Mills Quarterly, Fall 2016

The singing ’20s

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p a tt i s m i t h r e c o l l e c t e d

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g o tt a c a t c h ’ e m a l l !

Mills Quarterly Fall 2016

Beth Hillman The 14th president of Mills College

ANOTHER UNIQUE MILLS EXPERIENCE MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU

SARAH SWOPE AND ANDREA KUfTIN ’16

GENEvA LEE ’16

Will dormant seeds of the critically endangered Tiburon jewelflower in California’s drought-stricken soil be viable when the rains return? Will plants grown from these seeds be genetically diverse enough to help this species adapt to a rapidly changing climate? These are among the questions that Assistant Professor of Biology Sarah Swope and her students Geneva Lee ’16 and Andrea Kuftin ’16 are studying together.

The enviable student-to-faculty ratio at Mills College means professors can work closely with students to help them achieve more than they ever thought possible. Your gifts to Mills create unique opportunities for students and faculty to collaborate on projects that are timely, relevant, and life-changing.

MAKE A STATEMENT. Give to Mills College by calling 510.430.2366, visiting alumnae.mills.edu/give, or returning the enclosed envelope.

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Mills Quarterly

contents 6

Fall 2016 Roots run deep by Dawn Cunningham ’85 Mills College holds the most extensive library archive anywhere of work created or inspired by poet and performer Patti Smith. A campus exhibition this fall displays a trove of rare materials and exposes the deep connections that influence her work.

10 Voices of our sisters by Iona de la Torre ’16 Music binds people together as a community, whether around a campfire, in religious services, or in any other setting. The 1925 Song Book provides a glimpse into the traditions and sentiments of Mills Girls nearly a century ago.

12 Education is social change by Linda Schmidt Beth Hillman, the new president of Mills College, discusses her experiences in the Air Force and academia, the systemic biases that face women pursuing positions of leadership, and the power of education to improve individual lives and the world as a whole.

28 Do the hokey Pokémon A new group of campus residents are a colorful bunch of characters!

Departments 2

Mills Matters

19 Class Notes 26 In Memoriam

Cover photo by Marc Olivier Le Blanc.

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Mills Matters New head of institutional advancement looks to build a strong future Jeff Jackanicz joined Mills on August 9 as the new vice president for institutional advancement. He will be a partner to President Hillman, the Mills community, and our alumnae and community volunteers in building the next chapter of thoughtful alumnae engagement and philanthropy.

“I’ve always respected the College’s extraordinary reputation and history, and I was drawn to Mills by the opportunity to make a real difference in its future at this pivotal—and truly propitious—time,” he says. “In partnership with our exceptional alumnae community and the AAMC, along with our wonderful students, faculty, and staff, I’m invigorated by the great work and success that are ahead of us.”

Jackanicz brings both exceptional experience as an advancement leader and a personal passion for issues of social justice to his new position. For the past 12 years, he has worked in major gift development and corporate and foundation relations at UC Berkeley. In those roles, he has demonstrated skill in securing significant gifts for the university as well as in leading a dynamic and successful team.

A graduate of the University of Chicago, Jackanicz also holds a PhD in English from the University of Texas, Austin. He now lives in Oakland and is father of a teenage daughter. He is an active volunteer, including as a member of the PTA and

Jeff Jackanicz

of the LGBT parents organization, Our Family Coalition.

Volume CV Number 1  Fall 2016 President: Elizabeth L. Hillman Chief of Staff and Vice President for Communications and External Relations: Renée Jadushlever Editor: Linda Schmidt Design and Art Direction: Nancy Siller Wilson Contributing Writers: Dawn Cunningham ’85, Iona de la Torre ’16 Editorial Assistance: 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.

Scholars and mentors join Mills faculty Two new professors who come to the College this fall exemplify the combination of academic excellence, teaching skill, and dedication to student achievement that is the hallmark of a Mills education.

Alex Engel, who joins Mills as assistant professor of biology, completed his BA in molecular biology at Pomona College and PhD in

Copyright © 2016, Mills College Address correspondence to Mills Quarterly, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 94613. Email: quarterly@mills.edu  Phone: 510.430.3312 Printed on recycled paper containing 10 percent post-consumer waste.

FSC (Please use outline)

Alex Engel 2

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 Professor of Mathematics Steven Givant

private art studio space for a year at

strategies that “promote a more equi-

was awarded a one-year Fulbright US

the Minnesota Street Project in San

table society.”

Scholar grant to teach and conduct

Francisco. Ono, who has taught at Mills

For its efforts to reduce water, gas,

research at the University of Trento in

for four years, is the first artist to receive

and electricity use and for its recycling,

Trento, Italy, beginning in September.

the new award and was selected from

reuse, and composting programs, Mills

Givant, who speaks Italian and has

among 110 nominations. She plans to

College received the Silver award from

taught mathematics at Mills since

integrate her San Francisco studio space

the Association for the Advancement of

1975, joins a long list of Mills students

into her teaching curriculum at Mills.

Sustainability in Higher Education. The

and professors who have received the

Professor of Biology Jenn Smith

award is a culmination of efforts started

prestigious Fulbright awards to teach

delivered the commencement speech

in 2008 to reduce greenhouse gas emis-

or study abroad. In February, Mills

at UCLA’s Institute for Society and

sions 15 percent by 2015. “Our efforts

was named a top producer of Fulbright

Genetics in June. “When given the

are inextricably linked to our commit-

student awards by the US Department

opportunity to intervene on behalf of

ment to be responsible stewards of the

of State’s Bureau of Educational and

others, do you lend a helping hand?”

world and to social justice,” said Linda

Cultural Affairs.

Smith asked during her address. Her

Zitzner, associate vice president for

studies of leadership in human and

operations, adding that the College will

art, received the Tosa Studio Award,

non-human mammals suggest that

continue to reduce its carbon footprint

which includes a $10,000 stipend and

humans can learn from cooperative

into the future.

cell biology at UC San Francisco. He

more than half a dozen papers on these

undertook postdoctoral training at UC

topics. He will be teaching General

Berkeley’s Department of Molecular

Biology and Molecular Cell Biology.

Sandra Ono, visiting artist in studio

and Cell Biology before becoming a

Andrew Flores, assistant professor

faculty member in the Department of

of government, feels that Mills presents

Biology at Williams College, a small

a uniquely good fit for him: “I’ve met

liberal arts college in Williamstown,

so many students here from diverse

Massachusetts. He has also taught

backgrounds—some are first in their

at Berkeley City College and the

families to attend college, others are

University of San Francisco, and was

trying to balance their education with

awarded an Irvington Postdoctoral

work and other commitments,” he says.

Fellowship from the Cancer Research

“I myself am a first-generation graduate

Institute.

who worked all through college, so I

Andrew Flores

“I am excited to work as part of a

can identify with many of these stories.

wonderful group of biology scholars

These connections make it clear to me

and book chapters on sexuality,

together with engaged and creative stu-

that I can be an effective teacher and

gender identity, and marriage

dents,” Engel says. “The very connected

mentor at Mills.”

equality, examining attitudes within

community that the department and

Flores has most recently been a Public

the LGBT community as well as in

students have established is fantas-

Opinion and Policy Fellow with the

the overall public. He earned his

tic for sharing my awe of biology and

Williams Institute at UCLA Law. His

undergraduate degree at California

delight in the process of experimental

research interests include American

State University, San Bernardino,

discovery.” With particular interests in

politics, political behavior, racial and

and his master’s and doctoral degrees

biological membranes, cell fusion, and

ethnic politics, and LGBT politics. He

in political science at the University

immunology, he has already published

has written numerous refereed articles

of California, Riverside.

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New faces join alumnae association leadership Generous donors strengthen academics, facilities, and enrollment efforts

Lucy Do ’75 completed her three-year term as president of the Alumnae Association of Mills College, handing the reins to incoming President Viji Nakka-Cammauf, MA ’82, on July 1.

Nakka-Cammauf will also represent the AAMC on the Mills College Board

Mills College gratefully acknowl-

of Trustees.

edges the following gifts, grants, and

A resident of Oakland who has been

pledges of $50,000 or more received

active on the committees and board

from January 1 to July 31.

of the AAMC for many years, Nakka-

Honorary Trustee Joan Lewis

Cammauf completed her MDiv at

Danforth ’53 made a generous gift

American Baptist College of the West

to the Lisser Hall renovation project.

and her PhD at the Graduate Theological Union. She now serves as president of Little Flock Children’s Homes, a ministry

Construction on the $8.3 million Viji Nakka-Cammauf

to orphans and widows in India, as well

project is expected to begin in July of 2017. Danforth continues her

as on the faculty of Sam Higginbotham’s Institute of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences in Allahabad, India.

“I came to Mills from India to study English and American literature. I discovered treasures all around the campus; classmates and faculty became some of my lifelong friends. Mills continues to offer me treasures through engagements with alumnae, students, faculty, staff, and the presidents of Mills,” says Nakka-Cammauf. “As I begin my tenure as president, one of my goals, in keeping with the College–AAMC compact, is to build a stronger and revitalized partnership between the AAMC and the College.”

Yvonne Daniels, MA ’75, was elected alumna trustee for the 2016–19 term.

After receiving her degree in dance at Mills, she earned a second master’s and a PhD in anthropology at UC Berkeley. Daniels is now professor emerita of dance wand Afro-American studies at Smith College.

Dorothy Lawrence ’11, a Mills psychology major, will serve as AAMC treasurer.

She works as a training and quality specialist at Stanford Children’s Health.

The Board of Governors welcomes five new members who also began their terms on July 1: • Adrienne Foster ’74 has worked as a faculty member and administrator in higher education for nearly 30 years. She is currently president of the Academic Senate at West Los Angeles College in Culver City, California.

• Kirstyne Lange ’12 earned her master’s of public administration at Sonoma State University and now works as assistant director of admissions and development at the Marin School in San Rafael, California. She has served as an alumnae admission representative and class secretary.

• Alexa Pagonas ’91 earned her JD at Hastings School of the Law and works as a personal talent manager and entertainment industry advocate. She is creating a documentary film on the 1990 Mills Strike.

• Lucy Seereiter ’77 completed an MA in mathematics at UC Berkeley and is now an adjunct professor of mathematics at Contra Costa College in San Pablo, California.

• Linda Stingily ’78 is an adjunct professor of English and education at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, California, and teaches reading and language arts at Lafayette School in the Oakland Unified School District. Her five sisters all graduated from Mills College.

See a list of all current governors under “Leadership” at aamc.mills.edu.

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

Calendar Mills Music Now Concerts September 23  The Darius Milhaud Concert Presenting music by Milhaud, Ravel, Boulanger, Satie, and Enescu.

October 1  Rara Tou Limen This Bay Area–based troupe performs diverse folkloric Haitian music and dance forms, from vibrant rituals of Vodou to the festive dances of Carnival.

October 9  Kris Davis and Craig Taborn Adventuresome jazz improvisation for piano and electronics. Davis was selected by Downbeat as one of 25 artists to watch of 2016. Concert at 4:00 pm.

October 23  Women’s Antique Vocal Ensemble (WAVE) Performing music of the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. Concert at 4:00 pm.

November 5  Bonnie Jones and Suzanne Thorpe These musical partners are also co-founders of TECHNE, an electronic arts organization that teaches workshops on sound, technology, and musical improvisation to empower young women. Pre-concert lecture November 4, 7:30 pm.

November 19  Alvin Curran A radically eclectic composer and former Mills professor, Curran “makes music for every

membership in the Trustees’ Circle of

Established in 1998, the program sup-

teachers to address the complex

the Cyrus and Susan Mills Society for

ports faculty mentoring for biology

circumstances of the learning process

her support of Mills College.

students and undergraduate research

through collaborative inquiry to

opportunities.

improve instruction and, ultimately,

The Kahle/Austin Foundation made gifts to the Book Art Program,

Trustee Mei Kwong ’70 and her

student learning.

which offers courses in creating

husband, Laurence Franklin, extended

traditional and contemporary artist

funding for a Mills College admis-

Charitable Foundation renewed gifts

books. Students in the program receive

sions communication manager. The

to the Mills College Children’s School

grounding in the conceptual, theo-

position helps Mills advance efforts to

Preschool and Infant Care Program,

retical, historical, and craft foundations

engage prospective students through

which provides early childhood

of contemporary bookmaking through

messaging and increased awareness of

education. The foundation also

classes that combine studio work and

programs. Kwong also donated to the

continued support of the Mills

scholarly study.

Presidential Transition Fund.

College Children’s School Scholarship

Richard Barrett, P ’93, a former Mills

The Dirk and Charlene Kabcenell

The Bernard E. and Alba Witkin

Fund, which provides financial aid

College trustee, and his wife, Elaine,

Foundation continued support of the

to families of children attending

continued support of the Jill Barrett

Mills Teacher Scholar Program. The

the school.

Undergraduate Research Program.

program helps prepare urban Bay Area

occasion with any sounding phenomena”— from electronics and environmental sounds to shofar and ship horns. Pre-concert lecture November 17, 7:30 pm.

All events start at 7:30 pm in the Ensemble Room(unless otherwise noted). Admission is free. For information see musicnow.mills.edu or contact John Bischoff at 510.430.2332 or jbischoff@mills.edu.

All events start at 8:00 pm in the Littlefield Concert Hall (unless otherwise noted). $15 general, $10 to alumnae, seniors, and non-Mills students. See musicnow.mills.edu or contact Steed Cowart at 510.430.2334 or steed@mills.edu.

Songlines Series September 12  Soo Yeon Lyuh, a master of the haegeum (a Korean two-stringed spike fiddle), performs court and folk music as well as new pieces incorporating electronics.

October 10  Ingrid Laubrock and Tom Rainey celebrate the release of Buoyancy, their second duo recording for saxophone and drums.

October 17  Anders Bach Pedersen, the CCM composer-in-residence this fall, presents excerpts of a practice-based research project investigating a phenomenological approach to sound synthesis and generative improvisational performance.

November 7  Jean-Claude Eloy, a “sound-projectionist” of fixed audio compositions, will present The Midnight of the Faith, a two-hour electronic and concrete sound work which will be spatially distributed in the Littlefield Concert Hall.

Contemporary Writers Series September 27  LeAnne Howe and Marc Anthony Richardson, MFA ’09 Howe is author of Choctalking on Other Realities and the novels Miko Kings: An Indian Baseball Story and Shell Shaker, which won the Before Columbus Foundation’s American Book Award. Richardson’s award-winning debut novel, Year of the Rat, has been called “gorgeous, unsparing, heartbreaking.”

October 12  Elizabeth Povinelli Povinelli is professor of anthropology and gender studies at Columbia University, director of the Institute for Research on Women and Gender, and author of Economies of Abandonment: Social Belonging and Endurance in Late Liberalism.

October 25  Helen Klonaris and Amir Rabiyah A reading to celebrate the new anthology Writing Down the Walls: A Convergence of LGBTQ Voices, edited by Klonaris and Rabiyah. Co-sponsored by Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

Aichlee Bushnell

November 15  Aichlee Bushnell, MFA ’11, and Solmaz Sharif Bushnell won the 2014 Noemi Press Book Award for Poetry for her remarkable debut, Objects of Attention, which re-examines the story of Sally Hemings using the writings of Thomas Jefferson as a framework and textual source. Sharif’s LOOK uses language from the Department of Defense to investigate the violence and loss of war, and how these things are embedded in daily language.

All events are at 5:30 pm, Mills Hall Living Room, free. For program details and speaker bios, see http://www.mills.edu/english; for more information, contact 510.430.2204 or grad_eng@mills.edu.

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Roots run deep

An extensive exhibition of art, text, music, and memorabilia by and about Patti Smith exposes the profound artistic connections that infuse the work of the legendary poet-performer-artist

By Dawn Cunningham ’85 Photos by Teresa Tam 6 

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

brother, mother, and friends, including the late photographer i think it was on the sabbath, the day of rest, that trouble was first invented. the creator fell asleep and dreamed. it was the first sleep and the first dream. the dream of god. the primal pandora. from the subliminal of the spirit arose monsters and artists. masters and the archangel.

– from “grant,” Babel, 1978

Robert Mapplethorpe, with whom she lived in New York in the late ’60s and early ’70s. Yet her grief is balanced by hope: for social and political change, for transcendence and redemption through art. Although she sings about the legacy of slavery in the US, the war in Iraq, and climate change, among other issues, the lived world remains a place where she finds signs of the sacred. “Blessedness is within us all,” begins her poem “Reflecting Robert” in The Coral Sea (1996).

Over the decades, Smith’s corpus has brought her a level of

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popularity that few multidisciplinary artists have ever attained. ne of my first off-syllabus book purchases as a stu-

Her fans, from Baby Boomers to Millennials, regard Smith—who

dent at Mills was Babel, a collection of poems by Patti

turns 70 at the end of this year—as a sort of current-day saint.

Smith. By that time, in 1981, Smith had earned critical

“She is my Goddess. Touching my face at a show in November

praise, dedicated fans, and considerable notoriety for her defi-

2015,” one fan posted on Facebook in April; “Days ago Patti

ant, surreal hybrid of rock and poetry. She’d recorded four influ-

Smith in Hyde Park reminded us that we are holy,” another

ential albums and published half a dozen books. The New York

wrote on Twitter in July.

Times described her as “a working‐class kid who took off from

Even dispassionate institutional committees have showered

the New Jersey backwater to become a poète maudit in New York

her with acclaim. She’s been inducted into the Rock and Roll

City” and a “shaman” who “bridges this world, the underworld,

Hall of Fame and awarded Sweden’s Polar Music Prize, consid-

and the heavens, and brings back news from the shadows.” She

ered by some to be the Nobel Prize of music. She holds the

referred to her music simply as rock-and-roll, though she would

insignia of Commander of the Order of the Arts and Letters,

later be labelled by others as the “godmother of punk.”

the French government’s highest honor for artists and writ-

My first exposure to Smith was through her music: “Because

ers. She won the National Book Award for Just Kids, a memoir

the Night,” her top-40 single written with Bruce Springsteen,

about her friendship with Mapplethorpe (the book is currently

made it onto radio playlists even in Hawaii, where I grew up. But

being made into a TV series for Showtime). Her photographs

it was her poetry that made me a fan—and provided the subject

and drawings have been featured in solo exhibitions at the

matter for a term paper in my modern American poetry class.

Pompidou Center in Paris and the Wadsworth Atheneum

Astonishing, unnerving, exciting, Babel dared me to connect

Museum of Art in Connecticut.

with a mind that shifted gender identities, imagined subversive sexualities, combined sacrilege with reverence for the divine.

It also piqued my curiosity about the artists and authors Smith

She is benediction

invoked in her writing—such as the 19th-century poet Arthur

She is addicted to thee

Rimbaud, artists Marcel Duchamp and Georgia O’Keefe, and

She is the root connection

guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Smith used the power of poetry and art

She is connecting with he

and rock-and-roll to celebrate outcasts and misfits, to unify,

–from “Dancing Barefoot,” Wave (album), 1979

to seek to reverse the Babel myth of scattered peoples speaking a confusion of tongues. And she honored the heroes who inspired her to try.

Yet when I first read Babel, Smith’s star seemed like it might already be fading: she’d recently exited the New York music and art scene to start a family with guitarist Fred “Sonic” Smith

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o understand Patti Smith as a writer, artist, performer, and cultural phenomenon, there’s no better place to visit than

Mills—especially this fall. The College holds the most exten-

in a Detroit suburb. She spent 16 years there, during which

sive library archive anywhere of work created or inspired by

time she recorded just one album and published a single col-

Smith, including her poetry and memoirs, books about her,

lection of stories and poems.

photographs taken by and of her, drawings, albums, con-

In the late 1990s, when I was living in New York City, I

cert posters, and a trove of other materials. From September

caught Smith in concert at Lincoln Center. Her husband had

14 through December 11, 2016, selected items from the Patti

died a few years earlier, and she’d moved back to New York. She

Smith Collection are on exhibit for the first time ever in the

was once again on a creative roll, recording music, touring with

Mills College Art Museum and the F.W. Olin Library.

her band, publishing poetry, and exhibiting art. Among other motivations, she had two children to support.

The exhibition, Root Connection: 20 Years of The Patti Smith Collection, not only demonstrates the depth and breadth

Since her re-emergence, Smith has released six albums and

of Smith’s talent, it also explores her relationships to other art-

a dozen more books of writing and art. A common theme

ists and writers. “You’ll see how she has drawn together various

in this later work is her experience of loss: of her husband,

influences, such as Arthur Rimbaud, and how she has influenced fa L L 2 0 1 6

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other people,” says Janice Braun, library director, special col-

A display case holds materials produced or traded by Smith’s

lections librarian, and co-curator of the exhibition. “You’ll also

fans, including T-shirts, fanzines, and a copy of Smith’s high

see her as an innovator in all the different media she uses and

school yearbook.

in creating her own persona,” observes Stephanie Hanor, art

In many ways, Root Connection is a testament not only to one

museum director and co-curator. “These materials—even those

woman’s art, but also to the power of collecting and remember-

that were produced by others—tell her life story in a way that’s

ing. Though the act of recollection takes center stage in Smith’s

almost diaristic.”

memoirs, Just Kids and M Train (published last October), it’s

Hanor adds, “The Patti Smith Collection is a good fit for Mills.

also a source of strength in her visual art, poetry, and music.

Being a woman doing what she has been doing is pioneering.

She makes a practice of gathering mementos of people she

The level of experimentation and interdisciplinary practice in

admires: for example, the exhibition includes her photos of

her work goes to the heart of the fine arts at Mills.”

Mapplethorpe’s house slippers and Rudolf Nureyev’s ballet

Among the materials on display in Root Connection are a rare

slippers (she has also photographed Frida Kahlo’s crutches,

first edition of kodak, a 1972 chapbook of Smith’s poetry, in

Robert Bolaño’s chair, and Sylvia Plath’s grave, which appear

which she wrote a dedication to her friend and fellow poet/

in M Train). The connection and reverence that fans feel for

musician Jim Carroll; a gelatin silver print, signed by Smith,

Smith is inspired—at least in part, I think—by her habit of con-

from a trip to French Guiana inspired by the writer Jean Genet;

necting to and honoring other artists.

a Norman Seeff photograph of Smith and Mapplethorpe in

“It is hard to think of another artist in any medium who is

1969; a manuscript of Just Kids with Smith’s handwritten edits;

at once so completely original and so persistently devoted to

and a signed poster for Smith’s performance in 2006 at legend-

acknowledging influence and paying tribute,” wrote A.O. Scott

ary New York club CBGB on its last night in business.

in The New York Times style magazine in 2011. “To know Patti

A screening room features short films by directors who

Smith is to know her people.”

worked with Smith in the 1970s and the past decade. These films show Smith’s reactions to the people and places with

Time is expressed

which she feels an artistic or emotional connection, from Genet

in the heart

to downtown New York to Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain. Listening

of an instrument

stations play recorded music and poetry readings by Smith.

Something that stops in the heart of a man –from “True Music,” Early Work (poetry collection), 1994

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n another level, as Braun points out, “Root Connection reflects a collecting activity and a collector.” That collector

is Robert Byler, a library assistant at Mills, photographer, and the third co-curator of the exhibition. “Part of what’s unique about our Patti Smith Collection is that it comes from Robert’s perspective and his interest,” says Hanor. Almost every item in the collection—and in the exhibition—was procured by Byler and donated by him to Mills over the past 20 years.

Byler discovered Smith when he was a middle-school student. He spotted her 1973 poetry collection Wïtt (pronounced “White”) on a bookstore stand. Though he knew nothing about her, he bought the book for its stunning cover, a Mapplethorpe photo of Smith. “Once I started reading it, I liked all the history and the people referenced in her poetry. Her work inspired me to go and find out who Pasolini and Rimbaud were.”

When Byler’s father died in 1995, he chose a poem by Smith, “True Music,” to read at the funeral. By then, he had been on the library staff at Mills for three years, and noticed that the library did not have any of Smith’s books. Meanwhile, he was also working in UC Berkeley’s library preservation department, transferring the archives of Beat poets to microfilm. “Everyone was collecting the Beats, and I was concerned that libraries

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Robert Byler and Janice Braun examine items from the Patti Smith Collection. Additional materials are shown opposite and on page 6.

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

Root Connection: 20 Years of The Patti Smith Collection September 14–December 11, 2016, at the Mills College Art Museum and the F.W. Olin Library.

October 12  Mills Train: Inspired by Patti Smith’s multidisciplinary genius and her artistic influences, this open house features dance performances, poetry readings, live music, and more by Mills faculty and students. Events begin at 6:00 pm in venues across campus.

For details, see mcam.mills.edu.

were going to skip over poets of the 1970s, like Patti Smith,”

has become a key resource for Milhaud scholars. Although the

recalls Byler.

Patti Smith Collection is already available for use by students

“I asked Janice Braun, ‘Could I start a Patti Smith collection

and other researchers, Braun says, “Within the next few months,

here?’ She said yes. I didn’t know exactly what that would

when we have a completed finding aid, the visibility and use of

entail, but I felt that it was very important to leave something

the collection will certainly increase. Currently, all the books and

for the generations that follow you.” He also felt, instinctively,

published material are catalogued and available for research.”

that such a collection belonged at Mills. “I love Mills and I

Root Connection is, in essence, the collection’s coming out

love the students. The importance of the College’s music and

party. Hanor says, “One of the things that’s fun about a project

English departments probably also influenced my decision.”

like this exhibition is making what you have visible and acces-

Byler began work on the collection around the time Smith

sible. We’re balancing our responsibility for the safe-keeping

moved back to New York and relaunched her artistic career.

and cataloging of our resources with making people aware of

He scoured the Internet, combed through bookstores, and

what we have. It’s great when we can put this work out there

tracked down publishers to find rare or unique editions, broad-

and see our materials used and appreciated.”

sides, manuscripts, photos, posters, recordings, and more. “At the time I started, you could still get rare items at a fair price.

Leaves are vowels. I sweep them up hoping to find

But in the mid 2000s, the value of Smith’s items really soared.

the combinations I am looking for. The language of

Now they are just not for sale. There’s no way I could have cre-

the lesser gods.

ated this collection today.” He also printed out online content

– from M Train (memoir), 2015

that is no longer accessible except through the Mills archives, including pieces Smith wrote for her website in remembrance of people who had died. Finally, Byler donated photos by Smith and of Smith that were part of his personal collection. “I didn’t

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ver the past 35 years, my copy of Babel has shuttled with me across continents and oceans. It’s dog-eared

want to keep them in my house, because I love them and want

and marked up, and the cover wore off in the course of writ-

them to be seen,” he says.

ing this article. My copies of Just Kids and M Train exist only

“All I wanted was to have a good collection in the library—a

on e-readers, and Smith’s music only on my iPod. All that I

collection that would help students write research papers and

own of Smith’s work is ephemeral, destined to disappear. But

discover the different artists connected to Smith. I think I’ve

because of Robert Byler’s work as a collector and Mills’ stew-

fulfilled that.”

ardship of its library holdings, that doesn’t matter. The Patti

The full collection is housed in the Heller Rare Book Room.

Smith Collection exists so that I and many others influenced

Braun says it’s one of the most comprehensive collections in the

and intrigued by her can have an enduring point of connection

library—as comprehensive as the Darius Milhaud archive, which

to Smith and to each other. ◆ fa L L 2 0 1 6

9

Voices of our sisters

by Iona de la Torre ’16

M

usic has always played a pivotal role

The compilation features songs that declare love and dedica-

in the life of Mills College and its students. Since the

tion to the College, such as “Hail Thee Mills” and the College

institution’s founding in 1852 as the Young Ladies’

hymn, “Fires of Wisdom,” penned by Fanny Rouse Carpenter, a

Seminary in Benicia, California, music was regarded

graduate of the Class of 1873. The number of songs for each spe-

as a fundamental part of the formation of a young lady and

cific class—from the first-year student declaration “We’re Here

was a respected and prestigious area of academic study. Since

Mills College” to “The Wail of the Junior Lass” to “It’s a Long

Mills was established as a nonsectarian school conducted on

Way to Senior Standing”—show that class affiliation, and affin-

Christian principles, a college choir performed at chapel ser-

ity between classes, was a strong sentiment. The “Sister Class

vices and other functions as a matter of course. Music also per-

Songs” appear to be meant for groups of students to sing to each

meated the less official side of student life, particularly in the

other at initiation and other events throughout the year. From

first half of the twentieth century, and lyrics from those songs

“’26 to ’24, an even number class song”:

provide a window on the traditions and practices that gave

The two short years we’ve been with you

Mills its unique character.

Have very nearly passed

In 1925, a student committee compiled a set of songs impor-

But you have left us friendship true

tant to the culture of the campus, one of seven song books that

and ideals that will always last

have been published throughout the history of the College.

And in our hearts we mem’ries keep

The 1925 Song Book contains popular tunes of the day, as well

Of gladness and of cheer

as others written or adapted by students specifically to build

For you must know our love is deep

identity of their classes, mark ceremonious events, and just for

Oh sister class so dear.

fun. From dining in Mills Hall to taking leisurely excursions

Many songs depict bygone aspects of Mills culture and tradi-

down the “Ave” (as Seminary Avenue was colloquially referred

tions long past. “Circling the Oval,” with lyrics by Catherine

to), the songs paint a picture of daily life of the Mills Girl of

Easterling ’24 and music by Marian Handy ’23, describes the

that decade.

traditional lantern ceremony:

10

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

hour to this day, appear in several entries, such as “Those Old Mills Days,” which dreamily sings of ...the happiest moments of my life, You can hear those voices sing, You can hear those old chimes ring.

This is one of the few aspects of life that the Mills student of today experiences just as the Mills Girl of a century ago did, although the students of yesterday would have known each bell by name: Prudence, Long-Suffering, and Peace, to name a few. And “Springtime on the Campus” combines a love for the beauty of Mills with an allegiance that many students—and alumnae—surely still feel: Oh the lake is rippling softly, And the sun-dusk’d poppies sway, ‘Till the wind lulls in the evening,

With laughing breathless shouting song

And the colors fade away.

Run for the oval Mills girls all.

Oh we love thee Alma Mater,

There by our stately old Mills Hall,

And we need no spoken vow,

By Campanili’s Chiming Call.

That we’ll love and trust thee always E’en as now.

For ev’ry student a link in the chain, Singing together they’re marching a long

Not all student songs are formal or sentimental. In fact, many

Each link well-wrought joins firm with the next

must have been sung informally, in leisure time—perhaps after

Circ’ling the oval with fellowship strong.

hours, well out of earshot of teachers and deans. “Don’t Bother”

The lanterns winding down the hill

expresses sentiments familiar to students everywhere, particu-

Twinkling against the shadows dim,

larly before early Monday classes:

Light the procession of the year

Ding, dong, ding says the rising bell

The oval where Seniors sing farewell.

Don’t bother! Don’t bother!

The way this tradition used to be conducted contrasts drastically with the present practice. We can infer from these lyrics (and the yearbook photo above) that the procession ran down the hill to El Campanil. Today, the custom has been rekindled—

Sleep all day the nurse will bring a tray Don’t bother! Don’t bother!

Never make a bed or pick up your clothes, Your roommate will love you don’t you suppose?

but it happens before sundown, and consists of the seniors

Further verses cheerily warn against “spending all you have”

walking with lanterns to the pond outside the Music Building.

and not letting the “China boys rattle you” (which likely refers

Evidence from other songs in the 1925 Song Book, coupled with

to table servers who flirted with the students).

yearbook descriptions, indicate that Christmas festivities at Mills

Since the College’s beginnings, music has been an integral

were likewise much differ-

part of Mills’ vision and culture. Harmonies echo through the

ent than they are today. “The

halls of what has grown into a fine liberal arts college, help-

Boar’s Head,” a centuries-old

ing to carry the College’s artistic heritage through to the pres-

English carol with part-Latin

ent. In the third stanza of “Fires of Wisdom,” added by Kathy

accom-

Bennion Barrett ’64 to Carpenter’s original lyrics, the voices

panied a pre-holiday feast,

of students singing “for generations still” support the hymn’s

pictured at left. A handful of

concluding statement of faith that Mills–and the songs of its

colleges in England and the

students—will endure far into the future:

United States still sing this

Although the earth may tremble

song as part of their winter

These halls will ring and fill

traditions, but Mills is not

With voices of our sisters

one of them.

For generations still.

lyrics,

apparently

Other songs reflect timeless aspects of life on cam-

This story was adapted from de la Torre’s senior thesis paper,

pus. The bells of El Campanil,

“How Music Shaped the Mills Campus Culture in the Early

which ring every quarter-

to Mid-Twentieth Century (1916–1946).” fa L L 2 0 1 6

11

Education is social change

A conversation with Mills College President Beth Hillman 12 

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

In less than half a century, Beth Hillman has already lived a life that would provide enough material for not just one book, but for an entire trilogy. The first volume would tell of a young woman hungry to expand her world—all the way to outer space.

The second volume would follow her rise through the ranks of academia, excelling in both research and teaching. The third volume would describe her hard-fought battle to bring topics shrouded in secrecy to the light of justice.

Beth Hillman was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,

has been recognized for her scholarly excellence and outstand-

with three brothers and a twin sister. Her parents both attended

ing teaching. (She was “Professor of the Year” at Rutgers and

college, so she was no stranger to higher education. But she had

shared that honor at Hastings.)

two goals in choosing a college of her own: “I wanted to get out

Hillman has published two books on military justice and

of Pittsburgh and see something different; I also wanted to find

more than a dozen chapters and journal articles, and has been

a way to make it affordable,” she says.

a forceful advocate for social and legal reform. She was instru-

An Air Force ROTC scholarship to study electrical engineer-

mental in exposing the prevalence of sexual assault in the

ing at Duke University proved to be the best bet on both counts.

military and was appointed by Congress to serve on a panel

She earned honors as a cadet (she was Air Force Association

assessing how the US armed forces responds to these crimes.

National Cadet of the Year in 1989) and graduated with a sec-

The United Nations commissioned her to report on barriers to

ond major in history, a field she considered more of an intel-

justice for women in military service. And she played a key

lectual home than engineering.

She began her military career as a space operations officer— “We flew satellites and launched rockets and kept track of objects

role in ending the “don’t ask/don’t tell” policy of the US armed forces, as well as advising on such issues as eliminating the bans on women in combat and transgender service members.

in orbit that might run into each other,” she explains to the non-

Yet Hillman’s story is still far from its conclusion. The next

rocket scientists among us—but was soon granted the opportu-

volume might explore the importance of building a family with

nity to study further in order to teach at the Air Force Academy.

her wife, Trish Culbert, and the challenge and joy of raising

It was a turning point in her life. “I was reading history really

five children, all currently between the ages of 11 and 13.

deeply, and also examining my life and what I was doing in a

And, since taking office as president of Mills College on July

way that I hadn’t done before,” she says. After completing her

1, she is quickly launching into the next volume of her life.

master’s degree in history at the University of Pennsylvania in

Hillman is known not only for being an accomplished scholar

1994, she taught military history and women’s history at the

and administrator, but for being open and accessible, a genu-

Air Force Academy for two years. At that point, she knew that

ine and generous person. She might be called a smart cookie

the Air Force would not be her final assignment. “But I didn’t

who shares: She and Trish handed out home-baked cookies to

know quite what my next step would be.”

students on move-in day, and were seen lugging items upstairs

That next step turned out to be two next steps: unable to

in the dorms. Hillman has already begun efforts to create a

decide between pursuing a law degree or a PhD in history, she

stable and accountable campus leadership team, and to create

went to Yale and earned both. She served as professor of law at

an open, collaborative environment among all members of the

Rutgers before joining UC Hastings College of the Law in 2008,

Mills community.

where she became provost and academic dean of the school. In

“I like hard things. I like new challenges. I like different oppor-

all of these appointments, she has embraced the task of sup-

tunities,” Hillman says of herself. “And learning—education—

porting the needs of both students and faculty members, and

is probably the most exciting, important thing there is. I’m always hungry to understand more. As a teacher, I recognize that if I don’t learn new things I forget how tough it is to learn.

By Linda Schmidt Photos by Marc Olivier Le Blanc

I recognize that people have to make themselves open and vulnerable, and be willing to risk failure, in order to learn. If I’m done learning, then I’m done.” fa L L 2 0 1 6

13

N ‘Women simply need the opportunity to become leaders.

Women lose the ability to step up when their voices are silenced in the ways they so often are.’

You’ve taken a fascinating route to end up as president of Mills College. What did your military experience teach you?

I learned a tremendous amount from being in the Air Force. People there were committed to a mission outside of themselves, and to some degree subjugated their individual identities to conform to a role within a larger institution. Many people really cared about taking care of those who worked for them. There was a premium on being a team player, and I liked the idea of working together. I liked the public service aspect of being in the military, too; the idea that you should actually get out there and help.

Were there other benefits of your military service?

The Air Force provided my first real exposure to leadership training. Theirs may not be a model that’s particularly well suited for many women, or for those who doubt the military’s mission or methods, but I found it useful as a starting point, and I like that I could see what was necessary in order to be successful in that environment.

The Air Force also steered you toward an academic career.

Yes, they sent me to graduate school to study history and return to teach at the Air Force Academy, which let me discover that I loved teaching. At the Academy, I had many first-generation students who found it difficult to navigate the challenges of being in such a different and rigorous environment. I also saw the particular challenges that women faced at the Academy. I set up an oral history program where I interviewed, and trained others to interview, women cadets about their experiences.

And I was there during a time of heightened attention to sexual assault on campus. I became involved in efforts to address that from within the faculty and across the institution—efforts that really educated me about the problems that young women can face in undergraduate institutions and in military culture.

14

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

What struck you most about the world of higher education?

sexual assault because so few incidents are reported and our

When I first came to the academy, I found it amazingly frag-

surveys can only partially fill in our gaps in knowledge, and

mented and without teams. I was appalled. I remember helping

we don’t know enough about perpetrators because so few

a friend move in as she began her new academic position. It

assaults lead to investigations and prosecutions. Social science

was August, it was a million degrees outside, and the elevators

researchers have helped us understand more, but it’s like see-

were broken, so we were carrying boxes and boxes of books

ing the tip of an iceberg. We don’t see the problem well enough

up the stairs. And all around, people were just sitting in their

yet to know entirely what we’re trying to solve.

offices! I couldn’t believe it—if this were an Air Force detach-

That’s one sign of how much we need the sort of research

ment, nobody would be able to just watch you do that kind of

that happens at colleges and universities. Even as we’re part of

work. They would’ve gotten up to help. I thought, “This thing

the problem, we’re also part of the solution—both because we

I’m in now is going to be different.”

can produce some of the knowledge that will help us craft more

At first, I didn’t realize that hierarchies in the academy are every bit as important as they are in the military. But in the military, your status is on your sleeve, so you can tell who’s what. In a university setting, you have to figure it out, which wasn’t always easy for me at first.

effective solutions, and also because education is a much better way to solve this problem rather than punishment.

You have been remarkably successful in male-dominated environments. What strategies have you used to achieve those successes?

The study of military sexual assault became one of your areas of expertise. Can you talk about that?

I’ve always been comfortable in roles where I helped people

Being on a law faculty gave me the opportunity to pursue my

a part of. I was the president of my high school class; I led the

interest in better understanding the US military, particularly in

jazz ensemble and the marching band and the concert band.

relation to other militaries around the world and its history in

But throughout my career, I’ve been struck by the different

the period since World War II. I turned my research to study-

challenges that I face as a woman seeking and taking on lead-

ing all branches of US military service, the laws that govern

ership roles. And I’ve become more reflective about why I’ve

the military, the sorts of crimes that were prosecuted in the

been able to seize those opportunities.

work together and understand the bigger mission that they’re

military, with special attention to how race, gender, sexual ori-

I’ve always wanted to prove myself in environments where

entation, and relative class status—which in the military relates

women aren’t necessarily welcome, and that’s been possible

to rank—affected crime and affected the opportunities of those

for me for a variety of reasons. First, I just never believed that

in the service. This led me to be more involved in public advo-

I couldn’t do it. I’ve been gifted with a lot of faith in myself

cacy to try to improve the military’s response to sexual assault

because other people have believed in me. I never felt espe-

in particular.

cially intimidated, and I was always able to make friends. But

I worked to change the policy that banned open service by

was I able to advance, despite being a woman, without barriers

gays and lesbians, as well as to change the policy that banned

or difficulty? Did I move into a world where gender discrimina-

transgender military personnel from serving openly. And I also

tion was solved? No. Even now, although I’ve been fortunate

have worked most in recent years on the policies related to sex-

to have leadership positions with quite a lot of authority and

ual assault. The tragedy of sexual assault and its prevalence in

status, I still walk into situations where I’m the only woman in

the armed forces has been a major public issue, but I’ve been

the room and the men are interacting in ways that exclude me.

gratified by some of the progress that have been made and

At this point, that tends to make me furious rather than cowed,

humbled by how far we have yet to go.

and to want to change the underlying social dynamics that perpetuate such inequities.

Some people would argue that working as a prosecutor would be the best way to combat this issue, but you see education as an effective tool. Why?

relative pay in professions, which shows that when men start

Prosecutors play critical roles, but they intervene very late in

start to dominate in a field formerly dominated by men, the pay

the arc of harm created by a sexual assault. What I learned in

decreases. It’s true that we literally value the work that women

advocating for policy changes related to sexual assault in the

do, no matter what it is, less than the work that men do.

military changed the way I understand the role of education

And I’ve felt sad but unsurprised by the data about women’s to work in any particular field, the pay increases. But if women

and research in addressing sexual assault both in the military

Are there leadership areas in which women excel?

and on campuses. It’s also made me respect the importance

It may be that women listen more, are more collaborative, and

of scholars and the insight that comes from real research.

make broader connections, but it’s dangerous to overgeneral-

Understanding the problem is essential to crafting effective

ize—there are all kinds of women and men, who fit in across

solutions.

the spectrums of behavior and identity. More important than

For example, we still don’t really know the prevalence of

naming particular types of leadership suited to women is creatfa L L 2 0 1 6

15

ing more opportunities for women to become leaders. Women

tunity for people to better understand themselves, to better

lose the ability to step up when their voices are silenced in the

understand the world they’re in—and then figure out how they

ways they so often are. A lot of things that work for men also

want to make the world more perfect than it is right now. And

work for women, but the bias about women’s innate capacity

I view that across the board, in every field of study and human

and proper place make it tougher for women to break through.

endeavor. Everything we learn can help us figure out how to improve things going forward.

Have you seen progress in opportunities for women?

You’ll note that I said a more perfect world—I don’t have

Yes. I’ve seen lots of change, but it’s not been steady and it’s

illusions about a completely perfect world. But good ideas can

fragile. I’ve seen institutions that have a powerful culture of

work, and being tenacious matters a tremendous amount in all

gender-integrated leadership, with women in leadership roles.

the things we try to do. It’s a funny thing: You have to balance

And then the next iteration of leadership snaps back into a very

the idea that one person can’t do anything alone with the rec-

different place and the whole institution changes.

ognition that one really committed person can actually change

Women have been the majority of law students for almost

an awful lot.

20 years now, and yet women are a small percentage still of the leaders of law schools or partners in firms. I can’t tell you

How does women’s education fit into this?

how angry I get at that. The ways in which gender hierarchies

We’ve had co-education almost universally in this country

continue to dominate so many institutions make me crazy,

for a long time. And it’s not clear to me that that’s working in terms of solving the gender gap in pay

N ‘Education is social change.

Education creates opportunity for people to better understand themselves, to better understand the world they’re in—and then figure out how they want to make the world more perfect.’

and status, in creating opportunities for women versus men, or in breaking down societal assumptions about gender that hold so many of us back.

Many of the people I respect and admire have attended women’s colleges—including my mother, who graduated from Seton Hill College. I didn’t myself, but I’ve looked back and wondered why. Every place I’ve been I’ve seen the need for women’s education— in the military, in law school, and in different sectors of higher education, I’ve seen again and again the challenges that women face. I think women’s education has never been more relevant or important than it is today. Women’s colleges have a critical role to play in helping people see themselves as leaders, and in moving toward gender and

given how much we know about the benefits for everyone of

racial justice. A place like Mills that helps transform women

opening doors to women. I want to try to fix that—and, since I

into leaders, that gives them the opportunity to create and to

don’t really believe I can fix anything by myself, being part of

grow—that’s an extraordinary place to be.

an institution that’s going to generate people who will go out

with the very big idea that gender is not binary, for instance. To

Some people these days question the value of a liberal arts education, just as they question the validity of a women’s college. What is your response?

be at a place like Mills where that is happening is a tremendous

The study of the liberal arts forces students to engage in true

opportunity.

critical thinking, in assessing and evaluating rather than

there and work to change these systems leverages my commitment in a major way. I love the idea of helping the world grapple

Educating students is so important in bringing about change.

simply accepting what they’re told. This ability is absolutely

The chance to reach students is why I’ve stayed an academic.

fundamental to making good decisions in an increasingly com-

I’ve come to see students as the engine of the future.

plex and chaotic world. It has relevance in all the different sectors that students will encounter—with their families, in their

Meaning?

I think education is social change. Education creates oppor16

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

careers, in pursuits outside of their professional work.

In the 21st-century economy, employers of all kinds tell us

N ‘I think there’s a widespread recognition that we actually can’t become educated if we’re not with people who are not like ourselves. Diversity is about not just accepting difference, but involves really trying to listen generously to other perspectives.’ they need teams with adaptability, openness, a willingness to

but Mills also has a high percentage of first-generation college

work with different types of people, and the skills to take on

students, of students who come from less privileged economic

the biggest problems. We see tech companies bringing in cre-

backgrounds, and students of color. We have some of the tools

ative people because even though solving a difficult technical

we need to support all students, and are building more; we are

challenge requires particular technical skills, identifying that

also continuously strengthening our institutional commit-

problem may require a very different lens. Synergy between

ment to helping students from many backgrounds succeed.

the liberal arts and more technical, hard science pursuits is

We have to continue to work to bring less represented groups

one example of how incorporating diverse perspectives in solv-

onto campus. And, once we get students in the door, it’s up to

ing a problem makes a tremendous difference in whether the

us to give them a community of support, ways to overcome

outcome is going to be successful.

inevitable challenges, and a full understanding of available

A liberal arts education can help people find those critical

opportunities. Retention and completion matter deeply, and we

thinking skills, that richer understanding of humanity, that

have to hold ourselves accountable for positive outcomes on all

deeper assessment of what we ought to be doing, the realiza-

meaningful measures of success.

tion that having diverse people in the room is a precondition to

Would you say more about diversity?

Coming from an academic background gives you a particular perspective on the dynamics of the College. How do you see the role of the faculty?

I think there’s a widespread recognition that we actually can’t

Academic excellence is critical to the success of any college. It’s

become educated if we’re not with people who are not like

certainly a part of what Mills has been and is, and it has to be

ourselves. Diversity is about not just accepting difference, but

a part of Mills’ future. Mills relies on the faculty to create the

involves really trying to listen generously to other perspec-

special environment that so many have valued in their experi-

tives. While not everyone agrees on the best ways to measure

ence here.

coming up with new and better solutions.

or achieve diversity, no one who is serious about solving the problems of the future will say that they don’t value diversity.

I’m excited to get to see the Mills faculty in action and to understand the research in which they’re engaged. I want to

You know, in any team people have to listen to each other.

help create opportunities for brilliant faculty to push the world

Any coach understands the need to communicate. But sports

forward on all fronts, with more knowledge and more under-

analogies only go so far. There are lots of other teams—dance

standing and more insight.

troupes, theater companies, people working in the same com-

And I’m very much looking forward to learning from my

pany, even college leadership teams—and these people all

faculty colleagues about what they understand is so essential

need to work together. Diversity speaks to that; diversity also

about Mills. We can’t let that go in the changes that are ahead

includes realizing that we aren’t all going to end up in the same

of us. I look forward to learning from our faculty about what

place on plenty of issues.

they see happening next for Mills. Our faculty has to be a critical driver of our next steps.

Is there room to improve on diversity at Mills?

No institution can move forward without its faculty, its trust-

There is always room to improve. Mills embraces the idea that

ees, its alumni, its staff, and its students understanding what

diversity means opportunity for women, people of color, trans-

our goals are and taking appropriate steps to get to that next

gender people, and people with different abilities, not all of

level. Helping everyone see that we want very much the same

whom have been represented in institutions of higher educa-

thing—and that we can only get there together—will be a part

tion in the past. Women are at the top of the list, of course,

of preparing for Mills’ future. fa L L 2 0 1 6

17

N ‘Creating a sustainable future for Mills is a critical obligation for me as president— but I can’t do it by myself.

The future of Mills is in the hands of a lot of people.’

You sound both confident and optimistic about the future of the College, despite the difficult issues of declining enrollment and continuing financial shortfalls.

sure that we preserve those experiences going forward. There’s

Creating a sustainable future for Mills is a critical obligation

offering mentorships and support in making the leap into pro-

for me as president—but I can’t do it by myself. The future of

fessional positions or graduate school, for example. And they

Mills is in the hands of a lot of people. Mills has strength in its

can help shape and support the initiatives that the college will

distinctive identity. We just have to make sure that our identity

undertake going forward. We can’t have a meaningful agenda

is as widely known and respected as possible.

without incorporating the ideas and the input of our alumnae.

such a full range of things that alumnae can get involved with—being present on campus and connecting to students or

In the short time I’ve been here, so many people have expressed to me how Mills has changed their lives, how Mills

Any final thoughts about leading Mills?

helped them find their voice, that Mills is a place where poten-

Well, you know, I didn’t want to be president anywhere. I

tial is never far away. They’ve told me, passionately, about how

wanted to be president of Mills! I can’t imagine a better place

Mills helped them grow and understand the responsibility to

to be. My family and I want to be part of this community, and

contribute. That’s a really exciting atmosphere to come in to.

we expect to invest in its success.

In your view, do alumnae have a role to play for Mills?

be more excited to be getting started. At the same time, it feels

I want to get to know our alumnae supporters, those who trea-

very comfortable that this is the next step in my life. It seems

sure the experience that they had here and who have come

to me that this is what I have been called to do—which I view

to understand what they value about Mills. I need to make

as a good sign for what’s ahead. ◆

We have an extraordinary adventure ahead, and I couldn’t

18

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

I’m leaving a legacy so future students will discover what they love at Mills.

Molly discovered crew at Mills.

I joined Mills’ crew team in my senior year, and rowing has been part of my life ever since. I contributed to my 50th Reunion class gift with a charitable gift annuity. It was a good deal: my gift qualified for a tax deduction the year I made it, and the annuity generates some handy income for me each quarter. The remainder of my gift will benefit the College. The best part is, it was easy to set up. No red tape!

– Molly Upton ’65

To learn more about creating a legacy of your own at Mills

contact us toll-free at 1.877.PG.MILLS (1.877.746.4557) or planagift@mills.edu.

If you’ve recently included Mills in your estate plans, please let us know.

To open a charitable gift annuity, you transfer cash or publicly traded securities to Mills. In exchange we guarantee to pay you a fixed income for life or a term of years. The rate is based on your age at the time you begin receiving income. A significant portion of the income is tax exempt. Not available in some states. For more information visit www.mills.edu/pg.

In Memoriam Notices of death received before July 31, 2016 To submit listings, please contact alumnae-relations@mills.edu or 510.430.2123

Alumnae Noyon Estelle Blanchard Berg ’39, June 12, in Menlo Park, California.

She was a founder of the Mid-Peninsula League of the San Francisco Symphony, volunteered for many years with the Peninsula Family Service and the Committee for Art at Stanford, and helped establish Atherton’s Holbrook-Palmer Park. She is survived by a son and three grandchildren.

Winifred Young Washburn ’39, April 23, in Pasadena, California. She shared a life of ministry with her husband, the Reverend Charles Washburn, in Idaho, Illinois, Scotland, Wyoming, and the San Francisco Bay Area. She also earned master’s degrees in special education, gerontology, and theology, and worked extensively to mainstream special needs children and to provide ministry to those in convalescent homes. Survivors include three children and five grandchildren.

Shirley Riebel Furchner ’42, June 9, 2015, in Eugene, Oregon. She was an accomplished pianist and, as an Air Force wife, was active in providing services to military families in need. She traveled extensively, was an active member of the Eugene YMCA, and served as a docent at the The Hult, Eugene’s performing art center. She is survived by four children and four grandchildren.

Janet Reid Sherwin ’42, March 24, 2015, in Klamath Falls, Oregon.

Dorothy Britton Bouchier ’46, February 25, in Kanagawa-ken, Japan.

Born in Japan to British parents, she spent her life contributing to Anglo-Japanese understanding. Her popular album, Japanese Sketches, presented the koto aesthetic in occidental terms. She had regular programs on NHK’s Radio Japan, introducing Japanese folklore, music, and musicians to listeners abroad, as well as a television program teaching English conversation to Japanese pupils. Also well known for her literary translations, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2010 for her contributions to bridging two cultures.

She recently published her memoir, Rhythms, Rites and Rituals: My life in Japan in two-step and waltz time. Survivors include her cousin Patricia Campbell Chadwick ’41 and her niece Gillian Campbell Lumb ’66.

Kay “Kwil” Wilson Faranda ’46, July 5, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

She completed a residency in occupational therapy at Queen’s Hospital in Honolulu and worked as an OT at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and at City of Hope in Arcadia. A proud participant in the Mills College alumnae groups in Orange County and Chicago, she visited more than 90 countries and passed away on her 92nd birthday while on a European vacation with her family. She is survived by three children.

Jeanne Riley Grenzeback ’46, MA ’50, November 13, 2015, in San Francisco. She had a long and varied life that included careers as dancer, teacher, and bookseller. Survivors include three children and three grandchildren.

Herlinda Chew Leong ’46, October 19, 2015, in Huntington Beach, California. She received her doctorate in education and devoted her career to education, working as a second grade teacher, administrator, and school district superintendent. In retirement, she taught at a local women’s shelter and participated in charitable service groups. She is survived by three sons, three grandchildren, and her niece, Michele Dong Hill ’72.

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Doris Norman Bertram ’47, March 16, in Gualala, California. A working partner in several family businesses, she also served on the Point Arena Joint Union High School Governing Board and was involved in other efforts to improve children’s education. She is survived by five children, including Sarah Poyen ’90, and 13 grandchildren.

Jane Edwards Kenyon ’47, December 8, 2015, in Berkeley, California.

She worked in Panama and Brussels before joining the World Health Organization. Trained as a microbiologist, she was a lab director in Tunisia, Pakistan, and Kenya, eventually returning to the United States to complete her PhD in public health at UC Berkeley. She published several scientific papers and served as lab director for Santa Cruz County. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Jean Curtis Lorenz ’47, April 22, in Omaha, Nebraska. She served on the board of the Tuesday Musical Society for many decades and shared her love of classical music with her family and friends. Survivors include her daughters, Susan and Janet Lorenz ’75, and her cousin Janet Dinsmore Miller ’54.

Marilyn Rish Schricker ’51, May 15, in Elkhart, Indiana. A member of Elcona Country Club, Thursday Club, and Tri Kappa, she enjoyed playing bridge and golf while wintering in Indian Wells, California. She is survived by her husband, Oscar; three children; three stepchildren; and nine grandchildren.

Fleur Resleure Shabel ’51, January 9, in Redding, California.

Patricia Steel Wright ’51, May 26, in Danville, California. Among her favorite pastimes were fishing, gardening, playing bridge, reading, and most of all, her family. She is survived by two children and six grandchildren.

Mary Lois Hudson Sweatt ’60, MA ’62, June 15, 2016 in Dallas, Texas.

She founded the Mary Lois School of Dance, Inc. in Dallas in 1971 and mentored over 1,000 students in both dance and life skills before retiring in 2004. An active leader in the Dallas community, she received many honors for her service as a member, officer, or board member.

Most notably, she was the first black to be featured in the High Profile section of the Dallas Morning News. Survivors include her husband, James; four children; 14 grandchildren; her sisters Estrellita Hudson Redus ’65, MFA ’75, and Camellia Hudson Franklin ’73; cousins Flavia Batteau Walton ’67, Jackie Phillips-Jackson ’76, and Lera Traylor ’77; and nieces Lelalois Hudson Beard ’94, Samzie Hudson ’97, and Stacie Hudson ’98.

Anne Petersen Burk ’61, July 10, in Monterey, California. She performed with California’s First Theatre and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

She later earned her master’s of library science; worked as a librarian in Chicago, New York state, and several California cities; and was elected to the National Librarian’s Society. She also was a board member of the Monterey Civic Club and the Monterey History and Art Association. She leaves her husband, John; two children; and two grandchildren.

Cristina Simoni ’70, May 7, in Eugene, Oregon. She obtained her master’s degree in special education from the University of Oregon in Eugene and taught math, English, and other subjects at Lane Community College. She was a violinist, an artist, a master gardener, and yoga practitioner. Survivors include her daughter.

Gifts in Memory of Received March 1–May 31, 2016 Laura Balas, MA ’92, by Helen Hovdesven

Charles Mathews by his wife, Carol Jenkins Mathews ’68

Linda Nelson Branson ’77 by her husband, James Branson

Elizabeth Bryant Miles ’34 by Mary Wells Jencks ’51

Terry Foskett Camacho ’61 by Ann Gordon Bigler ’61

Jane Moore by her son, Ronald Moore

Marcia Hancock Carlson ’57 by Claire Stephens Conner ’57

Evelyn Oremland by Verna Wong

Louisa Carter ’62 by Ellen Locke Crumb ’59, P ’94

Elizabeth Pope by Laura McKeon Scholtz ’62

Willa Wolcott Condon, MA ’32, by her daughter, Ann Condon Barbour ’69

J. Roussel Sargent by Joy Glascock Harvey ’60, Marion Ross ’44

Susan Marks Craven ’63 by Margaret Goldsmith Fawcett ’63, P ’91 Grace Dote ’63 by Barbara Goldblatt Becker ’63, Anne Crotty ’62, Margaret Goldsmith Fawcett ’63, P ’91, Connie Young Yu ’63 J. Stuart Elmer by his mother, Marilyn Winans ’58 William and Helen Baer Gaw by their daughter-in-law, Jane Farrell Gaw ’52 Sara Robinson Geist ’58 by her husband, Carl Geist Jerome Graham by his wife, Mary Manning Graham ’61 Jane Holm ’76 by Marion Osmun ’76 Rebecca Davidson Karlson ’69 by her husband, Douglas Karlson

Irene Sawyer ’51 by Jacqueline Jorgensen Moffatt ’51 Deborah Gates Senft ’48 by Evelyn “Muffy” McKinstry Thorne ’48 Anne Sherrill by Elizabeth Terhune ’90 Joseph Shuttleworth by his wife, Rebecca Marsh Shuttleworth ’64 Leda Soffran Silver ’68 by Carol Press Pristoop ’69 Favour Hazeltine Slater ’58 by Ellen Locke Crumb ’59, P ’94 Donald Spagel, husband of Bette Krause Spagel ’63, P ’79, by Marion Ross ’44 Clyde and Hattye Stingily, P ’78, ’80, ’85, ’90, ’91, by their daughter, Linda Stingily ’78, on behalf of the Stingily family

Baki Kasapligil by Margret Mukai ’75

Deborah Stingily by her sister, Linda Stingily ’78, on behalf of the Stingily family

Jane Cudlip King ’42, P ’80, by Sharon Coleman ’68, Suzette Lalime Davidson ’94, Jacquelyn Jagger Parsons ’52

Charlene Brandt Taylor ’66 by her sister, Corinne Brandt Gallagher ’68

Paul Landeros by Adrianne Calonico Rose ’74

Allan Wendt by Joy Glascock Harvey ’60

Charles Larsen by Darlene Holbrook ’64, Elizabeth Terhune ’90

Reynold Wik by Darlene Holbrook ’64

Sally Short Lowe ’65 by Ellen Locke Crumb ’59, P ’94

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

Sarah Eldridge-Brownstein ’02, July 17, in Bellevue, Washington. She earned her master’s degree in psychology and served as mental health counselor at the King County Jail. She played numerous musical instruments, participated in many sports and outdoor activities, was an inspired photographer and artist, and enjoyed adventures throughout the world. Survivors include her parents, Michael Brownstein and Irene Eldridge, and stepparents David Goodson and Leifann Brownstein.

Thea Anderson ’14, May 24, in Napier, New Zealand. Following graduation, she traveled through Europe, India, and Japan before beginning work with intellectually challenged students in Napier.

Trained as a dancer, she planned to pursue a graduate degree in dance therapy. She is survived by her parents, Thor Anderson and Consuelo Faust-Anderson, and a sister.

Family Janet Reid Porter Anderson, mother of Dana Porter ’78, February 8, 2015, in Union, Washington.

William Blomberg, husband of Susan Ford Blomberg ’67, April 5, in San Francisco.

Eugenia Sanchez Mistretti, mother of Sandra Mistretti ’00, March 28, in Daly City, California.

Norman Van Patten, father of Angela Van Patten ’79, March 6, in Oakland, California.

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An odd cadre of new residents now calls the Mills campus home: since July, an unknown number of Pokémon have been spotted in many of the College’s best-known locations. (This statement may make some readers reach for the nearest Google, while others dive for their cell phones to fire up the wildly popular augmented-reality game, in which “pocket monsters” must be captured in the real world.) And although none of these creatures—that we know of—have registered for classes, Pokémon do seem to have much in common with college students. Each has its favored environs, special abilities, and potential to grow into something greater, given the right circumstances.

Psyduck generates mysterious brain waves. When glimpsed by the M, however, it refused to divulge its grade-point average.

Zubat, caught mid-flight outside the Art Museum, usually remains quietly unmoving in a dark spot during the bright daylight hours—not unlike those who suffer the consequences of too many all-nighters.

Even Magikarp, which online guides describe as “a pathetic excuse for a Pokémon that is only capable of flopping and splashing,” evolves into the formidable Gyarados when “its brain cells undergo a structural transformation.” A rigorous course of study can surely aid that process!

Whether the Pokemon-hunting craze endures for the next four years, and these creatures persist to graduation with the Class of ’20, remains to be seen.

Psyduck

Do the hokey Pokémon Pokemons captured by Chelsea Ekholm ’13

Poliwag

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Zubat

Rattata

Submissions are due January 13, 2017

Nominate the next alumna trustee Make your voice heard on the Mills College Board of Trustees and the Alumnae Association of Mills College (AAMC) Board of Governors. All alumnae are invited to nominate themselves or other alumnae as candidates for the position of alumna trustee for the 2017–20 term. Alumnae trustees serve a three-year term both on the Board of Governors of the AAMC and the College’s Board of Trustees and are expected to participate on committees on both boards. Interested candidates will find additional information on the responsibilities of the position and how to apply on the “Leadership” section of the AAMC website, aamc.mills.edu.

Submissions are due January 13, 2017, to AAMC Nominating Committee Chair Pierre Loving ’77 at aamc@mills.edu or AAMC, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., MB #86, Oakland, CA 94613.

Alumnae tr avel 2017

Riches of the Emerald Isle ■ June 20–July 1 Enjoy the energetic music and dance of Ireland, a land rich in tradition and mythology. Visit Irish-speaking areas in counties Galway and Kerry, learn of ancient Celtic culture, and kiss the Blarney Stone.

Polar Bears and Beluga Whales ■ July 15–21 Discover the beauty and wildness of Churchill, Manitoba, home to thousands of beluga whales and a wide variety of magnificent wildlife.

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.

Glacier, Waterton, and Banff National Parks ■ August 12–20 Explore the breathtaking scenery and grand history of the great Northwest, where the majestic American and Canadian Rockies meet.

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Mills Quarterly Mills College 5000 MacArthur Blvd.

Oakland, CA 94613-1301 510.430.3312 quarterly@mills.edu www.mills.edu

The Russell Women in Science Lecture

The Double Bind Women of color in science Tuesday, October 25 Lecture, 5:30 pm, Jeannik Méquet Littlefield Concert Hall, Music Building Pre-lecture reception, 4:30 pm, Lokey Graduate School of Business Gathering Hall RSVP required by October 19 to russellwomenscience@mills.edu In 1976, Shirley Malcom prepared a benchmark report on the barriers to education and employment faced by minority women scientists, and the supports that encourage success. Now, four decades later, she presents a historical perspective on the systems that impede inclusion, the changes necessary to correct that imbalance, and the importance of bringing a new generation of women and minorities into a broad range of scientific fields.

As head of Education and Human Resources Programs at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Dr. Malcom works to increase access to STEM education and to improve public science literacy. She also co-chairs the Gender Advisory Board of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development and Gender InSITE, a global campaign to promote the role of women in science, innovation, technology and engineering.

Malcom is a former member of the National Science Board, the policymaking body of the National Science Foundation, and served on President Clinton’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology. She earned her PhD in ecology from Pennsylvania State University, masters in zoology from UCLA, and bachelor’s in zoology from the University of Washington.

In 2003, she received the Public Welfare Medal of the National Academy of Sciences.

The Russell Women in Science Lecture Series is made possible thanks to the generous support of Cristine Russell ’71