Mills Quarterly, Summer 2014

c r e w c e l e b r at e s a c e n t u ry

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w h at a r e y o u d o i n g w i t h y o u r l i f e ?

Mills Quarterly Summer 2014

Body • Mind • Spirit Sports at Mills

The annual fund provides funding for faculty, staff, and

academic support, ensuring that Mills students benefit from highly engaged teaching and learning.

Student–faculty ratio at Mills – 10:1 National average among liberal arts colleges –12:1

72%

Annual fund gifts support financial aid for talented students who come to Mills from many different backgrounds.

Last fall’s entering class included:

3.64

142 students who are fluent in a language other than English, including Burmese, Laotian, Danish, Russian, Arabic, Mandarin, and Cantonese •

=

72% of Mills classes have fewer than 20 students At other schools: • UC Berkeley – 63% • Stanford – 69% • Smith College – 68% • Wellesley College – 73%

sharing

the story of the

The annual fund also supports the following areas: Upkeep of Mills’

135-acre campus with 64 buildings and over 2,000 eucalyptus trees

Furniture, repairs, maintenance, and services in residence halls housing

650 students

at a cost of about $800,000 each year

annual fund

26 students who served on the student council at their previous school and nearly 100 who held a leadership position within a club or organization •

a published author, an Emmy-nominated actress, and a student who is in the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest webcast •

16% 16% of Mills undergraduates

are resumers (age 25 or older) At other schools:

7% 4% lls

such as a boiler upgrade that resulted in a 24% decrease in the campus’s natural gas consumption

2%

1% d ley for rke e tan B S C

Mi

Sustainability initiatives,

GPA in high school of fall 2013 first-year students

U

30%

ith

Sm

ey

esl

ll We

50%

24% First-generation college students Campus’s natural gas consumption

(first in their families to attend college)

Students of color National average: 32%

National average: 16%

Every gift you make to the annual fund becomes part of the Mills story. Every gift plays a role in providing remarkable students with a life-changing educational experience. Give to the Mills College Annual Fund by visiting alumnae.mills.edu/give, calling 510.430.2366, or returning the enclosed envelope.

8

12

16

Mills Quarterly

contents Summer 2014 3

Restructuring for long-term success

The Mills community faces difficult decisions in order to arrive at a balanced budget that ensures financial stability while meeting the needs of 21st-century students.

8

After Mills, many paths by Dawn Cunningham ’85

As this year’s graduates received their diplomas, many must have been considering what careers they might pursue in the years to come. A recent alumnae/i survey shows that their options are varied and sometimes unexpected. Plus: Bent Twigs.

12

The sporting life by Caitlin Graveson Mitchell, MA ’13

Participating in athletics helps students find a sense of belonging, increase their focus in the classroom, and develop skills that serve them well after graduation.

16

Pulling together by Vanessa Marlin ’08

One hundred years ago, Mills crew became one of the first women’s competitive rowing teams in the country. Since then, rowers have worked together to sustain old traditions and earn new triumphs.

36

The Stories We Share: Swimming through the waves

For Ellen Krosney Shockro ’64, achieving success in both athletics and academics is a matter of possibility and persistence.

Departments 2

Letters to the Editor

4

Mills Matters

22

Class Notes

33

In Memoriam

On the cover: The Mills cross country team comes together in a moment of joyful camaraderie. Photo by Kurt Loeffler.

Volume CII Number 4 Summer 2014

Letters to the Editor

President Alecia A. DeCoudreaux

The spring Quarterly article “Feeding the

curriculum. I began the course with the

Vice President for Institutional Advancement Tanya Hauck

Artist,” by Jessica Langlois, MFA ’10, was

writing of a resume and artist statement,

thrilling. I’ve always believed that very

then did sessions on how to photograph

few talented artists and writers actually

and market one’s work, and worked up

know enough about good business prac-

to writing grants, applying to graduate

tices to sustain their art. Professor Nancy

school, and how to file a Schedule C with

Thornborrow’s idea to use the business

the IRS. I brought in successful artists

resources of the College for the benefit of

who shared their experiences of running

emerging artists, writers, and musicians

their studios as a profitable business. Not

was brilliant. And the experience of Kiala

infrequently, I run into former students

Givehand, MFA ’10, in establishing her

who tell me they still have all the hand-

own publishing organization was a per-

outs from the class and how it helped

fect way to show the value of the course

them in their careers.

Managing Editor Linda Schmidt Design and Art Direction Nancy Siller Wilson Contributing Writers Vanessa Marlin ’08 Caitlin Graveson Mitchell, MA ’13 Editorial Assistance Maggie Slover ’14 Russell Schoch 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.

for generations to come. I was so inspired

Kudos to Mills for giving its students

by the article that I sent a check to Mills

an opportunity to learn entrepreneurial

this morning. Once again, I’m so proud

skills from professional artists and writers

of Mills!

so they, in turn, can also be successful. — Reed Isbell-Hobbs ’62

—Willem Volkersz, MFA ’67 Professor Emeritus,

McLean, Virginia

Montana State University I read the article on Mills College’s course,

Bozeman, Montana

The Business of Being an Artist, in the spring 2014 issue with great interest. As

The letter in the spring issue of the

a professional artist and college teacher, I

Quarterly from Ellen Myers Taves ’48

was acutely aware that my students were

really shocked me. I don’t know how she

often highly talented yet totally unfamil-

could say, “…the education was poor.” I

iar with how to make a living from their

was in the class of 1950 and found the

Email: quarterly@mills.edu Phone: 510.430.3312

creative work.

education

When I taught at the Kansas City Art

for the better, and leaving me with the

Printed on recycled paper containing 10 percent post-consumer waste.

Institute (1968–86), the administration

knowledge that knowing how to search

resisted adding a professional practices

for information was a very important

course, so several of us took the initiative

asset. (Too true today when I am not com-

to teach a series of workshops in the eve-

puter friendly!) It is hard to imagine what

nings and on weekends. When I arrived

classes Ellen took that left her dissatis-

at Montana State University as director

fied, but certainly they must have been

of the School of Art in 1986, I developed

different than those I took.

Copyright © 2014, Mills College Address correspondence to the Mills Quarterly, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 94613. Letters to the editor may be edited for clarity or length.

(Please use outline)

an elective course, Careers in Art, that is now required of all students in the BFA

stimulating,

life

changing

—Marjorie Nath Ettlinger ’50 Highland Park, Illinois

Have an opinion or comment? Send it to Mills Quarterly, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 94613 or quarterly@mills.edu. Letters may be edited for clarity or length.

2

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

A Message from the President of Mills College

Restructuring for long-term success By Alecia A. DeCoudreaux As we celebrate the accomplishments

• Mills continues to be tuition-dependent

of our graduating students, I am mind-

for the majority of our revenue, and

ful of the generations of students who

enrollment growth has been both

have studied at this wonderful college

gradual and volatile. Although our fall

and gone out to make their marks on the

2013 enrollment of 1,608 students was

world. I am also mindful of our need to

the largest in Mills’ history, enroll-

preserve and enhance the College so that

ment declined in the spring due to

faculty and staff to ensure that we are

future generations of students will have

lower-than-expected retention of stu-

maximizing efficiencies and synergies. I

the benefit of a Mills education.

dents. As a result, we are lagging

will be sharing news of our decisions with

For several years in the recent past,

behind our projections for enrollment

Mills alumnae and friends via email.*

Mills operated with a budget deficit that

revenue, and we expect this situation

was compounded when the markets col-

to continue next year.

While we work to reduce the deficit, we will also seek to increase revenue streams

lapsed in 2008. We have taken measur-

• In keeping with best financial prac-

(see more about a land leasing option

able steps to manage this deficit, including

tices, we are drawing less income from

on page 6). Tuition will remain our chief

making substantial budget cuts in 2011.

our endowment; we aim to cap endow-

revenue source, so we are continuing to

We ended fiscal year 2013 last June with

ment payouts at no more than 5 per-

invest in strategies to enhance student

a balanced budget, thanks to the collec-

cent (down from as high as 7 percent)

recruitment

tive efforts of the campus community and

within two years. To continue to draw

attracting more international students.

generous gifts, including bequests, from

as much from the endowment as in the

One thing we will not change, however,

alumnae and other donors.

past would jeopardize the long-term

is our steadfast commitment to keeping

financial stability of the College.

Mills a women’s college at the undergrad-

This year, however, we again face a

and

retention,

including

substantial deficit, and that deficit gap is

To address the impact of these factors

projected to increase in fiscal year 2015

and balance the budget, we must reduce

Mills, like many higher education insti-

and beyond unless we restructure our

costs in fiscal year 2015, which begins

tutions across the country, must revise its

operations and implement decisive and

on July 1, by at least $5.5 million (our

business model in order to survive and

permanent cost-reducing measures. To

budget was $84.6 million in fiscal year

thrive. Our community has the knowl-

create the Mills that generations of stu-

2014). I have asked my cabinet to explore

edge to plan for the future; we need the

dents in the 21st century will need and

a reorganization that will enable Mills to

volition to make hard decisions and the

want, it is imperative that we balance the

educate students in the most effective

willingness to do things differently. We

budget once and for all. We will then be

manner possible and to evolve into the

also need the support of our alumnae

able to fund initiatives that are critical for

21st-century institution envisioned in

and friends: volunteers to help our stu-

the health and growth of the College, as

our strategic plan. This will likely mean

dents find their career paths, for example,

articulated in the College’s strategic plan

difficult decisions in regard to staffing,

and donors to support our annual fund

(see www.mills.edu/strategicplan). For

and may even result in closing some aca-

and student scholarships. When all these

example, we aim to make greater invest-

demic programs. Any changes to the cur-

things happen, we can move forward to

ments in integrating technology with

riculum will be informed by enrollment

assure Mills’ success in the future.

the curriculum and in career services,

data and faculty program reviews and

which are essential to attract and retain

will be approved by faculty vote.

students—and prepare them for success throughout their lives. The deficit Mills faces reflects two longterm challenges:

uate level.

*If you would like to receive emails from

We aim to make many of these bud-

me but do not already receive news from

get-reduction decisions by June 30, but

Mills via email, please call 510.430.2123

some restructuring ideas will evolve over

or email alumnae-relations@mills.edu

several months through discussions with

to share your email address.

SUMMER 2014

3

Mills Matters Fond farewells to faculty and staff As this academic year draws to a close, several long-time faculty and staff are leaving Mills to enjoy retirement or other pursuits. After more than a half century of teaching, Professor of Anthropology Robert Anderson is moving on. At Mills since 1960, Anderson received three degrees in anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley. He later earned a doctor of chiropractic at Life Chiropractic College and an MD from the University of Ciudad Juarez, and has published dozens of journal articles and other writings, often focusing on alternative and traditional medicine in a number of cultures. He has held several administrative and editorial appointments with the Southwestern Anthropological Association, the American Back Society, and the American College of Traditional Chinese

Clockwise from top left: Kennedy Golden, Carol Berendsen, Vicki LaBoskey, Susan Spiller

Medicine. Vicki LaBoskey, professor of educa-

Spiller completed her doctorate at UC

was certified at the highest level of the

tion at Mills since 1988, earned her

Berkeley and has held a research grant

American Red Cross to teach and certify

PhD at Stanford University, worked

from the National Science Foundation to

water safety instructors; she gave critical

with the Stanford Teacher Education

pursue her work; she will continue her

input into training materials used across

Program, and has significant elemen-

research at Lawrence Berkeley National

the country.

tary level classroom experience—all of

Laboratory.

which inform her extensive research and

Two staff members who have influ-

writing on teacher self-study, reflective

enced hundreds of students throughout

inquiry, and techniques for counteract-

their tenures have also retired. Kennedy

ing racism and encouraging social justice

Golden, most recently the associate dean

in teaching. She has served as president

of students and international student

of the California Council on Teacher

advisor, has held many roles in her

Education and, in 2001, was honored

45 years of service with Mills.

with the Trefethen Faculty Award for

Carol Berendsen, director of aquat-

excellence in teaching and scholarship.

ics and physical education coordinator,

Associate Professor of Biology Susan

was hired to help oversee construction

Spiller headed a bioengineering team

of the Trefethen Aquatic Center 16 years

at Mills that developed a red fluores-

ago and to re-establish the Mills College

cent tag in a blue-green bacterium that

swim team. Under her leadership, the

enhances microscopic imaging in living

Mills pool served the needs of students

cells and enables researchers to monitor

and the community alike. Berendsen

infection mechanisms as they happen.

also served as president of the Bay

A faculty member at Mills since 1988,

Area Pool Operator’s Association and

4

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

Correction: The photo of the introduction of the Shirley Chisholm postage stamp in the last issue of the Quarterly inadvertently identified Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, third from right, as Senator Barbara Boxer. We apologize for the error.

The return of dramatic arts Beginning this fall, both a major and

who desires both

minor in theater studies will again be

an academic and

available to Mills College students. The

experiential the-

program results from a partnership with

ater education.”

San Francisco’s esteemed American

The new theater

Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) that allows

major combines

students to learn the best of theory and

dance and theater

practice and have access to world-class

studies courses

theater professionals.

taught on campus

“This innovative theater major with

A.C.T.’s recent production of Napoli! by Eduardo De Filippo

with classes taken

A.C.T. combines the artistic discipline

at the A.C.T. stu-

and training of an intense studio

dios in downtown San Francisco; the San

program and the intellectual rigor and

Francisco requirements can be fulfilled

scholarly breadth of a first-class liberal

on a full-time or part-time basis. The

groundbreaking classical and contem-

arts college,” said Kimberley L. Phillips,

curriculum will expand from seminars

porary productions. It is also recognized

Mills provost and dean of the faculty.

to practicum classes and will include

as an outstanding educational institu-

interdisciplinary collaborations and per-

tion and was rated as one of the top

formance opportunities.

10 drama schools in the country in a

“Students will participate in interdisciplinary collaborations with various Mills departments, experience the professional

“We are tremendously excited about

Conservatory Director Melissa Smith. A.C.T. is internationally known for its

recent poll of 60 top casting directors

atmosphere of A.C.T., a Tony Award-

expanding the cohort of young-adult

and agents by The Hollywood Reporter.

winning regional theater, and engage

acting talent under our roof and look

Notable alumni include Annette Bening,

in San Francisco’s vibrant artistic and

forward to the energy, vitality, and cre-

Benjamin Bratt, Danny Glover, Anika

diverse cultural community,” she added.

ativity that these undergraduates will

Noni Rose, Anna Deavere Smith, and

“This is an ideal program for the student

bring to our artistic community,” said

Denzel Washington.

On view at the Mills College Art Museum Cross Section: Recent Acquisitions July 16–August 31 Recently acquired pieces in dialogue with artwork from MCAM’s permanent collection celebrates the diversity of the museum’s holdings in a wide range of media. This collection of very different artworks and artists draws together multiple themes and ideas and features new acquisitions of work by Carrie Mae Weems, Judy Chicago, Mika Rottenberg, Sylvia Sleigh, Kathryn Spence, Binh Danh, Pae White, Allison Smith, Nathan Oliveira, and Joanne Leonard, among others. For more information, see mcam.mills.edu or contact 510.430.2164 or museum@mills.edu. The museum is open 11:00 am–4:00 pm Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 am–7:30 pm Wednesday, and is closed Monday. Admission is free.

Binh Danh, Military Foliage #2, 2010, Chlorophyll print and resin, Museum purchase, Susan L. Mills Fund

SUMMER 2014

5

Two women join College Trustees Judith James ’74, of Strasburg, Virginia, has been

President Alecia DeCoudreaux hosted

elected alumna trustee for the 2014–17 term

a dinner on the Mills campus in

beginning July 1. In this role she will be a mem-

May for all local college presidents

ber of the Board of Governors of the Alumnae

in honor of Janet Napolitano, who

Association of Mills College and also act as a

became president of the University

alumna representative on the Mills College Board

of California in September 2013, and

of Trustees. James, shown at left, holds a BA in

new UC Berkeley Chancellor Nicholas

cultural anthropology/sociology from Mills, an

Dirks. Dirks is the father of Sandhya

MA in education from Holy Names University,

Dirks ’10, who wrote the article about

and a doctorate in organization and leadership

Mills public radio classes for the

in higher education administration from the

spring 2012 issue of the Quarterly.

University of San Francisco. She has been a leader in several community and educational organizations and on the Mills College Alumnae of Color committee. “The AAMC of the future must be fully synchronized with the College ...to ensure the ongoing support and achievement of Mills’ mission, governance, and, in particular, each of the six strategic imperatives identified for 2013–2018,” says James. Lalita Tademy has also been named to the Mills College Board. Tademy found success in the corporate world as a vice president at a Fortune 500 high technology company in Silicon Valley before launching her literary career with the novel Cane River, based on the lives of four generations of colored Creole slave women in Louisiana. Cane River was Oprah Winfrey’s summer book pick in 2001 and was followed in 2007 by Red River, a historical novel inspired by events that happened during Reconstruction after the Civil War.

College considers leasing underutilized campus site for commercial use project could advance both of these goals.

Mills College is evaluating the possibil-

vice president of operations, says, “At the

ity of leasing five acres of land on the

moment, the task force is only investi-

periphery of campus for commercial

gating the feasibility of the project. We

the (e)ucalyptus email newsletter in April,

development, including retail and office

are discussing the possibilities for the

President DeCoudreaux wrote, “Our initial anal-

space and housing. The College was

site with the developer, but we have not

ysis of the project points to many advantages:

approached by a developer interested

committed to the project. If the project

Mills would retain ownership of the land while

in the site, located on Seminary Avenue

comes to fruition, it would have a long

receiving regular income from its use. Because

near Highway 580.

timeline for completion.”

the proposed site is at the edge of campus and

A Real Estate Development Task Force,

Jadushlever points out that the project

In a statement released to alumnae through

would be accessed from Seminary Avenue, it

composed of current and former trustees

would provide a new source of rev-

can be developed without compromising the

and a pro bono real estate expert, has

enue for Mills. The College’s 2013–18

beauty and serenity for which our landscape is

been convened to evaluate whether the

Strategic Plan identifies the develop-

known. Our students would gain more options

project meets the needs of the Mills com-

ment of underutilized land as a potential

for shopping and possibly employment in the

munity and its neighbors. As part of this

means of generating revenue that would

neighborhood. The new shops would foster

evaluation process, College representa-

help to secure the College’s long-term

a greater sense of place as more residents are

tives are meeting with city leaders, local

financial stability. The plan also calls

drawn to the area. In short, this project appears

merchants, neighborhood associations,

for building a more vibrant campus and

to fulfill many of the Mills community’s desires

and the campus community.

strategic partnerships with the city of

and addresses several of the College’s strategic

Oakland; the real estate development

imperatives.”

Renée Jadushlever, chief of staff and 6

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

Campus kudos A selection of recent achievements by faculty, staff, and students Two faculty members in the Mills

to campuses across the United States

Music Department have been honored

for substantive dialogue with students

with 2014 Doris Duke Artist Awards

and faculty members to create better

in recognition of “exceptional creativ-

understanding and new connections

ity, ongoing self-challenge, and the

between the academic and nonacademic

continuing potential to make signifi-

worlds. Obejas was also nominated for a

cant contributions.” The first is Roscoe

Pushcart Prize for her poem, “Genesis.”

Mitchell, Darius Milhaud Professor

Obejas and Megan Bayles are co-editors

of Music, an icon of contemporary

of Immigrant Voices: Twenty-First Century

music and avant-garde jazz. A found-

Stories, an anthology of immigrant fic-

ing member of the Art Ensemble of

tion, published in March by the Great

Chicago and the Association for the

Books Foundation.

Advancement of Creative Musicians,

President Alecia DeCoudreaux was

Mitchell is respected as both a composer

honored as one of the Most Influential

and performer, frequently utilizing such

Women in Bay Area Business for 2014 by

unorthodox devices as spontaneous col-

the San Francisco Business Times in the

lective improvisation, toy instruments,

publication’s May 2 special issue.

and non-musical noise. His forthcom-

Assistant Professor of Art History

ing CD features his colleagues from the

Meryl Bailey is one of a select group

Mills Music Department, James Fei and

of 21 faculty members nationwide

William Winant.

chosen by the Council of Independent

Also receiving a Doris Duke Award

Colleges to participate in a special week-

is Distinguished Visiting Artist Zeena

long seminar on Teaching Pre-Modern

Parkins, a pioneer of contemporary

European Art in Context. Participants

harp practice and performance. She has

will have special access to objects held

built one-of-a-kind electric harps and

by the University of Chicago’s Smart

extended the language of the acoustic

Museum of Art in Chicago, which is

harp with unusual playing techniques,

hosting the event.

preparations, and layers of electronic

Priya Shimpi, assistant professor

processing. She has received numerous

of education, has been named to the

commissions; her most recent record-

National Science Foundation College

ing is Trouble in Paradise, with Ikue

of Reviewers and to the international

Mori. Each recipient of a Doris Duke

fellowship selection panel of the

Artist Award receives an unrestricted,

American Association of University

multi-year cash grant of $225,000, plus

Women. She recently made a presenta-

as much as $25,000 more for audience

tion at the Stanford Graduate School of

development and another $25,000 for

Education and, with a Mills undergradu-

personal reserves or creative exploration.

ate author and others, published the

Achy Obejas, distinguished visiting

paper “Creation of a western-based early

writer in the English Department, has

childhood English-language program

been named a Woodrow Wilson Fellow

in China” in the Journal of Research in

for 2014–2016. The Woodrow Wilson

Childhood Education.

Visiting Fellows program brings artists, diplomats, journalists, business leaders,

From top: Roscoe Mitchell, Zeena Parkins,

and other nonacademic professionals

Achy Obejas, Meryl Bailey

SUMMER 2014

7

After Mills, many paths By Dawn Cunningham ’85 Data analysis by Mike Pasqua Photos by Steve Babuljak

“What now? What do you do next?” Commencement speaker Daljit Bains ’99 asked of this year’s graduates. On Saturday, May 17, 591 undergraduates and graduate students became Mills alumnae/i. For most of them, Commencement signaled the start of a new path in life or a new phase in their careers. During her speech, Bains shared reflections on her own career path. Immediately after graduating from Mills, she gained a valuable insight while working a temporary job reviewing resumes for an executive search firm. “I realized, from real life examples, that there are many different paths to get to where you’d like to be,” she said. Building on her background as a biology major, she launched her professional career at Genentech, where she managed drug production, then went on to oversee regulatory compliance at Johnson & Johnson. “A few years after being on my path in the biotech and pharma world, I could sense something was missing for me on a soul level,” said Bains. “I remembered that my path did not have to be linear.” She left biotech to start her own fair-trade business, Kaur Textiles, specializing in textiles, housewares, and accessories from India. “I had a desire to make an impact in rural communities in India, especially in the lives of women.” In 2010, Bains became chief compliance officer for the Peace Corps. “For me this was an especially telling moment, because what seemed like disparate pieces at the time—biotech and social 8

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

entrepreneurship—were coming together for me in a way I couldn’t have imagined when I started my path,” she said. “Pay attention to the things that make you feel alive, and move in that direction,” Bains advised.

Viae diversae Many Mills graduates share Bains’s success in carving a non-linear path after college. Last year, the College conducted an online survey to learn more about the paths that graduates have taken. Responses were received from 2,860 alumnae/i: 2,338 who studied at Mills for their undergraduate degrees and 522 who attended as graduate students. One of the trends that this survey made evident is that Mills alumnae/i pursue an impressive diversity of career paths, and many of these paths defy categorization. The single occupational category that the greatest number (187) of survey respondents selected to describe their work was “other”; the next most popular category was “education, other,” selected by 87 respondents. More than 100 specific occupations were represented, including ranchers and writers, anthropologists and venture capitalists, choreographers and clergy. Undergraduate alumnae, in particular, are almost as likely to pursue a path that leads far from their major as to find professional employment in their field of study. While 54 percent are employed in a related field, there are former arts students working in medicine, English majors in finance, natural science students in journalism, and social science majors in technology. The situation is rather different for graduate alumnae/i, many of whom have chosen advanced study to further an already established career. Among these respondents, 83 percent are employed in a field related to their area of study at Mills.

“Pay attention to the things that make you feel alive, and move in that direction.” –Daljit Bains ’99

SUMMER 2014

9

Such career flexibility is one of the advantages of a liberal arts education: a broad base of knowledge equips alumnae to adapt to changing opportunities in the job market and to continue to assimilate new ideas throughout their lives. Bains recalled, “The conversations I had with friends at the dinner table at Founders Hall—where I learned about feminist theory, art history, musicians, and writers—all gave me an education beyond what I had signed up for. Being at a small, liberal arts college gave me easy access to events and people beyond what I was studying in Dr. Spiller’s bio classes…. Mills let me fully explore my curiosity because I had access to so much on a small campus.”

A love of learning Undergraduate alumnae in various occupational fields

Despite the diversity of career paths, there are certain broad fields that have proven especially attractive to Mills alumnae/i of all generations. Education— including occupations such as elementary school teacher, college professor,

librarian, and coach—is the most popular field for both undergraduate and Other 23% Education 18% graduate alumnae/i who have graduated since 1970. For pre-1970 graduates, Business 11% larger percentages are retired or working in business. Communications 6% Among undergraduate respondents of all majors, 18 percent work in eduRetired 6% cation. It is the most common field of employment for majors in education, Nonprofit 5% letters, and natural science; among fine arts majors, it is equal in popularity to Medical/Biotech 5% Finance 4% the fine and performing arts field; and among social science majors, education Fine/Performing Arts 3% is almost as common a field as business. Technology 3% The second most common area of employment for all generations of underGovernment/Public Service 3% graduate alumnae since 1970 is business (with 11 percent of respondents), Social Services 3% followed by communications, nonprofit, and medical/biotechnology occupaHomemaker 3% Legal, Self-Employed, Hospitality, 8% tions—each with 5 to 6 percent of respondents. Agriculture, Grad Student, Among graduate alumnae/i, 39 percent work in education. This reflects Unemployed, Volunteer (2% or less each) the large number of graduates over the decades from the College’s esteemed

School of Education. But among English graduate alumnae/i, education is also the top field, with 37 percent of respondents, followed by communications

Graduate alumnae in various occupational fields

and writing-related occupations, with 26 percent. Among fine arts graduates, almost as many are employed in education as in the fine and performing arts (28 percent and 32 percent of respondents, respectively).

Unsurprisingly, science graduate alumnae/i, including those from the comEducation 39% Other 14% puter science and pre-med programs, are most likely to work in a technology Fine/Performing Arts 10% or medical/biotech field. Social science graduate alumnae/i, including those Communications 8% with MBAs and MPPs, are most likely to work in business (34 percent) or Business 7% finance (31 percent); 10 percent work in public service. Technology 4% Overall for graduate alumnae/i, the three most common career fields after Finance 3% Medical/Biotech 3% education are the fine and performing arts, communications-related occupaNonprofit, Social Services, 12% tions, and business. Government/Public Service, Legal, No matter what path an alumna walks after Mills—whether it’s a straight Hospitality, Homemaker, Volunteer, shot from her major or whether it takes many twists and turns—the love of Unemployed (2% or less each) learning she shares with her classmates will surely stay with her throughout her life. An additional trait that all graduates should cultivate, Bains said in her address, is the desire to “walk the earth”: “Walking the earth is anything that takes you outside of your normal. When you begin to walk the earth, you will begin to see yourself as a part of the larger world. This takes you outside of your comfort zone… it challenges you and subsequently helps you to grow…. Walking the earth is about having curiosity…. For me, walking the earth helped me re-imagine the world and my place in it.”

10

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

◆

Bent twigs ’14 1

2

ABent Twig is a Mills student or alumna whose family tree includes another Mills alumna. 1 Bridget Shaw with her grandmother Carol Shaw Treffinger ’54, mother, Marian Murphy-Shaw ’83, and aunt Linda Treffinger ’83 2 Thea Anderson and her sister Madeleine Anderson ’11, MA ’12 3 Nolan Jones, MA ’12, and his brother Nathan Jones, MFA ’10

3

4

4 Elizabeth Anne Judge with her mother, Suzanne Good ’66, and her godmother, Vicki Lindblade ’66 5 Camille Kaslan with her mother, Cat Du Ruz Kaslan ’85, grandmother Patricia Welch Schanzenbach ’53, and aunt Bridget Du Ruz ’79 6 Alheli Cuenca with her sister, Dalia Cuenca ’11 7 Sheila Cassani and her aunt, Sara Beckner Northwood ’80 8 Daisha Yasmine Mshaka with her sister, Thembisa M. Mshaka ’92 9 Meghan Hinsch and her aunt, Rachael Meny ’92 10 Mollie Ito Roark and her mother, Susan Ito, MFA ’94 11 Samantha Curran with her cousin, Amy Curran ’07

5

6

12 Loreli Mann and her mother, Linden Steele ’03, MA ’05 13 Laura Vollmer with her mother, Helen Adams Vollmer ’74, and her father, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry John Vollmer 14 Laura Nineham Williams with her mother, Charlotte Nineham Barry-Williams ’77 15 Alexandra Sheffield and her sister, Meg Huff ’05 ph otos by t er e sa ta m

7

8

10

9

11

13

12

14

15 SUMMER 2014

11

The sporting life By Caitlin Graveson Mitchell, MA ’13   Photos by Kurt Loeffler

12

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

trolling through campus,

S

onships in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, last November. “We

you may see students sporting a t-shirt that

were playing teams that are similar to our own skill level,” she

boldly declares “Mills College Football: Still

says. “The competition was better; rallies lasted longer. It felt

Undefeated!” It’s a tongue-in-cheek procla-

good to play with a little fight and to feel like we really earned

raderie they find while wearing the blue and yellow results not

That competitive edge

only in a record of wins and losses, but also enhances their aca-

showing in the classroom. When Katie Young ’12 was a mem-

demic performance, builds emotional maturity and resilience,

ber of the Mills swim team in 2011, the Cyclones recorded the

and develops an array of other skills that will help them well

highest grade point average (GPA) in the country among NCAA

beyond graduation.

Division III women’s swimming programs. “That was something

mation, but athletics nonetheless is a vital part of the college

our wins.”

experience for many Mills students. The confidence and cama-

Mills athletics “places highest priority on development of the whole student-athlete,” says Themy Adachi, assistant dean of

also extends to making a solid

we were proud of,” Young recalls. “There was positive peer pressure to keep our grades up.”

student life and director of Athletics, Physical Education, and

Such success is due, in part, to the efforts of Head Swim Coach

Recreation. The department maintains six varsity teams—swim-

Neil Virtue, who meets with each student regularly to check

ming, tennis, soccer, cross country, volleyball, and rowing—that

on her progress in the pool and in the classroom. If a student

compete within Division III of the National Collegiate Athletic

is struggling, he helps her develop an academic plan. During

Association. Unlike the NCAA’s big-name, big-money Division I

Virtue’s 12-year tenure at Mills, the swim team has been recog-

sports, which offer students scholarships in exchange for athletic

nized every semester by the College Swim Coaches Association

performance, Division III programs are built on a different phi-

of America for earning a 3.30 GPA or higher.

losophy. While still providing high-quality intercollegiate com-

Young had opted out of swimming during her first year at

petition, Division III offers no sports scholarships, has shorter

Mills. An environmental studies major with a music minor, she

playing seasons, and emphasizes the importance of academics

was concerned that she wouldn’t have time for music lessons,

and full participation in campus life.

homework, and swim practice.

“This is very much aligned with our institutional values at

“I’m happy that I got over that,” she laughs. “Swimming actu-

Mills,” says Adachi. “The emphasis is on being a student first; it

ally increased my ability to do academics in the long run.” She

is about educating the whole person. Our student-athletes are

rejoined swimming in her sophomore year, and explains that

leaders throughout the campus,” she adds, noting that many

early morning practices meant getting homework done on time

Mills student-athletes serve as resident advisors, student sena-

the night before. “I realized that I was more productive when

tors, class council members, admissions ambassadors, and edi-

playing a sport,” she says. “It adds structure to your life.”

tors or writers for The Campanil.

The value placed on academics is not unique to the swim team.

UC Santa Cruz is the only other Division III program in

Student-athletes in all sports find support for their schoolwork

Northern California, so that over the course of the regular

even at the gym. When teams travel, coaches set aside manda-

season, the Cyclones often match up against more competi-

tory study time. Coaches connect struggling students with aca-

tive teams at Division II colleges or smaller programs under

demic resources, and follow up to make sure student-athletes are

the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. End-of-

improving. Last year, varsity students earned a combined 3.28 GPA.

the-season tournaments are played against other similarly skilled Division III teams in the Great South Athletic Conference (GSAC), which includes Agnes Scott College, Wesleyan, and several other all-women’s schools. The GSAC affiliation also gives Mills the potential to compete in the NCAA Division III National Championships. “This conference championship lets us compete against other schools that share our philosophy,” says Head Tennis Coach Loke Davis ’09. “It’s a real goal to look forward to at the end of the semester.” Maribell Garcia ’14, a four-year studentathlete and senior class president, traveled with the volleyball team to the GSAC champi-

Mills student-athletes become their best on the field, in the classroom, and in life SUMMER 2014

13

Volleyball player Maribell Garcia found that the team had

For many student-athletes, joining a varsity team is about

regularly scheduled study sessions, sometimes even replacing

much more than athletic competition. Loke Davis, who played

on-the-court practice with study hall. “Playing sports has helped

volleyball and tennis as a Mills student, says that being part of

with time management,” adds Garcia, a first-generation college

the athletics community made her transition to college easier.

student. “When I am playing, I find myself procrastinating a lot less than I do during the off season.” The stress relief of athletic participation also contributes to mental focus, says Ledah Casburn ’03, a swimmer who double

“It was huge to come in and automatically have a group of sophomores, juniors, seniors, and staff who were committed to me because I was on the team,” Davis recalls. “Having that support system right off the bat really helped.”

majored in math and computer science. Casburn saw her time at

Now serving as the tennis coach, Davis maintains a supportive

the pool as a chance to burn off energy and re-focus on school.

environment for her student-athletes. “I was nervous to be on a

“It was meditative,” she says. “We had to get up early and get in

college campus,” says junior Alice Hewitt, “but Loke was so calm

the pool. It gave me an awesome calm.”

and positive. She was a big factor in why I chose Mills.” For Mara Harwood, a first-year biopsychology major from Washington, joining the swim team was a quick way for her to find a community. “I was really afraid that I wouldn’t be able

“The emphasis is on being a student first; it is about educating the whole person.” —Themy Adachi, Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation

to make friends at Mills, but I knew that by joining a sports team I would have a place where I could fit in right away,” she says. After practices, the team gathers in a hot tub at Trefethen Aquatic Center to relax and catch up. “Those are my favorite times—just hanging out after a really grueling practice.” Volleyball player and swimmer Megan Miller ’05 points out how individuality was encouraged when she was a student-athlete. “Someone’s odd trait or unique characteristic was something that was championed,” she says, adding that the environment provided space for her to grow into herself. “I was able to figure out who I am,” Miller explains. “I was rewarded and encouraged to be me.”

14

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

Time spent together in practice, competition, and travel often leads to lifelong friendships, and this sense of closeness and support may well contribute to the high graduation rate of student-athletes. Social isolation is often cited as a major factor in students’ decision to leave school; a 2011 study by Stanford University’s School of Education found a 10 to 15 percent increase in retention rates among students who received mentoring and coaching. At Mills, 83 percent of student-athletes in the entering class of 2009 persisted to graduation; they were retained at a rate several percentage points higher than their classmates. Nationwide, Division III athletics programs have an average graduation rate 7 percent above that of the general student body.

Participating in athletics at Mills also helps develop a sense of being part of the community beyond campus. With their unbounded energy and confident attitude, Mills student-athletes are a formidable force in community service. “Our teams understand the importance and satisfaction of giving back,” Adachi says. Throughout the year, teams may take part in service days, fundraising events, charity drives, kids’ camps, and sports training clinics. The department is a five-time recipient of the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators/Josten’s Community Service Awards. In 2008, Mills student-athletes were recognized for the work they did to restore and refurbish Havenscourt Middle School in Oakland, where they painted the campus, organized and fur-

“I knew that by joining a sports team I would have a place where I could fit in right away.” —Swimmer Mara Harwood ’17

nished the library, and started a garden. And every year, the swim team volunteers at the Swim-a-Mile fundraiser at the campus pool to benefit the Women’s Cancer Resource Center. They host swim clinics to help participants prepare for the mile-long

develop on the court can translate to their pursuits in school and

swim and pitch in on the day of the event.

in their professional lives.”

These activities establish a sense of belonging within the cam-

Megan Miller says the leadership, problem solving, conflict

pus community and a habit of contributing for the greater good.

resolution, and team-building skills she learned as a student-

Adachi notes that athletic pursuits provide an easy but effec-

athlete are integral to her success both as a volleyball coach and

tive environment for student-athletes to develop an array of life

in her career as a consultant. “I use all of those things on a daily

skills that can further personal and professional goals.

basis,” Miller says.

“Athletics offers both challenge and support,” Adachi explains.

Similarly, Katie Young uses the lessons she learned as a rower

“Team dynamics and time commitments stretch students socially,

and swimmer in her job as a biologist. Her experience as a stu-

emotionally, and intellectually—and, as a result, they grow.”

dent-athlete prepared her for the physically challenging task of

Tennis coach Davis attributes much of her own personal

working in the field, she says, and her ability to maintain a posi-

growth to her sports experience. “I learned how to manage inter-

tive attitude even under strenuous conditions has served her

personal relationships,” Davis says. “When you’re on a team, you

well in a variety of situations.

have to interact and cooperate with that same group of people

“We had some grumpy people at swim practice so early in

every day, whether you’re getting along or not. That is a skill

the morning,” Young laughs. “I learned how much your attitude

that is certainly useful in life beyond the experience of the team.”

affects the group, and this made me commit to being a positive

Today, Davis emphasizes personal growth in all areas for her

influence.

student-athletes. “The lessons we learn on the court are meta-

“And I learned to push myself to my limit,” she adds. “Sports

phors for how we can approach other things in our lives,” she

puts you in uncomfortable positions, but that is how you grow

says. “Tennis is all about confidence, and the confidence players

and learn.”

◆

SUMMER 2014

15

Pulling together The Mills crew centenary By Vanessa Marlin ’08

1915

The Ladies of the Lake Mills and Cal coxswains demonstrate good sportswomanship.

T he

pistol ’ s

lingered

The feeling, however, was anything

she pushed them harder. Her voice was

over Lake Merritt seconds after start. It

but as the 12 rowers, coxswain, and pilot

the only thing they attended to in those

was spring 1915 and the first boat race

inched passed the women from Cal. This

historic two minutes and 11 seconds.

in Mills College history. From the banks

wasn’t one of those frilly rowing pageants

Mills won.

of the shore, the whale boats looked like

you’d see on Lake Aliso. This wasn’t about

The coxswains from Mills and Cal per-

water bugs as six starboard oars and six

scoring points on boat maneuvering, like

formed the customary handshake after

port oars flew on a single plane towards

all the other women’s rowing events. This

the race. They smiled for the camera and

the water’s surface. “Splash, two, three,

was a real race—440 yards, to be exact. Not

then to each other with the understand-

four, splash, two, three, four.…” The row-

wanting to leave anything to chance, just

ing that these two teams had started

ers, in white duck middies and navy

before the start, seat one bound her heav-

something new. The Ladies of the Lake,

blue sailor collars, moved in perfect uni-

ily pleated wool skirt and bloomers with

as the Mills crew would affectionately

son. The warm sun beamed down on

rope. It didn’t catch on anything and she

be known, were part of the first women’s

the glistening, placid water. “Beautiful!”

was glad. In the middle of the boat, seat

program west of the Mississippi. But little

“Graceful!” “Effortless!” the spectators

four blinked the sweat out of her stinging

of that mattered to the Mills team. They

shouted.

eyes. The cox could see her rowers grimac-

proved that they could win. And they did

ing in discomfort with every stroke but

it for each other.

16

smoke

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

The

day

wa s

f i n a l ly

here.

Sleek, glistening, mahogany brown, the new shell was more beautiful than the team had imagined. No longer would they have to rely on borrowed equipment at the Lake Merritt Rowing Club. Their very own boat, the Daffodil, had arrived, her name emblazoned in gold. The rowers, dressed in white shorts and navy blue T-shirts, lined up along port side for a picture. They were proud of

Proud crewmates bring Daffodil to the water.

their purchase—with the help of friends, relatives, faculty, and staff, the team had redeemed 1,200 Blue Chip stamp books to cover the cost of the eight-seat boat;

before. As director of the Lake Merritt

Mills in 1963 and, since then, the team

Green Chip stamps paid for the oars.

Rowing Club, he was already coaching

had placed first in 12 out of 18 1,000-

Teammate Trish Roberts ’68 lifted a

the St. Mary’s boys when he convinced

meter races—half the length of the men’s

bottle of orange juice high in the air to

Mills to give the women a chance to train

races. In 1964, they were undefeated in

christen the craft. Cheers erupted and a

with him. “[These girls] do not have to

the eight-oar shell races. In 1965, Mills

teammate was heard saying something

prove how big and strong they are, they

crew would go on to compete in Nationals

under her breath about giving the St.

listen and they catch on fast. I think

in Philadelphia, rowing in a huge regatta

Mary’s guys a run for their money.

they’re the best in the country,” Lickiss

of mixed club and college crews.

Marina Simenstad ’68, MA ’11, felt like a rowing pioneer that day. Her coach,

told the College. Mills crew grew from four members to 40 in Lickiss’s time.

Ed Lickiss, had founded the National

And, they were winning. Crew was

Women’s Rowing Association only a year

declared an officially organized sport at

But winning wasn’t everything to Simenstad and her teammates. Pageant magazine

described

the

relationship

between Mills and St. Mary’s as “two parts flirtation to one part competition.” “Heaven help us if the girls ever win,” one

Coach Lickiss instructs the team in the finer points of rowing.

of the young men told the reporter. The relationship was strong and congenial, Simenstad says. Many of the Mills gals and St. May’s guys would later marry, be in each other’s weddings, and remain lifelong friends.

1966

A boat of their own SUMMER 2014

17

Mills crew after taking second place in Nationals at Lake Merritt in May 1981.

M ills

crew had been on a losing

Turns out she was right. In the second

streak all season. Blistered and sore, the

to the last race of the year, at the North

rowers were discouraged. For the past

West Regionals in Seattle, the Novice 8

eight months, they had been getting

finally pulled off a win by six seconds.

up at 5 am for brutal practices at Lake

The triumph qualified them for Nationals,

Merritt. Louise Sully, sophomore cox-

the nation’s premiere rowing competition

swain and former dancer, would later

and, for the first time in history, Lake

tell the Montclarion newspaper: “You’re

Merritt was set to be the scene.

training every muscle in your body right

Coach Hunsaker reflected on the

down to your fingertips. It’s the most

team’s seemingly unlikely win and made

agonizing, torture-izing thing you can do

a note on her copy of the season’s regatta

to your body.” The entire season totalled

schedule: “The team spent too much time

just 40 minutes of competition, and they

losing all season to make them cocky

were running out of chances to win.

over one big win,” she wrote. “They are

Coach Jennifer Hunsaker would pump

still very hungry, almost with a grudge to

their spirits after every disappointment.

race some of the schools... especially Cal.

Hunsaker, a former Cal rower, had seen

Personally, I won’t call the results, but I

an opportunity to revive the waning crew

think it would be well worth coming to

program at Mills. She cobbled together

see the race.”

a novice crew with no previous rowing

Once the results were in, Yale, the top

experience. Every race was a “learning

contender, won as predicted. But Mills

experience,” she told the team. “You’re

beat Cal by a fraction of a second: 3:24.4

getting faster!” And she meant it.

to 3:24.6.

1981

The regatta comes to Oakland

18

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

1987

Building a boathouse

and quiet sunrises over mirrored water felt like paradise compared to the urban bustle of Lake Merritt or the Oakland Estuary. At last, Mills had its own little boathouse built out of love and a lively rowing community. That year’s team, the self-proclaimed “Rowdy Rooters,” were easily identifi-

M ills P residen t M ary M etz

able by their blue and gold face paint,

gave a thumbs up to the sinewy campus

pom-poms, and kazoos as they cheered

facilities worker standing in the doorway

for teammates and opposition at home

of the new boathouse. Don Lehman, ably

events.

assisted by his co-worker Martin Butler

Now they cheered President Metz as

and the whole of the Mills crew team,

she christened her namesake boat and

had donated his summer and weekends

took a playful swig from the champagne

to lay shingles and pound nails to build

bottle. At her side was Dean Dorothy

the wooden shack that would house

Keller, a quiet force, Cox says, and a

the precious boats. Now, he was secur-

devoted rowing advocate.

ing bunches of red balloons under coach

When Cox came to Mills, she didn’t

Kathryn Noeller’s direction just moments

know she was an athlete. She didn’t know

before the boathouse dedication.

she would be a part of something bigger

Varsity rower Heather Cox ’88 snapped

than herself and belong to a community

a picture, reveling in the moment she and

that shared sweat, tears, callused hands,

her teammates had worked and waited

and triumphs large and small. She espe-

for. It felt good to move into a new home

cially didn’t know she would build a new

on the bucolic, albeit muddy, sanctuary of

home for rowers that would stand for the

Briones Reservoir. The rolling golden hills

next 20 years.

Crew Centennial Celebration at Reunion 2014 Saturday, September 20, 4:00-6:00 pm For information, contact Vanessa Marlin, vanessa@bellandtrunk.com

Lightweight rowers practice at Briones Reservoir.

SUMMER 2014

19

The Mills Novice Four team crossed

boat with Emily Kelley Mason ’96, Mollie

really is for everyone,” he said at the time.

the finish line at Nationals fully spent.

Lounibous ’97, Laura Buhl ’97, and Bobbye

“As head coach, if I don’t break through

Every bit of energy had poured out over

Roberts Schubert ’98, it proved to be a

the color barrier, who will?”

the course of 2,000 meters. The din of

winning combination. They swept the

In addition, the National Collegiate

screaming spectators was muffled by

competition by boat lengths at the West

Athletic Association—the leading orga-

the team’s pounding hearts. Race offi-

Coast Championships, and undertook

nizer of college athletic programs—had

cials, eschewing the traditional awards

intense training to prepare for Nationals.

taken on crew as an emerging sport

ceremony, shouted over the loudspeaker

Coach Karen Smyte had them at Briones

that year. The NCAA championship was

for the winning crew to row up to the

Reservoir for full days of training, punc-

between the fastest women’s college

podium to collect their medals. “We won!

tuated by a meal and a nap.

crews in the country. “There was pomp

We won!” they shouted when they finally

“I couldn’t eat enough, I was burning

and circumstance,” says Lebsack. There

came-to, high-fiving each other with ach-

so many calories,” Lebsack says. “I was

was an inspirational speaker and a big

ing, bandaged hands. The coxswain’s

in the best shape of my life. For three

banquet, and the races took place in a

voice snapped them out of their celebra-

weeks my only job was rowing, eating,

former Olympic rowing site.

tory mood. “Sit ready,” she commanded.

and sleeping.”

“Row.”

This time Mills was up against more

The team qualified for Nationals again

competitive

and

experienced

rowers.

They paddled their brand new shell

when Lebsack was a senior—this time, led

They did not win that year, but the expe-

towards the deck, basking in their tri-

by a different coach, and competing in a

rience helped Lebsack deepen her under-

umph amid the cheers from crew teams

different realm.

standing of what it meant to be an athlete.

around the country.

Coach Kevin Harris was hired by Mills

“Now my definition is broader,” she says.

Elese Lebsack ’98 had been a swim-

in fall 1997 to take an already successful

“Becoming an athlete at Mills helped me

mer in high school, but it wasn’t until

program to the next level. Harris was the

to discover my drive to win. My connec-

she pulled an oar that she learned what

country’s first African American to lead a

tion to the team is part of that drive.”

her body loves to do. When she got into a

varsity crew. “I want to model that crew

1996

Competing at a higher level

Mills Four training for Pacific Coast championships. They won!

20

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

2014

Connection and tradition

B riones R eservoir ,

force behind a group of women who bal-

launch during practice that morning, it

I drive past a dozen rowers running in

As I

ance an early bedtime with the demands

occurs to me that Mills crew is constantly

dark hoodies, the warmth of their breaths

of college study, who sport blisters like

changing. In the last decade the crew team

visible in the dim sunrise. I park and

a badge of honor, who take pride in the

has welcomed students of increasingly

approach the boathouse, feeling a familiar

insanity of getting in a workout every

diverse ages, ethnicities, and lifestyles;

chill in the air and flooded by the antici-

day before breakfast, and who under-

the uniforms have changed; the drills

pation and trepidation I remember from

stand the commitment it takes to be on

and equipment have evolved; coaches

my days as a student rower eight years

the crew team.

and assistants have left their marks. But

near

earlier. I expect to see the usual suspects:

In addition to coaching a strong team

the tradition will always remain the same.

Shannon Van Meir ’07, my pair partner and

this year, Sara is planning the 100-

The intensity of this experience strength-

best friend; Katie Jo Donnell Ramirez ’07,

year anniversary of Mills crew. “Of all

ens our bodies and minds, creates deep

a farm girl from South Dakota—tough on

the sports,” says Mills Athletic Director

relationships, and teaches us that if we

the outside and solid on the inside; and

Themy Adachi, “crew has the most con-

can endure this experience, we can do

Wendy Franklin-Willis ’93, my coach, who

nection and tradition.”

anything.

had a young daughter the same age as my

The statement rings true for Marina

But more than that, it teaches us that

own. In my senior year, Wendy surprised

Simenstad, who rowed in the ’60s. Now

Mills crew isn’t entirely about winning

me with a German chocolate cake and the

a referee with the US Rowing Association,

and individual achievements. It’s about

team sang “Happy Birthday”—even though

Marina remembers working the finish line

doing your best for the greater good of

I hadn’t told anyone it was my birthday.

at the Redwood Shores course a few years

the team and feeling safe and challenged

But this morning I am greeted by coach

ago. There was a group of Mills women

in a strong community.

Sara Nevin, who filled the pilot seat of

there, cheering for their team. “They had

Cal’s launch before she decided to take

such incredible spirit,” she says.

a turn at coaching—becoming the driving

As I watch the sunrise from Nevin’s

“It’s women for women,” says Adachi, “Honoring our past and connecting with our future.”

◆

Vanessa Marlin was on the Mills crew team and is a member of the South End Rowing Club in San Francisco. Last summer she rowed 125 miles on the Canal du Midi in the south of France. SUMMER 2014

21

Class Notes do not appear in the online edition of Mills Quarterly. Alumnae are invited to share their news with classmates in the Mills College alumnae community. To submit notes for publication in the next available Quarterly, send your update to classnotes@mills. edu.

Class Notes do not appear in the online edition of the Mills Quarterly. Alumnae are invited to share their news with classmates in the Mills College Alumnae Community, alumnae.mills.edu. To submit notes for publication in the next available Quarterly, send your update to classnotes@mills.edu.

In Memoriam Notices of death received before March 31, 2014 To submit listings, please contact alumnae-relations@mills.edu or 510.430.2123

Alumnae Anna Scott Sloggett ’28, January 2, 2013, in Lihui, Hawaii. Named a Living Treasure by the Kaua‘i Museum in 2002, she taught in Hawaii public schools for over 35 years and played golf well beyond her 100th birthday. She is survived by two children, a step-son, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Janet Berry Pruss ’39, August 1, 2013, in Lodi, California. An avid gardener, she operated an insurance office in the 1950s and later helped with the Lodi Civic Association. Leonora Harris Bedolla ’42, January 24, 2013, in Carpinteria, California. Jane Bon Swanton ’42, June 23, in Casper, Wyoming. She had careers as a secretary and teacher, supported Girl Scouts and the Casper Service League, and was active in political service while her husband was a member of the Wyoming State Legislature. Survivors include four children and 11 grandchildren. Frances Austen La Tourette ’43, December 16, in Reno, Nevada. An active volunteer in her community, she was partner in a successful real estate and insurance business. She is survived by two children and a grandchild. Nona Niethammer Muller ’44, February 9, in Denver. She pursued a career in journalism, was devoted to music and the theater, and served on the board of the Natrona County Public Library. She is survived by her daughters, Marilyn Muller ’74 and Lisa Haddox, and four grandchildren. Margaret Rosborough Gampell ’45, MA’46, December 6, 2011, in Palo Alto, California. Paula Pratt Walter ’45, May 3, in Casper, Wyoming. She participated in running the family ranch and sodium sulphate company and was a 4-H leader for 25 years. She also wrote short stories, was an Avon representative, and showed Appaloosa horses. She is survived by two daughters and five grandchildren. Anne Griffiths Gates ’46, December 27, in Woodinville, Washington. Survivors include her cousin, Lucile Pedler Griffiths ’46. Iola Whitlock Brubeck, MA ’47, March 12, in Wilton, Connecticut. She played an important role in the success of her late husband, the jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck, serving as his manager, booker, and publicist, and collaborating as a lyricist and librettist. She is survived by five children and 10 grandchildren. Mary Jo Raatz Murray ’47, December 16, in Honolulu. She worked with the Veterans Administration in the 1940s and spent 33 years as English teacher. She is survived by her daughter and two grandchildren. Claire Warner Livesey ’49, November 11, in Tucson, Arizona. She was a children’s librarian in Alameda, California, for 15 years and author of several children’s books, including Our Polliwogs and At the Butt End of a Rainbow and Other Irish Tales. Susan Maze Oliver ’49, June 12, 2013, in Walnut Creek, California. She was active in the church where her husband was pastor and a member of the Raggedy Ann Auxiliary of Children’s Home Society.

Sylvia Barbour Vrabec ’49, March 8, in Estes Park, Colorado. A teacher at Faith Baptist School, she produced textbooks with the Foundation for American Christian Education. She served as president of the Palos Verdes Oceanographic Society and authored the forthcoming book, “Oceanography, A Holistic and Biblical View from the Principle Approach.” She is survived by her husband, Dale; a daughter; four grandchildren; and her sister, Helen Barbour Poindexter ’46. Joan Schmidt Phillips ’50, December 17, in Los Altos, California. As the wife of a naval pilot, she made friends throughout the world and joined the international tennis club in Bangkok. She volunteered at the Bargain Box in Palo Alto for 25 years. She is survived by her husband, George. Elizabeth Johnston Hanson ’52, May 18, 2013, in Spokane, Washington. She was a regent and trustee for Gonzaga University and was a founding member of the Pets and People Program. She is survived by her husband, Fred; three children; and six grandchildren. Carol Barkstrom Carney ’53, January 7, in Martinez, California. She launched her own business, The Lamp Studio in Lafayette, where she created custom lamps and shades. She went on to run an art gallery and frame shop as well as a mail order business which sold art restoration supplies. She served as the 1953 class secretary and is survived by two children and four grandchildren. Jean Gee-Hing Kwok ’54, February 5, in New York City. A respected tai chi master, culinary enthusiast, and world traveler, she spent much of her time caring for her mother in San Francisco. Survivors include three stepchildren and six step-grandchildren Paula Margaret Morgan ’57, January 22, in Trenton, New Jersey. She was a music librarian at Princeton University for more than 35 years and contributed 150 articles to the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. She served in many roles at All Saints’ Episcopal Church and, in 2012, was admitted to the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross. Survivors include her sister and her longtime companion, Mary Ann Jensen. Alison “Dee” Noller Owens ’58, January 26, in Gig Harbor, Washington. A singer, pianist, and watercolorist, she loved her job in the book department at Liberty House. She volunteered as a mentor at Vaughn Elementary and with the Women’s League. Survivors include her husband, Jarvis; two children; and four grandchildren. Cecile Baker Smith, MA ’60, November 30, in Irvington, New York. A dance instructor at Cornell University for several years, she is survived by her husband, Jesse, and a son. Richard Thorpe Mclean, MFA ’62, January 3, in Castro Valley, California. A professor of art at San Francisco State University for 30 years, his photorealistic works are included in the collections of the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Smithsonian Institution, and many others. An avid jazz lover, he could often be found playing trumpet along with the radio in his art studio. He is survived by his wife, Darlene; two children; and three grandchildren. Sarah Lee Blanchard Paterson ’63, September 17, 2011, in Montgomery, Ohio. She taught French and social studies. She is survived by her husband, Stuart, and three sons. Joell Fredda Hyman ’65, February 7, in Longview, Washington. She worked in a mental health crisis center in Boulder, Colorado, and later established a private practice in Portland, where she was active with the Oregon Friends of C.G. Jung. She is survived by her parents and brother. SUMMER 2014

33

Gifts in Memory of

Kay Fraser Gilliland ’50 by Polly Ong Ingram ’50, Judith Kysh, Merlejean Terry

Received December 1, 2013–February 28, 2014

Rheta Dattner Goldberg ’61 by her daughter, Rae Ann Goldberg ’73

Annis Aiyar by Carol Anderson and Mike Hoffe, Pamela Carr ’84, Nicolas Coulet, Joseph Tami

Denyse Gross ’72 by her husband, Kenneth Morrison

Paul Armstrong, husband of Joan Armstrong ’51, by Sue Tromp Whalen ’51, MA ’53

William and Jacqueline Hennigh by their daughter, Susan Hennigh ’72

Jean Logan Henderson ’34 by her daughter, Judith Whitehead, MA ’97

Jeanne Aurel-Schneider ’51 by Katie Ricklefs ’74

Meenakshi Jemboonath by Joseph Tami

Phyllis Cole Bader ’35 by Judith Cary Allen ’69

Marion Meyer Kaufmann ’26, MA ’33, by Sue Tromp Whalen ’51, MA ’53

Marillyn Harris Baker ’47, P ’70, by her husband, Robert Baker

Mary Ann Childers Kinkead ’63 by Susan Marks Craven ’63, Phoenix Feinbloom ’93, Sally Sugden Jesse ’72, MA ’78, Rhoda Krasner ’64, Kathleen McClintock McCormick, MFA ’85, Roger Sparks and Jasmin Ansar, John and Helen Vollmer ’74, P ’13

Timanna Bennett ’02 by Gail Hobbs ’04 Martin Bergmann by Jerome Oremland Marilyn Frye Bettendorf by her daughter, Marilyn “Lyn” Barrett ’75 Cynthia Black ’74 by Liesje Cattaneo ’74 Linda Nelson Branson ’77 by her husband, James Branson Gladys Buford by her daughter, Margaret Wilkerson Carol Barkstrom Carney ’53 by Kay Miller Browne ’53, P ’83, by Carol’s daughter, Cheryl Lekas, Barbara Berger Pratt ’53

Virginia Thomas Klee ’31, MA ’34, by her niece, Lindy Thomas Barocchi ’68, P ’93 Ted and Charlotte Klugman, by their daughter, Roberta Klugman ’74 Betty Pease Krahmer ’51 by Sue Tromp Whalen ’51 Katherine Curran Kremer ’26 by her son, Joseph Kremer Carol Lennox ’61 by Lydia Mann ’83

Mary Copernoll, P ’66, by her daughter, Roberta Copernoll Johnson ’70

Joyce Leyland ’47 by Mary Osborn

Elizabeth Abreu Cravalho ’60 by Betty Anne Mathewson Mahoney ’60

Claire Warner Livesey ’49 by Yvonne Steele Byron ’50

Evelyn “Peg” Deane ’41 by her sister, Margaret Deane

Maryann Mangold ’61 by Dorotha Myers Bradley ’61

Dorothy Fuller Elliott ’42 by Jane Cudlip King ’42, P ’80

Eloise Randleman McCain ’57 by her husband, Leonard McCain

Martha Miller Evans ’63 by her husband, Jef Evans

Diane McEntyre by Lydia Mann ’83, Liz Kelley Quigg, MA ’89

Janice Waddle Forbes ’60 by Ellen Locke Crumb ’59, P ’94

Elizabeth McKeon by her daughter, Laura McKeon Scholtz ’62

Timothy Francis by his mother, Jamey Coopman Francis ’60

Mary Jo Raatz Murray ’47 by Betty Chu Wo ’46

Anne Griffiths Gates ’46 by her cousin, Lucile Pedler Griffiths ’46, MA ’47, P ’75 p=parent; For information about making a tribute gift, contact 510.430.2097 or donors@mills.edu.

Jill Fritschi Reese ’66, January 15, in Piedmont, California. A creative and enthusiastic teacher for more than 30 years, she was a member and leader in numerous civic and charitable organizations and a gifted photographer. She is survived by her husband, Chuck; a daughter and a stepdaughter; and a granddaughter . James “Santiago” Bradley Barnaby, MFA ’73, January 26, in Wilsall, Montana. An associate professor of art at Montana State University, he experimented with new forms of ceramic glazes. He also was a highly adept guide in Mexico’s Copper Canyon area, learning many local dialects, promoting the work of native artists, and establishing schools in remote regions. Survivors include his former wife, Anne, and many friends and family. Linda Anne Peterson ’81, August 13, 2013, in Concord, California. She made a career as a senior systems manager at Pacific Bell and AT&T,

34

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

and loved horse racing, gardening, and the Rolling Stones. She is survived by her partner, Robert Pilcher, as well as her siblings, nieces, and nephews. Carmela “Carmi” Landes ’82, October 19, 2013, in New York City. She practiced internal medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center. She loved to travel, to sing, and to watch her children perform with the Metropolitan Opera and the Trinity Wall Street Youth Choir. Survivors include her husband, Robert O’Sullivan, and two children.

Spouses and Family Hugh Barton, husband of Sheila Grieve Barton ’54, November 20, in Monterey, California. Bruce Kreiger, husband of Rosalind Falk Kreiger ’68, October 28, in Highland Beach, Florida.

Virginia Gertmenian Nahigian ’32 by her daughter, Susan Nahigian Miller, and by her son and daughter-in-law, Dee and Patricia Nahigian Evelyn Oremland by her husband, Jerome Oremland Marcia Dixon Owen ’63 by Fay Pfaelzer Abrams ’63, P ’92 Robbyn Panitch ’79 by Betsey Shack Goodwin ’76 Nan Senior Robinson ’52 by the Mills College Club of New York Val Russell by his daughter, Cris Russell ’71 Agnes Rykken by Terry Hove ’76 Eleanor Marshall Schaefer ’29 by Nicole Bartow Anne Sherrill by Willa Berliner Anderson ’65 Rodney Skjons by by his daughter, Kristen Skjonsby ’11 Melody Clarke Teppola ’64 by Colta Feller Ives ’64, Ellen Krosney Shockro ’64 Bethilda “Beth” Olson Vieira ’59 by Sandra Ong ’59 James Wanzer by his mother, Sue Ann Coopman Peterson ’55 Nancy Warner, P ’63, by Suellen Gilmont ’64 Robert and Nancy Warner by their children, Nangee Warner Morrison ’63 and Robert Warner Hugh Wass by his brother and sister-in-law, Warren and Honor Wass Christina Wolfe by her daughter and son-in-law, Shannon Wolfe ’96 and Kayvaan Ghassemieh Meredith Crossley Young ’53 by La Quita Joy Dillingham Dudley ’53 Mildred Zitlau Young ’47 by Sally Mayock Hartley ’48 John Young, husband of Sally Collins Young ’57, by Debbie Beck Rosenberg ’57

Faculty and Staff Robert Ashley, co-director of the Center for Contemporary Music and faculty member in the Music Department from 1969 through 1981, March 3, in Manhattan. A prolific composer, writer, and performer—an experimentalist to the core—Ashley changed the face of opera, creating technologically sophisticated, multidisciplinary, contemporary works that broadened the form in unconventional, even revolutionary, ways. His works incorporated nontraditional vocalizations, Robert Ashley improvisation, and film or video projections to tell stories of ordinary characters. In April, three of his operas were included at the 2014 Whitney Museum Biennial. Ashley played a major role in establishing the Music Department’s reputation as a training ground for composers in the American experimentalist tradition and was instrumental in establishing the Center for Contemporary Music at Mills, building its recording, electronic music, and film studios, while encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration within and beyond music. Survivors include his wife, Mimi Johnson; a son; and a sister. Robert A. Dhaemers, professor of art at Mills from 1957 to 1990, March 12, in Berkeley, California. He earned his MFA at the California College of Arts and Crafts in 1954 and became known as an “organic modernist” for his work in sculpture, jewelry, prints, and photography. An inventive artist and craftsman, his work was exhibited at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottowa, the Oakland Museum of California, and the De Young Museum in San Francisco, among others. He and his wife, Grace “Ty” Searing ’62, regularly summered in Montauk, New York. He is survived by a brother, a sister, and a nephew. Aida Hodges, secretary for the Upward Bound Program at Mills, November 20, in Oakland, California. In her work with Upward Bound from 1995 to 2005, she helped hundreds of students prepare for college and adult life. She was a mentor to many and an outstanding ambassador for the Upward Bound Program.

Clyde McAdams, partner of Berniece Fredrickson Francis ’54, January 22, in San Ramon, California. Dorothy Simpson Myers, mother of Brooke Myers Wickham ’74, December 18, in San Francisco. A. David Neri, husband of Laura Collins Neri ’54, December 18, in San Francisco. Gerald Ross, husband of Catherine Robinson Ross ’75, September 9, in Enderby, British Columbia. Rubby Sherr, father of Frances Sherr ’71, July 8, 2013, in Haverford, Pennsylvania. Leland Smith, father of Teresa Smith Milo ’83, December 17, in Palo Alto, California.

Anna Valentina Murch, professor of studio art, March 26, in San Francisco. She received her BA at the University of Leicester and a master’s degree from the Royal College of Art in London, and then earned another graduate degree at the Architectural Association in London. She came to Mills in 1992 to teach sculpture, installation, and site-specific art, working closely with faculty in the Music Department to explore her interest in the sounds of water and wind. Murch also collaborated closely with her husband, the environmental artist Doug Hollis, and was working on six commissions with him when she died, including a work that will open this summer at San Francisco General Hospital. Additional lighting and water installations are in Europe, Oregon, Florida, and at the Civic Center in San Jose. A gifted artist and a committed teacher, she also participated in the work of the College by participating on several committees. She is survived by her husband, Doug Hollis, and her family in England. Margaret “Peggy” Webb, professor of English, February 3, in Oakland, California. She received her Phd in English from UC Berkeley and finished her teaching career at Mills College in 1986. An activist, pacifist, and organic gardener, she is survived by three children and six grandchildren. SUMMER 2014

35

Swimming through the waves By Ellen Krosney Shockro ’64 As a girl growing up, I was encouraged to

new professor had arrived—Dr. LeFevour—

participate in sports—my father won three

and I took all of his “exotic” history classes

I am still swimming with Masters—now

national championships and made the

on Modern China, Modern Russia, and

in the 70–74-year-old age group—and at

Olympic team back in the late 1920s—but

Modern India. In the 1950s, there was such

this year’s national meet in Santa Clara,

not to compete too seriously. This com-

a fear of communism that these courses

California, I won the 1,650-yard race.

bination gave me the confidence that I

had not been available. Deeply fascinated

Pat Eide Fruin ’65 won the 1,000-yard

could do almost anything without need-

with this field of study, I set a goal of earn-

event; she edged me out in the 500, and

ing to be “the best.”

ing a PhD in Chinese history.

we finished one-two. What are the odds

at Pasadena City College.

When I came to Mills, I played tennis and

Like so many others in my class of

that two Mills graduates would finish

taught swimming. Also at Mills, I discov-

1964, however, I married and got on with

back-to-back like that? Neither Pat nor I

ered what would become my lifelong inter-

the life expected of me. But I stuck to

ever imagined we would win a national

est and profession. During my senior year, a

my goal and earned my master’s degree

championship—even if it meant waiting

at Columbia; eventually, I started my

until we were each 70! But both of us

doctoral studies at Claremont Graduate

could imagine the possibility of winning,

School, with two young children in tow.

and we put in the effort to make it so.

My children’s swim coach also offered

People think that it must take sheer ath-

a program for parents. I joined up and,

letic prowess to complete a triathlon or

in the fall, started swimming with US

win a distance swimming race, but what

Masters, the national adult swimming

is even more important is the willingness

organization.

to set your sights on a goal and have the

Soon enough, in 1979, I undertook

persistence to see it through.

my first ocean swim—and yes, I was ter-

I am a strong believer in single-sex

rified of things coming up from the deep.

college education for women for many

A year later, I was entering every race

reasons, but primary among them is that

I could find, from San Diego to Santa

Mills instills in all of us the belief that we

Barbara. I was not especially fast, but I

can do what we set our minds on, and

loved the rush of bounding through the

can even rise above expectations to make

waves, swimming as hard as possible,

a difference in our own lives and in the

and finally sprinting up the beach to the

world. Much has changed for women

finish line. (Even now, I continue to do up

in the 50 years since I was at Mills. But

to 10 ocean swims each summer.)

perhaps one thing remains the same: our

Finishing

the

Ironman

triathlon

lives are like an ocean race, and we each

became my next goal—a 2.4-mile swim,

must fight the waves, even as they keep

followed by 112 miles biking, capped off

coming, and find our way to shore.

◆

with a 26.2-mile marathon run. I prac-

Pat Eide Fruin and Ellen Krosney Shockro at the US Masters Swimming national meet in May.

36

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

ticed and prepared, and finally completed

We invite alumnae to write about their

two Ironman races, in 1985 and 1986.

Mills experiences on campus or how Mills

Meanwhile, I finished my PhD, spoke at

has shaped their lives for The Stories We

conferences, continued teaching, and

Share. Visit alumnae.mills.edu/stories for

ultimately landed my dream job, a ten-

more information or send your submis-

ured position in history and humanities

sions to stories@mills.edu.

Recognize the best and brightest! The Alumnae Association of Mills College is seeking candidates for the following alumna/us awards: • The Distinguished Achievement Award for distinction in professional field, arts, sciences, or public affairs; • The Outstanding Volunteer Award for extraordinary commitment and service in promoting the goals of the AAMC and the College; • The Recent Graduate Award for volunteer efforts that exemplify a spirit of caring and community to the AAMC and the College. Alumnae/i within 15 years of graduation may be considered for this award.

Nominations must be received by Friday, July 11

Please send information about each nominee’s achievements and qualifications to: Chair, AAMC Awards Program c/o Mills College 5000 MacArthur Blvd., MB #86 Oakland, CA 94613 Email nominations may be sent to aamc@mills.edu. Please include your name, phone number, address, and email address. Candidates must be able to attend the award ceremony on Saturday, September 20. For more information, call 510.430.2110 or email Jennifer King, AAMC vice president and chair of the Alumnae Awards Committee, at zagrecki@aol.com.

Alumnae tr avel 2015 Galapagos Islands  ■  February 20–28, 2015 Eastern & Oriental Express: Bangkok to Bali  ■  March 10–22, 2015 Undiscovered Italy: Apulia  ■  April 28–May 6, 2015 Trans-Atlantic Cruise  ■  May 4 – 16, 2015 China and the Yangtze River  ■    May 18–June 1, 2015 Jewels of Antiquity: from Venice to Nice  ■  May 19–June 4, 2015 Spain: Valencia and Barcelona  ■   June 8–17, 2015 St. Petersburg  ■   July 19–27, 2015 Canadian Rockies  ■   July 23–29, 2015 China and the Yangtze River  ■   September 2–16, 2015 Southwest Parks  ■  September 25–October 5, 2015 See the AAMC travel website at aamc.mills.edu for full itineraries of these and other upcoming trips. For reservations or additional information, call the Alumnae Association of Mills College at 510.430.2110 or email aamc@mills.edu.

Bali

Venice

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)

Reunion2014 Thursday, September 18, through Sunday, September 21 Honoring the Golden Alumnae of 1964 and alumnae from class years ending in 4 or 9 All alumnae are invited! Highlights include:

for more information: Reunion hotline: 510.430.2123 Email: alumnae-relations@mills.edu Web: alumnae.mills.edu/reunion Brochures with full schedules and registration information have been mailed to all alumnae from class years ending in 4 or 9; they are available to other alumnae by request.

• Convocation on September 19 • Updates from President DeCoudreaux, members of her cabinet, and the Alumnae Association of Mills College • Class luncheon and AAMC awards ceremony • Crew’s 100th anniversary celebration • Summer Academic Workshop’s 25th anniversary program • Annual concert honoring Darius Milhaud • Campus tours, open houses, and presentations • Class dinners and photos • A trip to San Francisco to view The Bay Lights installation • And much, much more! Visit alumnae.mills.edu/reunion for the full schedule and periodic updates.

Join the Reunion book group US Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor has published a memoir on her journey from a Bronx housing project to the highest court in the land. We invite Reunion attendees to read Sotomayor’s My Beloved World—which all incoming students have been assigned—and engage in a faculty-led discussion on Friday afternoon.