizing professional development within their organizations.

Taylor also noted that the Graduate School is working with local industry partners to offer tailored badge content for business and organizational cohorts.

WHAT ARE DIGITAL BADGES? Digital badges are non-degree credentials that provide focused skills, knowledge and experience.

WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR SKILL ACCELERATOR BADGES? Anyone with a bachelor’s degree or higher can enroll in a Skill Accelerator badge course.

As the job market continues to evolve, lifelong education is becoming the norm. Skill Accelerator badges tap into this need for regular professional development with a cost-effective, streamlined learning model. With plans to add even more badges in the coming years, Skill Accelerator is poised to expand the Graduate School’s reach and grow the talent pool regionally and beyond.

WHAT TOPICS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SKILL ACCELERATOR BADGES? Biotechnology, business, computing, counseling and trauma, education, equity and inclusivity, generative AI and more.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SKILL ACCELERATOR BADGES? Skill Accelerator badges offer an affordable and efficient way to upskill and boost credentials, saving time and money while providing professional development.

PROFESSIONALS GAIN NOT JUST THE SKILLS, BUT THE ADVANTAGE.

EQUITY & INCLUSION BUSINESS ANALYTICS

According to a LinkedIn report, more than 44% of users have added some form of digital badge or certificate to their profile.

BIOTECH

BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYEES: UPSKILL AND BOOST CAREERS. BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYERS: INCENTIVIZE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, EMPLOYEE RETENTION. FALL 2024

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YOUR FUTURE IS

WORTH THE WORK. Level up with a graduate degree from your alma mater.

The Graduate School at Hood College takes your education outside the classroom and connects you with the industries that matter most.

Choose from 30+ master’s, doctoral, certificate and Skill Accelerator professional development badge programs, like nursing, health informatics, creative writing and business administration. Set your own pace with online classes and flexible scheduling.

LEARN HOW HOOD CAN HELP FUND YOUR EDUCATION AND ELEVATE YOUR CAREER. ON AVERAGE , MASTER’S DEGREE HOLDERS E ARN 16% MORE THAN THOSE WITH ONLY A BACHELOR’S DEGREE .

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THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

Putting the Human in Humanities HOW MY CREATIVE WRITING STUDENTS ARE PROVING IT PAYS TO STUDY THE ARTS

By Elizabeth Knapp, Ph.D.

During the 10-day, on-campus summer residency, these students attended workshops and lectures with award-winning guest writers. They shared their work at readings and fully immersed themselves in the writing life. At the conclusion of the residency, they left campus excited to continue with their projects independently—such is the beauty of the low-residency model.

Top right of image: Elizabeth Knapp, Ph.D., professor of English and MFA program director.

Debate persists about the value of earning a degree in the humanities. While the number of humanities majors has declined in recent years, this does not mean that the humanities are “dying” or that pursuing a degree in the humanities is a fool’s errand. In fact, the skills acquired through studying art, history, literature, philosophy and language are more relevant than ever. Having overseen the launch of Hood College’s new low-residency MFA in creative writing, I can attest firsthand to the importance of the humanities in higher education.

Our inaugural cohort of students is a truly diverse and eclectic bunch. Some were fresh out of undergraduate studies; others were returning to college for the first time in decades.

Some chose to study fiction; others poetry.

Some hope to one day work in professional writing; others simply want to accomplish a lifelong goal of writing a novel. Among them are veterans, nurses and public school teachers.

What about those aforementioned skill sets?

How can these students apply what they’ve gained to their present or future careers? Why should they consider their MFA to be a solid investment?

Technical skills can almost always be taught on the job, but soft skills like strong communication, creative problem solving, analytical and critical thinking, and the ability to give and receive constructive criticism are sought by all employers. These are all skills that we instill in our students from day one.

Another benefit unique to the low-residency model is that it necessitates self-discipline.

For most of the year, our students write independently, submitting work periodically for faculty feedback. The cycle of writing, workshopping, revising and editing requires careful time management—again, applicable skills in any professional path.

Dr. Jacqueline Douge, assistant professor of nursing, is also pursuing her MFA at Hood.

Our students exit the program with a complete manuscript of their best writing, a tangible product most will hope to publish; however, the transferable skills and knowledge that our students gain are arguably the most beneficial outcomes of their time in the program.

The guest writers who visited Hood, including Cleyvis Natera, Sandra Beasley, Taylor Johnson and James Allen Hall, are proof that creative passions can be leveraged toward successful careers. In addition to publishing award-winning books, these authors work in higher education, consulting, communications, marketing and other fields. While it may be challenging to earn a living as a full-time writer, the fundamentals of compelling writing—voice, style, originality—can set you apart in a competitive job market.

Bringing these writers to Frederick benefits not only our students, but also the entire community. Readings are free and open to the public, enriching Frederick’s vibrant arts scene and helping to transform the city into a literary destination.

Even if we set aside the notion of “return on investment,” the humanities are essential to a well-rounded education as embodied by the liberal arts model at Hood College. Understanding different cultures, analyzing works of art, literature or music, and grappling with the complexities of history help us to be more civic-minded, politically engaged and empathetic. In short, studying the humanities teaches us to be better humans.

Understanding different cultures, analyzing works of art, literature or music, and grappling with the complexities of history help us to be more civicminded, politically engaged and empathetic.

MFA students and faculty attend a workshop on the quad.

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STAND OUTS

THE BEST OF HOOD

Traditionally, alumni award recipients represent the best of Hood, and this year is no different. What is different, however, is that these exceptional women are in company with the inaugural recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award, Professor Emerita Margery Elfin, Ph.D. When the Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement announced that the College wished to honor an outstanding faculty member, nominations were received for professors whose work spanned many decades and disciplines.

Overwhelmingly, it was the effusive admiration and respect—told through stories highlighting the impactful guidance and mentorship that Elfin provided to her former students—which made this award an honor to bestow.

Distinguished Alumna Awards CAROL DECK MONTOYA ’94, P’26 Carol Deck Montoya ’94, P’26, is president of Potomac Management Resources (PMR), an association management and event planning company in Alexandria, Virginia. The company currently serves 14 nonprofit organizations, ranging from less than 100 members to more than 6,000. The combined membership of PMR’s clients is more than 11,000 people. In managing the operations for each of these nonprofits, PMR is responsible for more than $4.3 million in operating budgets. Outside of the office, Montoya volunteers with the National Capital Soccer League, the Lee-Mount Vernon Sports Club and the Edison High School Boosters. As a parent to future Hood alumna Sofia, Class of 2026, Montoya is a member of Hood’s Parent Advisory Council. She also proudly serves as her class reporter and reunion co-chair. Montoya and her husband Rolando were married in Coffman Chapel in 2002.

They also have a son, Benjamin, two pit bull mixes and a cat named Cat.

KIMBERLY B. ROTH ’04, PH.D. Kimberly B. Roth ’04, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the community medicine department at Mercer University School of Medicine. Roth double majored in Spanish and psychology while at Hood.

After graduation, she worked at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health on a men’s HIV study, where she fell in love with public health and epidemiology. This spurred her on to obtain a master’s in health science and then, after working several more years, a Ph.D. from the Department of Mental Health at Johns Hopkins. Her dissertation involved investigating the relationship between acculturative experiences and mental and behavioral disorder within the Latinx community. Since joining the faculty at Mercer, she has been involved with community-based suicide prevention as well as delivering mental and behavioral health services to Georgia farmworkers. When not at work, Roth loves to knit, read and garden. She now calls Savannah, Georgia, home and lives in an old Victorian house with her husband and five mischievous cats.

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STAND OUTS

Excellence in Service to Hood College Award SUSAN L. WHALEY ’74, J.D. Susan L. Whaley ’74, J.D., came to Hood College in 1970 on a Senatorial Scholarship as the first person in her family to attend college. Graduating with a B.A. in history, Whaley then earned her J.D. from University of Maryland School of Law and was admitted to the Bar in 1978. In law school, she worked for a title company and was responsible for abstracting titles, a job that combined her love of history and law. This led her to a successful career in real estate. Following a significant sale, Whaley endowed a scholarship to honor her former Hood roommate. In 2012, she joined the Board of Trustees and was a key part of the searches for both President Chapdelaine and Provost Ricker. As cochair of the Forging the Future: The Campaign for Hood College committee, Whaley was instrumental in helping the campaign exceed its goal of $50 million. She has lived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, since 1995. Whaley loves traveling and often visits NYC for museums, Broadway shows and opera at the Met. She still enjoys playing bridge, which she learned in the “Smoker” in Memorial Hall.

INAUGURAL RECIPIENT

Distinguished Faculty Award MARGERY ELFIN, PH.D. We are honored to present our inaugural Distinguished Faculty Award to Professor Emerita Margery Elfin, Ph.D. During her tenure at Hood, Elfin was not only a professor to many Hood students, but also a trusted mentor, adviser and friend. She earned her B.A. at the New School in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and her Ph.D. at Columbia University. She served as the Virginia E. Lewis Professor of Politics and chair of the Department of History and Political Science. A scholar, educator and published author, Elfin and her husband Mel, a revered journalist in his own right, often invited students to their Washington, D.C., home for dinner and a chance for vibrant conversations on contemporary topics. As a testament to Elfin and her influence, several Hood alumnae established a scholarship in her name to honor the incredible impact she and political science colleague Carol Kawecki had on them as students and then alumnae. After retirement, Elfin remained involved with the College; she joined the Board of Trustees in 2008 and served until 2016. Elfin’s influence on her former students continues to this day.

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ATHLETICS

BLAZERS BASEBALL DECORATED WITH CONFERENCE AND DISTRICT HONORS Cameron Day ’24 smashed the program’s home run record and hit .379 as a junior to earn his first team honors.

Others receiving honors were Dutch DeProspero ’25 on the MAC second team, while Alex Jenkins ’24, Matthew Stout ’25, Keegan Brennan ’25 and first-year reliever Skylar Albright ’27 earned honorable mention status.

Blazers baseball saw one of the best seasons in program history, with their fourth 20-win season and a Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) playoff berth, earning the No. 3 seed. A 12-9 conference record included series wins against Stevenson and Eastern as well as a sweep of York College of Pennsylvania.

“ Our squad’s year-on-year improvement showcases the dedication and hard work of these players and the strength of our recruitment.”

–Mike Impellittiere, MBA’18 Head Baseball Coach

“This team excelled due to their camaraderie and resilience,” said Head Baseball Coach Mike Impellittiere, MBA’18. “They stayed focused and overcame challenges, demonstrating remarkable unity and determination.”

The Blazers lit up the All-Conference ballot with a program record of eight selections. Ace pitcher Joe Alexander ’24 earned MAC Pitcher of the Year with his first team selection at a 7-2 record and a conference-leading 77 strikeouts.

Catcher Jacob Saylor ’24 earned a first team selection with his durability, starting in 33 of 37 games and putting together a solid average at the dish.

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Brennan earned his regional honors through the district’s All-Defensive team. Starting in all 40 games for the Blazers, Brennan had 88 putouts without a fielding error. The squad also had 23 members on the MAC Honor Roll, with six members earning a 4.0 grade point average.

“Our squad’s year-on-year improvement showcases the dedication and hard work of these players and the strength of our recruitment,” said Impellittiere. “Their commitment on the field, in the classroom and as leaders is our focus.”

Photos left to right: Head Baseball Coach Mike Impellittiere, MBA’18, with Keegan Brennan ’25; Dutch DeProspero ’25 pitches against Elmira; and Jacob Saylor ’24 behind the plate.

Below: 2024 Blazers baseball team.

Alexander, Brennan, Day and DeProspero were also selected for all-region honors from the American Baseball Association. Alexander earned first team honors, while Day earned third team. DeProspero earned his third team regional honors by leading the conference in ERA and holding batters to just a .239 average.

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ATHLETICS

WOODSBORO BANK SECURES NAMING RIGHTS FOR ARENA AT HOOD

(L to R) Tiffany Manning ’24, Chanelle Lee ’25, President of Woodsboro Bank Steve Heine, former Hood President Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Karron Mallory ’27 and Troy Fulton ’25.

Hood College and Woodsboro Bank jointly announced in April 2024 an exclusive five-year naming rights agreement that will transform the former BB&T Arena into the Woodsboro Bank Arena.

“At Woodsboro Bank, we are deeply rooted in the communities we serve,” said Steve Heine, president of Woodsboro Bank, as he expressed his enthusiasm for the agreement. “Our sponsorship of Hood College’s arena underscores our ongoing commitment to supporting education, the teamwork and discipline behind organized sports, and the overall well-being of our neighbors. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this partnership on the College and the broader community.”

Newly installed sign at Woodsboro Bank Arena.

Director of Athletics, Susan Kolb, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of such partnerships for growing athletic departments like Hood.

“Woodsboro Bank is a great community partner that has taken a vested interest in our facilities, but more importantly, in our student-athletes,” said Kolb. “I appreciate Steve Heine and his constituents at Woodsboro Bank, as well as Director of Corporate and Government

Relations Helen Propheter here at Hood, for making this partnership happen. Everyone is excited to see the amazing games that will take place this year in the Woodsboro Bank Arena.” “ Woodsboro Bank is a great community partner that has taken a vested interest in our facilities, but more importantly, in our student-athletes.”

–Susan Kolb, Ph.D.

Director of Athletics

Heine and former Hood College President Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Ph.D., H’24, gathered with staff and students on April 27 to celebrate the partnership. During halftime of the men’s lacrosse game against Eastern University, Chapdelaine announced the new arrangement to a crowd that included parents, alumni, students and community members. A signed basketball and volleyball were presented to Heine, and together, Heine and Chapdelaine initiated the unfurling of a co-branded banner.

The sponsorship agreement also consists of several permanent Woodsboro Bank-branded signs in and around the Volpe Athletic Center, including on parking lot gates, the doors to the entrance, multiple walls within the arena and a prominent exterior sign, which will be visible from the Frederick Health Hospital entrance on 7th Street.

Championship Level Success Requires Championship Level Support.

The Blue & Grey Club relieves financial barriers for Hood’s student-athletes, allowing them to reach both their athletic and academic goals.

Join The Blue & Grey Club now at hood.edu/give.

Contact Emily VanderWoude, CFRE, senior director of advancement, at 301-696-3708 or vanderwoude@hood.edu for more information.

Beyond the immediate benefits of the sponsorship, both Woodsboro Bank and Hood College are committed to exploring additional opportunities for collaboration. Future initiatives may include financial literacy programs for students, internship opportunities and other programs aimed at enhancing the local economy.

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ATHLETICS

DEMAIO NOMINATED FOR NCAA WOMAN OF THE YEAR Mackenzie Demaio ’24 was named as Hood’s institutional nominee for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award.

Now in its 34th year, the NCAA Woman of the Year program honors the academic achievements, athletic excellence, community service and leadership of graduating female collegiate athletes who have exhausted their NCAA eligibility.

On the lacrosse field, Demaio ranked in the top five for points and assists and set multiple program records, including assists and caused turnovers. Her back-to-back 50-plus point seasons earned her MAC Commonwealth second team honors both years and appearances as MAC Player of the Week.

Demaio, from Urbana, Maryland, graduated from Hood with a degree in elementary/special education and a dual certificate in special education. She served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Students Providing Understanding and Resources (SPURs).

Demaio was a member of the MAC Academic

Honor Roll through her entire career and is a member of the Chi Alpha Sigma Athletics Honor Society. She was also Hood’s nominee for the Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society Female Athlete of the Year.

“Mackenzie would selflessly take the time to plan team-bonding activities and go out of her way to commit to our team culture,” said Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach Emily Barber. “Our captain on the field is our go-to girl and gets the ball in her stick in situations when we need a big play to happen.”

Demaio made sure to give back to her high school alma mater, as she spent time on Urbana High School’s staff as an assistant coach.

Demaio also volunteered at Hood College Prospect Day and Skills Camp.

Demaio spent more than 550 hours at her internships in the Frederick County Public Schools system and volunteered at Frederick County Special Olympics events, such as their bocce ball and basketball tournaments.

Mackenzie Demaio ’24 Her involvement and enthusiastic approach to teaching won her the Maureen Kelly Hess ’81 Prize, an award given annually at the College for a student’s impact as a special education major.

The NCAA Woman of the Year will be announced at the NCAA Convention in January 2025.

BLAZERS MEN’S BASKETBALL TRAVELS TO GREENSBORO FOR NCAA TOURNAMENT For the third time in program history, the Blazers men’s basketball team earned entry to the NCAA Tournament. A strong 19-7 season record and the No. 21 national ranking in January brought the squad to Greensboro, North Carolina, to take on Penn State Harrisburg in the first round.

Head Coach Chad Dickman was named Middle Atlantic Conference Coach of the Year for his efforts clinching a MAC playoff berth for the fifth straight season, while earning an NCAA appearance in two of his last three seasons at the helm.

Garrison Linton ’25 earned first team All-Conference honors, along with a second team NBCA All-Region selection. Linton, from Frederick County, led the nation in triple-doubles and took second in assists.

Garrett Cox ’25 earned second team All-Conference honors, rocking Woodsboro Bank Arena with explosive dunks and shooting three-pointers at 46%, the second-best rate in the MAC. Trumaine Strickland ’24 drives past defenders, with the Blazers winning the MMI Tip-Off Tournament 78-61.

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In his first year at Hood, Kullen Robinson ’27 emerged as a reliable piece of the puzzle off the bench, shooting 50% from the field and 80% from the line.

With many key contributors returning next season and new recruits ready to bolster their ranks, the men’s basketball team is poised to continue putting Hood on the map.

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ATHLETICS

FACES IN THE CROWD REBECCA GOTTLEIB ’25

SOFTBALL

Gottleib had a stellar spring as a two-way player. On the mound against Widener, she broke the single-game program record with 14 strikeouts. At the plate, she led the squad in hits, runs scored and runs batted in. Gottleib earned a National Fastpitch Coaches Association all-region second team as an outfielder along with second team honors in the conference placement. An accounting major, Gottleib was also named a member of the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Academic Team for her efforts in the classroom.

HARRYSON BELLEVUE ’26

MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD

Bellevue, originally from Brooklyn, showed his versatility during his first spring as a Blazer, with top five finishes in the long jump and hurdles events. Bellevue earned USTFCCCA All-Region honors for the high jump as one of the top competitors in the Mid-Atlantic Region. He broke multiple program records along the way and was also the first in program history to receive All-Region honors in the field events.

CHANELLE LEE ’25

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Lee transferred to Hood from Penn State Lehigh Valley last fall and made a name for herself at both ends of the court, leading the Middle Atlantic Conference in steals and finishing third-best in points scored. Lee’s exceptional year earned her an honorable mention to the All-MAC team. You will also see her on the track, as she competed in the 200-meter dash and the 4x100-meter relay this past spring. She is an honor roll nursing major, who is looking to make an impact in the medical field with her degree.

CHRIS SAPPE ’25

MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD Sappe, from Ijamsville, Maryland, has been a front-runner at Hood with his performance in the 800-meter and 4x100-meter relays.

An indoor and outdoor cross country runner for the Blazers, Sappe earned third team All-MAC honors with his performances. He was also named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team for his efforts in the classroom.

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E R O

M

N A TH

R O T HIS

CELEB AMER RATING 30 ICAN S YEAR TUDIE S OF S AT H OOD

By M

att L

Bridging the gap between centuries of history and contemporary issues of race is no easy feat, but this is exactly what the African American studies program at Hood College does. Formally established in 1994, the program celebrated its 30th anniversary this year.

Although the program continues to evolve with the times, it has consistently represented Hood’s interdisciplinary, liberal arts foundation as well as the diversity of the campus community.

Before its formal founding, the African American studies program traces its roots back to a national tragedy—the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As the world reeled from the Civil Rights pioneer’s killing, a group of Hood students sought to make sense of the aftermath. They enlisted the help of Gerald McKnight, Ph.D., professor emeritus of history, and requested that he teach a course about MLK. 24

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Much of the interest that galvanized around African American studies stemmed from one of Hood’s longest-running student organizations.

Members of the Black Student Union (BSU) helped to rally support from faculty and staff to host events like Liberation of the Black Mind, which became hugely popular and continues to this day as Liberation Week. The BSU has also reached a significant milestone this year, celebrating its 50th anniversary. Both the BSU and

AFRIC D COL AN LEGE

African American studies program highlight how students of color have been changemakers at Hood.

From the 1980s onward, Hood’s student body began to exponentially diversify, so it was only natural that the curriculum would need to reflect these shifting demographics.

Enter Hoda Zaki, Ph.D., professor emerita of political science, who served as the founding program director for the African American studies minor. Zaki, in collaboration with other faculty members, built the curriculum around 10 new courses, culminating in a senior capstone. Subjects ranged from Black feminist thought, African American literature, race in politics, African philosophy, U.S. history and more.

Additionally, the program called for the institutionalization of the African American Studies Advisory Committee, resources for

IMAGE UNDATED

RY

When administrative “red tape” prevented the course from being added to the catalog, the students took matters into their own hands. With Professor McKnight’s guidance, they held a series of on-campus discussions.

Soon, the need for dedicated African American studies programming was undeniable, and McKnight was able to create a course called “Race and Racism in North America,” the first of its kind taught at Hood.

The need for dedicated African American studies programming was undeniable, and Professor Gerald McKnight, Ph.D., created a course called “Race and Racism in North America,” the first of its kind taught at Hood.

PROFESSOR EMERITUS GERALD MCKNIGHT, PH.D. acquisition materials in the library, experiential learning such as study abroad and internships, a lecture series and a book prize named in honor of the first Black students to graduate from Hood: Linda Wyatt ’69 and Marlene Spriggs ’69.

The 1994-95 academic year saw 77 students enrolled in the program, and 111 students participated the following year.

“The mission was to educate but also to stimulate discussion on these important matters,” said Zaki.

“Courses were designed to appeal to students from a lot of different majors and offer solid co-curricular activities. We brought in so many guest lecturers, screened documentaries and took trips. It created an environment that tried to grapple with race and its continuing influence on politics, sociology and our personal lives.”

LINDA WYATT ’69 AND MARLENE SPRIGGS ’69

Aba Blankson ’99, H’22 (right) embraces Professor Emerita Hoda Zaki, Ph.D. (left).

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PROFESSOR EMERITA HODA ZAKI, PH.D., 1998

1994-2024

2004

The program also acted as a safe space for students of color who, even during the 1990s, were still significantly in the minority at Hood and could face discrimination on and off campus. According to Zaki, African American studies gave many students the motivation to stay at Hood and finish their degrees, despite the obstacles of inequity.

International students were also attracted to the program, especially those from Africa, because it provided context to understand the complexities of race in America.

With time, the program grew and added new courses, several of which entered the core curriculum, tying into current events and emerging schools of thought. For instance, after the inauguration of President Obama, the philosophy

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FORMALLY ESTABLISHED IN 1994, THE AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES PROGRAM CONTINUES TO EVOLVE WITH THE TIMES. of intersectionality broadened the scope of African American studies to examine the relationship between race, gender and class. Students were encouraged to analyze structural and systemic racism across all facets of society.

“[African American studies] is not only history—it’s a lens to look at various areas of inquiry,” said Tamelyn Tucker-Worgs, Ph.D., Virginia E. Lewis Professor of Political Science and associate professor of African American studies at Hood. “The program has evolved as professors bring their

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areas of expertise. We’ve had professors teach courses on art history and psychology. It’s important to look at these areas from different vantage points.”

The numerous guest speakers who have been invited to campus through the program embody those different vantage points. There have been visits from award-winning activists, academics and authors like Amiri Baraka, Tayari Jones, Sonia Sanchez and Randall Kennedy.

Hood alumna Kim Hall ’83, professor of Africana studies at Barnard College, presented a lecture about

African American studies is not only history—it’s a lens to look at various areas of inquiry . . . We’ve had professors teach courses in art history and psychology.”

—PROFESSOR TAMELYN TUCKER-WORGS, PH.D.

PROFESSOR TAMELYN TUCKER-WORGS, PH.D., 2024

how literature was used as a tool to obscure the brutalities of slavery in the West Indies. Most recently, as part of the 30th anniversary celebration, Brittney Cooper, Ph.D., professor of women’s and gender studies and Africana studies at Rutgers University, delivered a lecture titled “The Joys of Black Feminist World Making” at Hood.

Students in the program have also taken advantage of opportunities to travel outside of campus through Summer Research Institute projects and study abroad trips. Tucker-Worgs recalled an especially meaningful service-learning

1990

venture in the U.S. Virgin Islands as part of a course on the African diaspora. “[Traveling] is a powerful critical analysis tool to be able to think about race, and I saw the students display that in the Virgin Islands to a point I hadn’t seen before,” said Tucker-Worgs. “I was concerned they wouldn’t be able to really see the strengths and assets of the community, but there was this

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The program changed my worldview. That was a turning point in my life. I ended up going to medical school because Professor Zaki encouraged me to do it. I would not be where I am today were it not for the program and Professor Zaki.”

—DR. SHAHRZAD EHDAIVAND SLATER ’03

very intellectually sophisticated way that they were taking on the experience.”

Alumni from the program are a testament to those critical thinking skills. Dr. Shahrzad Ehdaivand Slater ’03 completed her B.A. in biochemistry with an African

American studies minor from Hood before earning an MPH from Dartmouth College and an M.D. from Brown University. After practicing medicine for several years, she worked for a clinical research consulting company. Today, Slater is the founder and executive director of a nonprofit, the Slater Family

In April 2024, students, faculty and staff celebrated the 30th anniversary of African American studies at Hood. The celebration honored Professor Emerita of Political Science Hoda Zaki, Ph.D., and featured a talk and Q&A session with Brittney Cooper, Ph.D.

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Foundation, which specializes in philanthropy for youth education and healthcare. Slater credits the African American studies program, as well as Professor Zaki’s mentorship, with setting her on the path to success.

“The program changed my worldview,” said Slater.

“That was a turning point in my life.

I ended up going to medical school because [Zaki] encouraged me to do it. I would not be where I am today without the African American studies program and Professor Zaki, without those foundational tenets of thinking about life from

Hood College and African American studies are about developing citizenship, awareness and an obligation to make things better.”

2004

a different point of view, but also understanding how my own point of view fits into the bigger scheme of things.”

Race is a complex and sensitive subject, but in order to approach it with nuance, a well-balanced curriculum is essential, which is why programs like African American studies at Hood are more important than

ever. In fact, Hood’s newly implemented Heart, Mind and Hands core curriculum includes a diversity requirement. This will ensure that all Hood students, not just those in the African American studies program, can engage with these cross-curricular courses.

“Taking African American studies courses and seeing race at the center of discussion opens your mind to the many ways in which the

—PROFESSOR EMERITA HODA ZAKI, PH.D.

world has progressed,” said Zaki.

“It gives [students] the capacity to relate to people who are different.

It helps broaden, educate and even discipline one’s perspective and knowledge. You can’t ignore race, be it domestically or globally. This is what Hood College and African American studies are all about— developing citizenship, awareness and an obligation to make things better.”

RACE IS A COMPLEX AND SENSITIVE SUBJECT, BUT IN ORDER TO APPROACH IT WITH NUANCE, A WELL-BALANCED CURRICULUM IS ESSENTIAL.

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A New Chapter for Chapdelaine

HOOD COLLEGE BIDS FAREWELL TO PRESIDENT ANDREA E. CHAPDELAINE, PH.D., H’24

By Matt Lee ’15

On July 1, 2015, Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Ph.D., H’24, became the eleventh president of Hood College.

Almost a decade later, Chapdelaine’s tenure at Hood has ended, but her legacy and impact will surely be felt for many years to follow.

“After nine years, we are not just moving to be with family. We are also leaving family behind,” said Chapdelaine. “I am excited to see the great things that will continue to happen.

Hood’s future is bright.”

Chapdelaine, born in Chicopee, Massachusetts, is a first-generation college student. She earned a B.A. in psychology with a minor in justice studies from the University of New Hampshire. Chapdelaine then completed master’s and doctoral degrees in social psychology at the University of Connecticut.

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Climbing the ranks from professor to dean to provost, Chapdelaine gained comprehensive experience with a varied and successful career in higher education. When she arrived at Hood, she set her sights on some initial key goals, which quickly established her as an ambitious leader. Her three focus areas were academic excellence, partnerships and enriching the Hood community.

“ I’m certainly proud of these many achievements. I will treasure them and the lasting impact they will have on the College, but it’s the people who make Hood special— and that is what I will miss the very most.”

–Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Ph.D., H’24

“I focused on learning as much as I could,” said Chapdelaine. “I did a lot of outreach, both internally and externally. I also worked closely with Nancy Gillece ’81, vice president for institutional advancement, to rebuild a strong advancement team, as I got to know our donor and alumni base.”

One of Chapdelaine’s first major tasks was developing a strategic plan that would herald the College through the next five years. After collaborating with the senior leadership team, the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students and alumni, Chapdelaine implemented Moving Together Beyond Boundaries: 20172022. The ambitious plan notably

expanded academic offerings with innovative programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, from sustainability studies and art therapy to cybersecurity and nutrition science. The College was also able to launch The George B. Delaplaine Jr. School of Business, which includes Frederick’s first doctoral program. The new School of Business was made possible by a gift from prominent Frederick entrepreneur George B. Delaplaine Jr., the College’s largest living donor.

College, which ultimately became the most successful fundraising effort undertaken in the College’s 131-year history. With an initial goal of $50 million, donors rallied together to contribute a whopping $74.6 million. Chapdelaine took on a campaign leadership role and played an instrumental part in securing principal donors from across the country.

Little did anyone know that a pandemic would strike in the middle of this tremendous effort.

The challenges were many, and yet, Chapdelaine managed to navigate this era of uncertainty with resilience and poise. While many colleges and universities were forced to permanently close due to the financial strain wrought by the pandemic, Hood emerged stronger than ever.

This can partly be attributed to Forging the Future: The Campaign for Hood

Pictured, left to right: Chapdelaine at Baccalaureate 2023 and Chapdelaine at the campus celebration in her honor with Student Government Association President Riley Fitz ’24.

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Data Driven Frederick Center and the NeighborHood Counseling Training Center; and the construction of Blazer Hall. These new and improved spaces have ensured that Hood’s campus maintains its scenic beauty as it grows to meet modern standards.

The campaign culminated in a transformation of the library into a dynamic learning commons, the establishment of The Ruth Whitaker Holmes School of Behavioral and Health Sciences, and more opportunities than ever for experiential learning, faculty research and financial aid, including $25 million for student scholarships alone.

Hot on the heels of Forging the Future, Chapdelaine helped facilitate yet another record-breaking gift from one of the College’s most longstanding supporters: The Hodson Trust.

After nearly a century of philanthropy, the Trust announced its dissolution in 2023, when it made its final gift to Hood—$54 million in endowed funds, exclusively for undergraduate scholarships. Chapdelaine was proud to work alongside the Hodson trustees, who not only offered financial support for the College, but also provided advice and mentorship for her as president.

Chapdelaine made her mark on Hood’s campus with large-scale capital projects, including the renovation of Memorial Hall and the Beneficial-Hodson Library and Learning Commons; the creation of the Michael S., P’09 and Marlene B. Grossnickle Young ’76, H’14, P’09 32

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“I’m certainly proud of these many achievements,” said Chapdelaine.

“I will treasure them and the lasting impact they will have on the College, but it’s the people who make Hood special—and that is what I will miss the very most.”

Beyond campus, Chapdelaine extended Hood’s reach by reinforcing partnerships with local, regional and national industry leaders. Frederick Health, for instance, was invaluable to founding the School of Behavioral

and Health Sciences. STEM programs benefited from the installation of the Kite Pharma Lab in the Hodson Science and Technology Center, while the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research provided exciting internship opportunities for students. These collaborative efforts have been mutually beneficial, as the NeighborHOOD Partners Program that Chapdelaine established offers tuition discounts to partner employees and their dependents.

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Chapdelaine took the time to get to know students, despite the rigorous demands of being president.

Hood’s community spirit continues to blossom, thanks in part to several of Chapdelaine’s initiatives, particularly the addition of the Division of Community and Inclusivity to Hood’s administrative structure. This has amplified diversity, equity and inclusion efforts through training, dialogues and educational outreach.

Support programs for students, faculty and staff have fostered a culture of wellness, with a holistic model that addresses emotional, physical, social and intellectual well-being. The consolidation of the Student Success Center has boosted accessibility to academic tutoring, career coaching, mental health counseling and much more.

The common denominator across Chapdelaine’s far-reaching accomplishments has been a student-centered approach. Chapdelaine took the time to get to know students, despite the rigorous demands of being president.

She even occasionally traded places with them during the annual “Chap Swap” (Read more on Page 49). The

door to her office in Alumnae Hall was always open, and she never shied away from listening to the concerns of students and doing everything in her power to help them overcome challenges.

To celebrate and honor Chapdelaine’s transformative influence on Hood, the Board of Trustees has established the Andrea Chapdelaine Endowed

The Andrea Chapdelaine Endowed Scholarship will be offered specifically to first-generation college students, just like Chapdelaine herself.

Scholarship, which will be offered specifically to first-generation college students, just like Chapdelaine herself. “I appreciate this scholarship so deeply,” said Chapdelaine. “It will give future Blazers access to a Hood education and opportunity, which is what brought me to this place, and that is incredibly meaningful.” Chapdelaine also received an honorary doctorate at Commencement 2024.

As the search for Hood’s next president continues, one thing is certain—whoever assumes this role will have a solid foundation to build upon because of the visionary and forward-thinking leadership

of Andrea Chapdelaine. Although she will be moving to Connecticut, Chapdelaine encourages members of the Hood community to stay in touch.

As she begins this next chapter, Chapdelaine leaves us with a bit of advice: “When facing hard choices, always choose love, whether love of self, others, country, the world. Decisions based in love, even when scary and hard, will always be the right ones.

And that love you chose will be your source of strength.”

Pictured, left to right: Chapdelaine at honorary degree reception; presenting an award at Honors Convocation; with Hood students at East Cottage; and celebrating First-Generation College Student Day.

Chapdelaine’s Accomplishments at Hood ACADEMICS & INFRASTRUCTURE

ADVANCEMENT

ADMINISTRATION

Created 21 new academic programs.

Established five new endowed chairs.

Revised core curriculum.

Led $74.6 million Forging the Future campaign.

Increased compensation and benefits for faculty and staff.

Prioritized experiential learning for students.

Increased funding for faculty and student research.

Renovated the Beneficial-Hodson Library and Learning Commons and Coblentz-Memorial Hall.

Constructed Blazer Hall.

Established The George B. Delaplaine Jr. School of Business.

Facilitated $54 million gift from The Hodson Trust.

Expanded partnerships with local businesses, organizations and schools.

Offered doctoral-level instruction to Leadership Frederick cohort.

Established the Division of Community and Inclusivity.

Launched Staff Council.

Secured funding for full-tuition Chair of the Board Scholarship.

Boosted Hood’s national college ranking.

Grew the endowment and strengthened the College’s financial position.

Established The Ruth Whitaker Holmes School of Behavioral and Health Sciences.

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HOOD PROUD

CLASS OF 2024 CONGRATULATIONS! On May 18, 2024, the Hood College community celebrated the Class of 2024 at the 127th Commencement ceremony.

You are comprised of 274 undergraduate and 221 graduate students.

You are a diverse group from 18 states across the nation and 21 countries.

Thirty-eight of you earned your second Hood degree.

Six of you are dedicated Hood employees, including Jake Wantz ’24, web content coordinator.

Twelve of you are active-duty military or veterans, while four of you have just been commissioned as officers through the ROTC program.

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Twenty-eight of you are legacy graduates, meaning you have a relative who is also a Hood alum. This year, four of you were mother/daughter graduates, including Agnes T. Kuteyi, M.S.’24, and Princess A. Kuteyi, M.S.’24, as well as Rania F. Radwan, M.S.’11, DBA’24, and Omnia A. Salem ’21, M.S.’24.

Three honorary doctorates were conferred to Hood alumna Dr. Christine McHenry ’73, President Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Ph.D., and U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.).

At Hood, you discovered and pursued your interests and passions with excellence.

Your leadership and service have made an impact on campus, in the Frederick community and across the globe.

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President Chapdelaine marked her final Commencement ceremony with these words of wisdom: “I have witnessed your resiliency, strength, drive, passion and, most important, the kindness and support you have shown to each other. These attributes will propel and sustain you through all the great adventures awaiting you.”

The Hood College community wishes the Class of 2024 all the best in their future pursuits.

HOOD PROUD

“As we step out into the world, let us remember the resilience we’ve cultivated here at Hood College.

Let us embrace change with open arms, knowing that we have the fortitude to overcome whatever obstacles may come our way.

Let us never forget the power of community and the strength of solidarity.”

–Noah Turner ’24, class president

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HOOD PROUD

HOME TO HOOD!

This year’s reunion shone a spotlight on classes ending in ’4 and ’9, but that didn’t stop alumni from many other class years joining in on the fun. We decided to shake up the old schedule and add a few new events, including a Party on the Quad, a champagne awards brunch and pickleball.

Our all-stars from the Class of 1974 commemorated their 50th reunion by showing us all that they are still far out and groovy, dancing into the awards brunch to Three Dog Night’s “Joy to the World,” wearing custom tees and painted jeans. These women showed what “worlds they’d explored since ’74.”

We also commemorated the 50th anniversary of Hood’s Black Student Union (BSU) with a cocktail reception and curated exhibit of BSU event posters and fliers through the years. It was wonderful seeing Black alumni from many decades sharing memories of their Hood days. The special guest of the evening was former Dean of Students Olivia White, H’20, Ph.D., who had a line of alumni waiting to get one of her famous hugs.

On Saturday, following President Chapdelaine’s last State of the College Address, we moved to Coblentz for a NeighborHOOD Brunch, where more than 260 alumni, friends and family members gathered to celebrate our 2024 award winners. Recognized for their accomplishments and dedication to Hood were alumnae Kimberly B. Roth ’04, Ph.D., Carol Deck Montoya ’94, P’26, and Trustee Emerita Susan L. Whaley ’74, J.D., as well as our inaugural recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award, Professor Emerita Margery Elfin, Ph.D. (Read more about these amazing women on Page 18).

Our first-ever Party on the Quad had an amazing turnout.

Alumni from all classes showed up to grab snow cones, ice cold beer and hot dogs while Blazer Radio played music. But if you look at the photos from the event, the most popular attraction was a life-size cutout of Margaret Scholl Hood. In spite of her stern face, she seemed to be secretly amused at what her legacy has wrought. Here’s to you, Margaret—thank you!

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REUN 2024 1. Classmates from 2004, Sandra Delaney Horn and Chanda Gilmore, share a hug at the Party on the Quad. 2. Lisa Wells Warchola ’09 at Sip and Paint. 3. April Roberts Gerasimowicz ’09, husband Nick and future alumna Alice are big fans of Sno Blast’s snow cones. 4. We couldn’t have done without our amazing reunion volunteers! L to R: Faith Kiser ’24, Rachel Miller ’27, Zoe Finholm ’24, Zoe Carnegis ’25 and Briar Weatherhogg ’23. 5. The Class of 1969 gathered to celebrate their 55th reunion. 6. It’s no secret that 1984’s class color is blue. 7. Carolyn Clewell ’64 arrives at the Pergola Society Reception in style. 8. Celebrating their tenth reunion, the Class of 2014 makes the most of the weekend. 9. Former president Andrea Chapdelaine, Ph.D., H’24, delivering a phenomenal State of the College Address before passing the baton to Interim President Debbie Ricker, Ph.D. 10. Billie Weise ’74 leads her 50th reunion class into brunch. 11. The Class of 2004 can’t believe it’s been 20 years since they graduated.

12. Helen Rozsics Kerr ’82 says, “If you didn’t get a photo with Margaret Scholl Hood, were you even at reunion?” 13. The Class of 1974 proving they are still the grooviest Hood class ever.

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HOOD PROUD

IO ION 1

2

3 4

7

6

8 5 9

10

13 12

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HOOD PROUD

TOP 5 MAJORS FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS:

HONORABLE MENTIONS

NURSING BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION PSYCHOLOGY BIOLOGY COMPUTER SCIENCE

WELCOME WEEK

150 STUDENTATHLETES

4

CHAIR OF THE BOARD SCHOLARS

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HOOD ADVANTAGE STUDENTS

2024

Our newest students are ready to start their Hood College journey! The fourth largest class in Hood history was welcomed to campus with a week of activities, new friends and the start of classes on August 19.

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UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT STATS

314 FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS

24 STATES

399

NEW STUDENTS

9

COUNTRIES

85

200

TRANSFER STUDENTS

THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

NEW STUDENTS

15

COUNTRIES

87

ENROLLED IN ONLINE-ONLY PROGRAMS

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RETURNING HOOD ALUMNI

VISIT HOOD.EDU/WELCOME FOR MORE PHOTOS.

FALL 2024

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Happy Fall!

When I write this letter for each issue of Hood Magazine, I look around and observe what is happening on campus to hopefully give you a little perspective on what the news of the moment is, and it occurred to me that this semester has a lot of “firsts” attached:

■ It’s former Provost Debbie Ricker’s first semester as Hood’s interim (and 12th) president.

■ Our women’s ice hockey team is in their first season—go Blazers!

■ The Graduate School welcomed their first cohort into the low-residency creative writing MFA program.

■ A scholarship for first-generation students was established by the Board of

Trustees to recognize former President Andrea Chapdelaine’s tenure at Hood.

For many students, this semester represents their first time away from home, and for parents, their first time as “empty nesters.” The Alumni Executive Board hosted their first Traditions Bingo night for incoming students; we’re pretty sure the Class of 2028 now know their class color is blue! One of my favorite “firsts” as a student was when I put my Hood ring on for the first time, a memory that has stayed with me these past 38 years.

And now, I’m going to ask you to make your first gift to the Hood Fund. If you’re a seasoned supporter, make this your first gift of the year, or make this gift your first at a higher amount. Every gift truly makes a difference in the lives of our students, helping them achieve their goals and realize their dreams at Hood.

I invite you to scan the QR code and decide how you want to show that you put Hood and our students “first.”

hood.edu/give

Kellye A. Greenwald ’86 Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement

P.S. If you’ve never been back to campus, make Reunion 2025, June 6-8, your first visit Home to Hood!

CLASS NEWS REMINISCE, UPDATE AND RECONNECT

1953

1954

Johanna Chait Essex alumoffice@hood.edu

Jean Baker Weikert alumoffice@hood.edu

Sincere condolences to Steph Pick Kopp on the loss of her husband Daniel. Joanne Grahame Wade is one busy lady—still playing golf, traveling and driving. She has 10 grands and two greats. Elaine Greene Powell and Dave are both well and taking advantage of many activities their CCRC has to offer; music for Dave and YMCA for Elaine. Nancy Hill Booz’s family keeps on growing. She has three children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. All live close by and visit often. Pat Lloyd Fordham and her now retired daughter are leading active lives in their Victorian home. Pat frequently speaks to Marge Aronson Dalmas, who lives in NM. Marge lives in a retirement apartment and is active and in good health. I received a wonderful long note from Anita Rossien. She has four children, nine grandchildren and two greats. She graduated from Leslie University in Cambridge, MA, with a degree in counseling psychology and has been a psychologist for 48 years. Our sympathy to Sheila Seigal Asher on the loss of her husband Dick. They had recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with a formal party that included family and friends. They have one great-granddaughter named Sloane.

Phoebe Webb Jensen has moved to Tucson, AZ, to be closer to her children and has found it to be a nice change from NYC. I received a note from Myrna Hays Slick: “I’m still kicking—like being at Hood freshman year—classes and group activities are keeping me busy.” Hal and I (Johanna Chait Essex) are doing fine. Hal doesn’t drive anymore, and I just drive locally, so our kids send an Uber for us when we want to go to White Plains. Our daughter Jess, along with our two sons Phil and Joseph, gave us a lovely 70th anniversary dinner. As a special surprise, the Cantor of Jess’ Temple came by and serenaded us with our song, “Always.” We have one great-grandson, with another on the way.

Many thanks to those who sent me notes—truly appreciated.

Greetings from the Hood College Class of 1954!

Sue Clement Christie and husband Ed have moved to Gilbert, AZ, to an extended living facility. Their four children wanted them to have help nearby if needed. This was a difficult move, as Sue and Ed moved from their mobile home, which they had designed and lived in for the last 28 years. Daughters Catherine and Patty live nearby, while Beth lives in CO and Ted in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Nolah Sawyer Fulk gave a newsy phone call on July 7. She goes to physical therapy twice a week, which she reports is exhausting but helpful. She is living in a gated community in Greenville, VA, with daughter Michelle and son-in-law Andrew. They have travelled to Australia. Betty Remsberg DeColigney remains viably lively with three triplet granddaughters, two daughters and son John. She is active in the DAR. Janet Marra and wife Rita remain in Waynesville, NC. They travel to beaches in NC and SC and to Charleston, which they report is a lovely place to stay. Janet has slowed down a bit, but as Rita is younger, she can do a lot. They also have an older gentleman to assist with outside work at their place. John Wenzel unfortunately reports from Garland, TX, that wife Betty Luscombe Wenzel is now in hospice care with dementia. As mentioned before, we remember Betty’s consistent service as CGA treasurer. Dorris Smith Radcliffe passed away in Feb. 2024, leaving husband Edward and children Edward, Richard, Stephen, Cynthia, Bronwen and Alison. Husband Mark and I (Jean Baker Weikert) try to be resilient and keep in touch with children and grandchildren.

Granddaughter Erin now works with Feeding America in PA; grandson Nick graduated from University of Ohio, Cleveland; grandson David recently moved to King of Prussia, PA, for work on changing CGMI software; and grandson Sean is getting ready to begin his second year at Pitt Law. In closing, there are fond memories of social work seminars with Margaret Rawson, having tea around her Ben Franklin stove and field trips in her Renault. “Growing Old Doesn’t Matter Unless You Are a Cheese” is a subtly humorous bookmark that I have been enjoying lately.

FALL 2024

1957 Martha “Molly” Smith Sperandio mollymom76@gmail.com The following was sent to Barbara “Tommie” Yinger from Bettie Brown Wastler’s daughter Karen: “In 2022, Bettie moved into an assisted living place in Boxford, MA, about 15 minutes from my home. She lost her youngest son Derek in Feb. 2023; he was only 49. Bettie has nine grandchildren; three of them have been married.

Bettie is aging now; her short-term memory is failing her. She can take care of herself and wants to. Her other three daughters live in ME; her son Wayne lives near Harrisburg, PA.” Eugenie Smith Durland writes, “At the ages of 89 and 93, we don’t have a ton of news since we stay close to home these days. We are active with our Quaker Meeting, which is taking care of two Venezuelan families. We take vigorous walks every day and see our son, daughter and several grands and greats who live in CO with some regularity. Our grief over Gaza is extreme. We had friends there at one time and have no idea if they are alive or dead. Our biggest disappointment with old age is that we can no longer work in Palestine, and my connections there in the family are slipping away. My former husband (Palestinian) died in Sept., his sister-in-law in Dec. and his sister in June. We are healthy and happy otherwise, loving our little condo and our neighbors.” Mara Eksteins Garcia-Bunuel reports, “I am still in my house and hope to stay here as long as I can. My son Martin and family live in town, which is wonderful. He does all the shopping I need. My daughter Kristina and her husband live in Atlanta and gratefully visit. I am not as agile as I used to be but still get around to my French group and my book group and to lunches with friends. I do quite a bit of reading.”

Nancy Paul Stimson says, “I am fine and still play bridge, enjoy my weekly mahjong game, count money at church and drive. My biggest complaint is all my good friends are dying. My kids think because I am still independent, that I am okay. Two more grandchildren are getting married—destination weddings, so I am not going. My fifth great-grandchild is due in the fall.”

Roberta Geehan Horton reports, “Bob and I have lived in the same house since 1966. Our granddaughter Mary, who grew up in Greenville,

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CLASS NEWS NC, is teaching fourth grade at the elementary school up the street, where her dad and all our kids attended. Our last grandchild finished college, majoring in resort management and event planning. We enjoy greenway walks nearby and will spend a week at Atlantic Beach, NC.” Sylvia Blackburn Felcyn says, “My husband Keith is in hospice care here at St. George Village in Roswell, GA. Our daughter Lindsay and husband Glenn live close to me, but their sons are off to school. Our son and daughterin-law are still in El Salvador with their boys. I am healthy and use a walker only as a mule to carry laundry back and forth to Keith. Swimming a couple times a week keeps me sane.” Molly Smith Sperandio writes, “As I completed my third bout with COVID (after four jabs of vaccine!), I can’t help but believe that we will be living with this affliction in the same way we are doing with the flu—forever! I was blessed to be able to spend several days in San Diego with my CA/AZ/ FL family at the Feb. wedding of granddaughter Elli. I tripped to Arlington National Cemetery to inurn the cremains of my oldest son in the Niche Wall Columbarium, where he joins his younger brother .10 of a mile down the wall and his dad in one of the grave sites. I am still blessed with the abilities to drive, be a poll worker, help with AARP tax preparation, volunteer as an usher or scan tickets for shows at three local venues, work in our church thrift shop, play the bells and keep the ushers busy in church. I don’t do much of what I really should be doing—exercising, cleaning house, getting rid of stuff—but I have more fun playing cards with my friends, playing brain games on my cell phone, reading and watching TV. I walk with two canes—may soon decide to get one of two knees replaced, though both need it, and then I’ll drop one.”

In 10 words or less...

“Why is African American studies important today?”

Truth matters, history matters, and the future depends on us understanding.

— Cathy Manning ’87

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1958 Marylin Garis Kellow maggiehood1958@gmail.com Cynthia Williams Bohaker says she has much to be grateful for and all is well in ME. June was a busy month, as her three daughters and their families spent time at Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport. She spent a week in Iceland last Dec. and keeps busy with friends and family. Ann Van Looy Mallett is living in a senior facility in Greensboro, NC. She and her husband moved there last year to be near their daughter. Her husband’s health was failing, and he passed away in Sept. 2023. Van stays busy with cross stitch, reading and bridge. Sue Brown Melech and husband Bob have moved to a continuing care community in Rochester, NY. They are both well and have acted locally in a couple of commercials for 55-plus communities, which was great fun. Joan “Jeb” Bennett Moran talked to Carol Huelson Warrington, who has only good things to share about their new home at Seaside Villas in Nokomis, FL. Jeb appreciates the classmates who stay in touch by mail. Joan Enterline is faithful in sending notes/cards. She is a homebody these days, but her life is busy with lots of company. There’s not one month this year that she hasn’t had visitors, including longtime friends from England. Her granddaughter Jackie and family from MD visited in July. She and Gil have three children, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and another expected in Nov. Sara Lea Callaway Redmon says the past 18 months have been a series of adjustments without husband Carl and son Lea. She gives credit to the Compassionate Friends support group for parents and the Stevens Ministry. She is busy keeping house for a very spoiled cat, playing bridge, doing crafts, reading and gardening. Her health is good if she keeps moving and does not let arthritis take over. Mary Allen Reynolds is still involved with Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging).

Her international travel has been limited by mobility restrictions. Her grandson is studying civil engineering—he has always wanted to design bridges. The Pittsburgh area has a few hundred in need of replacement or refurbishment, including the one that fell when the president visited. Nancy “Bunnie” Potter Richardson sends word that Brian, her husband of 65 years, passed away in Feb. from colon cancer.

Fortunately, her daughter is only 20 minutes away and is a big help. Bunnie still plays tennis three times a week. Anne Merrick Vosti says, “It is certainly a time in our lives that many questions are arising, such as aging gracefully, the fear of climate change and political upheaval.” She prays daily for a calmer and more peaceful nation.

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Jean Olmstead Witherington traveled back to Japan this spring and added a trip to South Korea. She suggests that if anyone is interested in reading about North Korean defectors, “The Girl with Seven Names” is a real eye-opener.

She had planned on an overseas adventure tour to Brazil in Aug., but her grandnephew is going to be married there in Nov., so she will delay the trip until then. I’m pleased to have heard from so many who answered my plea for class news.

This week, the Milwaukee area is hectic with the Republican National Convention and so many festivities along Lake Michigan. Summer in WI is great. Thank you so much for staying in touch.

Much love and prayers for peace in the future from me, Marilyn “Maggie” Garis Kellow.

1959 Anne Wilson Heuisler aheuisler@comcast.net Catherine Brooke Buckingham is happy living with her daughter at Fleet Landing in Atlantic Beach, FL. Her son, grandchildren and great-grandsons live nearby. Eleanor Brown Wheeler is interested in genealogy and would love to compare notes with anyone with a similar interest. She has taken the ancestry DNA test and discovered more than 30,000 cousins. Joanne Cox Welling died in Jan. 2024 in Berlin, MD, at age 86. Growing up on a farm in Elkton, MD, she loved animals, nature and riding horses. She married James Welling, a dairy farmer, in 1957, and they raised two boys, Hank and Rick, until their divorce in 1976. Joanne taught kindergarten and special education for 34 years in Howard County, MD, and was a vice principal. In 1977, Joanne and Sharon Lee Blackburn formed a 32year domestic partnership. Together, they retired and settled in Berlin, MD. Mary Ann Guild Simmons loved spending time at Hood for our 65th reunion and seeing Edee Howard Hogan, Janet Hobbs Cotton, Tarun Comegys Johns and Rachel Ravey Johnson. Mary Ann will miss President Chapdelaine and thinks she did an excellent job. Priscilla Hannen Kleinman died in May 2023. Raised in St. Mary’s County, MD, Priscilla earned a Bachelor of Arts as a fulltuition scholarship student at Hood. She taught kindergarten and first grade in the St. Mary’s County Public Schools in 1959 and again from 1972-82, all while earning a Master of Education from the George Washington University. In 1982, she moved to New Orleans and taught in public schools, retiring 20 years later as an ESL kindergarten specialist. Priscilla was a music lover, a fine singer and a paid soloist in her high school and college years. A proud graduate of Hood, she often spoke of how her education had a profound impact on her life. Gayle Hamilton

CLASS NEWS Blakeslee is happily settled in Broadmead, a retirement community outside of Baltimore. Her longtime partner Natalie Starr is in dementia care. Gayle has a grandson living in Frederick.

“He’s 26, single and a nice guy,” and Gayle doesn’t think he knows anyone there. She says, “If anyone knows some young people in Frederick that he could meet, that would be great.” Linda Mohler Humes says she has slowed down and must be content with book groups and musical events at Bethany Village, a CCRC, plus the wonderful Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra.

Linda’s only grandchild Chloe is nearby. Judy Moreland Granger was disappointed when she could not get Zoom to work on her phone but could see some of us and says the call was great fun. Judy and Bob celebrated their 65th anniversary. They were introduced by Janet Knecht Huber-Ditz on a blind date in Annapolis.

She says, “Four sons, eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter—thanks, Jan!” Judy recommends the book “Crown Thy Good” by Judith Arndt ’60, about her cross-country bicycle trip in 1986. Rachel Ravey Johnson and Carl continue to live in the woods and appreciate nature. They have grave concerns about the future of the planet. Rachel is a certified Virginia Master Naturalist and is very aware of “our dear suffering Earth and all the plants and creatures with which we share it.”

Rachel’s favorite activities are swimming and kayaking, and Carl is still an active pastor.

Rachel coordinated the class Zoom call and said it was “a big treat and let’s repeat!” Thank you, Rachel—let’s start thinking about a repeat date.

Caroline Smith Russel sends warm wishes to all. Carolynne Veazey Lathrop apologizes for missing the Zoom call. She was in Chicago for her grandson’s graduation from Northwestern.

She is grateful to her son Nathaniel for providing transportation. She says there are “no planes, trains or buses available here (Dubuque)!” Della Wilson Holtzapple says, “Zoom? If it doesn’t have a G clef and five ledger lines, I can’t play it.” She shares, “My white knight has gone from white coats to diapers. I’m sure I am not alone in this horrific challenge some of us face in a long but cherished marriage.” Del said Hood was so important in her life: “I met my husband when driving the Hood station wagon with a load of gals to attend a mixer at F&M. I was able to attend the Curtis Institute because of my senior recital and all those practice hours in Brodbeck and enjoyed an incredible life of performing. I was a transfer student, and Hood was a struggle, but here I am, so grateful for that struggle!” Edee Howard Hogan has recently moved to Tennessee to be closer to daughter Chrysti Hogan ’86. Contact the alumni office for Edee’s new address.

Sandra Murphy Schmidt and her husband In 10 words or less...

“Why is African American studies important today?”

To understand the true cost of development in the modern world.

— Tim Fortin ’06, B.A.’10

1961 Martha Kaiser Canner plcanner39@gmail.com Katharine Baum Wolpe kwolpe@gmail.com Estelle Harrison Brendle is staying at her home in Matthews, NC, recovering from longterm effects of COVID. She heard from Judy Freedom Westenhoefer, who was preparing for a trip to Scotland. Anne Bierstein Grenfell moved to West Chester, PA, to a CCRC. She had to retire from teaching through Home and Hospital due to eye disease. She has started writing a sequel to her book “Prelude to Eternity” (2012). She enjoys reading on her large print tablet, volunteering as a doula in hospice care and taking bus trips. Jan Bettman Leslie and her husband spent a month in Scandinavia in May. They moved to Urbana, IL, in July. Anita Ranoldo Miner just returned to Salt Lake City from a three-month sabbatical ministering to pilgrims who had hiked to Santiago de Compostela, a city in northwest Spain. She was invited there by the Anglican/Episcopal bishop of Spain. Pilgrimages have taken place on this trail since the 9th century. Alice Pearson passed away in late June 2024. Dorothy Willis Rainwater still lives in Treasure Island, FL. This year, she planned a 60th reunion for her India Peace Corps group. She was a nurse in Rajasthan and started a poultry farm at her hospital. She thinks she is the only nurse who vaccinated more chickens than people. In April, Carol Handwerk Reynolds and her husband Al took a belated wedding trip to VA, visiting friends and his cousin who lives in Lynchburg. On their return, they passed through Frederick, MD, and attended the Lutheran church on 7th Street. In late May, they hosted Carol’s sister Pat and husband Jack from Los Angeles. Carol and her husband hope to move to Moravian Manor in Lititz, PA, in the future. Carol Treuhaft Schmidt died in April 2024 and is survived by her brother Arthur Treuhaft and three children. Carolyn Adams Sprinkle also passed away in April 2024. After many cruises and trips to Europe,

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now take day or week-long trips in the U.S. Their most recent trip was July 4-7 to Staunton, VA, where they attended “Total Shakespeare” at the American Shakespeare Center. Katharine Baum Wolpe enjoys plays, dance performances, movies and concerts with her companion Philip.

They also participate in a monthly reading group about Israel and Palestine. She sings in her church choir and goes to meetings of her local Democratic club. She is eagerly following the current presidential campaigns and news.

Elizabeth Dolbey Nyhus enjoys life in Little Rock, AR, surrounded by family and friends.

She was recently featured in the Arkansas Democratic Gazette about her involvement with the International Visitors Program, hosting students from around the globe as they explore the U.S.

1962 Jane Hoskins Bollman jbollman@goeaston.net Greetings, Class of ’62. Judy Hammond Blatchford reports that she and Parker have five grandchildren who have gone on to college.

Two have graduated and are working but no marriages yet. “Our three years in a retirement community have been wonderful, and we still love spending summer months on our camp in the Adirondacks.” As I write this, I envy your cool summer in the Adirondacks, Judy; it is 95 degrees in Easton this afternoon. Caroline Fischer Giles, enjoying life in a CCRC in Durham, NH, is happy that her son purchased the family cottage in Martha’s Vineyard. She is also happy that her Hood ring was gifted this April to young alumna Jordan Renee Costley ’24, who will treasure it as she did. Caroline enjoys regular phone calls with Joy Engle Demas.

From Nancy Turner Heckscher and Ben, “We enjoyed lunch with Susan Shinnick Hossfeld and Carl, Penny Misirian Mardoian, and Jane Hoskins Bollman and Roger at Schaefer’s Canal House, a somewhat central location for all.

Ben and I had dinner together when Penny was visiting Philadelphia. Ben has Parkinson’s, and I have multiple myeloma, challenges all around. I was recently honored to receive the new Garden Club of America National Judging Award, a very happy surprise.” Susan Shinnick Hossfeld and husband Carl enjoy traveling. This year, they went west to ski in Bend, OR, for the annual Rotarian Ski Club trip and then to Snowmass, where Carl still skis. They enjoy little trips to museums, shopping and the beautiful scenery in the area. Susan says, “We love the west!” As a graduation present for their granddaughter, the family took a trip to Niagara Falls—fun and

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CLASS NEWS lots of walking. The Hossfeld travels continue each fall to Rehoboth, accompanied by whatever family members can come. Matile West Hugo continues to be involved in musical activities, singing, leading sing-a-longs and attending concerts. She says summer in Brunswick comes alive with outdoor performances, musical theater and the Bowdoin International Music Festival.

Doris Dalziel Kimball and George hope to move to a retirement community closer to their daughter Claire in Door County, WI, but the waitlist is long. (Don’t give up, Doris—we love the senior living facility where we have lived for three years.) Daughter Miriam is well after her miraculous stem cell procedure that cured her of MDS. Doris contributes to her community doing volunteer work at “our beautiful hospice,” plays bridge and enjoys her book club. Penny Misirian Mardian enjoyed staying with Nancy Turner Heckscher and Ben for six days in Berwyn. While there, she was able to see some folks mentioned above and attend the wedding of a former piano student. However, driving home to CT, she became very ill and found herself in the ICU for four days with a respiratory infection, but she’s better now. Barbara Arthur Pretzsch and her husband are foster parents to several litters of kittens and five dogs. Their daughter lives about a mile away and supplies much-needed help with all the “babies.” She reports that “most of the dogs are fosters, and I get my exercise letting them in and out of the house.” How wonderful to get your exercise while supporting a good cause! Sally Zimmerman has been busy with travels to NYC, then on the QM2 to Germany and Switzerland. While in Germany, she was knocked down by a man running to catch a train.

Fortunately, a trip to the emergency room found only a small wrist fracture, but this prevented her from researching Swiss family history on site in Thun. She did learn that women in Switzerland could not vote until 1971! Back in Frederick, she wrote of her activities in a sermon on Einstein’s religious life for UUC Frederick to be delivered on June 30. Hope it went well, Sally! Roger and I (Jane Hoskins Bollman) are happy but not doing anything remarkable. I will end here with the fervent hope that our country and our world can survive these very troubling times. Weren’t we lucky to graduate in 1962?

1963 Dorothy Snyder Engle dengle3699@aol.com What exciting news I received! Bobby Campbell Rickman reported that where she lives there are many Hood alumni, including graduates, faculty, staff and even the facility’s director. She says that several grads will be talking and break into the

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alma mater and stop when no one remembers the next line. Jo Ann Twilley Plichta enjoys life in assisted living. Once a week, a longtime friend comes to have dinner with her. Jo’s one granddaughter spent a semester working at Disney. Phyllis Kamp Zoon has moved into a continuing care facility in NJ and has had horrible medical issues, including encephalitis, which put her in the hospital for 19 days, then an additional two weeks in the healthcare center. In addition, she had hip surgery and spends most of her time rehabbing. She has bought a Celtic harp and is learning to play it. Judy Payne Taylor and Tom are still trying to stay active. They spent time in Jackson, WY, saw snow in June and watched Old Faithful from their window at the lodge. I learned that Ann Enzian Robbins made the hard decision to leave her friends and church in Richmond and move to a CCRC in Newport News, VA, to be near family. Her sister’s visits and her cat Willie have helped her adjust. She advises making this kind of decision before you become a widow. Brenda Eklund Pearson loved traveling to Eureka, CA, to join her godson Henry Pearson Childs (son of Katie Pearson Childs ’60) for a visit. She and eight other members of Friendship Force San Diego flew to Croatia for an international conference and later cruised the coast and swam in the Adriatic Sea. She recently returned from a week of touring with Friendship Force in Winnipeg, Canada. Jo Cissel Doyle says her daughter’s two sons will be enrolled at Penn State this fall, and a son’s son will be graduating from Baylor this year. Jo must be busy 24 hours a day with all her activities, which include learning, organizing, volunteering and staying physically active. Marilyn Monson Baldi thinks her body has been taken over by aliens. After getting her ankle somewhat better after four surgeries, she is hoping to hobble to Morocco for a trip rescheduled three times. We hope you take more amazing photos, Marilyn! After a second hip replacement, Kathie Anderson Houchens will be waiting until fall to do more traveling. A granddaughter graduated in June from Dartmouth and has a Fulbright Scholarship to teach English in the Czech Republic. Alix Rockwell Jacobs and I are going to form a new group called Deformed and Shrinking Sisters. She, like I, has a rib that touches the hip bone. Can you believe it?

Helen Buss Mitchell is still teaching full time at Howard Community College in Columbia, MD. She’s excited about water aerobics and her koi.

Louise Fisher Waynant happily attended her 65th high school reunion in Thurmont. Now that she is fully retired, she is doing volunteer work.

She has amazing children and grandchildren and is looking forward to her granddaughter’s wedding. Amie Godman Tannenbaum took

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Don on a Paris and Normandy cruise in celebration of his 90th birthday in May. She, like I, is shrinking. We are going to be the mighty midges. We are going to meet before we shrivel up and blow away. More traveling for Gail Kloeblen Spertzel: she had a winter world cruise out of FL, but the trip got interrupted in South Africa, as they could not sail the Red Sea due to the Houthis attacking ships. The ship was going to miss the Mediterranean and sail all around Africa back to England, and since Gail had already sailed that coast several times, she disembarked and flew home from Cape Town. Next is a Tauck tour of parks in CA. Poor gal doesn’t have a winter trip planned—yet! The grandson in Israel is still safe. Sue Oster Robinson is proud that she stretched herself by flying alone and renting a car by herself. Like me, she learned the wheelchair ride from the plane is a good move.

Linda Myers Gray reports that she and John are enjoying the blessings of friends and family, great hiking trails and their animals. They both just finished “The Women,” which they greatly enjoyed.

Verna Larson Lyons has been recuperating from an aneurysm. Get well, sister! Love to all— be safe, be kind and stay active mentally and physically.

1964 Barbara Maly Fish barb2fish@yahoo.com Twenty members of the Class of 1964 attended at least part of our 60th reunion in June.

Three brave spouses also attended: Marylou Herrmann Foley’s husband Jim, Doris Harwood Sabin’s husband Fred and Claire Fulenwider’s wife Harriet. Special recognition goes to Judie Kip Davis, who came to her very first reunion, and to Marta Schneebeli Johnson, who came the farthest, all the way from San Francisco. It was a time of laughter, reminiscing and helping each other tell stories from back in the day. Pictures are available on the Hood website, though you may have trouble recognizing the old ladies we’ve become. Judi Coombs Creighton came, despite still mourning her beloved husband Bob, who passed away in Feb. He was diagnosed with mid-stage Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s in 2019. This led to five years of devastating decline on his part and heartbreaking struggles to assist him on the part of Judi and their children Amy, Alex, and Jessica. Judi tried to care for him herself, then hired in-home help and then tried several different care facilities in those hard years. After this ordeal, Judi was grateful to be with Hood friends. Connie Heard Damon came and then sent me an update on her recent activities. In Feb., she made her 11th trip to Kenya to do

CLASS NEWS missionary work. Back in the U.S., she raises money for Living Hope Orphanage, which is also a high school, and money she raised has been used to build a library at the school. One of her students told her, “Mum, it’ll be wonderful. I’ll be able to go there and choose any book I want and take it back to my dorm. When I finish it, I can take it back and get another one.” After 50 years of living on a farm, Connie has sold it and will soon move to a senior living facility.

The new owners are delighted that Connie’s goats and chickens come with the farm. Her new apartment, created from two, has room for her precious Steinway baby grand piano. After graduating from a two-year program in June, Connie is now a certified lay minister with the United Methodist Church. She closed, “Even though I’m old, I don’t think God is finished with me yet, so it will be interesting to see where He leads me to further serve.” Twin sisters Carol Felin Fidler and Kathy Felin Halpert were not able to attend reunion because they were preparing to drive cross-country from Kathy’s home in Allentown, PA, to Carol’s home in CA. In the car with them on the trip was Kathy’s cat, whom they named Houdini because of her ability to disappear in each motel room they stayed in along the way. All meals were takeout because of not being able to leave the cat alone.

Family visits en route helped break up the trip, and now Kathy is settled in an apartment near Carol for the first time in many years. Because of a granddaughter’s high school graduation, Nancy Peck Landt was also not able to come to reunion. After 45 years in Atlanta, she and husband Pete moved to Annapolis, MD, to be near Nancy’s younger daughter Julie and family. The move enabled Nancy and Pete to enjoy boating and playing golf on the Naval Academy golf course.

Nancy’s son David, a NJ resident, is an attorney for Johnson and Johnson, and her older daughter Anne is an artist who lives in Brooklyn. Between them, the Landts have seven grandchildren in middle school through college. Nancy is still a licensed insurance agent, who has postponed retirement because she wants to support the many clients she has accumulated over the years. Some of you may remember Gail Rhian Benjamin, who was only at Hood during our freshman year. She has recently moved from Maryland’s Eastern Shore to a CCRC in Durham, NC.

1965 Emily R. Kirby erkilby44@gmail.com The Class of ’65 may be octogenarians these days, but the correspondents for this column continue at a youthful and adventurous pace.

Toni Barnes Buzby and Bill, her husband of

59 years, continue to live in and maintain their huge 1752 farmhouse in Lansdale, PA, where they raised their three sons. Even though Toni retired from her longtime employer Merck Pharmaceuticals in 2004, she continued to get callbacks for various short-term assignments.

The flexibility of being able to work offsite kept her accepting these temporary assignments until she finally retired for real in 2022. Keeping healthy is a priority, so they attend fitness sessions three times weekly and have adopted a sodium-free diet in response to Bill’s recent diagnosis of kidney disease (send Toni salt-free recipes at buzbyt@comcast.net). Toni tends to the potted annual flowers and the perennial gardens in their large yard and has recently taken up a side hustle of selling the jewelry and collectibles she won’t be passing on to grandchildren on eBay. Two of Toni’s sons live in Durham, NC, one being the father of her three grandchildren, and the third lives closer to home in Frankford, DE. There are family gatherings as schedules allow, and in between, texting keeps them in touch. For four school years, Sue Hertzler Geery and Kathy Kahn Rusk lived practically in each other’s pockets as Hood roommates, but these days, they are separated by a full continent, with Sue in coastal Darien, CT, and Kathy in Olympia, WA, on the Puget Sound. They had not seen each other for a dozen years, but when Sue read of a tour to Normandy to commemorate WWII, she invited her Hood roommate to accompany her. Sue was born on D-Day, the daughter of an active-duty soldier who managed to see her once when she was 3 weeks old before he shipped out for Liege, Belgium, and did not return home for two years. The Normandy trip was a bucket-list adventure, taking her close to where her father had been 80 years before.

Sue praised the travel company and cherished the experiences: “Wonderful WWII memorabilia and museums. Our climb up and then back down the 350 steps to the very beautiful Mon Saint Michel. The sweet town of Bayeux and the wondrous tapestry. French food and wine and an amazing rainbow over our little town of Honfleur our last night. Some very kind and interesting people. Kathy and I loved every minute, especially after not having seen one another for 12 years.

We were still good roommates!” Eva Sayegh Hardy is another classmate who doesn’t sit still. Though she retired in 2008 from Dominion Energy as executive VP for external affairs and corporate communications, she started her own consulting firm on a part-time basis to help companies with their communications and marketing strategies. Given that flexibility, she still had time to travel. She and husband Michael have taken two trips annually for the past decade, with Michael, a classics major, guiding them

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through all the ancient sites in Europe and the Middle East. Last May, they had a wonderful trip to Egypt, Tunisia, Cyprus and Turkey. Eva plans to keep traveling “for as long as our knees don’t give out.” While at their Richmond, VA, home, they enjoy the company of relatives and friends, particularly grandchildren who live nearby. The Class of ’65 suffered a loss with the death of classmate Mary Rusk Campbell in March 2024. One of the many native New Jerseyites within our ranks, Mary settled in Laurel, MD, after marrying Scot Campbell, a Fort Detrick soldier she met on a blind date. An education major and kindergarten teacher before having her own three children, Mary “adored being a mother, aunt and grandmother,” organizing games and spoiling her loved ones with their favorite treats.

After Scot’s death in 2004, Mary became even more involved in her church activities, singing in the choir, playing in the bell choir and preparing communion. “Mary will be remembered for her kindness, generosity and the way she always remembered birthdays with cards, calls or texts.

No mother could be more devoted, and we all miss her every day,” reads the obituary. “Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.” With our 60th reunion coming up in 2025, here’s to making more good memories for ourselves and those we cherish.

In 10 words or less...

“Why is African American studies important today?”

An expanded American view leads to an expanded worldview.

— Kelly Walfred Miller ’78

1966 Dianne Beebe Barske eldibarske@gmail.com June 8, 2024, was National Friends Day, and very appropriately, our Hood classmates gathered for a reunion on Zoom. There were 16 of us on the Zoom session, organized by the champion of our reunions, Ginny Wheeler Jones, assisted

by Pat Kehoe Tylander. We considered it a wonderful turnout, and much news was shared.

This column is a sampling. Through the magic of Zoom, Nancy Frederickson Sherlin appeared to us in her car, traveling home to TX after attending her husband Grover’s 63rd high school reunion in Annapolis, MD. Nancy has continued

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CLASS NEWS her love of creating stained glass art, and she and Grover enjoy time with their two daughters and four grandchildren. Marie “Marti” Gieringer Kelley shared that she, like Nancy, had been a home economics major at Hood. She has had a career as a food stylist, working for McCall’s and creating food ads for television. She’s produced documentaries in Mexico, Peru and Jamaica, focusing on teaching women about careers in construction. Now living in San Diego, she has been creating public service announcements for nonprofits. Carole Ann Kemp Lovett told us that her husband Bill was doing well following major back surgery. She reminisced about doing a house exchange in Normandy when her son was 4 and sang the praises of Madame Stadler, her French teacher at Hood. Sarah “Sally” Bruce related that she, like many of us, was about to celebrate a landmark birthday (80).

She is “completely retired,” enjoying volunteer work and reading. Harriet Rudman Weiner recently took a bus trip to Washington, D.C., with a visit to the International Spy Museum.

“It was a wonderful day, until we had to dodge tornadoes on the way home.” Sara “Sally” Wislar Farneth lives in ME and has continued her love of travel, which began at Hood, and is involved in the Peace and Justice Program.

Betty Schmidt Martin echoed Sally’s love of travel, which also began at Hood with a trip to Europe led by Professor Charles Warner, then head of the music department. Betty continues to travel with programs organized through Hood, often accompanied by her daughter. Terri Petrillo Connolly mentioned that life has taken a lively turn. She and Frank sold their peaceful home in a senior community and moved to CT to help their daughter take care of her adopted daughter. “I’m loving the fun and chaos that comes with living with a 3-year-old.” Carolyn “Cammy” Wyckoff Platt, a French major at Hood, became a French teacher and now retreats to Paris for six weeks each year. Her family often joins her. Judy Messina has retired from the Hood College Board of Trustees after 18 years of service, including six years as board chair.

There was much expression of gratitude to Judy for all she has done for Hood. She now sits on several boards in NY and continues her work as a freelance journalist. She is preparing to attend her son’s wedding. Suzanne Roth Graham lives in PA and has been active in the Philadelphia Garden Club. She told us that Sue Mesner Howard has been dealing with medical issues.

Barbara Trogler Lidle expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with Hood classmates through Zoom reunions. She has been on three of our four Zoom reunions. Karen Sweeney Fulwiler had intended to be part of the Zoom session, but in an email after the gathering, she explained her absence: “I’m sorry to have missed

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this, but unbeknownst to me, my daughters pulled off a surprise birthday party for me. It was tons of fun reuniting with friends and family from afar, who very graciously told me that I don’t look 80!” Pat Kehoe Tylander comments she has been enjoying get-togethers at Hood functions. Back in March, she and husband Ty were part of the fourth Hood ’66 FL mini reunion.

At that gathering were Carole Ann Kemp Lovett and Bill, Ann Johnson Kupferberg, Ginny Wheeler Jones and Charlie, and Betty Schmidt Martin and Harold. Ginny comments, “We were sorry Terri Petrillo Connolly and Frank as well as Kenni Ward Pinckard and Tom were not able to join us at the FL reunion this year.” I (Dianne Beebe Barske) was kept busy during the Zoom call scribbling these notes. Many thanks to Ginny, our Zoom orchestrator, and to Pat, my backup Zoom notetaker.

In 10 words or less...

“Why is African American studies important today?”

Because it’s American studies.

— Jen Jones ’06

1967 May Mumma Ohman eohmanjr@gmail.com Gail Witham Pohl writes, “Doug and I are still enjoying our quiet life on the lake. We have 21 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. We’ve enjoyed our travels and can now claim to have been to all 50 states and seven continents. In Feb., we made it to Antarctica; what a starkly beautiful place. Last fall, we had lunch with Ann LeRoyer and husband Richard in Boston. Kris Campbell Joyce, Judy Lehman Ballinger, Cheryl Wray and I have been in touch since being roommates in a French House triple at Hood. In 2017, the triple danced again as part of their 50th college reunion program. Dance has helped keep them going as they approach 80.”

Dorrie McGregor Spurlock says, “I retired from the University of Utah in July. I started the job in 1993. I am enjoying the more relaxed schedule of retirement. Walking these days is a delight, as the flowering trees, tulips and other spring flowers are in full bloom. I regret not keeping up with more Hood friends over the years—guess that’s why I enjoy reading the class column so much.” Pat Rosner Kearns writes, “After much delay—husband’s passing, COVID, relocation to Louisville, health issues—I’m

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heading to London and Wimbledon in July with my youngest son, then heading on to Oslo to meet up with my daughter. We’ll be heading to Bergen, then Trondheim to visit the old family homestead, Austraat Manor. Then home and Sonoma for first son’s 50th birthday if he’s back from Myanmar and Cambodia in time, then off to CT to visit family in Sept. I await grandchild number seven here in Louisville. Kicking the bucket list with a vengeance!” Debbie Smith Aldrich shared she “was thinking back to those wonderful years at Hood. We were really a terrific group. Not much news as I approach my 80th birthday. How have I gotten here? After a couple of health scares, I am in great shape and thankful for that. I love living here on the ocean with my loving cat Jethro. Family is near. I spend time in VT, as my son has a house on a lake there, and it is a good escape. Sending you oodles of love and good wishes.” Nancy Esau Jeschke writes, “My husband and I just returned from a wonderful cruise in France. Seeing Giverny, Normandy and Paris was enlightening and such fun. We are trying to keep traveling as long as our legs and backs can manage! We traveled in March to the Amazon with my brother-in-law and his wife. I expected to see birds and other animals, but the river is very wide, and I think we need to go elsewhere to see animals! Our grandson is crewing for Clemson, so we must watch ‘The Boys in the Boat.’ Hoping to see Barb Locher Wilson soon!” Cynthia Newby says, “Report is short! Enjoying spending the summer preparing for a Garden Conservancy Open Day tour here on the last Sat. of July. If anybody in the area is interested in coming (maybe Gretchen A?), I will visit with Andrea Chapdelaine once she is settled in CT. Hood will miss her good counsel; I am sure the trustees will put maximum effort into hiring the next president of Hood College.” Sharon McDowell Sheaffer says, “We are now living in our retirement community in New Holland after living in the family homestead for 40 years. Our farm has been in the family for nearly 300 years.

Our family includes our three children and seven grandchildren. We have a recent college graduate who majored in nutrition, as I did, and two grandchildren in dentistry (including John, that makes five dentists). I am continually thankful for my Hood friends and my liberal arts education.”

Judy Lehman Ballinger writes, “In June, I had a short visit with Cheryl Wray at her lovely spot on the Chesapeake. In April, I vacationed with two high school friends in CA, sharing a cross-country train ride. When not traveling, my art practice and teaching other seniors keep me very busy.” Looking forward to a family visit from the “kids” in Denver come Aug.—and spending time with granddaughter Hazel May (3). Our life is pretty much one of quiet satisfaction—with lots of books to read. Take care everyone!

CLASS NEWS

1968 Sandra Gerwin Herndon sandraherndon@gmail.com Jane Walters Jasper and her husband Allyn celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in June; they met when Janie was at Hood. They live in Sherburne, NY, and have two sons, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. They are learning to cope with Allyn’s Parkinson’s.

Sally Eser Stuart enjoys making sandwiches for the USO cadets coming through Atlanta Airport, reading and going to the fitness center.

She cheered for the runners in the Peachtree Road Race on the Fourth of July as they ran past their high rise. She watches her grandchildren online as they play club soccer and lacrosse all over the country. Sue Marano and Sharon Burns Walsh met Gwen Ebersole Lehman and her husband Don at the Philadelphia Flower Show. Big changes for Sue—she retired in Oct. 2023, and her grandson Ethan (for whom she has been primary caregiver since he was 6), recently graduated from high school and will be heading off to college. Sue was visited by Pam Nicholson Neuman and Sharon for a few days in mid-July for a NJ/NY get-together.

Carol Huntington is still enjoying working in her solo social work therapy clinical practice.

She is one of few in ME well trained in dialectical behavior therapy. Social justice issues are her passion. She promotes acknowledgment of all the ancestral stewards of the land on which we sit today, particularly the sovereign people of the Wabanaki Tribal Nations in ME. She is also active in the Episcopal Peace Fellowship, focusing on the plight of Palestine. Phyllis Gimbel has an article being published in the peer-reviewed Principal Leadership Magazine in Sept. 2024.

Sharon Burns Walsh and Ron enjoyed their 27th year celebrating Fourth of July at their friends’ “camp” in the Adirondacks. She and Ron are busy as officers in the Allen Historical Society in their 300-year-old village. In April, they took a fantastic Viking cruise on the Rhine. With seven grandchildren spread from CA to Germany, they travel quite often. Much of Sharon’s free time is spent helping her mother, who turned 99 in Aug. Ellen Dietz Rosenberger and husband Russ just celebrated their 56th anniversary this spring. They were married two weeks after Ellen’s graduation from Hood! (Do you remember that Katharine Graham was our Commencement speaker?) They have three children and seven grandchildren. She has recently connected with Kit Nordine Uebersax and keeps in touch with Carole Downing Staton ’69. Besides keeping extremely busy running the Art Association of Harrisburg, Carrie Wissler-Thomas has also been doing her own painting and will have an exhibition in New Cumberland in Nov. She and her

husband Scott travelled to England and Scotland last fall and went to Portugal and Spain last spring. Scott is working on creating a website for her paintings. This past summer, Mary Kay Noren and her husband worked their way north from their home in Beaufort, SC. It was about a three-month trip and included seeing family and friends along the way. Normally, she keeps busy playing tennis and participating in two book clubs. She just finished two three-year terms on a private nonprofit hospice board, during which they built an eight-bed cottage to complete the total spectrum of services. Beverly Thompson Gardner went to her 60th high school reunion this past Aug. Much fun! She and her husband enjoy living in a garden home at the Village of Duxbury (62 and above) with their 2-year-old rescue cat Orlando during the school year and then on the Cape for the summer and into the fall.

They took a cruise on the Danube River this fall.

Beverly and Bernie are also busy with committee work at their local Unitarian Universalist church.

Grandchildren are growing up—21, 17 and 14.

Sharyn Duffy got COVID for Christmas and spent two days in the emergency room. She struggles to maintain her farm and two horses.

Margie Arnold Creek saw her roommate Anne Mulquin Parker in Feb. while on a nine-week trip to the U.S. and Scandinavia. She has also been traveling by car around Australia and by small ship in the Southern Ocean (Antarctic) learning about abalone and oyster farming. She continues to have fun with her textile art and book arts groups. Charlotte Sizoo Whitenight and Pam Nicholson Neuman had a great trip to Paris last March along with Hood students. They went to seven art galleries and two concerts, in addition to walking and touring. Their favorite thing was attending the Paris Philharmonic. Pam even had a chance to practice her French!

1969 Sayre Roney Steere sayre1126@gmail.com Several classmates checked in, having just attended our 55th reunion at Hood. Among them were Marty Silcox Hankins, who went with Donna Holst Carr. The Hankins have closed their pottery business, but Marty continues to volunteer with the Carroll County Public Library as well as Master Gardeners and League of Women Voters. Following reunion, which Carol Crofoot Hayes described as “great,” she and Maureen Clancy Shiftan, Diane Campbell, Karen Fogleman Kurtzrock and Joan Esselen Foot spent a few days at Lansdowne resort in VA perfecting their putting and cornhole skills. Carol Reynolds Petrash joined them for dinner. Pat Warren Carlson reports that the campus is beautiful, and it was nice to be back.

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During the winter, Pat golfed in the Dominican Republic, FL and Hilton Head. She’ll be on the course again in Oct. in the Ozarks and Cabo San Lucas in Dec. Cheryl Brown Dreiling was also on campus, following a Smithsoniansponsored trip to Morocco in April, accompanied by her sister Sharon Brown Vejvoda ’71. The sisters even got to ride a camel and watch the sunset from a desert dune. Chris Papayani Koumas claims this is the first time the “Meyran Corner” did not attend the reunion, but they will next time! Chris was on her way to Greece to spend time with family in Thessaloniki, then on to Crete to relax and explore. Bobbie Owen Floyd and husband Dick were able to attend the college graduations of two grandsons as well as the citizenship ceremony of their Brazilian son-in-law. They’ve planned a cruise to Canada, Greenland, Iceland and England this summer and look forward to Dick’s 55th reunion at USNA this fall. Christine Diehl treasures her continued friendship with Marya Rusinak, both music majors at Hood. Marya still performs with a Medieval Music group in Cincinnati, OH. Following graduation and a year with Head Start, Susan Musser Erickson took on the directorship of an inner-city daycare center in Detroit, then did similar work in D.C. for more than 25 years.

She still teaches small groups online with a program called Futura. Betsy Kasin Hubbard and husband Ken moved from Millbrook, NY, to Tampa, FL, in 2006 and now live only two miles from their daughter and three grandsons. In Dec. 2023, Betsy and daughter Laura went on a Road Scholar trip to Quito, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands aboard a 96-foot yacht. Next year, it’s off to Iceland! Maureen McCready continues to practice law in Buffalo, NY, but will soon be establishing a new office in the suburbs south of the city. A widow now, Maureen stays busy with friends and is in frequent contact with Margaret Horton Hindman in Frederick and Michelle Lombino ’82 from Phoenix. Jill Stanley continues to square and round dance and will attend the National Square Dance Convention in Milwaukee along with Betsy Seele Gotta, who recently celebrated 50 years of marriage to Roy. Jill visited family in OR, WA and ND, while Betsy was on the staff of the Gay Square Dance Convention in Durham, NC. As they were unable to attend our reunion, Susan Taylor Shoch, Chrysanthe Papayani Koumas, Elizabeth Rudulph Lustenader and Debbie Dick Holbert will be having their own mini reunion in NYC in Aug. Ginny Monaco Hatfield was honored by her congressman for her involvement in the Neighborhood Council Valley Village, the American Association of University Women, the United Nations Association and for her work on behalf of her church. Bernadette Utz Baun and husband Ray took a 30-day trip to Australia and

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CLASS NEWS New Zealand. Highlights included snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef and dinner at the Sydney Opera House. They’ll soon be visiting their children in OH and MD. Sharon MacDonald Sayles checked in from Honfleur following a four-week journey through France and Italy on an AHI Hood tour. While in Italy, she hiked Mount Vesuvius and Cinque Terre and met up with Sue Hertzler Geery ’65 and Kathy Kahn Rusk ’65.

Carole Downing Staton and Roy were in TX in May to witness their son Andrew’s promotion to lieutenant colonel; Andrew and family are now headed to Germany for his next assignment. Dave and I, Sayre Roney Steere, took a lovely trip to Victoria, BC, in Jan., and a month later, we went to the Big Island and Oahu accompanied by our daughter, son-in-law and two littles, ages 1 and 3; our activities are centered around nap times. I’d been home but a week when I had total shoulder replacement surgery. Recovery has been agonizingly slow, but I’m making progress.

1970 Marj Menchey Berkheimer mench49@gmail.com Hello to my classmates! I’m going to begin with a lovely email from Pamela Nesbit: “Sending gratitude for every breath, every song, every step in life’s beautiful adventure. Being grateful for this delicious season of birdsongs, sunshine, moonlight and thunderstorms.” Two classmates gave me news that they have moved to retirement communities. Janet Bear Ander and her husband Paul moved to Crest Village in Parkville, MD, near White Marsh. Kathy Owen Gurley wrote that her next chapter started with her move to Shenandoah Valley Westminster Canterbury, a continuing care facility in Winchester, VA. Kathy’s husband died in 2021. She has been living in Southern Pines, NC, since they sold their farm in Vass, NC. She still owns a mare that a teenager leases but will be leaving friends, neighbors and equine friends. Kathy says she looks at this move like coming to college and making new friends. Let her know if you’re nearby! From Myra Holsinger: “I’m very sorry to report that, in the past half-year or so, the husbands of two of my longtime friends from the Hood Class of 1970 have died: in Aug. 2023, Elaine Hubert’s husband Bill passed away; Skip, husband of Marie Oliver Brackbill, died in Oct. 2023. Ellen Sands Smith along with her husband Ernie and I attended Skip’s memorial service in PA in Nov. Ellen and I were so pleased to see Sharon McDowell Sheaffer ’67 and her husband John, longtime friends of Marie and Skip, at the service.

Sharon was a senior when we were freshmen, and we had not seen her since Hood, but she was immediately recognizable. Marie and Skip

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had relocated from their farm in Kinzers, PA, to Huntsville, AL, in Dec. 2022 to live with their older son Chris; Marie continues to live there.

Marie visited Ellen and Ernie this spring in Easton, MD, and I spent a few days with them. I also visited Elaine in Burlington, VT, in Oct. 2023, and this spring, she visited me in WA. We had not seen each other in person for about four years (Zoom doesn’t count!), so it was great to get-together.” Inspired by illustrating two books about designer and Hood alumna Claire McCardell ’27 (“The Little Girl Who Climbed to the Top and Changed the Way Women Dress” and “Claire’s Closet” by Debra Scala Giokas), three books of short stories by a former work colleague (“The High Grass,” “An Ordinary Sedan” and “A Cheap Ransom” by Rich Moreland) and a book by a high school classmate (“Sarah and the Dragons” by Michael Stern), Mary “Sam” Ryan Reeves finally illustrated and wrote her own cookbook, “Johnny’s Paradise Cafe.” (Sorry, no Hood recipes!) All are available for purchase on Amazon. News from me ( Marj Menchey Berkheimer): Mimi Marj loves being with her grandchildren Aoifé (2) and Caiseal (1 in Sept.).

Aoifé will begin Georgetown Hill Lab School (the former Onica Prall Learning Lab at Hood) in Aug. Talk about full circle! I worked there in 1968-69 observing and helping with the kiddos. They were early childhood education required courses and such fun. Phil and I are not traveling so much as the past couple of years but still having fun and enjoying our lives together. Never bored, to be sure! Take care, everyone!

In 10 words or less...

“Why is African American studies important today?”

Its interdisciplinary lens brings scholarly rigor to the liberal arts.

— Elizabeth Thompson ’08

1971 Mary McMunigal Burland mburl5@verizon.net Mindy Laighton Wilcox mlwilcox3@gmail.com Judy Ashway is still working part time as a clinical social worker for children, adolescents and their parents but plans to retire before Christmas this year. Her new granddaughter Zoey will be 1 in Sept. and lives close to Judy

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in Concord, MA, while her grandson, who is 16, lives in Miami. Judy is looking forward to doing yoga and meditation and walking her golden retriever once she retires. Debbi Hamlin Hitchings caught up recently via Zoom with Jean East, Sue Fuller, Edie Fletcher Flynn and Marcia Bissell ’73. All are retired but busy with volunteer activities. While they have enjoyed their virtual reunions, they’re hoping to gather in person for their own mini reunion in 2025. Sue, Edie and Marcia met in May with Wendy Scott McDonald for lunch at the Fisherman’s View on the Cape Cod Canal. In June, Lynn Patterson Jacobs traveled up the inland waterway on board her brother and sister-in-law’s boat. From the southern tip of FL to Jacksonville, they had a beautiful and relaxing trip. In July, her entire crew packed into a house in Rehoboth Beach for a great week at the ocean. Every few months, Lynn and Don travel to their condo in Cincinnati, where they reconnect with old friends and spend time with daughter Audrey’s family. They are continuing to enjoy their retirement community in Gaithersburg. Despite osteoarthritis and bone spurs in both hips, Cathy Moon McClure traveled to Italy this past June. This was her first overseas trip since 1977, when she traveled for six months through Africa and Asia on her return from the Peace Corps. Cathy found her four days in Rome to be amazing if a bit overwhelming, but the following eight days in Spoleto were quieter and spectacular. Cathy reported that she has the travel bug now but must become more realistic about hip replacements! Ann Metcalf is still teaching at Gwynedd Mercy University and playing the French horn in her church. Ann, Janice Butz and Carole Wood plan to celebrate their 75th birthdays this fall by visiting Hood. Ann had a visit from her Hood Big Sister Camilla Brownson Kenny ’69, and they visited Camilla’s brother and sisterin-law Emily Smith Brownson ’69, whom Ann hadn’t seen since 1973. Gail Haulenbeek and Bill still enjoy traveling. In the past year, they have been to Ireland twice; they have friends in West Cork. Their friends have sheep and pygmy goats as well as horses, so Gail gets to play at being an Irish farmgirl. Last fall, they returned to Rome and Tuscany, and they hope to visit Sicily this fall. Gail and Bill drive to PA frequently to visit Bill’s daughter and her family, and also to NJ where their families live.

They enjoy summer musical performances at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and the wonderfully fun Saratoga Racecourse. Gail and Bill still go to rock, blues and bluegrass concerts, and she still dances to the music, although she now wears earplugs! After unexpectedly teaching second grade this year, I ( Mary McMunigal Burland) am enjoying summer.

POINT OF VIEW

After walking a mile in President Chapdelaine’s shoes, I have a clearer understanding of the work that happens behind the sc enes to k eep the C olleg e running .

PRESIDENT FOR A DAY My “Chap Swap” Experience

By Zoe Finholm ’24 A tradition under President Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Ph.D., H’24, the annual “Chap Swap” allowed a Hood student to spend a day shadowing the president. The following day, President Chapdelaine would then accompany the student on their daily activities. Zoe Finholm ’24 reflects on her time trading places with President Chapdelaine during her senior year.

After walking a mile in President Chapdelaine’s shoes, I have a clearer understanding of the work that happens behind the scenes to keep the College running.

A lot of my friends told me that I should do Chap Swap, but ultimately it was my curiosity that led me to apply.

I always knew “Pres Chap” did more than what most people think—I just didn’t know what exactly.

When the email popped up on my phone saying that I had been chosen, I was excited, but I didn’t know what I had gotten myself into. I wasn’t sure what presidential activities were planned, which made me nervous, but I knew I would have fun.

I gave the welcome speech at the Women in Science Speak presentation, attended the Planning, Budgeting and Assessment Committee (PBAC) meeting, went to the Lunar New Year celebration, met with some new faculty members and even got to wear Pres Chap’s nametag.

My day as president was very busy, but Pres Chap told me that they lessened her schedule because I was around. I don’t know how she manages it, honestly.

I learned a lot during the day, but I found the PBAC meeting was the most insightful. At this meeting, the committee discussed raising the prices for on-campus housing. I found it interesting to see how the College makes decisions. It takes a lot of time and there is a lot of back and forth about balancing the needs of both the students and the College.

The next day, Pres Chap and I worked at an admission event, and some staff members were still calling me “Madame President,” which I found funny.

During Pres Chap’s day as a student, we went to my internship with the Student Life office, yoga class, dance rehearsal and RA duty rounds. Having her at my internship was a little nerve-wracking, and I experienced mild performance anxiety while she was there, but my favorite part of the day was having her come on rounds with me. My whole building staff joined us, and it was fun for us to show her around the almost finished Memorial Hall.

I hope that Pres Chap enjoyed her time as a student for a day. I am now very aware of how stressful her job can be, so I hope she was able to have fun and do something different.

After reflecting on my time as “president,” I see how it truly takes a village to keep a college running, which made me appreciate my education in a new way. Watching Hood’s leaders collaborate, specifically during the PBAC meeting, was memorable and will definitely be useful once I enter the workforce, where teamwork is essential. As of now, I’m not exactly sure what I want to do post-graduation, but who knows, maybe I’ll be a college president someday.

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CLASS NEWS Education has surely changed since I retired in 2006. I learned many new teaching strategies thanks to technology and am proof that an old dog can learn new tricks. Mindy Laighton Wilcox went on an AHI Hood trip to Portugal in May along with three other Hood alumnae (Jamie Draper ’84, Donna Fitzwater ’76 and Lynn Ann Herzog Parker ’87 ). It was a great trip with a wonderful tour director, who was delighted to become a “Hood girl” when she was presented a homemade dink. This was Mindy’s first solo trip since her husband died, and she was a bit apprehensive, but it was quite a positive experience. Finally, we have learned that Sally Hirshberger Harmon passed away in May following a stroke. Sally taught third grade for two years and then was a licensed daycare provider for more than 35 years. She is survived by her husband Jim, four children and 10 grandchildren. We also sadly share the news that Alice Kleiner Meckley’s husband Gus died suddenly of natural causes at home in June. They had been married for 52 years. Ann Metcalf, Nancy Ludder Koberlein and Nan Loader Calabretta attended his funeral. On behalf of all our classmates, Mindy and I send our deepest sympathy to Sally’s family as well as Alice and her family.

In 10 words or less...

“Why is African American studies important today?”

Students become better allies—garnering knowledge, understanding, awareness and empathy.

— Justin Abodalo ’12

1972 Carol Bradford cbradford043@gmail.com Cynthia A. Clifford cynthiaclifford999@gmail.com Carol Schlosnagle Bradford just returned from a five-week vacation in Indonesia (Lombok), Malaysia and Turkey. Linda Wicks Crites was in Rock Hill, SC, in May for a wedding and then in Minneapolis, and she has plans for a two-week trip to northern Spain in Oct. Linda Cumber Gifkins and John had a great monthlong trip to Australia and New Zealand in Feb., starting with a 12-hour layover in Los Angeles and great visit with Nancy Williams Bishop

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in Malibu. In June, they visited Marcia Place Bruner in RI for an open studio and lunch.

Virginia Procino Hartmann reports that she and Tom attended reunion in June with her Hood roommate Kathleen Martin Belikoff to celebrate with their Little Sisters Jane Dodge Armacost ’74 and Wilma Diehl Robley ’74 as they returned to Hood for their 50th reunion.

Gini was happy to see Jane Esselen Blocker and Lucia Grabenstein Kline at reunion as well. Helen-Mae Reisner retired from federal service as a nurse consultant at the Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration headquarters in D.C. this spring.

She lives in North Bethesda, MD, close to her daughter and three granddaughters (6, 5 and 4). Danise Simpson Simmons is excited that her husband Bruce is now a published author, having written a book with universal themes— adventure, romance, heartbreak and controversy.

We love hearing from you—please write!

1973 Leslie A. Hawkins hawkins.leslie.a@gmail.com This year, Donna Simmons Maneely has enjoyed a special treat in her local Encore Chorale with fellow alumna Elly Baumgart Ritchie ’58.

They both live in St. Mary’s County, MD, and met at Hood reunion last year when Elly was celebrating her 65th reunion. Donna says she hopes she is as active, alert and well if she reaches that age! Donna went on her seventh “down under” trip to Australia. It was supposed to be a train trek, but heavy rains flooded the tracks. Even with a changed itinerary, it was still an adventure to see old and new sights in her favorite country. Lorraine Sharp Kish writes that travel is the best medicine, and despite some medical setbacks, she is feeling blessed to be celebrating her 73rd birthday with a transatlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2. She and husband Pete will then be traveling in the U.K. this summer and connecting with a distant cousin she met through Ancestry DNA. She also reports that Bonny Barncord Berger and her husband will be in the U.K. about the same time, so maybe an impromptu Hood reunion in the English countryside? Sally Parkhurst Van Why said she has become very involved with the Alzheimer’s Association as an advocate, meeting state and federal officials in their local offices and Washington, D.C. She is also working at getting information about the disease into the hands of the community through support groups, local agency distribution and health fairs. Sally also sent news of a group visit by “the Shriners” in May at a lovely VRBO in Sarasota, FL, near Jill Schonek Pollard’s home. Attending with Sally

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were Toni Lucia, Patt Henry Montgomery, Alicia Parlatore Payne, Patti Suydam Ritter and Sherry Bronski Waltz. They enjoyed three wonderful days and nights lounging in the pool, gabbing, eating and cherishing 55 years of friendship. Charlie Miller Ponticelli continues to enjoy time with her grandbabies Summer (3) and Piper (6 months). She says she’s joined the ranks of those who prefer to call themselves “not retired, just post-achievement,” with a calendar that is still busy with church activities, prison ministry to Hispanic inmates, advocacy for Afghan women and girls, and the odd translation job. Her Spanish major is the gift that keeps on giving.

Amy Hanley Dove writes that she and Bob are finally going to be grandparents in early Sept. and are looking forward to this new chapter. In other news, Bob is still busy with his podcast “Your Spiritual Journey.” He had Christine McHenry, H’24, on the podcast last year. Amy is still working part time for Home Instead, helping a spry 100-year-old with cooking, cleaning and errands. That will end in Aug., so she’ll have time to help with the new baby. As for me, Leslie A. Hawkins, I was able to enjoy ski trips to UT and British Columbia in Jan. and Feb., with a brace on my ailing left knee and lots of good snow, then did a wonderful 16-day trip to Sicily with my sister Sharyn in April. Some medical challenges this spring, but I am headed out to a Scandinavia/ Baltic cruise in two days—got to keep moving!

Feel free to send me news anytime; you don’t have to wait for the next notice at years’ end.

1974 Patricia E. Kidd pat.kidd@hotmail.com Just to set the stage, our 50th reunion, held June 6-9, was characterized by beautiful, clear azure skies, cool temperatures and high energy. The Hood campus itself has never looked better. We should all applaud Sue Whaley, who received the Excellence in Service to Hood College Award.

Sue has served as a trustee and tirelessly supported Hood’s student programs. We asked folks who attended to write a few words about their reunion experience. To all those who would have liked to be there, we missed you and hope we’ll all be together at our 55th! “Reconnecting with so many classmates I hadn’t seen in 50 years made me feel young again. Wrinkles be darned, we are still the same smart, fun-loving bunch we were then,” wrote Elizabeth Guertler Godfrey. Billie Weise wrote, “How wonderful to be reunited with friends from 50 years ago, sharing our memories and reminding us of those four special years together! Hood College has always been in my heart, but I’ve missed so many reunions (crazy life got in the way). Thanks

CLASS NEWS to Deborah Kohler for all the planning and work that made the weekend run so smoothly.

And to Ann Cuppia Gandy for making all the arrangements (you always did keep me in line) and Margery Berringer-Schuran (you always did keep me ‘out of line’), and a huge thanks to my fellow Hood’Lums who stepped up at the last minute to save me from singing a solo. I will never forget the Vespa Service Pop-Up Choir!” Lauren C. Fulton said, “I wish I could have spent more time on campus but had family issues at home.

It was truly wonderful to see my friends again— and looking so good! Hood is not the same; it’s the people who made the experience, not the place. Love you guys!” Jane Dodge Armacost shared, “I like going to reunions because I get to talk with classmates, even from different years, who I didn’t know very well when we were in school.” Carolyn Schoemer Huyghe said, “The campus is still beautiful and so much remains the same; the biggest shock was our old mailboxes were gone! Just a dingy basement now!” Ann Cuppia Gandy says, “My impression of attendees at our 50th reunion? In the words of Bruno Mars in Uptown Funk: them Hood girls, them good girls, straight masterpieces!” Linda Shurko Bulvanoski said, “Sue Whaley took Carolyn and me downtown to see Pat Latkovski at her clothing boutique. Len was very special to us!” Beth Rittenhouse commented that “six of us from Meyran were at the reunion; two of our crowd have died. We gained access to Meyran and recreated a photo of us from Christmas sophomore year.” Victoria Benton summed up that entire weekend in just a few words, “It is so hard to express 54 years of friendship. What a fabulous three days we had renewing that bond!”

Ann Williams DeMers said, “My favorite part was the number of meaningful conversations I had with classmates, many of whom I did not know well from our college days.” Nancy Reading Good said, “It was wonderful seeing so many classmates and how both the campus and Frederick have grown. The campus tour with a current student was a lot of fun, even though hearing some of the changes (no more astronomy labs, no campus day song competition) made me a little sad. Great turnout from Memorial Hall; too bad we couldn’t see the renovations. Sandy Bell McDonnell gets the prize for being the most easily recognizable, but Billie Weise is a close second.” Our super-organizer Deb Kohler gets a little extra copy: “It was great to see Laura Bathke because we’d been roommates freshman year. We’ve both had quite the growing up journey, and to share all that we’ve been through and come out thriving was special. Biggest changes at Hood? Moreso than the physical changes—which are substantial because they preserved the character, style and beauty of the

campus, including an amazing number of big old trees—was the way the leadership over the years has kept up with what students need, grown and changed and still kept essential liberal arts ethos at the core. The diversity, equality and inclusion exemplified means a lot to me. It is a big change from the 1970’s!” My ( Pat Kidd) own note: SisterHood continues in full force! Many thanks to the full steering committee: Sue Whaley, Rev. Deborah Kohler, Magaly Mauras Green, Ann Williams DeMers and Alice Dekker.

1975 Deborah Page Rath drath@nhhicks.com Save the date and plan to join the Class of 1975 on June 6-8, 2025, to celebrate our 50th reunion!

Keep an eye out for more information about this special weekend from Jeanne Boley Glascock and Beth Sheppard Kline. Ellen Bosek McMahon took a Viking river cruise in April, starting in Paris and then changing to another boat in Lyon. She was in a group of eight women.

Turns out, one was Ann Shackelford Silva’s best friend from high school and her friend’s college roommate. Ellen’s fourth grandchild arrives in two weeks. She’s still spending her summer in Long Beach Island. The biggest event for Ann Wiggins Ely and Tom is that they have moved into a house in a 55-plus community.

Their former home and property were just getting to be too much for them. They are still in VT and closer to their children, who live in NH. All good in southern CA for Sue Bleecker. Before it heats up each year, she runs a 5k on July 4. Then she heads up to the southern coast of OR for some cooler weather for a couple of weeks. At last year’s 5k, she realized that she’d be bumped up to an older age group, so she set a goal to win her new group. Granted, the competition was slim. Her high school friends were the youngest in the group, and they were all walking and having more fun. Sue edged out a 74-year-old in second place by three minutes. She’ll probably go back to walking with her friends next year. Things are fine with Carol Fleck Whetzel and Dennis.

They’re anxious for their new house to be built, so they can move and be closer to their kids; the expected completion date is spring 2025. Arlene Bujese’s life partner Marcel died in 2021. Arlene thought she knew empathy, but this gave her new light on how deep it can reach. Marcel used to refer to “the circle of life,” and that is how Arlene sees it. After 16 years, Arlene left the East End Hospice board of directors in Westhampton Beach, NY. It was time for the younger ones to have input in this amazing organization.

However, she still chairs the EEH Box Art Auction, now in its 24th year, and remains a supporter.

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The Kanas Center for Hospice Care opened in 2018, and Arlene curated the permanent art for the building and patient rooms, all donated by generous artists. Sometimes, Arlene curates and contributes her etchings to fundraisers. She has also become a member of the Ladies Village Improvement Association in East Hampton, an old-time organization taking care of the environment, scholarships and many other good things. Beverly Nester Jefferson and her husband Don have had a love affair with Africa for many years. After visiting different places, they decided to take their children and grandchildren to Tanzania. The numerous species they saw included elephants, lions, zebra, giraffes, hippos, crocs, cape buffalo, wildebeest, antelope, monkeys and more. They traveled to camps by plane and then toured the areas by Land Rover. At one village, their two granddaughters were invited to join other girls dancing to vocal music. Only afterwards did they find that it was a courtship dance, and the singers were eligible young men. In another village, they watched the boys and girls jumping to vocal music. The higher the jump, the better the prospect of marriage.

Their grandchildren loved the cultural experience and participated in the dancing. They were relieved that when it came time to leave, no one was married. Al Weinberg has been retired from Hood since 2015. He and his partner Connie moved to Worman’s Mill in Frederick and spend much of their time devoted to health issues of one sort or another. Al had two joint replacements and will probably be under the knife for a third later this year. He now has five grandchildren ranging in age from 4 to 12. They are so busy that he rarely gets to spoil them. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share. As for me, Debbie Page Rath, I am sad to share that I lost my only child Matthew unexpectedly in March.

He was caring, smart, handsome and always by my side since my spinal cord injury in Aug. 2004.

He was also my best friend. Although my heart is breaking, I’ll always have to our memories to get me through. Until next time.

In 10 words or less...

“Why is African American studies important today?”

Our schools don’t teach this well enough, if at all.

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— Jill Wood Tallman ’81

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CLASS NEWS

1976 Nancy Ludwick Warrenfeltz nlwfeltz@hotmail.com Kathy Anderson Jewell and Chip continue to stay busy with family and local activities. They have five grandchildren: two 12-year-olds, two 10-year-olds and one 7-year-old. They have been attending dance, drama, soccer and lacrosse for all. Kathy and Chip help with grandchild care when their kids travel. Both their son and daughter are busy with work, business travel and keeping up with the kids’ activities. Kathy is the lead teller at their church. Last winter, she planted a wildflower in the backyard and looks forward to all the beautiful flowers. It will take a few years to achieve Kathy’s vision for the area, but it will be fun to work on. Chip continues as president of the Libertytown Volunteer Fire Department but has backed off from actively running calls. The Jewells traveled to Toronto, ON, in Aug. to watch the Baltimore Orioles play three games against the Blue Jays. They stayed in the Rogers Center and went to a lovely lunch in the CN Tower for their 48th wedding anniversary. Then they traveled to see friends on Lake Ontario and came back to the states through northern NY, spending some time in VT and NH. They are looking forward to a Viking ocean cruise over the New Year holiday to the Panama Canal and Central America. Linda Fox-Jarvis and David’s son Brian got remarried in Maui this past summer.

It was a beautiful destination wedding. Brian lives in northern VA and works for Amazon Web Services. Their daughter Stephanie is succeeding in real estate as the head of their team. Linda still works in real estate in Virginia Beach. With their property management business increasing significantly and with print marketing, she is very busy. Stephanie oversees social media and online marketing and is amazing—typical millennial. David is retired and busy working on the house and property. Linda’s parents just sold their home and moved to an independent living community in Norfolk. They are amazing at 91 years old. Linda and David enjoy spending time in their four favorite places—Virginia Beach (principal home), St. Thomas, Charlottesville and Paris, where they have a fractional share of a French apartment. Marlene Grossnickle Young reports that she completed her second term on the Hood College Board of Trustees in June. After eight years, she was presented a resolution honoring her service and contributions during that time and was awarded the recognition of trustee emerita. Marlene notes that it has been a privilege and honor to serve on the Board of Trustees, and she is grateful for all that has

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been accomplished during that time under the leadership of President Andrea Chapdelaine and in working with fellow trustees, senior team, faculty and staff to advance and champion our beloved Hood. Marlene also received an honorary doctorate from Hood in 2014 and is the parent of graduate alumna Jennifer Young Ritter, M.S.’09. Congratulations, Marlene!

Torie Hoveman Seeger and her husband Geoff took an interesting 11-day Beaches of Normandy tour in June 2024. It followed the 101st Airborne Division from entry into France on D-Day to Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest, when the war in Europe ended. The tour included a visit to the Dachau concentration camp, a tour of Munich and much more (museums galore). They had very knowledgeable local guides. One gentleman (aged 89) was actually at Bastogne as the Germans arrived (when he was 9 years old!). It was not a typical vacation, but one they are glad they took. It really made the understanding of WWII more connected and quite sobering. The Seegers’ granddaughter Rachel graduated from high school and is attending SUNY Fredonia in the fall. She will be starting as a sophomore thanks to the college courses she took during her senior year. Rachel is very excited, and Torie says that she is feeling very old. Please email me your Hood news. I will include it in the next publication. Thanks!

1978 Jo-Ann Bourguignon h00dclass1978@gmail.com Seeing reminders of our 50th reunion on the horizon, I am feeling nostalgia seep into my pores. I began an outreach effort to connect to my Hood sisters in 2024 and managed to write and mail more than 250 notes before taking a break until my seasonal garden frenzy subsided.

I am hoping you all will find a convenient time to pause and send a hello back. Even though I am corresponding, I know few of you personally, yet I dared to take a familiar posture because of our Hood connection. I received two notes so far and hope you enjoy reading the rich stories being shared here. Hello from Mary McShea Smith. She was tickled by the note. Although she transferred to Boston in her sophomore year, she remains friends with Joyce Bruciati Dunn ’79 and wanted to say hi. The other note received was from Janet Lee, wife of Sean F. Lee. She was saddened to let us know that Sean passed away in April 2019. Janet shared a beautiful tribute on Sean’s exploits since his hard-fought graduation as a transfer/continuing ed. student, blessed with Dixie Miller ’72 as his beloved sherpa. Although he’d been a citizen since 1962, transferring foreign credits was a challenge in

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our era. Sean proudly served in the USMC and reserves and was already working full time in progressively corporate posts with Montgomery Ward before joining our Hood class to achieve his B.A. in economics, graduating magna cum laude. Sean was the first male inductee into Hood’s Mortar Board honor society, which Janet accepted on his behalf since he was out of town on business that day. Until their “prolonged stay” in Frederick County, his daughters would joke that their friends thought they were in the witness protection program because they moved so often. The family moved to the West Coast in ’81, then to AZ in ’87, as Sean continued working with other big box Home Center stores, before starting his own company. Throughout, Sean was heartfully proud of his Irish heritage. He was co-founder of the McClelland Irish Library and Cultural Learning Center, Phoenix, to which he donated one of the few facsimiles of the Book of Kells. Sean was also honored to serve as consular liaison to the Irish ambassador in San Francisco. In closing, Janet acknowledged their blessing to have 56 years together filled with many memories, laughs and challenges, and she enjoyed reminiscing. Belatedly, I think Sean and I also shared Virginia Lewis and Sarbanes/ Carter campaign class. Hope the rest of you will be able to carve out time to consider sharing your celebrations in life. Don’t forget to vote.

Meanwhile, best wishes for good health, joyous moments and stamina to face any bittersweet challenges. Please drop me a note in the email above for the next spring issue. (Note: the “o’s” in H00d are zeros, not letters) Lastly, consider engaging on the “Hood College Class of 1978” group page on Facebook.

In 10 words or less...

“Why is African American studies important today?”

It can help to address misinformation and build inclusive communities.

— Derrick Harrigan ’07

1979 Virginia “Ginny” Roth vjroth@gmail.com Hello, all! Our reunion was filled with laughs, shared memories and catching up with old friends. Here’s more of what our classmates told us. Pam Yocom Harrison is retired and lives

CLASS NEWS in Oxford, MD. She is the president of a small local library, which is the perfect job for her retirement and love of reading. Jill Tuttle Lee lives in Prince Frederick, MD, and stays busy volunteering for the local humane society, playing pickleball and loving three grandsons, who are 2, 9 and 13. Karen Ochis Holloway retired and still lives outside of Atlanta, volunteering and traveling with her husband. She tries to keep up with her four grandchildren, ages 8, 5, 5 and 3.

Cathie Noyes Newell lives in Marietta, GA. Cathie and Karen find time throughout the year to get together and catch up. Cathie retired in 2018 after 22 years of teaching and travels frequently with friends. She has two boys, Kyle and Ryan.

Kyle and his wife have a daughter, Ava Reed, born in Dec. 2021. Ryan will be getting married in Feb. 2025. The whole family is looking forward to traveling to Mexico for the wedding! Tamara Chomnuk is still working as a global account manager for a multinational travel company, but she contemplates retirement daily. She moved to Sussex County, DE, six years ago and spends most of her free time on the beach. She recently visited her sister Nina Chomnuk Robertson ’81, who has moved with her husband to Cuenca, Ecuador.

Betsey Ditto Lillard is headed to Breckenridge, CO, for two weeks with husband Ric. She knows it will be a nice getaway. Betsey shares, “Being with classmates at the reunion this year has just filled my heart with joy. So nice to see everyone!”

Mary Helfrich Rogers still lives in Annapolis with husband John and their children. Their son just graduated from UNC Chapel Hill, while their daughter completed her freshman year there. Mary loves her work as a school counselor in Anne Arundel County. Mary stays in touch with Wendy Lord Vlahakis, Ginny Allen Natter, Bonnie Lusby Miller, Beth Over Sharbaugh and Rayna Smith ’80.

Mary is hoping to get in touch with Holly Heffner ’82 , Sarah Woodward and Jane Inman. Wendy Lord Vlahakis still lives in Rockville, MD, with husband John. Daughter Martha lives in Arlington, VA, and is a partner in Wendy’s marketing firm. Son Michael lives in Columbus, OH. Lynn Hicks Townsend writes that her family welcomed baby Connor, born on Father’s Day, son of Lauren and Zack, and grandson of Lynn’s daughter Stacie and husband Joe. Ruth Sikora Seel tells us, “The best part of reunion was remembering all the escapades we had forgotten!” Ruth and husband Marshall are both retired and enjoying their home on the Jersey Shore. Ellie, their fourth grandchild, has become a beach baby. Ruth brought a box of old pictures, which we all enjoyed, and encouraged us to bring pictures to our 50th for more trips down memory lane. As for me, Ginny Roth, I’m happily retired and living in Newburyport, MA.

I’m busy with the HOA board in my community and involved in animal rescue. I’ll be traveling in Sept., visiting Scotland, Austria and relatives in Italy. Finally, Debbie Eaton Thackston and Julie Murray McCaffery want to share how grateful they are that so many classmates made it back for our 45th reunion. Great memories were shared, especially at our private Quad Party on Sat. afternoon. We have agreed to co-chair our 50th but with lots of input and assistance from many of you. We are lucky to have so many talented classmates who are willing to help.

Debbie adds that she has been blessed with three grandsons: Kaiden (10), Kamden (7) and Karson (4). She keeps busy volunteering with Frederick County Retired School Personnel Association and Hood’s Board of Associates, raising money in the fight to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, volunteering with her church and her grandsons’ schools, and staying active with pickleball and Pilates. One of the most important things you can do now is join our Facebook group by typing in “Hood College Class of 1979” in the search bar under Groups. And an important request from Hood: please keep the alumni office informed (alumnioffice@hood.edu), so they are aware of any changes to your contact information.

1980 Jackie Valette Uglow jvu57@hotmail.com Jackie Vallette Uglow: “My husband Ron and I took a Viking world cruise this past winter, which was an unbelievable experience. Twenty-three countries and five times across the equator. I do believe the world is getting hotter, and I will never complain about the heat and humidity in the Midwest! Our youngest son Scott got married at the end of June, and our oldest son RJ has advanced to a command of NAVY C-B Unit 303 in San Diego. We are expecting our first grandchild! Finally, I would like to thank Fran Sparacino VanBrocklin for filling in for the spring Hood reporting while Ron and I were out at sea and WiFi wasn’t so great around the world. I appreciate visiting Fran and her husband Mike last fall and catching up.” Susan Patton Fox reports her husband Bob has retired from United Airlines. They spend their retirement time between South Bend, IN, and Jupiter, FL. They’ve had several more grandchildren born in the past year and a daughter married in April 2023. They spend time helping out with six grandchildren every day. Susan is involved in Christian Healing Ministry in her spare time. Sue Early Noriega will be officially retiring from her VP job in Feb. 2025, then she and Steve will be moving to Fuquay-Varina, NC, to be closer to their children and their families. She also says she has a family

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member attending Hood: Sophia Ewing ’27.

Lisa Meszaros Kriss and her husband Chuck will celebrate 45 years of marriage this year.

They have eight grandchildren and two golden doodles—Sadie and Eli. She states that living on a mountain in Emmitsburg is an adventure.

Lisa continues to teach third grade in Bethesda, while Chuck plans to retire after 35 years at State Farm. Amy Falk reports she and seven other Hood friends, Ann Brooks ’79, Beth Ward Ross, Ellen Higgins Kornfeld, Laurie Drysdale, Pam Marino Polino and Sarah Ann Miller, spent Sept. 28-Oct. 23 in Savannah catching up and relaxing. They are planning their next adventure with the group to Seal Harbor, ME, at the end of Sept. Mary Newton Deighan continues to enjoy retirement in Charlottesville, VA. She has four generations of family in the area, which makes for lively Sunday dinners. She and Michael have five grandchildren. I was lucky to spend time with them this past Oct. during a trip back to the East Coast visiting Monticello.

Connie Shaff has been fully retired for the past two years. She enjoys wintering in Lakeland, FL, and spending summers near Ocean City, MD. She is busy with gardening, preserving food and sewing. She travels with a cruise club and enjoys beach time. She is looking forward to a Hood College alum event in Bethany, DE. She had fun attending a Venice, FL, Hood alumni brunch in Tampa this past winter. I would like to ask all our classmates to keep in touch with me (Jackie Valette Uglow) about any news/updates throughout the year. I appreciate all emails to keep us connected and informed.

1981 Mary Thompson Calhoun hoodalum@msn.com Hi, everyone! I hope you are all having a great summer. I got to see some of you at reunion in June this year. It was a blast visiting with you and with our Big Sister Class of 1979—they had some really good wine! I was with Professor Emerita Margery Elfin when she received the Distinguished Faculty Award from the College, which was fabulous. If you’ve never “crashed” a reunion outside the ones specifically for our class, I highly recommend doing so. We had a great time. I got to hug a lot of people and hear a lot of stories. I’m not naming names of those I saw because as soon as I do, I will forget someone.

Now, for the Class of 1981 news: Tracy Zogran Fox had this to say, “I am currently serving in the Biden-Harris administration in the Office of Congressional Relations at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I cover the nutrition portfolio— meaning I am the liaison between Congress and the department for all things nutrition—including

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CLASS NEWS more than a dozen nutrition assistance programs (SNAP, school meals, food packages for women, infants and children and tribal communities, and more). This is my second stint at USDA—I was here years ago as a nutritionist; it is great to be back in this capacity. Don and I also welcomed our first grandchild into the world in June—Lyla Josephine; our daughter Jody, son-in-law and Lyla Jo are doing well; our son Wesley and daughter-in-law are also expecting—due in July.

I split my time between northern IN (Culver) and Washington, D.C. The best of both rural living and city life!” Malinda Small, international jetsetter, reported, “I traveled to the Amalfi Coast, Italy, in April to celebrate my retirement with Deedee Randall Luttrell ’80, Sharon Gravatt Kulesz and Sharon’s daughter Lauren on the Hoodsponsored AHI travel program. It was fantastic!”

Linda Hecklinger Procter had lots of news to add: “Since Fred died in 2018, all three of my children have gotten married. My oldest, Lauren Procter Beaumont ’08, is also an alumna and still lives in the area with her husband. Mariel and her family live at the International Peace Garden on the border of ND and Manitoba. They have twin boys who will be 4 years old when a baby brother is born in Oct. Bennett and his wife live in Wilmington, DE. Meanwhile, I am enjoying a new relationship with Rob Cramer ’79. We attended church together for many years, and he has been widowed too. We are both retired and enjoy many of the same things, including volunteering, cooking, gardening, entertaining and traveling.

We traveled to Spain for the first two weeks of the year with classmate Marcy Goldberg Taylor and Paula Lingg, M.S.’99. Rob and I have plans to travel to France in Sept. of this year. We stay in touch with many Hood friends, including Wendy Harris Saylor ’80, Hope Reid ’80, Cindy Hancock Weller, Joan Fagen Ahrens ’80, Nancy Hoffman Hennessey ’83, Deedee Luttrell ’80, Nancy Gillece, Anita Chase Bartgis ’80 and Julie Langeler Vogl ’80.

Judy Reamer Egan, Sharon Gravatt Kulesz and Valerie Cerrone Nelson ’80 surprised us by coming to reunion weekend. We can’t wait to see even more friends at reunion for the next two years. Finally, I am co-chair of the Board of Associates with Derrick Harrigan ’07. We plan to have dinner with Prez Chap and her husband next week before they head off to Connecticut College.

My mother Ginny Turnbull Hecklinger ’56 has become quite fond of Andrea and Dave and will be with us for this farewell dinner. Mom will celebrate her 90th birthday in Sept.” As for your class reporter, Mary Thompson Calhoun, I’m still in Martinsburg, WV, with the Corgi Nation, and as of this writing, all is well. I hope things are well with you too. If you get out this way, stop by!

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1982 Elizabeth Bastian Chapin busybethc@aol.com Having graduated 42 years ago, many of us are enjoying the journey of retirement. Several classmates have shared their stories. Marcea Horton Cotter retired after 41 years at Carroll Hospital Center in Oct. 2022 and relocated to Davenport, FL. She travels to MD often to visit family. This summer, Marcea caught up with Ellen Yodzis Patton and reports that Ellen and husband Mark are enjoying their farm life in NE. If you’re visiting central FL, please look up Marcea.

Life is good for Bambi Maitland Grundwerg, who retired a year ago this Aug. Not missing the professional life, she’s been travelling, planting and harvesting a food bank garden and editing a community cookbook. Bambi is getting certified as a grant writer. Susie Hiles Giallonardo in Naples, FL, is burning miles with frequent trips to AZ and Pittsburgh to spend time with her four grandchildren. She and husband Mark just bought a second home in Pittsburgh to spend more time with the kids. Mark is two years from retirement.

Susie, Lisa Spuria and Amy Blades Steward shared some wonderful times together this past spring. Amy was honored in Easton with an award for her stewardship to other women. Lisa is involved in real estate and brings houses back to life. Janet Smith-Bull retired in 2019 after 19 years with the Parks and Recreation Department in Caledon, Ontario. Previously, she worked in tourism, advertising and event management. In her retirement, Janet is a licensed officiant with the Ontario Humanist Society, mostly performing wedding ceremonies. She also performs nonreligious funerals and “celebration of life” events.

Janet finds it wonderfully rewarding and flexible to work around travel, volunteering and life. In fall 2023, college roommates Jacquelyn McDaniel West and Kimberly Keeney travelled to Scotland together. The destination was on both their bucket lists, so what better way to honor their friendship of 45 years? Jackie also had a visit from Christy Belisle Fitzgerald in Virginia Beach and at her home in Easton, MD. In retirement, Joy Miller Beveridge and husband Don spend time with their two “grand joys” in AZ and CA. She still volunteers at the Hood/Frederick Health resource garden. Additionally, she spends much time in their own beautiful vegetable and flower gardens. She and Don tried growing corn this year. Joy loves being so close to the Hood campus and enjoys the opportunity to support the Alumni Executive Board and the Board of Associates. She spent time with Hope Bober Corrigan ’81 and Malinda Small ’81 learning to crochet baby blankets. On Labor Day weekend,

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Joy and Liz Bastian Chapin hung out at an annual Hood reunion, a tradition started years ago

by Liz’s mom Mary Hendershot Bastian ’50 (d. 1981) and Elizabeth LePatourel Powell ’50 (d. 2019). I ( Elizabeth Bastian Chapin) continue to work long hours in the travel industry, with the high demand for travel these days. Spending time with family and friends, gardening and travel fill my spare hours and days. A highlight trip was three weeks in Uganda to experience the culture and prolific wildlife. We visited eight of the 10 national parks, with numerous game drives, boat safaris, hiking, chimpanzee and gorilla treks.

Stay in touch, Class of 1982!

In 10 words or less...

“Why is African American studies important today?”

It paints a realistic portrait of world history.

— Sharia Barksdale ’06

1983 Mary L. Townley hoodmlt@aol.com Thank you to those who shared their news and greetings for this column. Theresa Bielenda reached out to say, “It seems the year since our 40th reunion has just flown by. I am doing well here in Phoenix. I just celebrated my 10th anniversary with Commonspirit Health, and work is going well.” Kim Hall shares, “It’s been a tumultuous year. My dad, who several alums met when we sat together at the 2018 reunion, took sick unexpectedly on a family trip to SC to see the new International African American Museum and an exhibit of mom’s quilts in Greenville. Even though the people at Duke Hospital took tremendous care of him, he didn’t make it, but we were able to be with him when he passed away peacefully in early Nov. Being at Columbia University meant being at the epicenter of campus unrest, so I’ve been juggling maintaining my own health, supporting our students and uplifting my mom, who is alone after 68 years of marriage. On a better note, I finally finished the book that’s been in the making for more years than I want to say.

“Sweet Taste of Empire: Gender, Pleasure and Mastery,” which tracks the literal and literary uses of sugar in seventeenth century England, has gone into production with UPENN Press and

CLASS NEWS should appear in 2025. It explains how literary genres associated with culinary and aesthetic pleasure shaped representations of Caribbean colonization and slavery. On the quilting front, I was invited to participate with mom’s quilt group and book artist Suzanne Coley on a project responding to Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure.” The books, along with other of Suzanne’s amazing works, will be on exhibit at the Folger Shakespeare Library, and the quilters will spend a day at the Folger in early Oct. being interviewed about our contributions.” Denise Barton Schuler writes, “We are settling into our new home in north GA after moving here in April 2023. My daughter, who along with her two sons lives with us, brought a passel of chicks here in March. They are now fully grown and have just started laying eggs—such is the excitement level in this relaxing place! I am keeping my hand in the assistive technology field by presenting to local groups. It’s been fun and sometimes challenging as my folks (ages 84 and 85) now live about five minutes away. I am grateful to be close to them as their age progresses and blessed that I still have both of them!” I was so glad to hear from my former Hood roommate Deborah Single Hays, who shares, “Timothy graduated from Rice University in May with two degrees. He will start medical school at the University of Iowa in Aug. It is nice to have him back home again.

Matthew and Lauren leave for a two-year tour for Lauren’s work. Stephen is settled in Rochester and very much enjoys Golisano Children’s Hospital. I am continuing to travel between NY and IA. I am very involved in my book clubs and various neighborhood activities.” Finally, I ( Mary Townley) continue to enjoy retirement here in Richmond, VA. I have started doing a lot of petsitting for folks living nearby, which delights me to no end. Carol continues her work at Virginia Commonwealth University doing research and assisting young adults with autism transition to employment. Our daughter Emily is loving life in Chicago, as she continues her studies toward her doctorate in clinical psychology. Her life immeasurably improved this past spring with the adoption of her calico cat, whom she named Miso. My best to everyone. Stay safe and be kind to all.

reunion group, with 42 registered for the event.

Staying in the new Blazer Hall was exciting for most of us, as we enjoyed being on one floor and being able to meet in the common areas both inside and outside. The snacks and yummy s’mores were a nice touch. It was great to attend “class” with some of Hood’s current professors and learn about the amazing things these departments are doing for Hood. The campus still looks great and still feels like the Hood we left.

The City of Frederick has grown tremendously but still keeps the charm of a small college community. Many familiar restaurants and stores are still there, and many new and intriguing businesses have opened. (I loved visiting Alicia L’s!) Sharing stories and pictures of our families and favorite memories was the highlight of the weekend. The weather was perfect, Strawberry Breakfast was wonderful (missed the vanilla ice cream) and the picture stations were fabulous.

Several classmates went to play pickleball and others to the art festival that is always on reunion weekend. In five years, we will have our 45th reunion, where I hope to see many more classmates. Do start planning for our 50th! The competitive me would love to see the Class of 1984 with the largest reunion classes ever for our next two reunions. Please note I have new emails (emknehans@gmail.com or goodhoodgirl1984@ gmail.com) and a new mailing address: 109 Alston Circle, Lexington, SC 29072. Send news to me—I will not take anything from social media unless you specifically tell me to do so. Enjoy!

1984

I wish a happy 60th birthday to everyone who is celebrating, early or late! Chrysti Hogan spent much of the summer helping her mother Edee Howard Hogan ’59 move from Annapolis to Memphis to be closer to her. In between trips to the East Coast, Chrysti and her wife Jeanne traveled to the U.K. to take a small ship cruise around Scotland and Ireland. They are looking forward to having Edee just 10 minutes from their home in TN now that she is moved into her senior community Harbor Chase. Christina Hom

Ellen-Marie Samsen Knehans goodhoodgirl1984@gmail.com emknehans@gmail.com Greetings, all! I’ve chosen to make this a reunion “wrap-up” column. I’m off to Hood tomorrow for my first Alumni Executive Board meeting. It was good to see so many members of the Class of 1984 at our 40th reunion. We had the largest

In 10 words or less...

“Why is African American studies important today?”

Representation matters.

— April Street ’08

1988 Charlotte “Bambi” Volatile-Goebel cagoebel1213@gmail.com

1986 Alison Drum Althouse alison.althouse@gmail.com

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Wilson’s 60th birthday is also the publication day for her book “Believe: A Memoir in Stories.”

Congrats, Chris! You can learn more about the book on her website: christinahwilson.com. This is a beautiful book, and I highly recommend picking up a copy. Maritza Bido hosted a 60th birthday tea party for Mari Padilla Spina, Gina Oliveros, Lucy DeBrosse Ment, Josie Espino Calix and Petra Liz-Morell. Also in attendance were Kim Burns ’87 and Mari Martinez ’87. The Hood sisterhood is a beautiful thing to behold! Mari and Steve are officially empty nesters. Son Nicholas moved out to be the videographer for the NJ Devils AHL team, the Comets, and daughter Alexa is living in London working as a Montessori school teacher. Mari and Steve are now host parents to two girls from nearby USCGA. Leslie Shapiro Fippinger went back to school and obtained her paralegal certification and is now working in trusts and estates. She has two grandchildren who she adores, Bennett and Hudson. Kellye Greenwald started her birthday festivities in Feb. with four days on Sanibel Island with her BFF Cindy, and then on her birthday, her kids Eddie and Rose (and their partners) came to Frederick to help her celebrate in style with a Dolly Parton-themed party! In May, she headed to Anaheim for her first visit to Disneyland. Continuing the 60th birthday festivities, I (Alison Drum Althouse) celebrated with two of my former roommates, Betsy Reed Ringel and Stacey Robins Baum, along with Jane Brophy Martinez, Christina Hom Wilson, Jennifer Lee Matts, Leslie Shapiro Fippinger and Alex van Gigch Mores at Stacey’s Virginia Beach home. In July, I was lucky enough to find Mary Beth Holm Bechtel at home in NC (she’s been traveling a lot lately) and had the best time visiting with her, husband Blase and their wonderful family. Spending time with lifelong friends was so good for the soul.

I guess everyone has been busy the past few months since I didn’t get many updates from our class! I did hear from Jane Halfen Caputo, and she is so excited to let everyone know that she is expecting her first grandson in Oct. Grandbabies are so much fun—best wishes to her and her family. Heidi Jones McKeon and her husband John met up with Karen Matter Gray at a stop in Juneau on their AK cruise in June. This must have been a nice treat for all of them to see each other for the first time in many years.

Thanks to Susan Boebel Alis’ suggestion, a few of us decided to meet up on the quad at this year’s reunion. I met Susan, Susan’s daughter

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CLASS NEWS Mackenzie, Eunice Dubuque-Aronson, Mary Beth Hession Blow, Julie Brinkman and my daughter Marjorie. We enjoyed a nice day sipping adult beverages and reminiscing about our days at Hood. We all agreed that we should make this an annual event even if it’s not our designated reunion year; who will join us next year? A little of what I (Charlotte “Bambi” VolatileGoebel) have been up to since the last column: I met Daphne Finch at the MD Sheep and Wool Festival since our sheep had a lot of wool.

Sadly, their wool is not suitable for garments but for crafts. In addition, we have found that our dream of having sheep didn’t work out. We had to rehome the three rams since we bit off more than we could handle, and they needed to be in a bigger flock for socialization. We have added more chickens to our coop and are getting more eggs than we can eat. Keep the news coming!

In 10 words or less...

“Why is African American studies important today?”

It provides the needed context and perspective to create an equitable society.

— Hanna Martinez ’17

1989 Deirdre Herman classof1989@hood.edu Here is our 35th class reunion news! Class President Rachelle Lemieux starts us off, writing, “This is my first update ever to the magazine, prompted by attending reunion and reconnecting at Hood! I left Frederick in 1999 and moved back home to New Bedford, MA. I just completed my 29th year of teaching high school math and am considering retirement within the next five years. I am so glad I decided to attend our 35th reunion this year. I didn’t arrive in time for Fri. afternoon’s activities but was able to make the Friends and Family BBQ on the Quad. I enjoyed a great dinner with RaeAnn Butler, Stacey Collins, Julie Hawk McGoff, Laurie Nestor Pryor, Kim Tordoff Sexton and Marcy Springer Shtatman. The highlight of the weekend for me was the Party on the Quad on Sat. afternoon. It was an opportunity to relax, purchase some Hood swag, walk around and see all the new additions to the campus and, most importantly, relax on the lawn under a shady tree with former classmates recounting tales of

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our time at Hood. I enjoyed reconnecting with

Amy Benton, RaeAnn Butler, Stacey Collins, Deirdre Herman, Angie Beres Kreiser, Joan Tucker Saint Amour, Kim Tordoff Sexton and Carole Smith. I was able to say a quick hello to Gail Gingras, Lynne Hostetter Piper and Tracy Ludlow as they were passing by on the quad. I even connected with friends from other classes, including Julie Brinkman ’88 and Eunice Dubuque-Aronson ’88; Christy Butler Carlson ’90, Melissa HubbardAllen ’90 and Tibetha Owen ’90; and Eileen Lednum Downey ’91. A great big thanks to Amy Benton for hosting happy hour in her backyard on Sat. after the quad party. Somehow, the only person I missed seeing on campus was Maria Meluskey Dissinger. Next time, Maria!

I ended the weekend with RaeAnn and Stacey at Strawberry Breakfast and the Service of Reflection led by the Class of 1974 in the chapel.

I reminded RaeAnn and Stacey that they led us in the song competition on Campus Day our senior year and they should start preparing for when it’s our turn to lead the Service of Reflection in 2039.

But we don’t need to wait that long to celebrate together again. Class of ’89—let’s meet back on campus in 2029 for our 40th reunion and relive spring break on the quad once again!” Hear, hear, Rachelle! And a special shout out to RaeAnn Butler and Stacey Collins for being Rachelle’s sounding board. RaeAnn added, “I am president/ administrator of Edenton Frederick—a retirement community. Stacey is vice president and assistant director, client and community relations for PNC Bank in greater Washington, D.C.” I somehow missed seeing Carole Smith. Next time, Carole!

She wrote, “I rode up with Joan Tucker Saint Amour, and we reminisced about our time in Strasbourg. We saw Stacey Collins, Rae Ann Butler and Angie Beres Kreiser and then went to happy hour at Amy Benton’s. It was so good to see everyone.” There is this heartfelt message from Gail Gingras: “I was so incredibly grateful to have had a great Hood’Lum friend who made sure I got to my 35th college reunion! Being back on the Hood campus meant so much to me, and it looked awesome. I was emotional at first since I had met my husband on campus at a Hood party in 1986 and had so many great memories there. I would have loved to have been able to get inside Shriner Hall to see what it looks like but can only imagine how incredible it must look these days. I have kept in pretty close contact with my Hood friends, which I feel speaks quite highly of the strong bonds that we built at Hood. It was wonderful to catch up with friends who I have not seen in a long time, due to living in south FL since graduation. With many friends, once we started talking and catching up, it seemed like no time had passed at all. While I did not attend too many

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of the planned activities, I thoroughly enjoyed the reunion and catching up with other members of the Class of ’89 as well as meeting members of other classes and making some new friends. I definitely recommend to any of you that have not been able to attend a Hood reunion to put it at the top of your list for the future.”

1990 Jennifer Portmann Riberdy jpriberdy@gmail.com Fayth Brice Smith fayth.hood90@gmail.com News from Fayth: Hi! I hope everyone is doing well; a few of our classmates had some updates to share. Kate Delafield graduated from Maine College of Art & Design in Portland in May 2023 with a BFA in painting and a minor in writing.

Over the summer, she returned to MECA&D to attend their MAT program to become an art teacher for K-12 in ME. On a side note, after 26 years of marriage, she and her husband decided they are no longer compatible together. She is excited to see what this next stage of her life has to offer in terms of a new job, continuing paths of artwork and writing, and learning to enjoy herself. Heather Taylor received her master’s in producing film and video from American University. She also earned a master’s in mythology with an emphasis in depth psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. She is a Ph.D. candidate at Pacifica and is finalizing her dissertation (also in mythology with emphasis in depth psychology). In a very odd synchronicity, Heather’s first independent film premiered at Hood in August 2010. It was the terminus for the women’s air races, and her film is on the first women’s national air race in 1929. The film is called “Breaking Through the Clouds: The First Women’s National Air Derby.” It won many film festivals and continues to air on PBS (breakingthroughtheclouds.com). Heather has a picture with Harrison Ford, when he awarded her a prize from the National Aviation Hall of Fame, and she was inducted into the Amelia Earhart Forest of Friendship. Additionally, Heather helped to launch the International Society of Mythology in Jan., an organization to help those who use mythology professionally. As for me ( Fayth Smith Brice), I am a certified global career development facilitator and returned to school briefly to get a graduate certificate from Fielding Graduate University in evidence-based coaching. I am currently working as a human capital strategic consultant/project director. If you have any news to share with the class, please contact me at the above email. I hope to hear from you soon. News from Jenni: Carla Jackson

CLASS NEWS Hairston sent me this update last summer, “Bernita Gross ’88, Elisia Harkins-James (via Zoom), Beryle Cosey Jackson, Agnés Pierre-Antoine, Sharon LaSure-Roy ’89, Carole Smith ’89 and I recently got together in MD to spend an afternoon reconnecting and catching up, sharing what we are doing now and our life events over the years, but more importantly recognizing that deep down in our hearts, we’re still the Hood girls we used to be!

Earlier in the year, Beryle, Chandra HawkinsRobinson, Tangie Hawkins ’92, Carole and Carla met for brunch. This started our idea of getting together regularly as much as we can and staying better connected because our time at Hood was such a special time in our lives.

There’s no place like Hood! If you’re in MD, reach out to any of us so we can expand our group of Hood alums who brunch, lunch, dinner and chat. We’d love to catch up in person.” As for me (Jennifer Portmann Riberdy), I’m still in the mountains of CO. This fall, I’m sending two of three kids to college. My husband and I are adjusting to retirement and having only one child in the house. I keep in touch with a few classmates, mostly by Facebook, but would love to hear from more. I know that Jennifer Barthel is still in the Charlotte area and is very active and volunteers with animals. I thought Elizabeth Brady Hamilton was still in Annapolis, but apparently she moved to TX several years ago.

Beryle Cosey Jackson’s daughter is ripping it up doing gymnastics at Clemson. My roomie Carrie Callahan Fitzgerald is in NH, running marathons and loving being a “G” (cool Grammy).

Kate Keany Kappes’ Christmas card says she’s still in CT. Tracey Shanahan Bell is also in NH. Sandy Hallmark Carlmark is in CT and still working hard from what I can tell. More FB friends who weren’t Class of ’90 but doing well: Elizabeth McConkey Schok ’89, Terry Cullen Rutenberg ’91 and Carrie Campbell Lewis ’91. Sorry for those I’m missing. I also apologize for the few classmates who have sent me info that I couldn’t find when the submissions were due. I’d love to try again if anyone has anything to report. I have had a heck of a year (and a half) being treated for multiple myeloma (blood cancer) and thyroid cancer, but all is well, and I’m still going strong. Anyone wandering around in CO, I’d love to see you. Next year is our 35th class reunion—let’s connect and reunite next summer!

1994 Carol Deck Montoya carolannmontoya@gmail.com It was great to connect and catch up with everyone who attended our 30th reunion.

The alumni office did an incredible job of programming the weekend, with relevant sessions and fun activities. A few of us talked about how much we would like to increase connection within our class. We were feeling sentimental about our time at Hood and the friends we shared it with. We’re planning to try some Zoom calls to start off. Info will be emailed and posted on our Facebook page. If you have any other ideas for connecting, please share.

Denise Foster Cronin moved to Lexington, KY, from Chester Spring, PA, in Jan. 2020, when she began a new job as vice president, federal and RTO regulatory affairs at East Kentucky Power Cooperative. This role has enabled her to practice law before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; engage in advocacy in a stakeholder process at PJM Interconnection, LLC, which operates the power grid and wholesale market for 13 states and the D.C. region; and provide advice to the various business units within the company. Denise was vice president, state and member services for PJM prior to moving to KY. She is involved with various legal bar associations and active in various energyrelated associations, including the Women’s International Network of Utility Professionals.

In Sept. 2020, Denise married Bill Cronin and welcomed five bonus children (and spouses) and seven grandchildren into her life. This year, Denise completed the first year of a three-year, part-time MBA program at the University of

Kentucky and celebrated her daughter Marena’s graduation from the University of Kentucky.

Denise attended the Class of 1994’s 30th reunion in June and enjoyed seeing the class banner and reminiscing about all the wonderful experiences she had at Hood. She encourages classmates to attend activities in the future and looks forward to connecting with others from the class.

Angela Phillips Cordero enjoyed catching up with everyone who attended reunion and gives a shoutout to the large group celebrating their 50th—what an impressive and spunky group!

May we all be that sharp and spirited in 20 years. If anyone is in the Charleston, SC, area, please reach out: angelacordero@verizon.net or 804-357-5467. Gina Mower is celebrating her four-year anniversary as a dermatology physician assistant with Dermatology of Seattle and 17 years practicing as a nationally certified physician assistant, with 15 years in dermatology.

Her husband David is retiring after 28 years in the Coast Guard. Gina and David are completing construction on a new house with a barn for her four horses. Gina’s dog, named Scabies, has gone viral on her Instagram page: @abie_ taybee_baby. Marie Henein Bell is a school psychologist. Her daughter will be a college senior this fall. Marie and her husband Jonathan moved from VA to Annapolis to be closer to her mom. Dustina Lage Bittner is living in Springfield, VA, with her husband of 17 years Alex and 13-year-old daughter (and defensive phenom in soccer, lacrosse and basketball; chorister; and Girl Scout) Alexis. The family is rounded out with two cats and a dog. Since 2019, Dustina has been working at AARP in Washington, D.C., as a senior strategist, renewals marketing. She worked with alum Kim Hickerson-Luhn ’92

Say “I Do” at Hood Your special day deserves a special place. Tie the knot in historic Coffman Chapel, one of Frederick’s renowned “Clustered Spires.”

Visit hood.edu/conferenceservices or email events@hood.edu today!

Inquire about our alumni discounts!

WEDDINGS | EVENTS | CELEBRATIONS | MEETINGS | CONFERENCES Photo by Caroline + Co.

FALL 2024

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CLASS NEWS and Kim’s daughter Kayla; it’s great to be able to lunch and work with them both. Dustina has been a leader of her daughter’s Girl Scout troop since they were kindergarteners. She is a USA certified archery and GSCNC certified sling shot instructor.

She also volunteers with her church. Dustina loves live music and goes to any concert she can.

She enjoyed seeing fellow alums at reunion and recently connected with Chiye Hosokawa Fox, Aimee Bader ’95 and Michelle Prodywus ’93 for lunch at Showroom in Frederick. Dustina would love to catch up with fellow Hood’Lums: drop her a line at dustinabittner@gmail.com. From me (Carol Deck Montoya), thank you to everyone who reached out with congratulations on my Distinguished Alumna Award. It was an honor to be recognized with the fellow awardees, and I will always treasure sharing the stage with Professor Emerita Margery Elfin. It was special to have my classmates at the event, and I want to thank Jennifer Weaver and Gretchen Gasowski Rosencrantz ’97 for joining me and my family at our table.

through Strasbourg, France, the site of Hood’s study abroad program, then to Germany to visit family, before finishing in Amsterdam. It was a once-in-a-lifetime feat of scheduling, and we are already plotting how to beat the experience when our younger daughter graduates in a few years.

My older daughter started freshman year at West Virginia University this fall to study forensic science, and my younger daughter starred in her third musical this summer. I also started a new position leading channel marketing strategy for an international bank this year.”

In 10 words or less...

“Why is African American studies important today?”

African American history expands our understanding of who we really are.

— Heather Gehron-Rice ’93

1996 Tanya R. Sander-Marks tsandermarks@gmail.com

1999

Hello, Class of ’96 Hood’Lums! Many of us are celebrating a special milestone birthday this year—happy birthday to you! Angela Schmuck Bond reports that life has been busy and fun. Her daughter Mikayla Bond ’27 finished her first year at Hood, and she greatly enjoyed her year and is excited to be a sophomore. Angela and family traveled to ND, SD and WY this summer.

She highly recommends the Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Parks—stunning scenery and wildlife! They recently adopted a puppy and had forgotten how toddler-like puppies are. Angela attended the 50th surprise birthday party for Jennifer Wolfe Pupa in Joppa, MD, in July. It was great celebrating with her and catching up. Rachael Miskill Brown reports that it has been almost three years since she and husband Roger moved from London to beautiful Wales. Rachel is still working as an online and one-on-one tutor, and they are spending more time looking after Roger’s father, who is 93. She is working toward getting her U.K. driving license and says it is very different from the U.S. Imagine learning to drive stick-shift in San Francisco while surrounded by jaywalkers, cyclists and parallelparked cars; then add in eight-foot-tall hedges, narrow lanes and random sheep (no joke!), and you have an idea. Tanya Sander-Marks says, “My family and I took a wonderful spring vacation to celebrate my big birthday and my older daughter’s graduation from high school. We spent two weeks in Europe, traveling from Paris

Anne Hambrick-Stowe Rankin annehambrickstowe@gmail.com

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Greetings, Class of ’99! I hope you had a nice summer and that you have good things going on this fall. Since I didn’t hear from anyone else, I will share about an unexpected Hood connection that I had this past year. I am currently in a clinical mental health counseling graduate program at Lebanon Valley College (Annville, PA), and last fall, I was privileged to co-present at the Pennsylvania Counseling Association’s annual meeting with one of my professors and two of her colleagues from other institutions. What a fun surprise it was to find out that one of them was from Hood! Blazer pride continues to show up in unanticipated places and ways. I will also say that since my program is almost entirely online, being “in the classroom” is a different kind of experience than it was when we were students at Hood 25 years ago. I hope there will be more to share in the next edition of Hood Magazine about what the rest of you are up to, how you’re doing or if you’ve crossed paths with fellow Blazers.

You are welcome to email me anytime with information to include. Meanwhile, I am ready to pass the baton! If you are interested in taking over as class reporter, please email alumoffice@ hood.edu. Until next time, take good care.

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2005 Leslie Beck Hughan lhughan@gmail.com Rachel Collmus Ellick gave birth to another baby boy last Oct., bringing her family up to three sons, including one foster child. In Jan., Stephanie Grgurich began a new job for the Ellis Foundation, a scholarship foundation based in Fort Scott, KS. After more than 16 years in higher education recruitment, fundraising and alumni engagement, Stephanie joined the Ellis team to help organize their alumni network and mentor college students across the Midwest.

The Ellis Foundation works with more than 1,100 students per year, directly impacting persistence to graduation and academic success. Emily Khan and her family moved to West Haven, CT, because she accepted the position of deputy director of prospect manager at Yale University.

Nilah Magruder wrote a story for Marvel’s “Edge of Spider-Verse” #1 that was published in Feb. and #4 that was published May. Both are available in comic shops now. She also worked on Disney Junior’s “Ariel,” now airing on Disney Channel and Disney+. In May, Patricia Stevenson’s longtime employer Rowman & Littlefield was acquired by Bloomsbury Publishing. Related to this acquisition, there have been several changes to the editorial staff.

Patricia works as an assistant managing editor under the Globe Pequot label that will remain a separate company, although most of the team she managed was transferred to Bloomsbury.

She, along with the other editors at Globe Pequot, are dividing everything, which is proving to be complicated.

2006 Sharia Barksdale hoodclass06@yahoo.com Katie Hess and her spouse David recently welcomed their first child Órla. Her position with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy expanded to director of the Pennsylvania Landscape Conservation, where she serves diverse communities and groups in social values-based conservation initiatives in addition to traditional conservation methods. Katie is a recovering workaholic and is cultivating a life with more downtime, joy and health.

CLASS NEWS

2008 Steven E. Delaney stevenedelaney@gmail.com Alecia and Jen Weddle joyfully announce the adoption of their daughter Lilah, born Sept.

2020, and their son Jacob, born Jan. 2022.

The family has felt immensely blessed since the adoption became official on Jan. 17, 2024. Steve Delaney and wife Lauren welcomed their son Ryan Patrick into the world on March 6, 2024. Big sister Erin, now 3, is doing a wonderful job being a helper.

Public Schools. This concludes nine exciting years in the science classroom. As for me, Lisa Wells Warchola, please note my name change; I married the love of my life Thomas in June. Of course, present were my entire family, including my sisters and fellow Hood alums Tina Wells ’02 and Adrianne Wells Washington ’04. Tom and I took a month off after the wedding to rest, go on our honeymoon and finish setting up our home.

Many thanks to everyone who sent their best wishes and congratulations!

2010

2009

Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement alumoffice@hood.edu

Lisa Wells Warchola lkw14@icloud.com

From Alyssa Moore: “On April 27, 2024, Alison Kelley Bliss, our class reporter, passed away suddenly from complications of a heart condition.

Hood College held a special place in Ali’s heart, not only as her home for four years, but also as the place where she would meet the love of her life, husband Harrison Bliss ’11. Ali earned

Stephanie Hearn Duer and husband Chase welcomed future Blazer James Ricard on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023. Stephanie was also promoted to staff data specialist for Somerset County

her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and focused her career on event planning and marketing. After graduation, Ali continued her Hood pride by serving as the assistant director of annual giving from 2014-15. During her final year at Hood, Ali began an internship at the Howard County Economic Development Authority, which she was offered by a fellow Hood alum.

This internship led to eight years of a marketing career, where she ended as the assistant director of events and marketing. During her time at Hood, Ali was known by all as the light and smile that could fill every room. She was outgoing, kind, honest and loyal to the many that made up her Hood family. Ali was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of friend. To those that knew her well, she immediately became someone you could not imagine life without. She loved all her friends and family fiercely with the most open of hearts. Ali is survived by her husband Harrison, daughter Meara, mother Shel Kelley, and many other beloved family members and friends.”

2011 Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement alumoffice@hood.edu

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FALL 2024

Kristina Coggins Heck passed away on May 22, 2024, following a courageous nine-month fight with acute myeloid leukemia. Kristina graduated from Hood with a B.A. in political science. Kristina shared her mother’s love of travel, and after graduation, she worked for two years in the travel industry before earning her M.S. in hospitality management at the University of North Texas.

As a student, Kristina was an active member of the Hood community; she was a Blazer on the cross country team, a member of the Ionic Society and was named twice to the dean’s list.

In 2016, Kristina met Daniel Heck; they married in 2019. Their careers took them to CO, where Kristina took a job at the University of Colorado as manager of chancellor and university events.

She was promoted to director in 2023 and was also presented with the Staff Excellence Award.

In 2021, Kristina and Dan were blessed with twin girls Elizabeth and Margaret, who were baptized in Coffman Chapel in 2022. In 2022, the Coggins family established a special fund to honor Beth Darroch Coggins ’81, who passed away in 2021.

This fund was launched to benefit students who wished to experience study abroad as a tribute to Beth’s love of travel. At the request of Kristina’s father and Beth’s widower KC, the fund has now been renamed to the Beth Darroch Coggins ’81 and Kristina Coggins Heck ’11 Memorial Scholarship Travel Fund, and he asks that all memorial gifts be directed to this fund. Please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement to learn more about making a gift to this fund.

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CLASS NEWS

2013 Elaheh Eghbal hoodcollege2013@gmail.com Juliana Bitarabeho is foundations manager for Bridges to Prosperity and credits her time at Hood as a Davis Scholar with preparing her for a career in international development back home in Africa.

Bridges to Prosperity collaborates and partners with governments and their constituents, the private sector, other implementers and funders to maximize investments in transportation infrastructure (like bridges), to create reliable safe access for people in rural areas.

2014 Bianca E. Padilla bianca.e.padilla@gmail.com Hello, Class of 2014! Here’s what some of us are up to. Olivia Sledzik is still living in RI and working as an outpatient therapist. Olivia and her husband are having their first baby in Sept.

Rachel Gannon Engler and Alex Engler ’13 welcomed their first child Henry on Jan. 10. After maternity leave, Rachel started a new job at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility in Frederick working in the BSL-4 laboratory. Life is good!

Tabitha Browne Milliken graduated from Drexel University in June 2023, with a Master of Public Health. Tabitha, husband Byron and big sister Clara welcomed baby Myles Augustus on Halloween 2023.

enjoys being a troop leader for a local Girl Scout troop. Cecelia Lee lives in Alexandria and is the regional entertainment marketing manager for MGM Resorts. Venues include the Theater at MGM National Harbor and the Borgata in Atlantic City. Matt Lee visited Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Detroit and Chicago while promoting his new book “The Backwards Hand.”

He and wife Bailey enjoyed a trip to Disney World with their three-year-old son Umberto. Ren Stone graduated from CU Boulder with a Master of Curriculum and Instruction. They also got engaged.

Sarah Tapscott Rosier and her husband Owen Rosier ’16 have been celebrating major career changes, enjoying lots of travel and are excited to see how the rest of the year unfolds.

In 10 words or less...

“Why is African American studies important today?”

To learn about the experiences of African Americans throughout history.

— Susan Reeder Jessee ’80, MBA’93, P’21

2020

2015 Sarah Tapscott Rosier sarah.tapscott12@gmail.com

Sam Lloyd and Nigel Strickland have been

another major renovation on their house. She was also awarded the 2023 Salesperson of the Year Award from Proteintech Group. Romitta Hoff started a new job working in the field of environmental sustainability in Baltimore.

Caroline Schuetz-Jarnot and her husband Alex Jarnot ’17 recently moved to VA with their dog Dottie. Brigid Ayer is getting married to Thomas Luttrell in Nov. They recently adopted a second dog, and Brigid began working for the Community Foundation of Frederick County in late July. Kristen Geatz Temple completed her first year of a Master of Science in Performing Arts Leadership and Management at Shenandoah University’s Conservatory. In May, Kristen attended the 2024 Stage Manager’s Association Conference in NYC. Julianne Berg recently began her third year with Innovatis Group. She continues to enjoy her work travels, both around the U.S. and internationally. In her free time, she

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living in West Palm Beach, FL. They are newly engaged and are excited for their Oct. 2025 wedding. Sam works remotely for a wealth management company as an operations specialist, and Nigel was promoted to senior vice president of sales at a mortgage company.

Maria Bernal lives in Frederick and works as a billing specialist at the IMA Group. She went to the Summer Olympics in Paris, France, and attended a rugby match. Greg Roddy has moved back to Frederick and has been refining his wheel-thrown pottery skills. He was promoted to the inventory control team at the Aldi Distribution Center back in April. Allie Backos is celebrating her marriage in Sept. and is currently living in VA on a working farm. She is working as a research associate at the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center. Gina Sterling is living in Portland, ME, with their partner, working as a freelance graphic designer (follow her on IG @stxrling.stxdio) and recently started as a printmaker at Pickwick Studios.

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where she is teaching first grade in the Nassau County School District and was recently married.

Terry Richardson became a security contractor for the DoD and DoS in the Middle East after graduation and has since become a tankerman with Kirby Corporation and now lives outside of Atlanta, GA. Alex Beaumont became a U.S. Capitol police officer after graduating from Hood and has since proposed to another Frederick local, planning their May 2025 wedding. Alex is pursuing a master’s in aviation. Monica Arocha is excited to share that she has been promoted to assistant general manager of a fine dining restaurant. Suzanne Rizkallah was accepted into the new Hood College MSN program and is currently enrolled in the NP track. Laura Spencer got married in 2023 to Patrick Mark; they are living in Downtown Frederick. Laura is working as a content specialist at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and doing some freelance social media work. Pat was recently promoted at his job at Thermo Fisher. They are looking forward to traveling with some other Hood alumni to visit Spain. Justin Poole is engaged and getting married in 2025. He is living in Frederick and is working as a senior financial consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton.

2021 Liliana C. Bean lilianacbean@gmail.com

Sam Lloyd samrlloyd@gmail.com

Tara Biser Little and her husband just finished

Jenna Schoonover Lucas has moved to FL,

FALL 2024

Jody Eccard is moving to special education at Heather Ridge School and is getting married in Sept. Sydney Main is staying in third grade at Monocacy Elementary. She just started her master’s program back at Hood in mathematics instructional leadership, and she and her husband are expecting a little one in Jan. Kiara Brown has started a new position with the Pennsylvania Office of Small Business Advocate. She’s a bonus mom of two. This summer, she plans to relax and maybe go to the beach a couple of times. Celestria Hill moved to Selma, AL, and bought a house. She’s still working under former Hood faculty member Terry Anne Scott and immensely grateful to be doing so. Tailyn Kite got accepted to study educational technology at Towson University. She and Brandon Merson are getting married in Oct., and Victoria Green Coshland is their photographer. Victoria is still in southeast GA, teaching special education for third grade next school year. Her photography business is flourishing. Victoria, her husband and Jenna Frick are about to go visit Nikita Johnson in HI. Micayla Bulger Sharma was promoted to senior registered behavior technician, so she’ll get to lead her team. She finishes her graduate program at Towson University in Aug. and

CLASS NEWS graduates in Dec. Micayla is also seven months into her marriage with her college sweetheart Nico. Lexi Fosmire is transitioning into a behavior support specialist position and just finished her first year in the counseling master’s program at McDaniel College. Makenzie Baldwin is a third grade teacher at Ballenger Creek Elementary and going into her fourth year of teaching. She got a cat this year and has started to share her writing on Instagram (@writingwithkenz). She’s also pursuing her master’s at Hood in multidisciplinary studies.

Taylor Hall Savidge is still in ME, currently working as a private nanny and pursuing her master’s in school psychology. She’s six months pregnant and expecting a baby girl in Oct. Caroline Jeranek flipped/sold her first house in Jan. “It was such a challenging yet rewarding experience!” She’s taking advantage of the luxury of remote work and traveling in Europe for a few weeks this summer. “No babies for me, just my 15-year-old fur-baby Darla!” Lyssa Blaine is a licensed therapist working with adolescents and adults with mood and anxiety disorders and will be

transferring to working with eating disorders next month. She’s working on becoming independent and looking to go back to school for her doctorate.

ReidAnn Sever is actively moving her things into her new apartment as she starts medical school in a few weeks and recently got engaged.

2022 Catherine M Neves cmn5@hood.edu The Class of 2022 has exciting news! Two Hood alums share their recent achievements. Molly Rose Kushner recently completed her MBA at Hood. Shortly after graduating, she secured a position with the Department of Defense, where she is thrilled to contribute to meaningful projects and initiatives. Additionally, she is delighted to share that she recently got engaged. Abe Olsson joined the Asian American Center of Frederick (AACF) as the program coordinator for the Lifting All Voices (LAV) initiative. AACF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing equitable services to immigrant and minority groups in

Frederick County. LAV is a COVID-19 educational campaign that aims to deliver culturally and linguistically appropriate information, promote vaccination and facilitate access to social services and healthcare for underrepresented groups in our community, with a focus on future pandemic preparedness. Please continue to reach out with any exciting news or achievements!

If you are interested in being a class reporter, please email alumoffice@hood.edu. There are vacancies for the following classes: 1956, 1999, 2004, 2010, 2011, 2023 and 2024.

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20% FALL 2024

DISCOUNT FOR ALL SENIORS & ALUMNI IN REUNION YEARS ENDING IN ’5 AND ’0!

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In Memoriam Remembering those we have lost.

As reported August 10, 2024

Undergraduate Alumni Eileen Leonard Foster ’40

Nancy Hall Peacock ’49

Dorothy Scates Langmack ’55

Jane B. Wantz ’64

April 2024

May 2024

April 2024

February 2024

Betty Daubenspeck Carl ’44

Eleanor Knapp Wilson ’49

Susan Peters Roetzel Wirths ’56

Anne Boak Smith ’64

May 2020

June 2024

June 2024

September 2014

Elaine Harrop Hill ’44

Jane Waldman Rubens ’50

Mary Keener Warfield ’58

JoAnn Winer Sutton ’64

February 2020

February 2024

May 2024

April 2024

Edna Iason Louis ’44

Hope Sutliffe Wilkinson ’50

Barbara Manger Kraske ’59

Mary Rusk Campbell ’65

November 2019

September 2023

February 2024

March 2024

Muriel Duklauer Gantz ’45

Virginia O’Connor Doyle ’51

Joanne Cox Welling ’59

Sylvia Dudash Brouse ’66

January 2023

March 2021

January 2024

December 2023

Priscilla Posey Smith ’45

Miriam Roberts Paul ’51

Patricia Young Chatburn ’60

Margreta Penman Claunch ’66

February 2024

February 2024

February 2023

February 2024

Evelyn Stup Orndorff ’46

Anne Sack Vaeth ’51

Sandra Mulhern Price ’60

Joan Theobald Wentling ’66

March 2024

November 2023

December 2023

May 2024

Margaret Dimmitt Walsh ’46

Marilyn G. Werner ’51

Gwendolyn Jordan Bausum ’61

Willeen Wilkinson Buchholz ’67

February 2024

May 2024

February 2024

May 2024

Azlyn Pflaum Boyle ’47

Jeanne Zimmerman Gearey ’52

Janice Dobbs Pedersen ’61

Linda Mader Prial ’68

March 2024

February 2024

March 2024

June 2024

Lois Trimble Copeland ’47

Ann Parker Lampman ’52

Carol Treuhaft Schmidt ’61

Susan Gudiness Campbell ’70

February 2024

April 2024

April 2024

July 2024

Mary Jane Hodges Davis ’47

Jane Klemstine Rehr ’52

Carolyn Adams Sprinkle ’61

Christine Goodwin Oster ’70

July 2024

May 2024

April 2024

November 2023

Marjorie B. Filmyer ’48

Barbara Menges Sjaastad ’53

Helen Hill Rountree ’62

Sally Hirshberger Harmon ’71

September 2023

April 2024

April 2023

May 2024

Joyce Hollinger Myerly ’48

Faustena Fradd Vahsen ’53

Ethel Kintigh Spence ’62

Helen Pierce Whitley ’71

April 2024

January 2024

March 2024

June 2023

Jane Kulla Boorstein ’49

Anne Smith Knoll ’54

C. Tobi W. Bloomberg ’63

Rebecca Betz ’74

May 2024

January 2024

June 2024

July 2024

Dorothy Holliday Gerlach ’49

Dorris Smith Radcliffe ’54

Sally Bishop Fronk ’63

E. Guy Gray ’74

March 2024

February 2024

July 2024

March 2024

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HOOD MAGAZINE

THE MAGAZINE OF HOOD COLLEGE

FALL 2024

Louise Hicks Smith ’74

Gloria J. Clavelli ’04

April 2024

May 2020

Margaret Yanarella Hosky ’75

Alison Kelley Bliss ’10

May 2024

April 2024

Jamie Hart Jasinski ’75

Kristina Coggins Heck ’11

June 2024

May 2024

Rubina Patel ’77

Ruth Smallwood Sweet ’14

August 2024

April 2024

Sean F. Lee ’78

Daniel A. Wobbleton ’16

April 2019

April 2024

Larry A. Marlin ’79 August 2023

Graduate Alumni

Nancy Hammaker Crum ’82

Bethany N. Allen, MBA’21

March 2024

Maryann Bartley Dolan ’83 July 2024

Marybeth Eaves Kirlin ’84 April 2024

Kathryn Oden Mullican ’86 May 2024

Judith Candela ’88 January 2024

Larry K. Paxson ’88 June 2024

Theresa Carlsson Rush ’89 December 2019

Ethel K. Schricker ’94 February 2024

Thamara Y. Hewavitharana ’97 February 2024

April 2024

Carolyn Henry Brewer, M.A.’79 March 2024

Martin C. Coy, M.A.’88 July 2024

Sue Rabenstein Killian, M.S.’94 June 2024

Martha Knox, M.S.’04 June 2024

Gladys Pearce McDonald, M.A.’92 February 2024

Brian A. Roberts, M.S.’99 June 2024

Faculty, Staff and Friends Joseph H. Apple IV, Friend May 2024

Bonita M. Borsa, Faculty February 2024

Anthony G. Collis, Faculty June 2024

A LOOK BACK Hood’s Multicultural Literary Magazine

By Mary Atwell, Hood College archivist For this issue, I set out to write something previously untold about the Black Student Union.

After many hours of searching, I almost admitted defeat because I was not learning anything new. Documentation from student groups is sparse in the archives. The very nature of student clubs is transitory—they rise and fall in popularity as the years go by and student passions change. Sometimes they disappear

“ We can only be unified if we accept each other as equals.

Solidarity, after all, can come only through respect. In addition, togetherness should never cancel out one’s individuality. We are all unique and different.”

altogether, but the real problem (for both the archives and incoming students) is that club records often go with the students.

While researching, I came upon “Uniquity AHANA-I,” the first and only official Hood student multicultural literary magazine. Here was my unfamiliar story!

In the early 1990s, Uniquity AHANA-I published student poems, essays, stories and artwork.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office of International Student Programs coordinated the magazine, but the bulk of the work was completed by students identifying as AHANA-I. A precursor to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color), AHANA-I stands for African American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American and International. The editors of the magazine unofficially added an honorary “E” for everyone,

as the magazine welcomed submissions from all Hood students. While uniquity, meaning “unique,” is an old word, the editors chose uniquity to mean “unity, equity and uniqueness.”

The inaugural note from editor-in-chief Nicole A. Morris ’94 includes the following passage supporting the aim of the magazine to be all-inclusive: “Harmony is not only a blending, it is also a diversion. AHANA-I recognizes this. Occasionally, we may fall short of our goal because we have so much to learn about each other. It will be difficult and even painful. Progress usually is. We have co-existed for so long, ignorant of even our own voices, that it will take time to listen to and not feel threatened by that of others.”

UNIQUITY Two years later, co-editors LeWan Perry ’94 and Reena Amin ’96 wrote the following:

“We can only be unified if we accept each other as equals. Solidarity, after all, can come only through respect. In addition, togetherness should never cancel out one’s individuality. We are all unique and different. This uniqueness should be expressed and heard by all. Everyone has a voice in this world that deserves to be heard.”

Uniquity AHANA-I ran for five years. I hope you enjoy the excerpts on this page, as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of African American studies and the 50th anniversary of the Black Student Union at Hood.

Lion artwork (background) by Heather Bigio ’96.

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HOOD MAGAZINE

THE MAGAZINE OF HOOD COLLEGE

FALL 2024

Contact atwell@hood.edu to further explore the magazine series.

Enchanting Gems of Austria JUNE 11-20, 2025

2 024 -2 5 AH I J O U R N E YS

HOLIDAY MARKETS: CRUISE ON THE FESTIVE RHINE RIVER

DEC. 10-18, 2024

DUTCH WATERWAYS: ANTWERP TO AMSTERDAM

Join your fellow alumni and delight in Austria’s jewelbox cities of Graz and Salzburg on this wonderful eight-night, small-group journey.

Visit iconic film locations from “The Sound of Music.”

See the celebrated Lipizzaner stallions and tour the mighty Riegersburg Castle. Cruise on picture-perfect Lake Hallstatt and enjoy Mozart’s remarkable music at

JUNE 11-20, 2025

HEART OF BRITAIN: YORKSHIRE, THE LAKE DISTRICT AND WALES

SEPT. 1-13, 2025

a concert and dinner. A day in the Bavarian Alps finds you sightseeing and lunching in a beer garden! This trip includes first-class hotels and a generous meal plan.

HAVANA: THE AFRO-CUBAN EXPERIENCE

For more information about all Hood Alumni Travel, please go to hood.ahitravel.com.

OCT. 17-24, 2025

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