Mills Quarterly spring 2009

2009 Music Festival final notes

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The campus green

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Stephanie Mills ’69 reconsiders the future

Mills Quarterly Spring 2009 Alumnae Magazine

the

sustainability issue

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14

20

Mills Quarterly

contents

Spring 2009 10

Turning green into gold by Valerie Sullivan

Eco-friendly practices aren’t just for hippies anymore. Three alumnae show how businesses, from small local producers to international corporations, are learning how to care both for the environment and for the bottom line.

14 Earth, air, and water by Susan McCarthy In the lab and in the field, Mills science faculty are conducting research that helps us understand the planet’s “vital signs”—information that is essential to creating a sustainable world. In the classroom, they are training the next generation of researchers.

18 Waste not, want not by Linda Schmidt All across campus, efforts large and small are helping reduce waste, save water and energy, and make Mills a cleaner, greener place.

20 How does your garden grow? by Linda Schmidt The Botanic Garden carries on a legacy of horticultural studies that brings people together to learn about the earth and build a stronger community.

32 The brighter side of doom and gloom by Stephanie Mills ’69 Bioregionalist and author Stephanie Mills urges us to see today’s ecological challenges as an opportunity to embrace restoration, renewal, and reconnection.

Departments 2

Letters to the Editor

3

Leadership Perspectives

4

Mills Matters

21

Bookshelf

22

Class Notes with features on Virginia Waring ’38 and Alysha Nachtigall ’07, MPP ’08

30

In Memoriam

“Civilization may crumble, but wisdom will grow up in the cracks with the green things.”

–Stephanie Mills ’69

32

On the cover: The Botanic Garden at Mills grows more than plants. Students here experience hands-on lessons in environmental responsibility and building sustainable communities. Read more on page 20.

Photo by Dana Davis.

Letters to the Editor Volume XCVII Number 4 (USPS 349-900) Spring 2009

How exciting it was to see the latest Mills

President Janet L. Holmgren

in 1953—and a hopeful music major—I

Executive Vice President for Institutional Advancement Ramon S. Torrecilha

auditorium, where we would listen to

Director of Development and Alumnae Communications Dawn Cunningham ’85

tice rooms were cozy and I shared one composition (who attended Berkeley). He

Thanks for the splendid photo of a major

Managing Editor Linda Schmidt

was so nice to put up with me, and played

building on the Mills campus: the Music

beautifully. So you can imagine how the

Building on the winter 2009 cover.

Design and Art Direction Nancy Siller Wilson

latest Quarterly touched me.

Many thank yous to the remarkable

College buildings, they are treasured in

Contributing Writers Susan McCarthy Rachel Leibrock, MFA ’04 Stephanie Mills ’69 Sarah Stevenson, MFA ’04 Valerie Sullivan Pamela Wilson

donors to this project. The building,

a scrapbook of my life. I wish I had a for-

inside and out, is nothing less than spec-

mal portrait of all the buildings there as a

tacular. Bravo!

reminder of that special chapter in my life.

Research and Editorial Assistance Kelsey Lindquist ’10

Special Thanks To Anita Aragon Bowers ’63 The Mills Quarterly (USPS 349-900) is published quarterly by Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 94613. Periodicals postage paid at Oakland, California, and at additional mailing office(s). Postmaster: Send address changes to the Office of Institutional Advancement, Mills College,5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 94613.Copyright © 2009, Mills College.Address correspondence to the Mills Quarterly, Mills College, 5000 MacArthurBlvd., Oakland, CA 94613. Letters to the editor may be edited for clarity or length.

Email: quarterly@mills.edu Phone: 510.430.3312 Printed on recycled paper containing 30 percent post-consumer waste.

Quarterly and the pictures of the renovated Music Building. As a freshwoman loved the Music Building, especially the people such as Darius Milhaud and Dr. Marchant, my vocal instructor. The pracwith a student working on his master’s in

Whenever I find photographs of Mills

—Sue Spangler Turner ’57

—Anne Johnson Prichard ’59

Mesa, Arizona

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Have a comment or opinion? Write to us at Mills Quarterly, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 94613 or email quarterly@mills.edu.

At Mills, for Alumnae Alumnae Relations 510.430.3363 www.mills.edu/alumnae Find out about Reunion, alumnae clubs, and events; update your contact information; and request our @mills enewsletter.

Email: alumnae-relations@mills.edu Laura Gobbi, Director.....................510.430.2112 Alexandra Wong, Program Coordinator.................... 510.430.3363 Career Services 510.430.2130 Connect with other alumnae in your field through Mills’ career network.

Alumnae Admissions Representatives 510.430.2135 Help prospective students learn more about the College.

Joan Jaffe, Associate Dean of Admission Email: Joanj@mills.edu

Giving to Mills www.mills.edu/giving Make gifts to the Mills College Annual Fund or the AAMC endowment.

Holly Stanco, Annual Fund Director Email: hstanco@mills.edu ...........510.430.2366 To contact any of these Mills College staff or offices by mail, please write to: Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 94613 Alumnae Association of Mills College (AAMC) Learn about AAMC membership, merchandise, travel programs, Board of Governors, committee meetings, or reach your elected representatives on the College’s Board of Trustees.

Email: aamc@mills.edu..................510.430.2110 Anita Aragon Bowers ’63, President....................................... 510.430.3374 Email: AnitaAragonBowers@alumnae.mills.edu Bill White, Accountant................... 510.430.3373

To contact the Alumnae Association of Mills College, please write to: AAMC, P.O. Box 9998, Oakland, CA 94613-0998 2

M i l l s Q u a r t e r ly

Leadership Perspectives

A Message from Mills College President Janet L. Holmgren Ever since Cyrus and Susan Mills trans-

which Mills is a member, understands

planted their women’s seminary from

sustainability to encompass such needs

Benicia to the Oakland foothills in 1871,

as “human and ecological health, social

Mills College has been shaped by lead-

justice, secure livelihoods, and a better

ers committed to the long-term viability

world for all generations.” At Mills, we

of this institution and sensitive to the

seek to help meet these needs through

importance of the environment for the

thoughtful stewardship of our own valu-

College’s present and future.

able resources, including the natural

On what was at that time nearly bare

and built environment of our campus,

ranch land, Cyrus and Susan built a

our endowment, the faculty who keep

self-sustaining college community with

our curriculum responsive to the evolv-

orchards, kitchen gardens, grain fields,

ing educational needs of women, and

and dairy pastures as well as educational

the alumnae and friends who continue

and dormitory buildings. Extremely local

to strengthen Mills through their gifts of

food was the norm for the Oakland cam-

funds, expertise, and time.

pus’ first students. Subsequent presidents

This mode of thinking is not new to

and faculty not only continued the devel-

Mills. But what is different today is that

opment of the endowment and facilities

we have brought it to the foreground

but also protected its natural heritage. For

in our current strategic plan. One of the

example, soon after becoming president

plan’s three main goals is to ensure the

in 1916, Aurelia Henry Reinhardt encour-

College’s environmental and fiscal sus-

aged biology professor Howard McMinn’s

tainability, and we are re-examining and

a leading bioregionalist who will speak at

interest in propagating native California

improving our administrative practices

Convocation in October.

plants, such as the manzanita, toyon, and

in order to achieve this. As a signatory

We have made a great start toward our

ceanothus that now grow across cam-

to the American College and University

goal. But we need your support to sustain

pus in even greater numbers than when

Presidents

I

our momentum. Some of our environmen-

Cyrus and Susan first arrived.

Climate

Commitment,

believe that making sustainability a top

tal sustainability initiatives come with

“Development that meets the needs of

priority also has benefits far beyond

up-front costs: green buildings, though

the present without compromising the

Mills’ own gates. The commitment states,

they save resources in the long run, are

ability of future generations to meet their

“Campuses that address the climate chal-

more expensive to construct. At the same

own needs”: this statement could be a

lenge by reducing global warming emis-

time, to equip students with knowledge

description of the ethic that these lead-

sions and by integrating sustainability

and skills to address systemic environ-

ers brought to their work of developing

into their curriculum will better serve

mental and social challenges, we must

Mills. In fact, it is a definition of sustain-

their students and meet their social man-

continue to meet their needs for financial

able development from the 1987 report

date to help create a thriving, ethical, and

aid. With your help, we can make these

of the United Nations World Commission

civil society.”

critical investments in our physical plant

Development,

This issue of the Quarterly reports on

and in the education of our students to

which contributed to the notion of “sus-

how the Mills community contributes to

ensure Mills’ continued sustainability, in

tainability” so prevalent today in public

environmental sustainability on campus

the broadest sense of the word—environ-

discourse about the future of our world

and in the wider world. You will read about

mental, economic, and social.

and our nation.

a wide range of sustainability efforts by

on

Environment

and

The Association for the Advancement

alumnae, faculty, and staff, capped with a

Sincerely,

of Sustainability in Higher Education, of

bold opinion piece by Stephanie Mills ’69,

Janet L. Holmgren

spring 2009

3

philip channing

Mills Matters Minimal tuition rise At its February meeting, the Mills College Board of Trustees set 2009–10 tuition for full-time undergraduates at $35,196, an increase of 3 percent over the previous year and the lowest tuition increase in the last six years. Full-time tuition for most graduate programs was set at $26,326, an average increase of 5 percent. There will be no increases in

New gifts ensure academic excellence and financial sustainability

housing or medical costs.

Generous gifts received in the past six months promote academic excellence at Mills

reviewed and increased whenever pos-

while enhancing the College’s current fiscal position and long-term financial sustainability.

• A $75,000 grant from the Bernard E. and Alba Witkin Charitable Foundation will allow the Mills College Children’s School to award teaching assistantships to

The College is committed to assuring that financial aid opportunities are sible, reflecting Mills’ continuing commitment to providing access to a quality education for a diverse student body despite current economic turmoil.

exceptional master’s degree students in the School of Education’s Early Childhood Education Program. Recipients will hone their skills while providing high-quality education for children at the laboratory school. The grant also provides funds to improve the school’s aesthetic and educational environment with the help of

A better building

consultants Lisa Hale ’77 and Claire Bainer, MA ’74, co-directors of a successful

The Oakland City Council unanimously

Oakland pre-school.

passed a resolution this spring recog-

• A $50,000 gift from College Trustee Barbara Ahmajan Wolfe ’65 will provide merit scholarships for undergraduate Mills women in the sciences, especially those who are likely to go on to pursue advanced degrees.

Several recent gifts have come from estates. Such gifts, planned by alumnae before their deaths, are often much larger than the gifts that donors could make to Mills during their lifetimes. These planned gifts have been essential to balancing the College’s

nizing Mills College for outstanding achievement in the construction of the Betty Irene Moore Natural Sciences Building. Campus Architect Karen Fiene accepted the award on behalf of the College.

With a platinum rating from the

budget this year and supporting students.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental

• E. Alison Kay ’50, who passed away in June 2008, left $1.75 million through a living

Design (LEED) system, “the Betty Irene

trust. Kay earned a PhD in zoology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where

Moore Natural Sciences Building at

she was an emerita professor and expert on mollusks. Kay was also an early envi-

Mills College is an exemplary model for

ronmental activist who worked to protect Diamond Head from development.

other new-construction civic projects,”

• A charitable remainder trust set up by Elizabeth Penaat ’55 yielded a $1.18 million gift. Penaat became the first woman vice chancellor in the history of the University of California in 1975 when she was appointed to the position at UC Santa Cruz.

She was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the university’s Center for Agroecology and Food Systems, which focuses on sustainable agriculture. Penaat passed away in April 2002, but her trust provided income for her sister until her death in August 2008.

• Just before her 75th Reunion, Edith Ottenheimer Miller ’25 made a gift to endow a

4

the resolution says, citing the building’s water- and energy-saving systems, use of low-toxicity and locally sourced materials, and reuse or recycling of building materials. (See more on the Natural Sciences Building’s green features in the winter 2008 Mills Quarterly.)

The resolution continues: “The City of Oakland and the City Administrator

scholarship in her name that has been providing support to Mills undergraduates

commend Mills College and the entire

since 2001. Miller, a 1922 Rose Festival Princess in her native Portland, Oregon,

project team for their commitment to

passed away at the age of 104 in August 2008. Her will included a bequest of

sustainability and green building which

$80,000 to extend her named scholarship in perpetuity.

will . . . create a more livable Oakland.”

M i l l s Q u a r t e r ly

Student journalists and athletes excel In February, student journalists at the

“I’m immensely proud of what

Campanil (formerly the Mills Weekly),

our student journalists achieve,”

brought home 15 awards from the

said journalism professor and

annual American College Press

Campanil advisor Sarah Pollock.

Conference in San Diego. This was the

“We’re a small college, and yet

second time in the last two years that

the students here manage to

Mills’ student newspaper earned more

produce a regular, independent

than a dozen honors from the California

newspaper which covers many

College Media Association.

important stories. They do it well

The paper received 10 first-place, three second-place, and two third-place

and they show a great deal of initiative.”

awards, including a prize for general excellence in its division, the first such

Pe ru s e th e s ports pag e s

award the Campanil has received since

of the award-winning Campanil,

transitioning from a weekly to a bi-

and you’re likely to notice a

monthly publication several years ago.

recurring theme: Over the past

“I am very proud of the hard work

year Mills student-athletes and their

Five top athletes from three different

and dedication our staff put in to make

coaches have accumulated an impres-

teams were selected in December to play

these awards possible; to win general

sive number of honors recognizing their

on Division III All-Sport Independent

excellence is especially meaningful,” said

character, dedication to community out-

Teams. Cross-country runner Lupe

Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Courtney ’10.

reach, and academic as well as athletic

Cazares ’10 made Division III second

“Any awards we win only motivate us

achievements.

team, while Angie Sandoval ’10 and

further to continue doing our best work:

The cross country and swimming

Mariah Olivera ’12 received honorable

to serve our readers, tell their stories,

teams both received the Buffalo Funds

mentions. Emily Meike ’11 of the soccer

and provide timely information relevant

Five Star Champions of Character Award,

team and volleyball player Karen “Sally”

to the Mills College community.”

given by the National Association of

Espinosa ’10 were also awarded honor-

Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to teams

able mentions in their respective sports.

Courtney earned the top prize for best breaking news story as well as the second-

that exemplify “the core character values

place award in the category of best news

of respect, integrity, leadership, and

and Mills College Community Tennis

photo. Other honors went to Sandhya

sportsmanship.” The Cyclone swim-

Program director, received the Northern

Dirks ’09 for best opinion piece, Christina

mers also made the National Collegiate

California section award for campus

Macias ’12 for best arts and entertain-

Athletic Association’s (NCAA) top 10

recreation and community outreach

ment story, Bonne Marie Bautista ’09

list of swim teams with the highest

from the U.S. Tennis Association/

for best feature photo and best photo

grade-point averages among Division III

Intercollegiate Tennis Association

illustration, and to the staff as a whole for

schools for fall 2008. The 19-member

(ITA). This award, which Weinstein has

the best editorial in its division.

team achieved a combined GPA of 3.42.

received four times in the last five years,

Marc Weinstein, head tennis coach

honors an ITA coach for significant contributions in developing communitybased tennis programs.

–Kelsey Lindquist ’10

Award-winning photos: Bonne Marie Bautista shows the strength of the “No On 8” campaigners fighting for marriage equality (top); Alison Morris captures the excitement of students as Barack Obama wins the presidential election (left).

spring 2009

5

Another gift from Beate Beate Sirota Gordon ’43 was only 22

and musicians. The family later moved

when General Douglas MacArthur hand-

to Tokyo, where Leo Sirota taught music.

picked the Mills graduate to draft clauses

Living there, Gordon was confronted

for the new, post–World War II constitu-

daily with the ways in which Japanese

tion of Japan. MacArthur asked Gordon

women were denied basic civil rights

to compose sections that addressed

and remembers how unhappy it made

equal rights for women.

her own mother. “She didn’t like it at

Now Gordon, 85, is donating her archives to the school. Gordon’s personal letters, publicity materials, reviews, and

all,” Gordon said. “My parents were very interested in women’s rights.”

At age 16, Gordon moved to Oakland

interviews will be housed in Olin Library

to study language and literature at Mills.

and will be made available to researchers.

The Sirotas chose Mills, Gordon said,

She visited the campus on April 16 for

in part because its staff and curricu-

a special screening of A Gift From Beate,

lum reflected her family’s philosophies

a 2004 Japanese documentary which

on women’s rights. “It was nice to be

chronicles Gordon’s life and the post-war

at Mills and to see women who were

evolution of women’s rights in Japan. In

very forward thinking,” Gordon said.

a short speech prior to the screening,

She graduated in1943 and received an

Gordon reflected on her experiences. “I

honorary doctor of fine arts degree from

know the Japanese women are not yet

Mills in 1991.

satisfied, but what they’ve done in the

While she was still a student, the U.S.

last 60 years is amazing,” she told the

government asked Gordon, who was

audience.

fluent in Japanese, to translate Japanese

Mills President Janet L. Holmgren

shortwave radio broadcasts. After World

called Gordon “a true hero” for her civil

War II, she joined the military as a civil-

rights contributions.

ian researcher so that she could travel to

President’s leadership recognized The San Francisco Business Times has named Mills College President Janet L. Holmgren among the “Bay Area’s Most Influential Women in Business.”

President of Mills College since 1991, Holmgren has been instrumental in shaping the country’s agenda for women and higher education through her leadership at Mills and advocacy and service on national boards. She currently serves on the boards of Princeton University, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and the National Council for Research on Women.

The San Francisco Business Times honored Holmgren and 150 other women leaders in business, including nonprofit or public agencies, in their April 24–30, 2009, issue. Holmgren also appeared on the annual list in 2008.

Tokyo to reunite with her parents who were living under military arrest.

Then, in 1946, General MacArthur

for Japanese women did not escape

with developing a Japanese constitution.

Gordon. “It made me think about the

Gordon traveled throughout war-torn

U.S. and what was lacking from our own

Tokyo, visiting libraries to find constitu-

constitution,” she said. Charles Kades,

tions from other countries on which to

a lawyer who oversaw the project, also

model her own efforts. She framed the

noticed the differences. “He said, ‘Beate,

majority of her work using Scandinavian

you’ve given these women more rights

and Russian documents. “They offered

than American women have.’ I told him,

the most in way of women’s rights on

‘That’s not difficult to do; women aren’t

a big scale,” she said. “What a wonder-

mentioned at all in the U.S. Constitution.”

Still, more than six decades later,

other countries had been given so many

Gordon says Japanese women continue

rights.”

to struggle. The laws don’t always reflect

Gordon’s resulting work in the consti-

Gordon was born in Vienna in 1923.

woman drafting constitutional rights

asked Gordon to join the group charged

ful surprise that was! These women in

Beate Gordon lectures in Japan in 2004

The irony of an American-educated

the civil liberties put into writing so

tution of Japan decreed, “all people are

many years ago. Rights for American

equal under the law” without discrimi-

women also still lag, said Gordon, who

nating on the basis of “race, creed, sex,

currently lives in Manhattan.

social status, or family origin.” It also

“Feminism comes in waves [and]

Her father, Leo, was a world-renowned

declared that marriage must be by

although most women have better jobs,

classical pianist; her mother, Augustine,

“mutual consent of both sexes” and gave

only a very small percentage are CEOs,”

an arts lover who turned the Sirota

women the right to choose a spouse,

she said.

home into a salon for painters, writers,

divorce, and claim family inheritances.

6

M i l l s Q u a r t e r ly

–Rachel Leibrock, MFA ’04

Wonge Bergm ann

Alumnus wins Pulitzer Prize in music The Village Voice has hailed Steve Reich, MA ’63, as “America’s greatest living

William Schuman Award, which recognizes the lifetime achievement of a living American composer whose

composer.” The New Yorker called him

works have been widely performed and

“the most original musical thinker of our

generally acknowledged to be of lasting

time.” Now, Reich has earned a Pulitzer Prize for distinguished musical composi-

Steve Reich

significance. The award consists of a $50,000 grant and a concert to be held at Columbia University. Oliveros is the

tion by an American that has had its first performance or recording in the United

1963 master’s thesis, Three Pieces for

eighth recipient of the award, which was

States during the year.

Jazz Quintet, combined serial techniques

established in 1981, and the first woman

Reich’s prize-winning composition,

and jazz. Also at Mills, Reich composed

composer to win this recognition. Steve

Double Sextet, premiered on March 26,

Plastic Haircut, his first attempt at writ-

Reich, MA ’63, took the honor in 2000.

2008, at the University of Richmond

ing works using tape loops. It’s Gonna

in Virginia. “There are two identical

Rain, his first piece using phasing, was

contributed a chapter to the book

sextets in Double Sextet,” Reich states in

performed in 1965 at the San Francisco

Western Music and Race, which was

the composer’s notes for the 22-minute

Tape Music Center.

honored with the 2008 Ruth A. Solie

Assistant professor Nalini Ghuman

piece. “Each one is comprised of flute,

Reich’s work is also notable for its

clarinet, vibraphone, piano, violin, and

inclusion of various international influ-

Society. The Solie Award recognizes

cello. Doubling the instrumentation was

ences: he has studied African drumming,

a collection of musicological essays

done so that, as in so many of my earlier

Balinese gamelan, and the traditional

of exceptional merit each year and

works, two identical instruments could

forms of cantillation (chanting) of the

“acknowledges the value of the indi-

interlock to produce one overall pattern.”

Hebrew scriptures.

vidual authors’ contributions to a field-

In April, the Pulitzer Prize Board said

Over the years, Reich has received

Award from the American Musicological

defining and field-changing book.”

the piece channels “an initial burst of

numerous accolades, including two

energy into a large-scale musical event,

Grammy Awards and the William

Milhaud Professor of Music, was pre-

built with masterful control and consis-

Schuman Award, and accepted commis-

sented with the 2009 Deep Listening

tently intriguing to the ear.”

sions from festivals, symphonies, and

Golden Ear Award on April 18 in New

Roscoe Mitchell, Distinguished

artists throughout North America and

York City. The Golden Ear Award was

hallmarks of Reich’s compositions, since

Europe. His music has been performed

established in 2007 by Deep Listening

his time at Mills. After graduating from

by major orchestras and ensembles

Institute founder Pauline Oliveros and

Cornell with a degree in philosophy

around the world.

artistic director Ione in order to recog-

Looping and phasing have been

and attending Juilliard School of Music

nize musicians who, in their practice,

from 1958 to 1961, Reich considered

Fanfare for music faculty

UC Berkeley for his master’s studies but

The School of the Arts at Columbia

was presented posthumously to noted

decided to attend Mills, since he thought

University selected visiting profes-

musician and Mills instructor Toyoji

it was “a more interesting place.” Reich’s

sor Pauline Oliveros to receive the

Tomita, MFA ’86.

Coming up at the Mills College Art Museum Illustration and Abjection: Japanese Prints of the 1923 Kanto Earthquake June 17–August 2 Opening Reception: June 17, 5:30 pm–7:30 pm Curated by the Museum Studies Workshop at Mills College and Deborah Stein, faculty advisor.

Pae White August 26–October 18 Opening Reception: August 26, 5:30–7:30 pm Working on the boundary between art and design, Pae White combines intricate craftsmanship with an inventive use of materials. Curated by Sandra Percival.

Hours: Tues.–Sun. 11:00 am–4:00 pm; Wed. 1:00 am–7:30 pm; closed Monday.

Admission is free. For information, contact museum@mills.edu or 510.430.2164.

are great listeners. Last year’s Golden Ear

Cuba: History and Architecture, A Photographic Journey September 2–December 13 Reception: October 8, 5:30 pm–6:30 pm Havana native Vivian Stephenson, chair of the Mills College Board of Trustees, returned to Cuba in 1999 and 2002 after a long absence.

On those visits, she captured a 400-year history of the country in photographs. This exhibition offers a splendid series of images of the cities of Havana, Trinidad, and Sancti-Spíritus, supplemented with text by Carlota Caulfield, Mills professor of Spanish and Spanish American studies. spring 2009

7

Mills Music Festival 2009 Three additional concerts rounded out

Capacity crowds thronged the Jeannik

President Janet L. Holmgren on stage

Méquet Littlefield Concert Hall for Mills

and received accolades on behalf of her

the festival. Muhal Richard Abrams, the

Music Festival 2009, which brought

mother, who contributed $4 million for

guiding spirit behind the Association for

music lovers, the Mills community, and

the Music Building’s restoration. Nicole

the Advancement of Creative Musicians

the press to the newly restored Music

Paiement, artistic director of the San

and Jean Macduff Vaux Composer-in-

Building for six concerts this spring.

Francisco Conservatory of Music New

Residence at Mills, performed improvised

Visionary composer and performer

Music Ensemble, conducted an orches-

duets with Roscoe Mitchell on February

Pauline Oliveros played the very first

tra and chorus of Mills music students,

27; on March 4 the Arditti Quartet

notes heard in the reopened concert hall

alumnae/i, faculty, and guest artists in

interpreted works by current and former

on her specially tuned accordion on

a representative sampling of works by

faculty composers, including Alvin

Opening Night, February 21. Oliveros

famed former faculty member Darius

Curran, Chris Brown, Fred Frith, Hilda

altered the sound of the instrument

Milhaud.

Paredes, and Iannis Xenakis; and the

using a sophisticated processing device

A Celebration of the Center for

Music of Fred Frith brought the festival

of her own invention before sending it to

Contemporary Music on February 22

to a close on April 5 with performances

speakers in all four corners of the hall.

was also opened by Oliveros and Martin,

by several different ensembles of

An East Bay Express reviewer marveled at

who presented Ramon Sender’s 1964

musicians, including Frith’s new band,

the “sharp notes and sound clusters

work, Desert Ambulance. Oliveros wore a

Cosa Brava.

wrestled from the body of her accordion

white lab coat for maximum visibility of

and gracefully flung through the room.”

Martin’s spliced and painted film, which

Visual composer Tony Martin created

was projected on her and on the screen

real-time video art projected on a giant

behind her. Works by current Mills

screen behind Oliveros, who has been

faculty members James Fei, Maggi Payne,

associated with Mills since she became

John Bischoff, and Chris Brown followed.

the first director of the Center for Contemporary Music in 1966.

Also on Opening Night, pianist Joseph Kubera interpreted a composition— which employed several “extreme” time signatures—by Milhaud Professor of Music Roscoe Mitchell, and Terry Riley premiered For Margaret, a meditative and textured solo piano piece written for the occasion in honor of Margaret Lyon, chair of the Mills Music Department for 25 years. Former Kronos Quartet cellist Joan Jeanrenaud closed the show with two short pieces of her own composition.

A review in the Montclarion said, “All the performers pushed the boundaries of music, composition and innovation, creating highly moving, richly lyrical and, at times, hauntingly bizarre tones.”

February 28 saw another gala performance and a celebration of the naming of the concert hall for Jeannik Méquet Littlefield, MA ’42. Littlefield’s

Paul K uroda

daughter, Denise Sobel, joined Mills

8

M i l l s Q u a r t e r ly

—Pamela Wilson

1

3

2

5

4

7

6

8

More than 150 key supporters and leaders of the Mills community turned out for two celebrations of the Jeannik Méquet Littlefield Concert Hall and the Mills College Music Department in February: a reception before Opening Night and a gala dinner before the Milhaud concert. Among those who enjoyed the festivities were: 1. Michelle Balovich ’03 and mother, Carmen Balovich;

3. Raleigh and Estrellita Hudson Redus ’65, MA ’75;

All photos this page © 2 0 0 9, dre w altizer, all rights reserv ed

9

2. Professor of Music David Bernstein; President Janet L. Holmgren; Denise Sobel, daughter of Jeannik Méquet Littlefield, MA ’42; and Milhaud Professor of Music Roscoe Mitchell;

4. Jane Galante, former music faculty member; Leone La Duke Evans, MA ’45; and Patricia Taylor Lee ’57; 5. Joanne Harrington, Trustee Lorry I. Lokey, P ’85, and Annea Lockwood, composer and member of the Music Festival honorary committee; 6. Trustees Joan Lewis Danforth ’53 and Jill Fabricant ’71; 7. Music professors John Bischoff, Maggi Payne, Fred Frith (department head), Nalini Ghuman, and James Fei; 8. Trustee Toni Renee Vierra ’98, Jane Oliver, and Trustee Barbara Sandoval Terrazas ’73, MPH; 9. Trustee Roselyne Chroman Swig, P ’80, President Janet L. Holmgren, and Mary Metz, former Mills president; 10. Trustee Glenn Voyles and Ellen Voyles;

10

11. Thomas A. and Rosemary Shurte Tisch ’68.

11 spring 2009

9

Turning green into

GOLD How three Mills alumnae combine environmental sustainability and business profitability

By Valerie Sullivan Toni Renee Vierra ’98 is more than happy to talk

mittee, Vierra is showing businesses and individu-

about “stuff.” In fact, as an environmental consul-

als how to embrace that ethic while creating a

tant and green-certified building professional, her

successful venture of her own. A Trustee of Mills

working days occasionally are spent figuring out

College, she is one of several Mills alumnae helping

what to do with the rocks, cement, rebar, and other

businesses find ways to reduce their environmen-

materials left over after clearing a building site. Her

tal footprint without harming their bottom line.

goal is to “recycle, reuse, repurpose, or salvage”— anything but take it to the dump.

“Sustainability can be defined as doing business in a way that does not compromise resources for

“One of the biggest areas of opportunity in a

future generations,” says Debora Bonner ’95, MBA

green economy is going to be figuring out what to

’05. Bonner is a partner at Environmental Resources

do with stuff,” she predicts. “Reuse is the priority.

Management, a global environmental consulting

We have to become a society that gets the most

firm with offices in 41 countries. She helps multi-

use out of things as possible.”

national corporations manage their supply chain

As founder of the environmental consulting firm

by examining a product’s impact all the way from

eco-Organize and chair of the Napa Chamber of

its design to its eventual disposal. Almost all busi-

Commerce’s green and sustainable practices com-

nesses use resources and have some impact on the environment, she says. “We help them find more effective strategies to become more sustainable or environmentally responsible.”

Linda Kay ’73, who served as executive director of the Alumnae Association of Mills College from 1989 to 1992, is now a project coordinator at the Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity in Bra, Italy.

The Slow Food movement supports local food producers and their communities while also protecting the environment and encouraging people to slow down and enjoy their food.

“The conventional farming we’re doing is not sustainable,” she says. “We now know that use of agricultural chemicals is degrading the land and harming the environment. The long-term prospects do not paint a rosy picture.”

These three alumnae show how businesses (including farms) and consumers can enhance sustainability by making strategic decisions—decisions that result in diverting materials away from over-

10

M i l l s Q u a r t e r ly

taxed landfills or finding more efficient ways to

the design plan to providing real alternative trans-

use resources such as energy and water. They also

portation options by building near mass transit. At

represent the vanguard in green careers: The U.S.

a site cleared to make way for a new dormitory for

gained more than 750,000 jobs in environmental

the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, she

fields in 2006 and is expected to add millions more

achieved 99.2 percent landfill diversion by finding

in the next decade, according to figures compiled by

new uses for materials left over after the existing

the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Global Insight.

building was razed. Instead of taking the material

In February, President Barack Obama announced

to the dump, she determined what material could

that the U.S. government would invest more than

be salvaged. Some rock and broken concrete, for

$20 billion to promote a cleaner, greener economy.

example, were set aside and reused in the build-

The administration expects this investment to help

ing’s landscaping.

create tens of thousands of high-quality green jobs across America.

Green building is about thinking through options and creating an environment that really works,

More Mills women will soon tap into these new

Vierra explains. A business may include bike racks

opportunities. MBA students in the Lorry I. Lokey

on its premises, for example, but could also con-

Graduate School of Business, for example, are learn-

sider installing shower facilities “so people don’t

ing about environmental responsibility through

have to go to work in sweaty, wrinkled clothes. In

their courses and through the Business School’s

a business, it’s particularly important to make such

Center for Socially Responsible Business. The cen-

features convenient for people to use,” she says.

ter’s inaugural conference, held on April 10, was entitled “It Pays to be Nice: Economic Models to Encourage Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility” and featured Bonner as one of the conference speakers. “‘Turning green into gold’ describes opportunities for businesses and consumers to realize the benefits of practices that are also good for the environment,” says Nancy Thornborrow, dean of the Lokey Graduate School of Business. “Our goal is to ensure that our MBA students are aware of the unique ability of businesses to achieve positive social change by applying business models to social causes.”

It can still be challenging for businesses to incorporate socially and environmentally responsible practices while maintaining a profitable bottom line.

“There’s always going to be some tension between profit and the expense of social conscience,” says Thornborrow.

As more people become concerned about climate change and other environmental issues, how-

Selecting the most sustainable option isn’t always

ever, she believes companies will change. Today’s

easy; often the decisions are highly complex. A

consumers are more likely to weigh the environ-

builder may choose to use green-certified wood—

mental impact of their purchases, and a company

meaning it comes from a well-managed forest—but,

perceived as being environmentally insensitive

as Vierra says, “you’re still killing trees.” Choosing

risks damaging its reputation and losing custom-

metal framing instead makes sense because metal

ers. In that case, the risk of not investing in sustain-

is highly recyclable and, unlike wood, doesn’t ever

able practices and technologies may be more costly

require pesticides to deter termites. “Everything

than the expense of going green.

has an impact, right?” she asks. “It’s like a puzzle. I like to figure out what to do with all this stuff.”

Vierra, who oversees the design, construc-

Vierra believes companies need to adopt a

tion, occupation, and green-certification for new

long-range view when it comes to practicing envi-

buildings, says sustainability can be achieved in

ronmental responsibility. “If you build a high-

many ways, from incorporating green space into

performance building, you might put a little more

Act locally: Linda Kay at her local farmers’ market, where she has helped small-scale farmers, cheesemakers, and others sell their products (above). At this building site, Toni Renee Vierra (left) has a plan to keep tons of “stuff” out of the landfill.

spring 2009

11

money into it at the beginning, but the financial

efforts focus on another element that is essential

return comes quickly and it can be really deep.”

to our lives: food. With the Slow Food Foundation,

Government codes can also play an important role

Kay works with small-scale farmers, shepherds,

in promoting sustainable practices. Vierra worked

cheesemakers, and fisherpeople in northern Europe

with the group Sustainable Napa County to push

and North America, helping them form associations

through regulations in the city of Napa that require

to share knowledge and experience. “We put people

new non-residential buildings over a certain size

together to talk and solve their own problems,” she

to meet standards specified by the Leadership in

says. These associations help their members sell

Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a rating

their products at farmers’ markets, in local shops,

system for environmentally sustainable construc-

or in restaurants which increasingly feature the

tion. This includes installing systems to conserve

origins of their ingredients in a marketing strategy

energy, water, and other resources.

that has proven remarkably successful.

Vierra also emphasizes the importance of buy-

People today are more conscious of what they

ing local or regional materials whenever possible.

eat, Kay says. They care about the environment

This not only cuts down on the cost of transporting

and they want their communities to thrive. Helping

building materials, but also contributes to the sus-

local producers accomplishes these goals. “You

tainability of local communities by providing jobs

know your suppliers. You know where your food

and income.

is coming from. Someone supplying food from half-

Like Vierra, Kay is also concerned about increasing the sustainability of local communities, but her

way around the world, they don’t care about your community.”

For Kay, sustainability is about getting food “from

Selecting the most

sustainable option isn’t always easy; often the decisions

are highly complex.

farm to table” in as few steps as possible. Small producers are often up against large conglomerates that can ship food anywhere, but keeping the food chain short and local cuts down on the number of miles a product has to travel, she explains, minimizing fuel consumption and the cost of transport as well as the production of greenhouse gases.

Sustainability also means choosing products that have the least impact on the land, and that often means growing perfectly adapted native plant and animal species. Non-native species, often raised because they might be quicker to produce or more cosmetically appealing, frequently require artificial management of the environment with fertilizers, pesticides, or imported feed.

In several cases, Kay has worked with local producers to save particular breeds of sheep. In the American southwest, she worked with a Slow Food project that helped bring back the Navajo-Churro sheep, which had been kept by Navajo shepherds since the 17th century. By the 1970s, the NavajoChurro had dwindled to only 500 head because of government-enforced stock reductions and competition from meatier, faster-growing breeds. But Navajo-Churro sheep were perfectly adapted to the region’s arid conditions. “It’s quite amazing to spend a day with those sheep on that hardscrabble land. They just thrive on it,” she says. Now, as a result of local promotion, Navajo-Churro sheep are highly prized for their meat and wool.

In the 21st century, however, not all goods and services are provided by small local producers. Large international corporations are a fact of life in the global economy, but even they can adopt a more

12

M i l l s Q u a r t e r ly

Dana Dav is

sustainable way of doing business. Bonner helps such corporations manage their supply chains by examining the environmental and social impact of a product at each stage in its lifecycle—from the original design to manufacturing, distribution, sale, and disposal. “I help companies identify their environmental risks and business opportunities, and prioritize and incorporate them into everyday business practices,” she says. “There is a growing body of evidence to demonstrate that there can be a business case for reducing one’s environmental impact.”

She has seen some heartening examples of companies that were able to reduce costs while also reducing their environmental footprint, such as one company that used toxic chemicals to clean its products before sending them out.

When the company cut back on the amount of cleaner used, it realized substantial cost savings by spending less on the cleaner

Think globally: Debora Bonner works with multinational corporations to minimize their negative effects on the environment.

itself and less to dispose of it afterwards.

A 2009 study of businesses conducted by the Stanford Research Institute found that in almost

ered either socially or environmentally responsible,

every case, alternative products or processes

then yes, it pays to be responsible.”

resulted in cost savings and lowered environmen-

There are real business difficulties to overcome,

tal risk. Changes could include reducing the use

however: Companies may face development costs

of raw materials, energy, and water; using less

and challenges to create green products that per-

toxic materials; reducing waste; and improving

form as well as non-green products. Competitors

the efficiency of a product. In a separate study, the

in areas with more relaxed environmental regula-

McKinsey Quarterly, a business journal, found that

tions may be able to minimize costs through such

corporate attitudes have begun to shift. An initial

tactics as discharging hazardous waste into the

McKinsey survey found that businesses saw envi-

environment instead of paying for proper disposal.

ronmental responsibility as a liability. Two years

But companies that cut costs this way create health

later, the same survey group saw it as an opportu-

problems for local communities and beyond. In

nity to reduce costs.

that case, “it pays for them not to be green,” Bonner

Bonner believes in wielding the carrot rather than the stick—that is, that corporations need to

says, “but the tab will end up being picked up by somebody.”

see the bottom-line benefits of sustainable prac-

The bottom line, she says, is that it’s not just about

tices. Rather than ask companies to perform heroic,

businesses changing their behavior. To achieve sus-

unrealistic measures, she says, ways must be found

tainability, consumers also have to put their money

to increase revenue and decrease costs. “Does it

where their mouth is. “We’re the energy that drives

pay to be nice?” she asks. “The answer depends on

the market,” she says. “Unless we as consumers are

context and perspective. It all comes back to profit

really willing to convert our green sentiment into

equals revenue minus costs. If you can add rev-

actual monetary purchases, the incentive to change

enue or reduce costs via measures that are consid-

will not be there.” spring 2009

13

Earth, air, & water:

By Susan McCarthy u fts of pu rple needlegrass waving in the breeze along the path beside the Botanic Garden. An enormous hand-built machine decked with lasers, known as The Beast, squatting in the chemistry and physics laboratory.

An image of a cream-colored branch with elegant black joints: deep-water bamboo coral, which grows on seamounts off the California coast.

These are tools and tokens of research. They stand for the scientific investigations that Mills’ faculty and students are conducting to help understand our world and sustainable ways to live in it.

Research at Mills examines the land we inhabit, the air we breathe, and the vital oceans that make our planet a “blue marble” when seen from space. Bruce Pavlik’s research looks at land, particularly the deserts of California, both rugged and desperately fragile. A crucial part of sustainability is protecting our atmosphere, so it will continue to protect us; Elisabeth Wade’s research is part of that.

Deep in the sea, and even deeper in the sediments below it, Kristina Faul’s work probes our planet’s past and present, seeking to understand the cycles that have

Dana Dav is

supported our environment for so long.

Biology professor Bruce Pavlik researches ecological restoration, especially restoration following damage in deserts. “I look at species and ecosystems as systems that need to be restored and sustained. I do the biological underpinnings of that.” Or, as Pavlik puts it at another moment: “Keep your junk out of my desert.”

(See a review of his recent book, California Deserts: An Ecological Rediscovery, on page 22.)

Most of Pavlik’s fieldwork is at Ash Meadows, a desert region with natural springs near Death Valley. Ash Meadows was the site of a failed project in desert agriculture and then the proposed site of a development to be called, amazingly, “Hawaiian Shores.”

These projects converted springs to irrigation ditches, destroyed natural vegetation, and plowed under hundreds of acres of delicate ecosystems. Rescued by a Nature Conservancy purchase, the land was donated to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as a refuge. Ash Meadows has one of the highest concentrations of endemic plant and animal species in the country—that is, species found nowhere else.

Pavlik focuses on interactions between rare plants and their pollinators. When students are looking for manageable projects, he’ll often suggest they examine how pollinators behave on a single flower species. He’s trained students in ecological investi14

M i l l s Q u a r t e r ly

Bruce Pavlik

measuring the planet’s vital signs gations since he arrived at Mills in 1985. “I find great reward in being able to make students part of research projects,” he says.

“As soon as they get trained, they graduate and go somewhere else,” he sighs. “But I’ve gotten some of my students back on

Wade’s research focuses on atmospheric pollutants. Thus, one substance she studies is chloropicrin, commonly used to fumigate soil in strawberry fields. Chloropicrin replaces methyl bromide, which was discovered to be a powerful ozone-destroying gas.

outside grants.” Biology major Margaret Scampavia ’08 works on

Both substances were used to kill soil nematodes (microscopic

desert oasis restoration at Ash Meadows through a USFWS grant.

worms) which feed on the roots of strawberry plants. If the nem-

Federal and state grants from California and Nevada support a

atodes aren’t killed off, they multiply invisibly, and every year

decade-long shoreline restoration project at Lake Tahoe, headed

the plants grow weaker and produce fewer berries.

by Alison Tschohl Stanton ’96.

Wade says the dangers of methyl bromide, like those of the

Signs of Pavlik’s research interests can be seen closer to home

chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in Freon, weren’t even guessed at

on campus, too. A small meadow of purple needlegrass grows

when the chemicals were first employed. “Students ask, ‘Why

near the Betty Irene Moore Natural Sciences Building. This lovely

were we using these CFCs?’” She gives the incredulous students

native grass needs no summer water. A perennial bunchgrass

historical perspective: before Freon, common refrigerants were

that once covered 20 million acres in California, it has been

toxins like concentrated ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and chlo-

largely evicted by invasive species. A remnant population exists

romethane. Ammonia, perhaps the most commonly used, was

on the south-facing slope of Mills’ own Pine Top, which Pavlik

not only a toxic gas but also explosive. So Freon, neither flamma-

hopes to restore as a native wildflower meadow.

ble nor toxic, seemed wonderfully safe. No one gave a thought

Pavlik also points with pride to the Mills Botanic Garden and

to the ozone layer. “The whole notion that a chemical can be too

greenhouse, which provide material for biology labs and serve as

stable—so stable that it could cause environmental problems—

a teaching collection. A resource for restoration efforts on cam-

was unimaginable.”

pus, they house native seedlings from locally gathered seed.

As for keeping junk out of the desert, that isn’t the simple, uncontroversial idea it might seem. In a recent Los Angeles Times opinion piece, Pavlik expressed concern about plans to plop thousands of square acres worth of wind farms, solar arrays, power plants, carbon dioxide scrubbers, and transmission lines onto fragile desert ecosystems. He wrote that “without careful planning and regulation, these ‘climate solutions’ could irrevocably damage the planet they are intended to protect.” Pavlik argues, for instance, that carbon dioxide scrubbers, which remove that greenhouse gas from the atmosphere, could be installed in parking garages, skyscrapers, and transit tunnels.

He cautions against possible ecological destruction in the

Elisabeth Wade

name of being green. His work in the desert, conserving and restoring ecosystems, has taught him to see those established natural systems as “self-sustaining and self-adjusting. I’m inter-

Her research on chemicals asks the questions, “What do they

ested in what will perpetuate those systems in a human-domi-

do when they’re in the air? What do they react with, and how

nated world.”

quickly?” The answers are vital to the protection of life on earth.

In the case of chloropicrin, Wade says, the chemical doesn’t rise as high as the ozone layer. It stays in the troposphere, the lowest

Elisabeth Wade, head of the Chemistry and Physics Department

part of the atmosphere, and so doesn’t deplete ozone as Freon or

and constructor of The Beast, was brought in to help create the

methyl bromide do.

environmental science major. At Mills since 2000, Wade says

After talking about atmospheric pollutants, Wade asks, “Do

she’s seeing more interest in environmental issues among sci-

you want to see my Beast?” Of course I do, so we visit the chem-

ence students.

istry and physics laboratory, where it lives.

spring 2009

15

Her Beast is more technically described as a kinetics apparatus,

the Pacific to develop a project that looks at ratios of phosphorus

or even a flash photolysis tunable infrared spectrometer. Wider

to calcium in bamboo corals. She describes studying science at

than it is tall, with a large rectangular framework that seems to

Mills as “amazing.”

have been bolted together by a clever giant, The Beast centers on a vacuum chamber into which chemicals are injected.

“I had a terrible high school science experience and had absolutely no intention of looking at a periodic table ever again,”

The chamber is zapped with ultraviolet light, simulating

LeRoy says. “Somehow I landed in the Chemistry LLC my first

atmospheric conditions, to get reactions started. The detection

year at Mills, where I met Dr. Faul. The science faculty at Mills

system—which identifies the reaction products in the chamber—

was so encouraging and welcoming I had to give science another

uses infrared to make molecules vibrate at identifiable frequen-

try.” (LLCs, Living Learning Communities, are themed living

cies. Climate researchers build these spectrometers themselves;

groups for first-year students.)

Wade’s was constructed with assistance from Mills undergradu-

Faul’s second focus looks farther back than mere hundreds of

ates. “Students got the lasers all aligned,” she says, patting The

years. In this research scientists study cores taken from sea-bot-

Beast proudly.

tom sediments. “The nice thing about sediments is essentially

At a small college, Wade says, there’s “good access to equipment. Students use the diode array their freshman year. They’re serving as teaching assistants their sophomore year. There are

you can go back to the oldest oceanic crusts—180 million years ago,” she says.

“I

study

events

like

the

Paleocence-Eocene

Thermal

fewer barriers between students and the equipment, and stu-

Maximum—that’s a great one. Fifty-five million years ago, it was

dents and the faculty.” When Wade uses equipment off-campus,

already warm to begin with,” Faul relates enthusiastically. “A

at places like the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, she

massive amount of carbon entered the ocean and atmosphere.

often takes students with her.

Then there was even more warming—no ice sheets at either

We leave The Beast crouching amiably in the lab, ready to do its part in figuring out how to grow strawberries sustainably.

pole—and suddenly, the carbon was massively driven down and there was cooling.”

Kristina Faul is a geochemist and earth scientist—“really a paleoceanographer,” she specifies—with two main research areas.

One is how carbon and phosphorus cycle through the presentday ocean. “We don’t know much about phosphorus as a nutrient in the ocean,” Faul says. But phosphorus influences how much photosynthesis occurs in the ocean. That’s vital to planetary health—most of the oxygen we breathe is produced through

of Change

marine photosynthesis.

To track phosphorus, Faul and other researchers hope to use a natural archive provided by bamboo coral. Unlike the corals of tropical atolls, these long-lived corals grow in deep water, far from sunlight. Researchers sample bamboo corals from seamounts off the California coast. “They have growth rings like trees,” Faul explains. “They go back hundreds of years.” Phosphorus and carbon are among the minerals incorporated into the coral.

If the mineral records written in coral can be calibrated, researchers may be able to tell how much phosphorus was in the sea under past climate conditions. “Can we deduce phosphorus concentrations in oceans at different temperatures?” Faul asks—an important question in understanding the effects of a changing climate.

Junior Sverre LeRoy, an environmental science major, worked with Faul and with researchers at UC Davis and the University of 16

M i l l s Q u a r t e r ly

Déborah Berman Santana in Puerto Rico

Dana Dav is

The reasons for that cooling are not apparent, but understanding these ancient events has obvious implications for the present—and the future. “The climate change experiment has been done,” Faul says. “Let’s look at previous warming events—how were they stopped or controlled? It’s a big-picture link to sustainability.”

In Introduction to Environmental Science, Faul teaches nonmajors and sometimes encounters views of science as antienvironmental. “I don’t really understand the perception of the scientist as a villain in the environment,” Faul says. “It’s an undeserved bad rap. Rachel Carson was a scientist. In order to do sustainability we have to know how the earth’s systems work in the first place.” (Pioneering environmentalist Carson wrote Silent Spring, attacking reckless pesticide use.)

Faul says that while a small school can’t offer highly specialized courses, there are corresponding advantages. With smaller classes and the ability to work closely with professors, Mills gives students a excellent education in the fundamentals.

“Our students learn things here,” Faul beams, “and they go on and do great things afterward.”

Kristina Faul

In the Ethnic Studies Department, Déborah Berman Santana looks at sustainability from another angle: Her research and writing focus on social sustainability, especially of development. “Sustainability is inextricable from environmental justice,” Santana emphasizes.

“The vast majority of people on this planet need to be involved.”

Santana wrote the award-winning book Kicking Off the Bootstraps: Environment, Development, and Community Power in Puerto Rico, an examination of a grassroots movement by residents to determine how development would proceed in Salinas, Puerto Rico. This agricultural and fishing community was harmed by the export-oriented industrialization promoted by Puerto Rico’s sweeping post–World War II Operation Bootstrap program, and proposed their own alternate development strategy.

From this case study, Santana generated a new working definition. “Sustainable development involves locally-based natural and human resource use that is shaped, directed, carried out, and evaluated primarily by the people of the community in question, and takes forms that preserve and enhance both biotic and social diversity,” she posits. She has also looked at how to measure success: “By the degree to which the least powerful people can increasingly provide for their own needs through their own creative acts, thus helping to reaffirm their human dignity, fulfill their potential, and share in the global responsibility for preserving life.”

Santana leads a graduate-type seminar (open to juniors and seniors) entitled Race, Gender, and the Environment, which brings together ethnic studies majors and students in other majors, particularly environmental science and environmental studies. Santana revels in exposing the science students to classic theoretical works they may not have encountered, like Garrett Hardin’s Science article, “The Tragedy of the Commons,” and other essays in use and management of resources.

In the decade she’s taught at Mills, Santana has seen students increasingly focus on sustainability in their own communities. “These environmental issues are starting to be recognized by students in the places where they live and work.”

Students have done projects in the Bayview-Hunters Point area of San Francisco, worked on urban agriculture in Oakland and at the Ecology Center in Berkeley, and coordinated with the Latino Issues Forum on water justice in California. They’ve also worked in the Native American Healing Garden at the Mills Botanic Garden, which Santana is proud to have been involved with at the very beginning.

“It has a strong connection with the community,” she says.

“I was able to connect them with people in various gardens around the Bay Area. We’ve had ceremonial events and other activities there.”

In many ways, the garden embodies Santana’s belief that “ecological and social sustainability shouldn’t be separated.

The principle is the same.” spring 2009

17

want not

Ce sar Rubio

Waste not, Building a campus culture of sustainability

By Linda Schmidt

We all like to think that we’re saving the environment when we recycle a few soda cans or reuse a grocery bag, but true sustainability demands more than just one or two small actions.

It’s a way of life and, all across the Mills campus, from the President’s office to the waste bins at the Tea Shop, that way of life is being embraced. A comprehensive culture of sustainability has taken root, grown vigorously, and is beginning to flower.

More than a drop in the bucket: This fountain outside the Moore Natural Sciences Building collects rainwater, which is then used in toilets to offset consumption of municipal water.

Dana Dav is

Recognizing the role that institutions of higher education play in leading social change, Mills

off their unwanted goods and clothing—or pick up

College is a member of the Association for the

some new duds for free.

Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Educa-

To achieve the goal of zero waste—that is, reusing,

tion and President Janet L. Holmgren is a charter

recycling, or composting all materials on campus—

signatory of the American College and University

the College has developed a recycling infrastructure

Presidents Climate Commitment, an agreement to

and awareness campaign. “The more people know

develop campus action plans for achieving climate

what’s recyclable and have a convenient place to

neutrality.

put it, the more that’s recycled,” says Bullard.

“This initiative provides a nationwide model

Education efforts begin with an orientation ses-

for addressing critical environmental challenges

sion for entering students entitled “Mills Sustain-

from global warming,” Holmgren says. “For Mills

ability, Recycling, and Composting.” A campus-wide

College, this affirms our commitment to respon-

color-coded bin system makes it easy to sort recy-

sible environmental stewardship and our strong

cling, composting, and garbage; at the Tea Shop,

investment in sustainable practices.” Sustainability

compostable utensils and packaging divert garbage

has also been established as one of the campus’

otherwise bound for landfills; and every residential

primary strategic goals for the period 2008–2013.

room now includes recycling bins to encourage stu-

Dana Dav is

dents to consider where their discarded items end

Don’t lose it, reuse it: Free piles in the dorms have found a clean and organized home at the Reuse Depot.

18

M i l l s Q u a r t e r ly

B e h i n d t h e s e l o f t y philosophical drives,

up. A year-end drive to collect textbooks and other

numerous small changes in campus life are making

reusable goods has significantly diverted materials

a big difference. A Sustainability Committee, com-

otherwise bound for the trash heap.

prised of students, faculty, and staff, coordinates and advances efforts to green the campus.

Together, these initiatives have led to substantial results. In October 2007, Mills received a Business

“We’re promoting a green lifestyle for stu-

Recognition Award from StopWaste.org, an Alameda

dents,” says Britta Bullard, a member of the

County–wide agency, for diverting a significant

Sustainability Committee and manager of the cam-

percentage of campus waste away from landfills.

pus Sustainability Center. The Sustainability Center

For the past two years, campus composting efforts

is a hub of activity for students involved in any

have made Mills one of the top four competitors

sort of environmental effort, from creating Earth

for the RecycleMania Food Service Organics Award,

Day activities (now expanded to Earth Week) to

a national competition between colleges and uni-

running the Reuse Depot, where students can drop

versities, with a first-place finish last year.

I n a d d i t i o n t o r e c y c l i n g and compost-

dents take on projects addressing real-world appli-

ing, developing a sustainable campus community

cations of sustainability, such as native habitat

demands using less in the first place. Wise manage-

restoration and transit policy in the Mills–Maxwell

ment of scarce water resources has been a driving

Park neighborhood (see profile of Alysha Nachtigall

factor on many fronts, from installing low-flow

’07, MPP ’08, p. 29). Members of the Sustainability

plumbing fixtures in buildings to eliminating din-

Committee are actively working with faculty to

ing trays at Founder’s, thus reducing the need for

develop opportunities to use campus natural fea-

wash water.

tures as teaching tools within the curriculum.

Another one rides the bus: ASMC Sustainability Senator Katie Johnson hopes subsidized bus passes will encourage students to adopt public transit as a cost-effective option to cars.

campus are converted to drought-tolerant species.

K a t i e J o h n s o n ’09 created and filled the posi-

Continuing efforts will minimize thirsty lawns and

tion of ASMC sustainability senator this year to

gardens, opting instead for more native landscape

integrate student government in sustainability ini-

alternatives. “By propagating and supporting our

tiatives. It made sense to dedicate a position to the

native plant populations, we are reflecting the nat-

effort, she says. “We set policies for students—our

ural and inherent beauty specific to our state,” says

goal is to get everyone involved and really trans-

Christina McWhorter, coordinator of the Botanic

form the Mills campus.”

Dana Davis

This is particularly evident as plantings around

Johnson has spearheaded an effort to secure sub-

Garden.

The benefits of native plants are also seen along

sidized bus passes for Mills students, which would

the banks of Leona Creek, where extensive resto-

provide a full year of unlimited local and transbay

ration—including replacing aged and dangerous

bus rides for a $96 fee. The program was endorsed

eucalyptus trees with California native plants prop-

by a student vote in April and the College aims

agated at the Botanic Garden—is helping to control

to make passes available starting in fall 2009.

damaging water flows. “Eucalyptus have a place on

Additional efforts to help students rely less on cars

campus, but it’s not here,” says Brian Harrington,

include increasing the number of seats on the cam-

a staff member in the campus architect’s office

pus shuttle service, making the campus more pedes-

who has spearheaded work around campus creeks.

trian-friendly, and cooperating with neighborhood

Harrington points out that many factors need to

groups to create safe and convenient bike access to

be considered in this project, including protecting

the Laurel District.

existing bridges and buildings and the ecology of the creek from its source to San Francisco Bay.

“We have the power and responsibility to choose a lifestyle that promotes a new, more equitable path,” Johnson says. “Mills has a history of social progress,

Use

of

e n e r g y , materials, and resources

is also reduced as the College pursues its goal of meeting LEED energy efficiency standards of silver or

and sustainability is another chapter in that.”

For more about campus sustainability initiatives and activities, see www.mills.edu/green.

above on new construction projects. The campus’ newest structures, the Betty Irene Moore Natural Sciences Building and the soon-to-be-completed

Bonnie banks: Volunteers gather on the banks of Leona Creek to plant native shrubs and trees, which were propagated at the nearby Botanic Garden.

building for the Lorry I. Lokey Graduate School of Business, incorporate state-of-the-art green technologies to minimize energy and water consumption while maximizing the health and comfort of occupants. Renovation of existing buildings utilizes salvaged and less-toxic materials.

“When you think about buildings, one of the most important things is energy and water use, especially in California. It becomes very important to put in systems that are more efficient and that use resources that are free, such as rainwater and sunlight,” says Campus Architect Karen Fiene. “We also want our new buildings to be teaching tools, overt statement about being green.”

In the classroom, too, concepts and practices of sustainability have become increasingly common.

In departments from biology to public policy, stu-

Brian Harrington

so these systems are visible and can be seen as an

spring 2009

19

Dana Davis

Getting down and dirty: Community gardeners transplant vegetables on a sunny afternoon.

How

does your garden

grow

By Linda Schmidt

20

?

“ w h y a r e p l a n t s i m p o r ta n t ? ”

Today, under the direction of biology

asks Christina McWhorter, coordinator of

professor Bruce Pavlik and the guidance

the Botanic Garden at Mills College. It’s a

of McWhorter—and with the help of a

rhetorical question. As we talk on a warm

$37,085 60th Reunion gift from the Class

spring day in the garden, surrounded

of 1948—the garden fulfills a number of

by exuberant masses of flowers and foli-

functions, serving as a gathering place

age, McWhorter quickly points out that

for community gardeners, as a supplier

the plant world provides us with oxygen,

of extremely local food, and, of course,

food, medicine, clothing, buildings, and

as an academic teaching tool. The garden

beauty. “Plants are essential to the sus-

is home to more than 500 different spe-

tainability of the human race,” she says.

cies of plants and, with areas that exem-

“They’re an intrinsically critical part of

plify various plant communities from the

the ecosystem.”

coastal redwood forest to California chap-

Located just east of the Betty Irene

arral and oak woodland, it plays a critical

Moore Natural Sciences Building, the gar-

role in supporting the life science curricu-

den carries on a long tradition of botani-

lum at Mills.

cal studies on campus. Cyrus Mills, the

Biology students perform lab work

College’s namesake and first president,

on seedlings grown on site and also

was an avid collector of exotic plant

carry out projects in the greenhouse;

species and established orchards and

ecology and environmental science

crops to supply food for the campus; in

students benefit from the garden as

the 20th century, botanist and professor

well. This experiential learning provides

Howard McMinn promoted the benefits

an essential supplement to textbooks.

of native species.

“If you just use slides or images from a

Gaia House sets down roots book, you lose a big part of the picture,”

and are adapted to the area’s wet winters

says McWhorter. “Rather than relating to a

and hot dry summers. McWhorter propa-

two-dimensional representation, students

gates many for use in restoring the ripar-

interact with the plant as a whole, living

ian flora along Leona Creek and in other

organism.”

areas of the campus landscape.

The garden also provides an opportunity

“I’ve collected seed from our local

for upper division students to pursue inde-

natives on campus—not just California

pendent study projects. In recent years,

natives and not just native to the Bay

senior students have developed beds of

Area, but native to the Mills campus—

plantings that are important to women’s

plants that have evolved on this land for

physical and spiritual healing, explored

thousands of years,” she says. “We’re sup-

companion planting—that is, growing dif-

porting very local biodiversity. These site-

ferent species of plants in close proximity

specific plants are adapted to right here.”

to attempt to increase the yield of each— and propagated native plants.

In addition, experimental beds are testing alternative lawn grasses, which would

Wandering along the garden’s pathways, the striking diversity of the plant

consume less water, less fertilizer, and ideally less time than standard lawns.

world is apparent. There is a section of

But perhaps the aspect of the garden

plants that date back to the Mesozoic

that McWhorter finds most exciting is its

era, other areas showcase cacti and suc-

role as a tool for community building and outreach. “I’ve always been inter-

I’ve always been interested in this connection between

plants and people— that’s where the

ested in this connection between plants and people—that’s where the real energy happens,” she says. With a graduate degree in public horti-

To strengthen the Botanic Garden’s functions as a learning center and gathering place, plans are being developed to construct a new facility that will provide a space for student and faculty research in biology and restoration ecology, house a permanent office for the Botanic Garden coordinator, and serve as a staging area for fieldwork off campus, storing camping gear, measuring and monitoring tools, and other necessary equipment.

The Barrett Foundation, headed by Mills Trustee Richard W. Barrett and his wife, Elaine, has pledged $100,000 to support construction of the building, to be known as Gaia House.

“It’ll be a green building, of course,” Christina McWhorter says. The modest building of less than 1,000 square feet will sit lightly on the land. “Building the garden as an educational resource for the campus as well as for the community has been one of our basic tenets all along, and this space will really help us expand our offerings. The facility will provide a much needed link between lab, garden, fieldwork, and the community.”

culture, including therapeutic and community gardening, McWhorter’s

real energy happens.

knowledge finds plenty of use at

“I think it’s really important to empower

Mills. “The botanic garden is really

young women to get in touch with the

a place for everyone. As long as you

earth,” McWhorter says. “I don’t want to

can

are breathing, you can be a part of this,”

sound too hippy-dippy but, as women,

even see a large planter of carnivorous

she says. Groups from local K–12 schools

we can find our own special connection

pitcher plants and sundews. There’s also

and retirement homes come to the garden

and know that this is a vital force, a life-

a demonstration area of different spe-

to use it as both an educational resource

supporting system.”

cies of manzanita, and McWhorter plans

and a beautiful spot to relax.

culents,

ferns

and

orchids—you

Growing interest in the local and

to create another demonstration bed of

A community garden, established in

organic food movement has contributed

Ceanothus (California lilac) to honor the

fall 2007 along the northern side of the

greatly to the popularity of the commu-

legacy of Howard McMinn, who special-

existing greenhouse, attracts students,

nity garden. Fronds of asparagus, arti-

ized in the study of both species.

staff, alumnae, and others to weekly gar-

chokes, chard, and turnips now burst

Approximately two-thirds of the plants

den gatherings. In McWhorter’s experi-

from a series of hand-built raised beds

in the garden are California natives, and

ence, gardening together fosters social

and, in mid-April, the campus food ven-

McWhorter eagerly explains the practice.

connections, and several students have

dor Bon Appetit purchased 13 pounds

Native plants provide habitat for local

found purpose and friendships while

of greens grown here. “I have to take my

animal species, including key pollinators,

working the soil.

hat off to them,” says McWhorter. “They advocate getting their produce from local farms and, though we’re not a farm, we are darn local.”

She explains the necessity of exposing people to plants and earth in this practical, hands-on manner. “We have this concept that nature is ‘out there’ and there’s such a separation—like this campus isn’t nature,” she says. “The truth of the matter is, you and I are nature, we’re part of it.”

Dig it: Christina McWhorter demonstrates planting techniques for creek restoration volunteers.

spring 2009

21

Bookshelf A la Carte Tanita S. Davis, MFA ’04 Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2008 Seventeen-year-old Lainey, the protagonist of this young adult novel, faces the usual problems of boys and school and family—but she is propelled by her dream to become a famous African American vegetarian chef with her own TV cooking show.

Intersex (for lack of a better word) Thea Hillman, MFA ’99 Manic D Press, 2008 In this brutally frank story, Thea Hillman shares her personal experience growing up and coming of age with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, which increases testosterone production. Along the way, she explores the constructed ideas of gender and the challenges of defining the term “intersex.”

The California Deserts: An Ecological Rediscovery Bruce Pavlik University of California Press, 2008

One might expect a book on deserts to be a bit—well, dry, but Mills Professor of Biology Bruce Pavlik tells an engrossing story of plants, animals, water, geology, history, and people that is highly readable, informative, and enjoyable.

The first section of his book describes human interactions with California deserts over time, from the Native American tribes that drew their sustenance from the land to the Early Spanish explorers and pioneers of the American West who faced great hardship and even death in their explorations of the terrain. This initial focus on the human

complexity of desert ecosystems in a

experience in the desert provides an

way that is perfectly comprehensible

inviting point of entry for the reader.

without oversimplifying scientific con-

The desert landscape, with its strange

cepts. Even the casual reader will grasp

animals and cartoonish plants, often

the

is stereotypically perceived as hostile,

ratio (ET/P)—that is, the power of the dry

remote, and alien. But Pavlik reveals the

desert air to evaporate moisture as com-

Nurse of Manzanar: A Japanese American’s World War II Journey

longstanding human relationship with

pared to the annual amount of rainfall—as

the desert; along with the author’s nar-

well as the intersecting factors of geog-

rative, well-chosen excerpts from early

raphy, temperature, soil types, and water

Samuel Nakamura P.O. Box 4381, Bellingham, WA 98227-4381 Shortly after the last Japanese American internment camp closed after World War II, Toshiko Eto Nakamura ’33 wrote a memoir of her experiences from the day of Pearl Harbor, when she was working as a nurse in San Luis Obispo, through her time at Manzanar Relocation Camp and resettlement to Madison, Wisconsin, in 1943. Now, her son Samuel has published her manuscript with the addition of historical photos and documents, a bibliography, and other supplemental material. The author’s keen observations make this an intriguing and factually detailed account of daily life in this period of American history.

explorers’ journals reveal astonishing

in these regions, all of which contribute

wonder and beauty—and inspire a thirst

to highly specialized flora and fauna that

for understanding and appreciation of

have adapted to extreme conditions.

this unique world.

And Pavlik provides that under-

from standard monographs of natural history by a thoughtful evaluation of cur-

touch. An accomplished ecologist with

rent pressures on California deserts. As

extensive field experience in deserts

growing human populations disrupt the

throughout the world, he writes with

landscape and make increasing demands

the precision of a scientist, the zeal of

on water resources, as highways and off-

an evangelist, and the soul of a poet.

road vehicles destroy soils and habitats,

Pavlik paints a fascinating picture of

the delicate balances that have evolved

these highly diverse landscapes: “On a

over thousands of years suddenly face

clear day it is possible to view smolder-

substantial, even catastrophic, change.

ing desert from a snowy observation

“Will these arid lands be cherished before

point surrounded by subalpine forests,”

irreversible degradation or meaningless

he writes in describing the Great Basin

consumption?” he asks.

Desert, which includes Death Valley,

Each reader who absorbs the informa-

one of three distinct desert areas cov-

tion in this book will find it hard not to

ered in the book.

cherish the fascinating deserts of California

But the book is much more than a

M i l l s Q u a r t e r ly

Pavlik’s book is further distinguished

standing and appreciation with a deft

travelogue. Pavlik communicates the 22

evapotranspiration-to-precipitation

and to care deeply about their fate.

—Linda Schmidt

ON THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR GRADUATION. MILLS COLLEGE SALUTES THE MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 1938 ONYour THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF a THEIR GRADUATION. Turn Property Into Legacy at Mills How can property you no longer need help you secure income for life, avoid capital gains tax, receive an income tax deduction, and establish a lasting legacy that will benefit future Mills students?

This year, Janice Paull, MA ’51, was able to do just that by transferring her family cabin in the Santa Cruz Mountains to a charitable remainder unitrust.

After completing a BA at San Jose State University, Jan studied at Mills as a graduate student in zoology. She wrote her master’s thesis on Ariolimax columbianus, better known as the banana slug—she could even find her specimens on campus! Jan found a mentor in Assistant Professor Eleanor Sims Boone, who gave her career advice as well as a sympathetic ear. Equipped After college, these women established a legacy of Mills breaking that benefited generations of with her MA,barriers Jan worked for 20 years in Stanford University’s dermatology labs, women who followed. The Class of 1938, pictured above pathology at its 50th and Reunion, includes: The first woman elected president of the San Francisco Lawyers’ Association performing histology and electron microscopy, among After college, these women established a legacy of breaking barriers that benefited generations of The first woman partner at aduties.

“Big Eight” accounting firm other women who followed. The Class of 1938, pictured above at its 50th Reunion, includes:

One of two Mills alumnae on the team that wrote the Constitution of Japan The first woman elected president of the San Francisco Lawyers’ Association A journalist who covered thehad Berlin Airlift from cargo that planeher parents built in inherited a log afirm cabin The first woman partner at aJan “Big Eight” accounting The inspiration for a waltz composed by Lou Harrison in 1977 1930s theConstitution Santa CruzofMountains with $100 One of two Mills alumnae on the teamthe that wroteinthe Japan A journalist who covered the Berlin from aNow cargoretired, plane Jan recently looked into worthAirlift of lumber.

The Class of 1938The alsoinspiration established of generous giving over many sincehave graduation. foraa tradition waltz composed by Harrison 1977 selling theLou property butinthe found thatdecades this would Their recent support of Mills includes a 50th Reunion Gift of $85,099 1988,tax. and,Instead, in 2006–07, meant paying a hefty capitalingains Jan members of the class made gifts totaling $107,955, representing a 42% participation rate.

The Class of 1938 also established a tradition of generous giving over the many decades since graduation. placed the property in a charitable remainder unitrust.

Their recent support of Mills includes a 50th Reunion Gift sold of $85,099 in 1988, and, inincurring 2006–07, capital The trust the property without This tradition of generosity helps make Mills College strong today, members of the class made gifts totaling $107,955, representing participation rate. gains tax.

Jan took aa 42% current-year tax deduction and and class members’ bequests and endowment gifts will help ensure that Mills thrives in the now receives income for life based on a percentagefuture.

Number who established endowed scholarships atThe Mills: 5 This tradition of generosity helps of make Mills College strong today, the assets in the trust. remainder in the trust who have included Mills theirCollege estate plans: 23 theinEleanor and class members’ bequestsNumber and endowment gifts help ensure that Mills thrives the future. willwill pass to in Mills to create Sims Number who established endowed at which Mills: 5will support undergraduate Boonescholarships Scholarship, Number who have included students Mills in their estate plans: majoring in any23 of the life sciences at Mills.

THANK YOU, CLASS OF 1938!

THANK YOU, CLASS OF 1938!

FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN CREATE A LASTING LEGACY AT MILLS

24

M i l l s Q u a r t e r ly

Please contact April Hopkins, director of planned giving, toll-free at (877.746.4551) or AbyLASTING email at aprilh@mills.edu.

FIND 877.PGMILLS OUT HOW YOU CAN CREATE LEGACY AT MILLS Please contact April Hopkins, director of planned giving, toll-free at 877.PGMILLS (877.746.4551) or by email at aprilh@mills.edu.

In Memoriam Notices of deaths received before March 9, 2009

Alumnae

Frances Bingham Bigler, MA ’34, February 6, in Lexington, Massachusetts. She is survived by two children and four grandchildren.

Jean Currin Jenkins ’35, October 10, in Portland, Oregon. Survivors include four grandchildren.

Marian Wickline ’35, January 27, in Placerville, California. She worked supervising the chemical information department at Dow Chemical in Walnut Creek, was appointed to the Danville Planning Commission in 1982, and was a member of the American Chemical Society.

Elizabeth Ross Danz ’36, February 20, in Seattle, Washington.

She was an active volunteer for many local organizations, including Seattle Repertory Theatre and Seattle Children’s Hospital. She is survived by two

Shirley Weishaar Former dean of students and director of the Career Center Shirley Weishaar passed away Sunday, March 15, at her home in Alameda, California. Shirley made a wonderful impact on all who knew her or had the pleasure of working with her during her 22 years at Mills, from 1983 to 2005. She was deeply loved and a good friend to many Mills alumnae, staff, and faculty.

daughters, four grandchildren, and her cousin, M.B. Redd ’60.

Janet Costar Bentley ’42, February 8, 2008, in Chico, California.

Katherine Whitla Read ’37, August 20, 2008, in Alamo, California.

She taught at the Annie Wright Seminary in Tacoma, Washington; was active in Junior League; and was skilled in ikebana flower arranging. She is survived by two children and three grandchildren.

Sue Roberts Klett ’43, April 30, 2007, in Lakewood, Washington.

Survivors include four children.

Jean Talbott Penn ’39, March 11, 2008, in Arlington Heights, Illinois. She served overseas with the American Red Cross and is survived by a son, a daughter, and three grandchildren.

Barbara Guard Sheehan ’39, December 27, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Survivors include six children, twelve grandchildren, and her sister-in-law, Phyllis Moritz Guard ’45.

Pauline Trabucco ’39, January 9, in Fresno, California. An awardwinning artist, avid traveler, and talented photographer, she taught art and kindergarten in Yosemite National Park, where she lived for 26 years.

She is survived by two siblings and a large extended family.

J. M a son (198 4)

Phyllis Howard Thompson ’32, August 29, 2008, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Hawaii, Washington DC, and New Orleans, where she was a member of numerous civic and social organizations. Survivors include two children and five grandchildren.

Catherine Stephens Lainhart ’46, September 18, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Ruth Sherrill Webb ’48, February 6, in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Survivors include her husband, Robert; four daughters, including Mimi Webb Miller ’71; and four grandchildren.

Louise Thompson Ditto ’49, January 1, in Mendocino, California. She earned a master’s degree in special education and taught developmentally disabled children in the Bay Area for more than 25 years. In retirement, she moved to Mendocino and began a second career as an artist and gallery owner. Survivors include two children, three grandchildren, and her sister Sharley-Lou Gore ’51.

Marilyn Guild McKown’49, October 15, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She spent most of her adult life in San Diego.

She is survived by her sister Janice Trigg ’57 and a niece.

Elaine Amerine Witt ’49, February 19, in Modesto, California. She completed her secondary teaching credential at Stanford. She is survived by her husband, Louis; three children; and a granddaughter.

Barbara King Jackson ’50, March 9, 2007, in Rancho Santa Fe, California. Survivors include her husband, a daughter, and her sister Kathryn King Dabbs ’53.

Shirley began at Mills as assistant director of the Career Center; after a succession of promotions, she became assistant dean and director of the Career Center and, subsequently, dean of students.

Evelyn Crampton Franke, MA ’56, December 29, in Oakland. Survivors include her husband, Paul.

Since 2005, the Shirley Weishaar Award has been presented to a graduating senior who has worked closely with Division of Student Life staff to serve the students of Mills College and who exemplifies Shirley’s qualities of leadership, dedication, compassion, and integrity.

Conchita Yap Sajonas ’58, April 11, 2008, in Hayward, California.

A native of the Philippines, she emigrated to the United States in the 1940s and earned a master’s degree in education from San Francisco State University.

30

M i l l s Q u a r t e r ly

Gifts in Memory of Received December 1, 2008–February 28, 2009

Sara “Sally” Conley ’60, December 1, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. After a career as a literary agent, she moved to Puerto Vallarta, where she built the Biblioteca de la Higuera (house of the fig tree), a children’s library with books in both English and Spanish.

Gay St. Clair Blackford ’63, October 8, in Bozeman, Montana.

She developed multiple sclerosis in nursing school, but completed her degree and worked as a psychiatric nurse and as a teacher at UC San Francisco. She became very active in disability rights and accessibility issues, and served as an advisor to several California politicians.

Survivors include a sister, two stepsiblings, and a nephew.

Annabelle Smith, MA ’66, in Toronto, Canada. An artist, art historian, and co-author of Getting into Art History, her “experiential” approach to teaching art history made her a popular lecturer at museums and conferences.

Barbara Wells Johnson ’70, January 3, in Burnsville, North Carolina. A gifted craftsperson, she attended Penland School of Crafts and was a member of the Southern Highlands Handicraft Guild and the Carolina Designer Craftsmen. She is survived by her husband, Robert; two children; two stepchildren; nine grandchildren; and her aunt Barbara Slater Villard ’41.

Glenn Allen by Katherine and Glenn Allen III, P ’04

Edward LeFevre by Elizabeth Terhune ’90

Robbyn Panitch ’79 by Betsey Shack Goodwin ’76

Mary Helen Barrett by Karen Coates ’69

Carolyn Kuster Jackman ’46

by Marian Hays Patton ’46

Helen Pillans by Barbara Berendsen Capron ’65

Marilyn Frye Bettendorf, P ’75,

by Marilyn Ennis Barrett ’75

Elizabeth Kent ’23 and Edward Kent by Ann Eddy Smith ’59, P ’82

Linda Nelson Branson ’77

by James Branson

C. Rodgers Kines by Diane Smith Janusch ’55

Nate Rosenberg, husband of Deborah “Debbie” Beck Rosenberg ’57, by Barbara Hunter ’57

Class of 1968, “Our classmates who are no longer with us,”

by Marilyn Cole Arrington ’68, Susan Stern Fineman ’68, Francisca de Larios Hansen ’68, Mabel Barnett Walters ’68 and Stephen Walters, P ’99, Kim Giles Weinstein ’68, Sarah Young Moser ’68

Catherine Stephens Lainhart ’46

by Helen Haigh Mills ’46

M. Doris Coates, P ’69,

by Karen Coates ’69 Mary Lou Stueck Cunningham ’51 by Robert Cunningham Marisu “Buzzy” Mathew Dall ’54 by Elizabeth “Liz” Wills ’54 Kerry Datel ’73 by Emily Blanck ’73, P ’08

Charles Larsen by Elizabeth Terhune ’90 Johnson Lau, husband of Jennie Yee Lau ’46, by Robert and Betty Chu Wo ’46 Carol Lennox ’61 by Lina Au ’77 Elaine Walker Lis ’45 by Mary Jean Rosenberry Ferris ’45, P ’74 Margaret Lyon ’35 by Mary Sammel Bulwinkle, MFA ’80

Evelyn “Peg” Deane ’41

by Margaret Deane

Boitumelo “Tumi” McCallum ’09

by Hilda and Tiisetso Moja, Margaret Moja, Teboho Moja, P ’09

Nancy Roberts Durning ’42 by Alice Gonnerman Mueller ’42

Emiteria Reyes Manese, P ’72, by “Cora” Manese Tellez ’72

Clifford Evans, P ’63, by Barbara L. Hunter ’57

Georgiana Michael ’45 by Mary Jean Rosenberry Ferris ’45, P ’74

Joy Waltke Fisher ’55 by Diane Smith Janusch ’55

Betty Legge Middleton ’48

by Jacqueline Burnham Feiger ’48

Barbara “Bobby” Coleman Frey ’68 by Patricia Abelov Demoff ’68

Miriam Miller Middleton ’47

by Jacqueline Burnham Feiger ’48

Nancy Berchtold Haobsh ’75, December 14, in Houston, Texas.

She is survived by her husband, Fred, and two children.

Felecia “Flea” Anhalt Graham ’49 by Donald Graham

Spouses and Family

Donna Stockbridge Haire ’55

by Diane Smith Janusch ’55

Peter Sparks, husband of Vickie Lee Sparks ’74, October 30, in Dinuba, California.

Mary E. Lanigar ’38 by Jane Newhall ’36

Elaine Johnson Gutleben ’44

by Chester Gutleben

Tomiye Hamada by Virginia Ong Gee ’51

Edith Ottenheimer Miller ’25

by Ann Brevig Dudley ’85 Marcia Miller ’63 by Susan Marks Craven ’63, Grace Dote ’63, Margaret Goldsmith Fawcett ’63, P ’91, Susan Miles Gulbransen ’63, P ’94, Miller Stein Incorporated, Caren Harvey Prothro ’63, P ’91, Leslie Stein Selcow ’63, Bette Krause Spagel ’63, Judith Salzer Warner ’63, Connie Young Yu ’63

Dorothy Rost by Elizabeth Rosenberg, MFA ’00 Eleanor Marshall Schaefer ’29

by Nicole Bartow Irene Wood Schulte ’39

by Roger Schulte Paul Schumacher, P ’74, my father, by Dorothy Schumacher-Jennings ’74 Barbara Guard Sheehan ’39

by Robert and Betty Chu Wo ’46 Anne Sherrill by Elizabeth Terhune ’90 Elizabeth Loudon Steele ’38

by Julie Case Susan Magoffin Stoker ’49

by Pauline Royal Langsley ’49, P ’78, P ’83 Harriet Bradley Tegart ’42, P ’75,

by Anne Wagner Price, MA ’42 Melody Clarke Teppola ’64

by Colta Feller Ives ’64 Phyllis Howard Thompson ’32

by W. Howard Thompson and Page Nelson Hugh Wass by Warren and Honor Wass Arloine Naplin Webber ’43

by Margaret Jepsen Bowles, MA ’65 Helen and Joe Weber, parents of Peggy Weber ’65, by Peggy Weber ’65 and Robert Whitlock, P ’02 Marian E. Wickline ’35 by Alice Gonnerman Mueller ’42 Christina Wolfe, P ’96,

by Shannon G. Wolfe ’96

Mark Teppola, husband of Melody Clarke Teppola ’64 (deceased), February 4, in Portland, Oregon.

George and Helen Hedley

by Mura Kievman ’64

Clinton L. Warne, husband of Katharine Mulky Warne ’45, January 25, in Cleveland, Ohio.

p=parent For information about making a tribute gift, contact 510.430.2097 or donors@mills.edu. spring 2009

31

A personal perspective by Stephanie Mills ’69

W

e ’ r e a b o u t t o g o t h r o u g h the refiner’s fire. Global industrial civilization, centuries in the making, is on the verge of collapse. Economic globalization and explosive growth have ravaged the planet.

The exhaustion of resources and habitats, and the derangement of climate have undermined the physical basis of all our enterprises. Mother Nature, no sentimentalist, may be heaving a sigh of relief.

Soon, starting with oil, the production of fossil fuels will dwindle. The era of cheap energy will be at an end. Far-flung, petroleum-intensive food production and transport systems are certainly doomed. Fantasies that North American modes of living can be extended by grandiose technologies or military adventures will only cost us the time and substance needed to negotiate our descent to living within the bounds of a much-altered biosphere.

We confront epochal change. Where will we stand? How will we act? What will we hold sacred?

If we are to move through this vast trial with a measure of humanity we must divest and share, demilitarize, and decentralize. Following Thoreau and Gandhi, we must simplify, simplify. We must distinguish between wants and needs. Water, food, shelter, and clothing: dignity, conviviality, and the presence of nature are needs. The rest is consumerism and its day is done.

There is no separate survival, no sustenance without wild nature and resilient ecosystems. As much as it demands drastically curtailing consumption, waste, and pollution, sustenance will entail restoring soils, woodlands, wetlands, uplands and lowlands, prairies and plains.

The crisis calls us back to the beloved community, the community of all beings. Action begins where we are, with a radical rededication to the land. Look around your watershed: What can be done to replenish the land, raise some food, support others, and develop local self-reliance?

L Stephanie Mills made national headlines with her valedictory address to the Mills Class of 1969: “The future is a cruel hoax” she stated, pointing to the growing threat of over- population, environmental degradation, and humans’ insatiable consumption of resources. Since then, she has been a leading voice in the environmental movement, writing eloquent books and essays, teaching workshops and courses throughout the country. Mills is featured in Earth Days, a documentary on the origins of modern environmental activism in this country, which opened at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. She now lives in Maple City, Michigan.

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M i l l s Q u a r t e r ly

et’s conceive a different kind of life, one in which we each, as individuals, family members, and neighbors, find ways and means to provide the necessities.

Imagine the emergence of myriad diverse, cooperative communities where everyone has much to learn, much to offer, and much work to do. Boundless opportunities to devolve and adapt systems of production, exchange, and governance, confront us. We are all servant-leaders now. Rather than resort to command and control, dominance and hierarchy, we can practice nonviolence and mutual aid.

Civilization may crumble, but wisdom will grow up in the cracks with the green things. A vision beckons: We will evolve cultures that prize balance, not mastery. City, country, and suburban people will create comely dwellings and right-sized settlements that include habitat for native creatures, will cultivate edibles on balconies, rooftops, and former lawns. In budding sacred groves there will be encounters with the wild. Tree planters will renew the water cycle. Torrents and freshets will reappear. Over the centuries, the beauty of the earth will be renewed through the lives of its creatures.

Humility and skillful means will forge a finer humanity.

Working with nature, we will come back to our selves and to our senses. The dross will be burned away.

photo by gary howe

Alumnae tr avel Go online for news about AAMC travel programs In an effort to minimize printing costs and reduce waste of natural resources, alumnae travel program operators will increasingly use electronic communications to inform you of upcoming tours. Brochures for Alumnae Association of Mills College (AAMC) tours are now available as PDFs online at http://www.mills.edu/alumnae/activities/travel.php. You can also request brochures by calling the AAMC at 510.430.2110 or sending email to aamc@mills.edu.

Here are a few reasons why you learn more—and enjoy more—on AAMC tours with Mills alumnae and friends: • You share an affinity and history with your fellow travelers.

• You experience highly selective itineraries that focus on educational and cultural enrichment.

• You attend specially planned events with alumnae living abroad.

• You benefit from the efficiency and ease of group travel: superior hotels and restaurants are included in the cost.

• Expert local guides offer knowledge and personal assistance at your point of entry and transfers.

• Tour costs are often all-inclusive of fees, taxes, and tips.

The AAMC Travel Committee is committed to offering tours of the highest value for the best price. We look forward to welcoming you!

Galapagos and Machu Picchu Begin the adventure in Lima, Peru, with a walking tour of the city. Next fly to Cuzco to visit the sights from the Inca Empire.

A train takes you through the Urubamba Valley to arrive at Machu Picchu, “The Lost City of the Incas.” Return to Cuzco for a guided visit of the city, then fly to Quito for an excursion to Cotopaxi National Park. Fly to Baltra Island to board a yacht for four days of cruising among the Galapagos Islands.

Return with a full day at leisure before flying home.

August 5–19, 15 days, $5,099 plus air

Post-Reunion trip to the Wine Country This trip is open to all alumnae and friends who want a short get-away with activities and excursions to interest everyone. Includes a private tour of the Hess Collection and Winery, receptions and dinners, a gourmet luncheon with ideas on coordinating wine and food, and a docent-led tour of the Sonoma Art Guild and private art studios. The trip ends with a cruise up the Napa River for a totally different view of Napa.

October 4–6, 3 days, $555

Sicily and Southern Italy Few places in Europe combine history and beauty like this part of Italy. See Rome, the magical Isle of Capri, Sorrento, and Pompeii. An overnight ferry takes you from Naples to the historic island of Sicily. Return to Rome via a drive through Calabria with its unique trulli houses. Enjoy an overnight in Rome before flying home.

October 18–31, 14 days, $2,899 plus air

Israel This trip will explore three very important regions: the cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv, the sea and the Golan Heights of Galilee, and Israel’s capital of Jerusalem, including the Western Wall, Temple of the Mount, and Yad Yasem memorial museum. Also see Masada and the Dead Sea, the lowest dry-land point on earth. Experience a night’s lodging in a Kibbutz Hotel to learn about community life.

November 21–30, 10 days, $2,420 plus air

The best way to learn about new AAMC travel opportunities is to sign up for our monthly @mills email newsletter. Every issue lists new tours. To receive @mills, send your email address to alumnaerelations@mills.edu along with your full name, any previous name, and class year (if applicable). Write “@mills” in the subject line of your message.

Mills Quarterly Mills College 5000 MacArthur Blvd.

Oakland, CA 94613-1301 510.430.3312 quarterly@mills.edu www.mills.edu Address service requested Periodicals postage paid at Oakland, CA and at additional mailing office(s)

Mills College wants you back

architecture, rejoicing in our environment and

Rediscovering Mills Reunion ’09

learning about efforts to preserve it, reviving

October 1 through 4, 2009

for a weekend of rediscovery: of reconnecting with old friends and making new ones, revisiting historic spaces and exploring innovative

traditions and celebrating creativity. This Reunion honors, in particular, the Golden Girls of 1959 and alumnae from class years ending in 4 and 9. Highlights include:

• Convocation on October 2 with speaker Stephanie Mills ’69, ecological activist and author • Darius Milhaud Concert • AAMC Awards Ceremony and Class Luncheon • Dinners for each Reunioning class, organized by class secretaries • Class of 1959 dinner at the St. Francis Yacht Club • Reception and dinner for all Golden Girls • State of the College presentation by Mills College President Janet L. Holmgren • Tours of the renovated Jeannik Méquet Littlefield Concert Hall and new campus architecture

For more information, visit www.mills.edu/reunion, call 510.430.2123, or email alumnae-relations@mills.edu.

Brochures with full schedules and registration information will be mailed to all alumnae from class years ending in 4 and 9 as well as alumnae in the Bay Area; they will be available to other alumnae by request.