Mills Quarterly, Fall 2017

BUILDING HE A LTH EQUIT Y  NE WS FROM THE A AMC  A PL ATE FULL OF HIS TORY

Mills Quarterly Fall 2017

SAY HELLO to the Telephone Outreach callers

FROM TOP LEFT: SHAVON ’19, ENGLISH LITERATURE ELISSA ’19, PUBLIC HEALTH CARMEN ’18, ART HISTORY LUPITA ’18, ECONOMICS SUNSHINE ’20, LIBERAL STUDIES MADISON ‘18, SOCIOLOGY

We encourage you to pick up the phone when a Mills student calls you this fall. It’s your opportunity to learn about campus today, ask any questions you may have about Mills, update your records, and contribute to the Mills College Annual Fund.

Your support will MAKE A DIFFERENCE Every gift helps Mills students. You may also contribute by calling 510.430.2366, visiting alumnae.mills.edu/give, or returning the enclosed envelope..

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Mills Quarterly

CONTENTS 6

Fall 2017 Finding the heart in healthcare by Jessica Langlois, MFA ’10 Meet four alumnae working to improve healthcare for all through policy, education, and outreach — and learn about an academic program that equips students to carry on these efforts.

12 Learning to dance, dancing to learn by Abigail Keyes, MA ’16 The founders of Luna Dance Institute foster creativity, confidence, and community through dance training based in theories of child development.

14 A brief history of china by Anna Henderson ’81 A forgotten set of Mills dishes prompts a journey of discovery about tableware and dining traditions.

16 A message from the AAMC president The Alumnae Association of Mills College aims to usher in a fresh era of volunteering and fundraising opportunities. Plus, news and notes on alumnae activities.

Departments 2

Calendar

3

President’s Message

4

Mills Matters

18 Class Notes 22 In Memoriam

On the cover: Mills served meals to students on specially designed china from the late 19th century into the 1990s. Today, they are used for small special occasions. Photo by Dana Davis.

Calendar Mills Music Now Concerts

Contemporary Writers Series

September 15  Milhaud Concert

September 19  Patty Yumi Cottrell Cottrell’s novel, Sorry To Disturb the Peace, has been described as “a sort of Korean-American noir, lean and wry and darkly compelling.” Born in South Korea, she now lives in New York.

September 22–24  CCM 51st Anniversary Celebration September 24 performance at 4:00 pm October 5  Janet Schmalfeldt lecture on Domenico Scarlatti 7:30 pm, Ensemble Room October 21  Sara Davies Buechner, Dewing Piano Recital Volume CVI, Number 1 (USPS 349-900) Fall 2017

November 12  Purloined Pages, music by Mozart and Haydn Performance at 4:00 pm

President Elizabeth L. Hillman

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.

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 Anna Henderson ’81 Abigail Keyes, MFA ’16 Jessica Langlois, MFA ’10 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. Copyright © 2017, 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.

Songlines Series October 16  Pascale Criton Recent pieces by the French musicologist and composer who specializes in microtonal music. 7:30 pm, Ensemble Room, free. For information see musicnow.mills.edu or contact John Bischoff at 510.430.2332 or bischoff@mills.edu.

October 3  Lillian Howan Celebrate the release of The Charm Buyers, Howan’s novel about Tahiti during the last years of French nuclear testing. Her writings have been published in several literary reviews and she is the editor of playwright Wakako Yamauchi’s collection, Rosebud and Other Stories. October 25  Daniel Borzutsky Borzutsky’s The Performance of Becoming Human earned the 2016 National Book Award for poetry. His other books include In the Murmurs of the Rotten Carcass Economy and The Book of Interfering Bodies; his translations from Spanish include Raúl Zurita’s Song for his Disappeared Love. November 14  Elizabeth Willis Alive: New and Selected Poems, Willis’s most recent book, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. She is the editor of Radical Vernacular: Lorine Niedecker and the Poetics of Place and a faculty member of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. 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.

TAKE NOTE

New cards available: • Eight different teapots from the collection of Susan Tolman Mills adorn this set of folded notecards. $20 including postage.

Also available: • Folded notecards with a eucalyptus branch (5.5 x 4”, blank inside). • Correspondence cards featuring a small eucalyptus leaf is also available (4 x 6”). Eucalyptus cards comes in packets of six, with envelopes, for $10, plus $2.50 shipping and handling for up to five packets.

(Please use outline)

Proceeds benefit Orange County Mills College Alumnae chapter activities, including an annual scholarship for a Mills student. To order: Mail your check, payable to Orange County Mills College Alumnae, along with a note indicating the quantity of each style, to Jana McDonough, PO Box 2730, Mission Viejo, CA 92690. Please include your phone number or email address in case of any questions. Need more information? Contact Jana at theocmca@gmail.com or 847.650.8771.

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M I L L S Q U A R T E R LY

A Message from the President of Mills College

Grappling with the hidden figures of our time By Beth Hillman In recent weeks, dramatic events in the

aren’t joining us for Reunion, I encour-

United States have proven wrong those

age you to pick up a copy of this fasci-

with a narrow sense of the possible.

nating story.)

The rise of an alt-right movement, the

Given the political and social moment

total solar eclipse that was visible across

at which the Class of 2021 arrived on

the country, and the terrible destruc-

campus, Hidden Figures turns out to

tion and flooding caused by Hurricane

be an inspired choice for Mills’ first-

Harvey on the Gulf Coast have forced us

year reading assignment. The book’s

to open our eyes wider. Seeing the power

author, Margot Lee Shetterly, now lives

than people who don’t — reading in the

of hate, of the cosmos, and of a weather

in Charlottesville, Virginia, the cen-

company of others, and especially with

disaster so close in time to each other

ter of the racist violence that has so

the guidance of faculty dedicated to

is a humbling reminder of how fast cir-

unsettled universities and communi-

students’ learning, is an unparalleled

cumstances can change. Both the social

ties across the country. Shetterly grew

means of building skills and knowledge

worlds we make, and the natural worlds

up in Hampton, the daughter of African

together.

in which we live, are dynamic, and

American PhDs, her mother a Hampton

Many alumnae I have spoken with

sometimes defy even our best attempts

University English professor, her father

over the past year have shared how their

to make sense of them. Like the stu-

a NASA research scientist. Her story is

classroom experiences at Mills shaped —

dents at Mills who find their world views

set at Langley, in the heart of an aero-

or reshaped — their ways of understand-

expand during the course of their stud-

space industry that sprouted during

ing the world and continue to deeply

ies, experiencing these events has led

World War II. Shetterly’s own life story,

inform who they are today. Many par-

many of us to think in different ways.

as well as her narrative of the success of

ticipate in ongoing communities of

As we seek to integrate such perspec-

talented African American women in the

learning, whether through advanced

tive-changing events into our sense of

racially segregated mid-20th century

academic study, book groups, spiri-

ourselves and our worlds, we often find

American South, is a powerful antidote

tual communities, collective volunteer

familiar tools and techniques for think-

to any notion that racism and sexism

efforts, or other means.

ing helpful. Scientists test and experi-

in Virginia, or elsewhere, is new  —  or

As I write this letter, in late August,

ment, students of language and letters

that it cannot can be overcome. Hidden

students are moving in to the residence

analyze rhetoric, artists marvel and

Figures reveals how the tenacity of gifted

halls and getting to know one other

create. Because the discipline of history

individuals and the power of a support-

through orientation activities. This eve-

has so profoundly shaped my own per-

ive community can compel both sci-

ning, they will gather on the President’s

spective, I often turn to the past, and to

entific progress and racial and gender

Meadow to watch the movie version

the tools of historical analysis, in search

justice.

of Hidden Figures, which was nominated

of insight. This fall, I’m accompanied

Today, individual and collective efforts

for three Academy Awards, including

on my look backward by Mills’ enter-

to learn are reshaping civic engagement

Best Picture. They will have a chance

ing class of first-year undergraduates.

and

across

to compare the detailed documentation

They are reading Hidden Figures, the

American

universities.

and complex history in Shetterly’s book

book on which the recent and popular

While reading books is a good idea for

to the film’s composite versions of real-

movie about the accomplishments of

everyone  –  a study published in the

life characters and its powerful narrative

African American women “computers”

September 2016 edition of Social Science

arc. Both representations enhance our

in the 1940s and 1950s was based. (This

and Medicine found that people who

understanding of the past and present,

year’s Reunion attendees are also invited

read books live two years longer, even

and both point toward how everyday life

to read the book and join a discussion

after controlling for gender, wealth,

and momentous events come together to

during the weekend’s events; even if you

education, cognitive ability, and health,

forge lives and history.

PHOTO BY ROY M ANZ ANARES

historical

understanding

colleges

and

FA L L 2 0 1 7

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Mills Matters Individuals and foundations provide wide-ranging financial support Mills College gratefully acknowledges

Thea Faust-Anderson ’14, who passed

the Social Studies, which will explore

the following gifts, grants, and pledges

away last year. These gifts, coupled with

methods for integrating ethnic studies

of $50,000 or more received from

contributions from numerous friends

curricula in elementary school set-

January 1 to June 30, 2017.

and alumnae, will support a guest

tings. Assistant Professor of Education

artist or scholar in the Mills Dance

Wanda Watson serves as project direc-

Mills College donated $200,000

Department, foster collaborative rela-

tor. Funds from The Stuart Foundation

to Mills College to create two new

tionships between Mills and the wider

will allow Mills to offer a new teach-

scholarship funds in honor of the

dance community, and promote Thea’s

ing credential focused on the Waldorf

late Audrey Gibney ’46. One of

interests in using dance to help others.

model, which emphasizes creativity

The Alumnae Association of

the scholarships is earmarked for

Gilena Vazquez Simons ’90 estab-

and imagination in learning. The Mills

undocumented students; the other

lished the Gilena Simons Library

Teacher Scholar Program continues to

provides aid for Oakland high school

Endowment Fund, which will provide

benefit from the longstanding support

graduates entering Mills as first-year

for circulating materials as well as

of The Dirk and Charlene Kabcenell

or transfer students.

protect and restore rare books.

Foundation.

Richard Barrett, P ’93, a former Mills

Distributions from the estate of

With support from The JPMorgan

College trustee, and his wife, Elaine,

Rosalie Torres-Rioseco ’45 have been

Chase Foundation, the Lorry I. Lokey

continued support of the Jill Barrett

used to establish an endowed faculty

School of Business and Public Policy

Undergraduate Research Program.

fund as well as an endowed student

will be a partner in Ascend 2020 Bay

Established in 1998, the program sup-

scholarship.

Area, a three-year effort that enlists

ports faculty mentoring for biology

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

business schools, business service-

students and undergraduate research

provided a generous discretionary grant

providing organizations, and financial

opportunities.

to support selected presidential initia-

institutions to develop support systems

Ann Sulzberger Wolff ’42 made

tives. President Beth Hillman is direct-

for local inner-city and minority-

a donation to Mills’ Greatest Need—

ing the funds toward a set of projects to

owned businesses. The Ascend 2020

an unrestricted designation that can

enhance faculty development, curricu-

Bay Area Initiative was announced

be directed as needed.

lar innovation, and student retention.

at the Center for Socially Responsible

Consuelo Faust-Anderson and

The School of Education received

Business at Mills conference in March;

Thornton Anderson, along with an

support from several sources: The

partner programs are also being insti-

anonymous donor, endowed the Thea

Spencer Foundation awarded a two-year

tuted in Seattle, Los Angeles, Atlanta,

Project in honor of their daughter,

grant for a project titled Bringing Back

Chicago and Washington, DC.

Board accepts reduced College budget The Mills College Board of Trustees approved a revised budget

the revised FSP restructured several academic departments in

for the 2017–2018 fiscal year on June 26. The month before,

order to minimize the number of programs slated for elimi-

the Board had rejected a budget with a projected deficit of

nation and, in anticipation of upcoming faculty retirements,

$9 million dollars; at that time, they declared a financial

reduced the number of ranked faculty positions to be discon-

emergency and mandated that the College set a plan to

tinued to five. A dozen staff positions were also eliminated. In

achieve a balanced budget within three years.

addition to these cost-cutting measures, the plan also relies

College administration presented a draft Financial Stabilization Plan (FSP) on May 16 and, in the weeks that fol-

on increased revenue from projected enrollment gains. President Hillman convened an alumnae forum on July 26 to

lowed, extensive conversations and consultations took place

answer questions about the financial situation. A video of the

with individual faculty members and academic committees

event can be viewed at http://alumnae.mills.edu/ForumQA.

as well as students and alumnae. In response to this feedback, 4

M I L L S Q U A R T E R LY

Book art and photography benefit from newly endowed faculty chairs A remarkable $2-million gift, jointly

Just two years ago, when the Book Art

awarded to the College by two anony-

Program at Mills was at risk for closure,

mous donors, will support the study

students, alumnae, and the interna-

of book art at Mills and establish the

tional book art community rallied to

Lovelace Family Chair in Book Art, the

garner support for the program. Those

first endowed faculty position in the

extraordinary efforts helped inspire the

program.

establishment of this chair.

Mills is an internationally recognized

“Mills has embraced innovation and

Nancy Cook ’68 during her time as a Mills student, photographed by her roommate, Joyce Shank ’68.

leader in the study of book art, which

experimentalism in the arts for most of

explores the conceptual and historical

its history, and Book Art has been part

nature of the book as well as the craft

of that spirit since 1930,” said Director of

Nancy Cook ’68. This gift will also pro-

of creating books as art objects through

the Book Art Program Kathleen Walkup,

vide funds for an undergraduate scholar-

inventive book structures, binding,

who will be the inaugural holder of the

ship, to be named for Cook’s college

typography, and printing processes.

chair. “This endowment ensures that

roommate, Joyce Shank ’68, as well as

we can focus on future curricula and

for photography-related student travel.

new initiatives in an environment of

Cook cultivated a lifelong love of

security and stability. I am humbled and

photography and travel, placing her

extremely honored by this gift.”

eye in the viewfinder in such far-flung

Professor of Book Art Julie Chen

Antarctica. In making the gift before her

lenges students to consider the ever-

passing earlier this year, Cook expressed

changing role of the book as both

her strong support for maintaining a

reading object and art object in the

rich arts program at Mills and said she

digital age. This endowment will allow

wanted to make photography more

us to continue to innovate and grow,

accessible to women interested in the

and will help keep Mills College at the

medium.

forefront of book art education.” A faculty chair in photography has Professors Kathleen Walkup and Julie Chen in the book art studio.

locales as Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and

added, “The Book Art Program chal-

Catherine Wagner, Dean of the Fine Arts Division and a recognized fine arts

also been established, thanks to a

photographer, will be the inaugural

generous $3-million donation by

holder of the chair created by the gift. “The strong legacy of photography at

Karniouchina named dean of business and public policy Kate Karniouchina has been appointed as the new dean of the Lorry I. Lokey School of Business and Public Policy. She has been a member of the Mills business faculty since 2015 and combines expertise in marketing, management, and data analytics with industry and consulting experience. She will build on the work of past leaders as the school continues to expand its academic programs and partnerships with other educational and professional institutions. Karniouchina holds a BA, MBA, and PhD from the University of Utah and previously was an assistant professor of marketing at Chapman University in Southern California, where she received the Excellence in Scholarly/Creative Activity Award in 2009.

Mills is here to stay,” she said. “With this gift, we will be able to expand our academic offerings in photography and expand our scholarships to students working in this medium.” President Beth Hillman met with Cook last year. “Learning about her Mills experience — and her passion for photography and travel — was truly inspiring,” said Hillman. “Her generous investment in Mills reflects an equally tenacious commitment to making such life-changing experiences possible for generations of future students.” FA L L 2 0 1 7

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Finding the heart in health care

A new major seeks to increase equitable access and service in medical care, but many alumnae have been pursuing this goal for decades  BY JESSICA LANGLOIS, MFA ’10

F

OR THE PAST 18 YEARS, Maurie Davidson ’63, a licensed clinical social worker, has been a volunteer faculty member at the Geffen School of

Medicine at UCLA, teaching third-year students to consider the human condition of their patients, not just their illnesses. It’s the one time in medical school when medical, dental, and nurse practitioner students consider the interrelationship of physical and mental health — from social biases to economic systems that can affect quality of care. “We want to embark on an understanding of people, the cultural backgrounds they come from, the environment they live in, the environment they’re going back home to. Every individual patient comes from a unique set of circumstances,” explains Davidson. Four years ago, Davidson had an eye-opening moment when students responded to a question about cultural disparities they had noticed in the course of their training. Three out of the eight students wrote about the lack of information provided regarding treatment of transgender patients. According to a 2014 survey by the Human Rights Campaign, 70 percent of transgender or gender-nonconforming patients say they have experienced some type of discrimination in health care. And although both the Association of American Medical Colleges and the University of California, San Francisco’s Center for Excellence for Transgender Health have released guidelines for treating LGBT and gender non-conforming patients, many major medical schools and hospitals still lack standard clinical training. 6

M I L L S Q U A R T E R LY

Davidson immediately advocated for adding information about trans health to the curriculum. Her colleagues agreed and, by the following year, they had launched a transgender health module in the second-year doctoring program.

LGBT patients are just one of many groups who encounter health-care disparities in the United States; and, increasingly, the concept of health equity is being raised in the public health field. This involves acknowledging that the greatest threats to good health for Americans are preventable diseases that often stem from nonmedical factors, including lack of safe housing, steady employment, and quality education, as well as discrimination or bias. Poverty, language barriers, social or geographic isolation, and institutional racism also play a role, and many of these factors contribute to higher rates of chronic illness and disability among marginalized groups. The Kaiser Family

"Good health shouldn’t depend on your zip code, race, or gender. There are inequities across those kinds of categories that don’t need to exist, and there are ways that we can address them.” –Jared Young, professor of biology

Foundation reports, for instance, that Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanics are more likely to be diag-

undergraduate schools in the country to

many end up transferring to ethnic stud-

nosed with asthma, diabetes, or obesity

offer a major in public health and health

ies or other degree paths. Young refers to

than whites  —  conditions that can be

equity that aims to prepare students to

such students as “STEM refugees.”

caused by limited access to nutritious

create these kinds of positive change.

The health equity program attracted

foods, lack of places to be physically active,

The program offers two courses of study:

12 majors in this, its first year. But many

and environmental toxins. Similarly, even

one emphasizes the science of medi-

Mills alumnae have already been deeply

though women have a higher death rate

cine; the other incorporates classes in

entrenched in the movement for health

from heart disease than men, they are

public policy, sociology, economics, psy-

equity for decades.

less likely to get diagnosed or treated.

chology, and ethnic studies for students

“Good health shouldn’t depend on

most interested in advocacy, education,

Davidson is one of those. The mother of a

your zip code, race, or gender,” explains

policy, and law. Young and Provost Julia

lesbian daughter who is also a physician,

Biology Professor Jared Young. “There

Chinyere Oparah, who is also a professor

Davidson had been an active member

are inequities across those kinds of cate-

of ethnic studies, conceived of the pro-

of PFLAG, the education and advocacy

gories that don’t need to exist, and there

gram over dessert at a faculty event in

group for people who are lesbian, gay,

are ways that we can address them.”

2014, as they brainstormed ways to keep

bisexual, transgender, and queer, for

Those ways include improving edu-

underserved minorities from dropping

years. But, at about the same time as

cation and awareness for medical pro-

out of STEM majors. Many undergrads

her students called attention to the lack

fessionals, creating more pathways for

on the pre-med track at Mills choose the

of information on transgender health,

underrepresented minorities to enter

field, Young explains, because they or

she joined the Gay and Lesbian Medical

the field, incorporating social services

their families have had negative experi-

Association and began learning from

into medical programs, making health

ences with the medical system and they

experts in the field. She also learned

care services more accessible to low-

are driven to improve that experience for

that the Affordable Care Act requires

income communities, and increasing

others. But after a year or two, when stu-

coverage of health-care needs of trans-

trust between providers and patients.

dents don’t see those passions reflected

gender

in their biology or chemistry coursework,

therapy, mental health counseling, and

Last year, Mills became one of the few

people  —  including

hormone

FA L L 2 0 1 7

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concept applies in LGBT and transgender health care as well. “These students will become role models,” says Davidson. “They’ll create a positive example for their patients and for colleagues throughout the medical field.”

Most health disparities are influenced by pervasive social conditions that exist outside the walls of a hospital or clinic. Often, health data points to greater inequities in a community. In 2009, Pat Temple Gabbe ’64, a doctor and pediatrics researcher, served on the Ohio governor’s task force on infant mortality. At the time, the state of Ohio ranked second to last in the country for infant mortality. In Franklin County, where Gabbe lives and works, each week two to three babies die before reach-

Maurie Davidson ’63 had just helped launch the transgender health training module at the Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, potentially improving healthcare for thousands of patients in the years to come, when she attended her 50th reunion.

ing their first birthday, and the rate is nearly three times as high for African Americans than for whites. The task force found that many of the infant deaths were due to preventable causes: key factors contributing to this grim

procedures, such as plastic surgery, not

question can make a big difference.”

number include poor pre-natal care and

directly related to gender reassignment

Understanding such appropriate behav-

nutrition, substance abuse, stress, long

surgery but still tied to gender expres-

ior is an important step in building a

working hours, and unsafe sleep habits

sion for many people.

beneficial doctor-patient relationship.

for infants.

Because bias and misunderstanding

Davidson is proud to say that, at this

“There’s a lot of injustice in these

persist within the medical community,

time, no student can complete a UCLA

numbers,” says Gabbe. “I thought, ‘Why

the transgender health module in UCLA’s

medical degree without learning about

can’t we change this?’” Within a year,

doctoring program focuses on improving

transgender health, and she points out

she launched Moms2B, a community

cultural competence of health care pro-

that the program also makes the medi-

program in Columbus that educates and

fessionals, which translates to improved

cal field more welcoming for diverse

supports pregnant women and mothers

patient experience. First- and second-

individuals.

living in poverty and connects them to medical care as well as other resources.

year medical students at UCLA typically

One year, Davidson noticed a male

learn to conduct comprehensive medical

nurse practitioner student become vis-

“We’re focused on understanding the

interviews with actors playing the role of

ibly relieved after she introduced herself

African American woman living in an

patients — an exercise that cultivates clini-

as a PFLAG mom and passed out infor-

urban area and on addressing the social

cal knowledge along with empathy and

mation on gay and trans health. He later

factors that she faces,” says Gabbe. “We

human connection. Davidson and her

told Davidson he was gay and caring for

get our moms connected to medical care

team brought in 10 transgender actors, for

HIV patients; up until then he hadn’t felt

in spite of barriers like lack of transpor-

a slightly different assignment  –  instead

comfortable coming out to his medical

tation and insurance, and long waiting

of role playing, these actors related their

school community.

lists at some clinics or practices.”

own experiences in seeking medical care.

It’s an important shift. The Congres-

Moms2B is supported by Wexner

“When you’re working with a trans

sional Black Caucus Health Braintrust

Medical Center at Ohio State University,

person, it is a simple matter of respect

recently stated that a lack of workforce

and is staffed by pediatricians, obste-

to ask, ‘What pronouns do you want

diversity — that is, not enough doctors

tricians, nurses, social workers, and

me to use for you?’” explains Davidson.

who look like the patients they are serv-

medical dietitians from the university’s

“There’s a great deal of variation on

ing — is a serious factor contributing to

OBGYN unit. This coordinated team

the transgender spectrum; this simple

health disparities among minorities. The

reaches out to women who might not

8

M I L L S Q U A R T E R LY

otherwise go to a clinic or hospital dur-

“Some people said I love to swim, or I

ing their pregnancy and creates a space

like to be with friends; but one little girl

for women to connect with one another

said bacon!” says Gabbe. “We laughed,

and get important information about

but the question was tied to a lesson on

their pregnancies.

post-partum depression and the baby

Gabbe says black women sometimes

blues.” That day, the moms to be also

aren’t treated with respect in the medical

learned about the importance of nutri-

field, and that can discourage them from

tion and relaxation and preparing for

seeking care. Research supports her state-

labor and delivery; the session finished,

ment: A 2013 study in the Maternal and

as it always does, with a healthy meal for

Child Health Journal found that the major-

the whole family — moms, kids, and dads

ity of black women with limited incomes

together with the Moms2B team.

seeking pre-natal care felt they were

Since opening, Moms2B has served

treated differently because of their race or

over 1,000 women who are pregnant or

because they had public insurance.

post-partum. While the infant mortality

Policy issues also create significant

Most of the women who come to one

rate in Ohio is still high, the rate in the

effects on the health of populations.

of Moms2B’s six community centers in

Columbus neighborhood where Gabbe

As the federal government argues and

Columbus are in their 20s, haven’t grad-

started Moms2B has declined dramati-

negotiates the state of health care in

uated high school, earn less than $1,000

cally in the program’s first four years.

our nation, many Americans suffer the

a month, and already have two or three

“Across the US, we in the medical field

consequences of being unable to afford

children. Most live in subsidized hous-

do a great job with medical conditions

insurance or pay for direct services.

ing, but 25 percent have no housing at

pregnant women face, but we are not

Although the number of uninsured,

all, says Gabbe.

tuned in to social factors that underlie

non-elderly Americans dropped by 50

“They try to work as much as they can,

their pregnancies,” she explains. “It’s

percent between 2013 and 2015, 28.5

but usually they’re in temporary jobs

difficult for women living in poverty to

million Americans remain uninsured.

that don’t have benefits, so they rely on

relate to the medical system, so we try to

Medicaid,” Gabbe explains, adding that

bridge that.”

In Virginia, which has a strict Medicaid policy and declined to expand its

the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program has a 36-month limit, and most of her clients have already used up their funding. Moms2B offers material assistance, education, and a network of emotional support. On a typical day, women enter the center in their community and can take whatever clothes or supplies they need from a donation table. They help themselves to a healthy snack and are provided with a five-dollar grocery gift card. A staff member is sure to welcome each mother and ask how they and their children are doing. “I don’t want any mom sitting alone,” says Gabbe, who seeks to create an atmosphere that will encourage mothers to keep coming back during and after their pregnancies. Then older children play games with volunteer child development students, while moms and younger children gather in the “sister circle” for lessons and to answer the day’s question. Recently, the question was, What makes you happy?

Pat Temple Gabbe ’64 reaches “moms to be” in their communities, providing a comprehensive program of education and resources to help them, their children, and their families thrive. FA L L 2 0 1 7

9

Medicaid coverage under the Affordable

ing executive director, raising the funds

the wealthiest counties in the nation,

Care Act, income and other eligibil-

needed to keep it running, and recruit-

and she had no trouble finding doctors

ity limitations leave 747,000 Virginians

ing and managing the volunteer staff.

to volunteer their time and skill. A local

without any form of insurance. Most

It could be said that social justice in

orthopedic surgeon does all the clinic’s

of them are working poor who fall into

the medical field is encoded in Pallesen’s

knee replacements, seeing around 100

the state’s “coverage gap,” meaning

DNA. Her father was a physician who

patients a year at no cost.

they don’t earn enough to purchase

sometimes traded his services for a

Like Moms2B, the clinic’s model of

insurance through the state-subsidized

chicken dinner when patients couldn’t

care is based on a “whole person” model

marketplace, but also don’t qualify for

pay. She also was greatly influenced by

that looks beyond a patient’s immediate

Medicaid because they are childless,

her grandmother, birth control activist

ailment to the multiple factors that con-

undocumented, or earn more than 133

Margaret Sanger, who told her, “You’re

tribute to long-term health. Pallesen, who

percent of the federal poverty level.

here to make this world a better place, so

recently retired after over two decades

figure out how to do it.”

heading the clinic, explains that, as the

This is the population that the

In its earliest days, the Arlington Free

clinic’s clientele grew, they expanded their

The clinic was founded in 1994, after

Clinic opened once a week out of the

services beyond primary care to include

the Arlington Medical Society convened

nurse’s office at a local middle school.

OBGYN, psychiatric, and dental services,

a committee to seek a solution for the

They saw 12 patients the first night. Now,

as well as endocrine care for people with

many patients who needed care but

23 years later, the clinic serves about

diabetes. They also connect patients in

couldn’t pay for it. They came up with

1,600 patients a year and includes 500

need to county services like food stamps,

the idea for a free clinic staffed by vol-

volunteers, 30 paid staff, and a licensed

housing assistance, and hospice.

unteer doctors. Nancy Sanger Pallesen

pharmacy.

Arlington Free Clinic serves.

Many uninsured people rely on the

’64, who had been an executive director

Pallesen recognizes that the clinic ben-

emergency room for primary care or

of services for a mental health provider

efits from its location. Arlington County,

treatment for chronic conditions. It’s

in Virginia and Maryland, took on the

which sits on the Potomac River directly

an unsustainable model that is both

task of heading the clinic as its found-

across from the White House, is one of

ineffective and costly. “People can go to the emergency room and be taken care of for that one visit, but they are sent away with no follow-up care, just a prescription,” says Pallesen. “If you have a chronic illness, you wouldn’t live.”

And yet, insurance coverage in itself is not a guarantee of access to care. Amber Kemp ’05, MBA ’08, vice president of health care coverage at the California Hospital Association, is an expert on the interactions between government-funded

insurance

programs

and the state’s health systems. While California’s uninsured rate is now 7.1 percent, less than half of what it was in 2013, one in three residents — and half the state’s children  —  are covered under Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program. For these people, many doctors remain out of reach. It’s a question of economics. “Payments to providers are so low, a lot of primary care physicians are not accepting new Medi-Cal patients,” explains Kemp. “As

On the banks of the Potomac, Nancy Sanger Pallesen ’64 mustered an army of physicians and volunteers to provide comprehensive healthcare to the local uninsured population. 10

M I L L S Q U A R T E R LY

a result, we essentially have a primary care physician shortage throughout the state.” The gap is even greater in rural communities, which have fewer medical

DIANNE ROSE

Amber Kemp ’05, MBA ’08, a state-level policy analyst focusing on how legislation can connect individuals and healthcare providers, asserts that investing in social services can result in decreased medical costs.

program, I know firsthand how important these are to children and families.” That personal experience has directly affected her work as a policy expert implementing public health care programs in

facilities and a higher-than-average per-

but invests only half as much on social

both the public and private health sec-

centage of Medi-Cal patients.

services. Meanwhile, the country has a

tors. “I have empathy for folks who are

Still, Kemp is optimistic about the

lower life-expectancy rate than most

on the other side,” she says. “I understand

strides California and the nation have

industrialized nations, and life expec-

what it’s like to be in their shoes.”

made in health care reform, particularly

tancy is demonstrably shorter for racial

The new Mills major in public health

in the shift towards addressing the con-

and ethnic minorities, those living in

and health equity is geared toward

nections between better patient experi-

rural areas, and other marginalized

people

ence, improved health outcomes, and

groups. Experts like Kemp assert that

minorities who are passionate about

reduced per-capita cost.

like

Kemp — underrepresented

increased focus on social services will

transforming the health care field — and

“We’re recognizing that behavioral

improve health outcomes and reduce

will give them the tools to understand

health is an important part of a per-

the cost burden on individuals, institu-

and address the complex issues that

son’s whole health; social factors also

tions, and the nation.

affect

them.

Professors

Young

and

are increasingly being considered,” says

“Other countries invest far more in

Oparah wanted to offer a program that

Kemp. “A patient may not adhere to their

social services and supports and less in

speaks directly to these students and

medication if they don’t understand the

medical care,” says Kemp, whose family

encourages their deep-seated motiva-

instructions, for example; or they might

received support from a variety of public

tion to create change.

miss follow-up appointments if they

programs aiding vulnerable populations

“We want to infuse the healthcare

don’t have transportation.”

while she was growing up. “As the benefi-

system with a greater sense of social jus-

The United States currently spends

ciary myself of nearly every government-

tice,” says Young. “This is the Mills ver-

17 percent of the GDP on health care,

sponsored health care and educational

sion of what medicine should be.” ◆ FA L L 2 0 1 7

11

Learning to dance, By Abigail Keyes, MA ’16  Photos by Katie Rummel

As a young choreographer, Patricia

Reedy ’80, MA ’00,

dance to improve the well-being and creative lives of chil-

instructed her siblings to move in coordinated patterns across

dren, particularly those in underserved communities. Indeed,

the multicolored checkerboard tiles in the basement of her child-

a growing body of evidence suggests that teaching creative

hood home. She was destined for a life in dance but, growing up

movement and dance not only improves children’s physical

in a family that emphasized progressive values, she also under-

development, but bolsters their social competence and aca-

stood the importance of community, service, and compassion.

demic achievement as well.

Nancy Ng, MFA ’92, believes that movement is one of human-

So, in 1992, after changing her degree focus from dance

kind’s oldest forms of communication, and that dance can be a

to early childhood education, Reedy asked Ng to join her in

powerful way to connect with the world around us, with each

launching Luna Kids, a nonprofit organization to offer teacher

other, and with ourselves.

training in dance and to create a dance curriculum that

Both women found their way to the dance program at Mills,

aligns with how children’s bodies and brains move and learn.

where they met in 1990. Ng, who had studied ballet as a child and

Together, they base their teaching on a foundation of chil-

performed with her high school drill team, arrived after a stint

dren’s social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development,

teaching kindergarten  —  a vocation that she says “wasn’t really

as well as attachment theory and other educational research.

feeding my soul.” Reedy had become increasingly frustrated with

In the 25 years since then, Luna Kids has evolved into Luna

how dance was taught in public schools and sought to integrate

Dance Institute and moved into a 4,000-square-foot commu-

concepts of child development into dance instruction.

nity-based dance center in West Berkeley, while Reedy and Ng

As Reedy and Ng chatted between classes and rehearsals in

continue to champion the cause of bringing dance to all.

the basement of Haas Pavilion, they soon realized that their

Rather than dwelling on particular dance steps, their

mutual interests included more than just dance. With shared

approach emphasizes learning to move and improvise. Class

backgrounds in childhood education and choreography — and

leaders supply prompts that allow dancers to experiment with

a dedication to advancing social justice — both wanted to use

space, movement, and emotion, and then choreograph their movements into a sequenced dance of their own design. “Dance is about creation and the freedom that can bring to anyone willing to try it,” says Ng, who was co-director of San Francisco’s Asian American Dance Performances before joining Luna. “Creative thinking, problem solving, personal expression, and student-directed learning are at the heart of every one of our classes.” The pair also explicitly question the underlying privilege and bias within the dance world, noting that low-income communities are least likely to have access to dance opportunities. Partnerships with classroom teachers, social workers, and arts leaders allow them to reach many children who are most in need, including students in lowperforming schools and those with disabilities. Reedy and Ng have worked with the Oakland Unified School District to develop a full K–12 course of study and pioneered dance-inclusion programs for elementary and middle school kids with special needs. In order to create sustainable, ongoing programs, they provide training for social service providers and public school staff in effective use

Nancy Ng, in green, laughs with a Luna Dance student. 12

M I L L S Q U A R T E R LY

of dance in a number of different settings.

dancing to learn

Patricia Reedy, in blue, leads a class in improvised movement.

“Dance connects a child’s brain, body, and heart,” says Reedy.

in order to increase the effect of her efforts. “I could have more

“It’s the only art that intentionally uses all three.” She and Ng

impact teaching 300 kids in one year than making dances in one

have seen their programs transform young people’s confidence

lifetime,” says Reedy, who was named Outstanding Educator in

by giving them not only a new way to express themselves, but

2008 by the National Dance Education Organization.

also an opportunity to be seen.

Luna also offers extensive consultation, workshops, and sup-

Ng and Reedy share another core belief: that dance can be

port for teaching artists in every phase of their careers. The

a powerful tool for strengthening personal relationships and

simultaneous emphasis on dance education and early child-

building community. This idea is most notably put into practice

hood development is apparent in their continued deep ties to

through the MPACT program (Moving Parents and Children

Mills. In addition to the two founders, Luna counts five other

Together). Originally developed in 2001 to aid families reunit-

Mills alumnae on its staff: Jochelle Pereña, MFA ’11, Carmen

ing after a court-mandated separation, MPACT provides free

Roman, MFA ’13, Nia Womack-Freeman ’96, Heather Stockton

parent-child classes that enable participants to experience

’13, and Aiano Nakagawa ’15. Students seeking to further their

their relationship in new ways through movement, deepening

academic studies in either education or dance often find them-

empathy, trust, and connection. MPACT classes, which often

selves referred to Mills.

happen at libraries and community centers, now serve more

“The Mills Dance Department instills in its students a hun-

than 300 families each year who are divided by substance

ger for learning and for making a difference in the community,”

abuse, domestic violence, and immigration; partner organiza-

Reedy says.

tions include recovery programs and social service agencies

And the pair were deeply involved in advocacy efforts that

throughout the Bay Area. The program has received funding

led to the unanimous passage of the Theater and Dance Act

support from First 5 of Alameda County and was selected as

(TADA!) in the California legislature last September. The act

a 2015 finalist in the President’s Committee on the Arts and

reinstates single-subject teaching credentials in dance and

Humanities Youth Program Award.

theater which, since 1970, had required credentials in physi-

Luna’s programs now reach more than 20,000 students

cal education and English, respectively. With this obstacle

each year, but the organization’s founders are equally com-

removed, Ng believes that the state will see a significant

mitted to spreading the gospel of dance through professional

increase in dance classes in the public school system.

training and pedagogy. “We feel a deep responsibility to culti-

Regardless of the style or genre of movement, Reedy says,

vate the next generation of leaders in dance education and to

dance can be transformative for any body of any age or ability.

cultivate within them our core values of universal access and

“When the body, spirit, and mind are all in flow, you become

experiential learning,” says Reedy.

one with time, space, energy, and higher purpose,” she says.

Reedy herself was motivated to become a teacher, in part,

“This is the thing that I want for all children.” ◆ FA L L 2 0 1 7

13

A brief history of china

By Anna Henderson ’81 Photos by Dana Davis

I

WAS R ECENTLY CONTACTED by

Curiosity used to kill the cat, now it just

the long history of mergers, bankruptcies,

an alumna who had graduated in the

kills hours online. In my quest to learn

and take-overs in the china industry. The

1950s and was in the process of sell-

more, I first turned to eBay, where I hoped

three different marks on the dishes in this

ing her home of many years to move to

to find similar items with descriptive

“set” could plausibly have come from the

a smaller residence. She had unearthed

information. I learned instead that there

same lineage as the company changed

a collection of Mills College dishware in

does not appear to be a flourishing online

ownership over time. Dishes with the OP

her garage, and I agreed to undertake a

resale market for liberated Mills College

Co stamp were produced from 1885 to

discreet repatriation of the items.

china, although a virtual treasure trove

1890, the Wallace China stamp was in use

disuse

of old Crest yearbooks is available, along

from 1931 to 1964, and the Mayer China

among spiders and other small garage

with vintage song sheets, postcards, and

imprint, the most common in the batch,

inhabitants, the dishes needed a good

photographs. (Oddly, a search for “Mills

was used from the 1940s to the 1960s.

washing before returning to their orig-

College” also returns a plethora of October

Mayer produced restaurant ware for rail-

inal home. While at the sink, I noticed

1987 Playboy magazines; the “back to

road dining cars, country clubs, and some

that the collection wasn’t strictly a

campus” issue featured, separately, actress

of the finest restaurants and hotels in the

matching set. There were variations in

Donna Mills and college football.)

United States— as well as for Mills.

After

several

decades

of

the manufacturing marks, base color, striping, and decoration. 14

M I L L S Q U A R T E R LY

The clues provided by the manufactur-

A design appearing on several pieces

ers’ marks led me into a crash course on

incorporates a motto that I had never

seen associated with Mills College   —  “Pro Christo et Mundo”  —  and led to more questions and research. Thanks to Google books, I found reference to the unfamiliar motto in a profile of Dr. Luella Clay Carson, then president of Mills College, published in the November 1913 issue of Sunset, The Pacific Monthly. “Along with the intellectual training must go the developing and deepening of the spiritual nature which is the highest function of a woman’s college. And thus ‘Greater Mills College’ will interpret to a new generation its motto ‘Pro Christo el Mundo’,” President Carson told her interviewer. (Dr. Carson’s interview also included her characterization of the ideal woman: “Learned but modest, brilliant but unassuming, efficient but unselfish, with respect for men and reverence for God.” Unfortunately, the

student’s suggestion that

article did not include any description of

“because

the ideal man.)

knowledge of manners and

below-standard

I’m no Latin scholar, pero mi español

etiquette seemed evident

es good enough to figure out that Pro

among Mills girls, [stu-

Christo el Mundo doesn’t translate to

dents should] have meet-

“one destination, many roads.” The motto,

ings once a month in the

likely an artefact of Mills’ early days as a

halls to discuss such items

young women’s seminary, persisted on

as grooming, how to lead a

official College publications at least until

conversation, and how to

1920; by 1938, the cover of the Crest bore

set a formal dinner table.”

the phrase to which we are more accus-

After debate, the idea was

tomed: “Una destinatio, viae diversae.”

turned over to the Social

B

Committee.

generations of students who dined from

for newly engaged students

them. Once upon a time, meal times at

to announce their change

Mills were much more decorous than

of status. The bride-to-be

they are today. First-year students were

and, usually, her best friend, secretly

Founders, where plain white restaurant

welcomed with the Dean’s Dinner, a for-

prepared a small bouquet and taper

ware has now replaced the Mills china.

mal candlelight affair held in the resi-

candle adorned with the prized engage-

As a Mills student in the late 1970s, I

dence hall dining rooms and presided

ment ring. At dinner, the kitchen staff

had heard jokes about four years’ tuition

over by the imposing figures of the deans

would bring the bouquet into the din-

including place settings for eight. I

of students and of the faculty. The event

ing room, where it would pass hand to

thought they were just references to all

undoubtedly provided a good opportu-

hand and table to table. When it finally

the dishes that left the dining room and

nity for classmates to assess one anoth-

reached the newly betrothed, she would

eventually turned up in the rec room

er’s fashion sense and table manners.

blow out the candle and claim the ring.

kitchen sink. Now I wonder: how many

And the importance of manners was

I’ve been told the ceremony was also

other Mills women packed up institu-

of great concern. A May 1957 article in

used to celebrate grad school accep-

tional china along with their books and

the campus newspaper included one

tance letters and even took place in

bloomers? ◆

UT PER HAPS even more inter-

Dinner also set the stage

esting than the history of the

for countless “candle pass-

dishware itself is to imagine the

ing” ceremonies, a ritual

First-year students dress up for the Dean's Dinner in the 1950s, top; maker’s marks and a mysterious motto, below.

FA L L 2 0 1 7

15

A Message from the AAMC President Greetings to you from the beautiful Mills College campus! As I

to audit classes at Mills (see details on opposite page). Others

begin my second year as president of the Alumnae Association

are building relationships with our students. The Alumnae of

of Mills College (AAMC), I’m pleased to share news of several

Color Committee held its annual brunch to welcome the new

important developments for our alumnae and the association.

first-generation college students and students of color who are

Like many of you, I have a vision of an AAMC that enables

participating in the Summer Academic Workshop, a four-week

more Mills alumnae to become actively engaged in volun-

program at Mills. It was a wonderful gathering of alumnae,

teering with various offices of the College—including those

students, faculty, and College officers. Students shared their

responsible for admissions, career services, student life, and

dreams and aspirations, and alumnae pledged to encourage

fundraising. The support we can provide is one important fac-

and be mentors to the students.

tor that will help the College’s ability to surmount the financial

The AAMC Board of Governors has had a productive year of

and enrollment challenges it faces today. I am very optimis-

planning, activities, goal setting, and vision casting — as well

tic about President Hillman’s MillsNext

as some changes to our member-

vision and invite you all to participate in

ship. We said goodbye to three

any way you can to make it a success.

of

our

Ladnier

In recent years, the AAMC Board

governors: ’70,

Lillian

Catherine Sahagun

of Governors has enjoyed an increas-

’10, MA ’12, and alumna trustee

ingly collaborative relationship with the

Judith James ’74. Their contribu-

College’s leadership. In 2015–2016, with

tions and commitment to the

encouragement from our colleagues at

vision and goals of the board

the College and with input from AAMC

were valuable and they will be

governors and hundreds of alumnae, the

greatly missed. We also wel-

AAMC wrote a “Compact for a Stronger

comed three new governors this

Mills” that set forth key principles for

July: Dawn Cunningham ’85,

the AAMC–College relationship. Over

Tara Singh ’05, MBA ’07, and

the past few months, a working group

Alumna Trustee Ammie Felder-

of AAMC governors, alumnae volun-

Williams ’76. Each one brings

teers, and College representatives has

skills and passion that are deeply

built on that compact to draft a new

appreciated on our board. The

Memorandum of Collaboration (MOC),

most

satisfying

thing

which I hope to sign in October along

about serving as AAMC presi-

with President Beth Hillman and Katie

dent is connecting with talented

Sanborn ’83, chair of the Mills College Board of Trustees.

Viji Nakka-Cammauf

and enthusiastic Mills graduates. All alumnae can enjoy

This MOC will give the AAMC and our

making these connections at

alumnae a broader and more vibrant role

Reunion this month. It’s a great

in fundraising on behalf of the College, determining the use of

opportunity to gather, celebrate, and reminisce about our time

Reinhardt Alumnae House, managing volunteer opportunities,

at Mills, our friends, and our Mills community. Marching at

and building links among alumnae and between alumnae and

Convocation, honoring our award recipients at the AAMC

students. After the MOC is signed, the AAMC can begin active

annual luncheon, visiting classrooms, hearing from faculty,

fundraising for the first time in more than 12 years. You’ll soon

and participating in the book discussion of Hidden Figures are

hear more from me about opportunities to give. Please come

just a few of many activities planned for your time with us. I

to the AAMC Update Meetings on September 15 and 16 during

encourage you to make time for Reunion 2017 — you will be

Reunion to discuss the MOC and ways we can begin fulfilling

glad you came!

the promise of this agreement. I am very grateful to all those who are thinking of ways to

Warmly,

engage our alumnae with the College. For instance, Gail David-

Viji Nakka-Cammauf, MA ’82

Tellis ’63 has gifted the AAMC with $5,000 to enable alumnae

President, Alumnae Association of Mills College

16

M I L L S Q U A R T E R LY

AAMC NEWS & NOTES New fund supports alumnae auditors A gift to the AAMC from Gail David-Tellis ’63 will provide sti-

Alumnae of Color scholarship endowment approaches $50K

pends to alumnae who wish to audit courses at Mills. Auditors

The Alumnae of Color Endowed Scholarship in honor of former

may participate in just about any course, from art to women’s

President Alecia A. DeCoudreaux reached $49,955 on June 30.

studies, with the course instructor’s approval. The first sti-

Since establishing the scholarship in 2011, the Alumnae of

pends will be awarded in January 2018 to defray the $750

Color Committee of the AAMC has raised more than $105,000

fee for auditing spring semester courses. Learn more about

from over 160 donors; $20,000 of this total was generated

auditing during a Reunion discussion with David-Tellis and

from a reception in April. For the scholarship’s first few years,

Meryl Bailey, assistant professor of art history, at 3:00 pm on

all funds raised were awarded to students; but in 2016 the

September 16. For further information about auditor stipends,

committee endowed the scholarship fund, ensuring that the

see www.alumnae.mills.edu/auditing.

College will have resources to grant the scholarship to students of color in perpetuity.

Three governors appointed to AAMC board Three alumnae with a wealth of experience in business and nonprofit management began their first terms on the AAMC Board of Governors on July 1: • Ammie Felder-Williams ’76 was elected by alumnae to serve as alumna trustee for the 2017–2020 term. In this position, she will also serve on the College Board of Trustees. Based in New Rochelle, New York, Felder-Williams brings more than 20 years of leadership experience with businesses and community organizations. • Tara Singh ’05, MBA ’07, is founding chair of the international youth organization Nexus India & South Asia and founder of the natural skin-care brand Terra Tara Organics. Singh will serve as AAMC treasurer. She lives in Tiburon, California. • Dawn Cunningham ’85 of Berkeley has worked in nonprofit communications and fundraising for over 25 years, including eight years as director of advancement communications

Events connect alumnae and students Each year, the AAMC sponsors events that connect alumnae with students and with each other. Many of these events are organized in collaboration with the College’s Alumnae Relations Office. This year, highlights have included: • Taco Tuesday, a festive dinner during Orientation Week at which AAMC governors greeted new Mills students. • A brunch for students participating in the Summer Academic Workshop. • A special AAMC tour in May of sites in England associated with the novels and life of Jane Austen. Professor of English Kirsten Saxton ’90 provided literary commentary during the tour; she will lead the tour again in June 2018 (see inside back cover). • Giving out healthy and sustaining snack bags to students as they prepared for finals. • The Pearl M Dinner for graduating seniors in April, at which this year’s Pearl M was awarded to Kristen Oliver ’17. The

at Mills. In addition, Lynette Castille-Hall ’75 was appointed to a second term as a governor and will serve as a vice president of the

event included the traditional lantern procession and a champagne reception at Reinhardt Alumnae House. • A dinner for graduating international students on March 29.

association. Qualified candidates for alumna trustee and Board of Governors seats are encouraged to apply for terms beginning July 1, 2018. Learn more on the inside back cover.

Ammie Felder-Williams

Tara Singh

An invitation to review the

2017 Memorandum of Collaboration

Dawn Cunningham

To get involved with any of these events and activities, contact the Alumnae Association of Mills College at aamc@mills.edu, 510.430.2110, or AAMC, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., MB #86, Oakland, CA 94613

This historic agreement is expected to be signed by the presidents of the AAMC and Mills College in October. It will shape the relationship between the College, the AAMC, and alumnae for years to come and clarify the role of the AAMC in fundraising, use of Reinhardt Alumnae House, and opportunities to engage in the life of the College. The 2017 agreement is the culmination of a collaborative process that began in November 2015, involving AAMC and College representatives as well as feedback collected through surveys from alumnae across the country. It will replace the 2007 Memorandum of Agreement between the College and the AAMC. Download the document at www.alumnae.mills.edu/compact. Discuss the memorandum at the AAMC Updates during Reunion at 3:00 pm on September 15 and at 9:30 am on September 16.

FA L L 2 0 1 7

17

In Memoriam Notices of death received before July 15, 2017 To submit listings, please contact alumnae-relations@mills.edu or 510.430.2123

Alumnae Ruth Sinton Steiner ’39, September 14, 2016, in Hillsborough, California. She was a member of the California State School Board and volunteered with the Mills-Peninsula Hospital Foundation, the San Mateo County Museum, and Girl Scouts. She is survived by two sons; her daughter-in-law, Anne Gibson Steiner ’63; and five grandchildren, including Amy Steiner Sanford, MA ’92. Dorothy Kirk Lueken ’40, April 3, in San Jose, California. She had a career as an art dealer in southern California. Survivors include her son and daughter, Julia Lueken Venkateswaran ’77. Adele “Dodo” Rock Nickel ’40, April 22, in Bakersfield, California. She was a passionate gardener, a fierce tennis and golf player, and expert duck-hunter. Survivors include eight children and 16 grandchildren. Paula Schraps Schaeffer ’40, August 27, 2016, in Dayton, Ohio. She helped start the first senior citizens center in Dayton, was an active member of Another Mother for Peace during the Vietnam era, and was recognized by the YWCA as a “Woman of Influence” for her many civic contributions. She is survived by five sons and eight grandchildren. Margery Churchill Adams ’41, February 13, in Carmel, California. She had been a long-time resident of Monterey County. Betty Carmany Douglass ’42, April 27, 2016, in Portsmouth, Virginia. She was a talented cook and recipe developer. She is survived by two daughters and five grandchildren. Lois Anderson Souby Hagan ’42, January 16, in Palo Alto, California. For 25 years, she lived in Chicago, where she volunteered with many charitable organizations. She returned to the Bay Area in 1989 and remained engaged in community activities. She is survived by her daughter, Oriana Souby Murray’75; two sons; and six grandchildren. Martha Macleay Phillippi ’42, April 8, 2016, in Grants Pass, Oregon. She enlisted as a Navy WAVE during World War II, supported the Oregon Food Bank and Meals on Wheels, and was a champion for Native American causes. She is survived by a son and six grandchildren. Beverly Shinn Rosa ’42, March 28, in Oakland, California. She enjoyed family and friends, Eastern Star activities, and trips to the casino. She is survived by two daughters and a grandson. Mary Louise Rickel Sims ’42, November 4, 2016, in Tucson, Arizona. As a Marine aviator’s wife, she was a devoted mother during three wars that often required her to raise her family alone. After settling in Yuma, Arizona, in 1968, she enjoyed serving as a scout mother, selling real estate, and designing her dream home. She is survived by five children and 12 grandchildren. Nancy Davis Kronemyer ’43, March 4, in La Jolla, California. She was a talented equestrian, photographer, and real estate investor. The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary honored her as a “Woman of Dedication” for her leadership in many community activities, including Meals on Wheels, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts. She is survived by her husband, Robert; three children; and seven grandchildren.

also was a patron of the arts and a lifelong environmentalist. She is survived by two children and five grandchildren. Jean Pinckney Nelson ’44, March 31, in Tiverton, Rhode Island. A longtime resident of Manchester, New Hampshire, she taught art at Notre Dame College and at the Currier Gallery Art Center; she also was on the faculty of the Manchester Institute of Arts and Sciences. She found joy in nature and was an active gardener and camper well into 80s. She is survived by her daughter, Judith Nelson Minzel ’73; a son; and three grandchildren. Alberta Soeneke Prather ’46, January 30, in Mukilteo, Washington. She relocated often as a military wife, ultimately settling in Fullerton, California, and then Seattle. She was active with the Symphony Guild, the Assistance League, and the League of Women Voters. Survivors include her daughter, Christine Prather Jordan ’69. Lois Stutt Rodriguez ’46, March 9, in Oakland, California. A member of the Skyline Garden Club, she started her own floral design business after her boys were grown. She also was a docent at the Oakland Museum of California and a founding member of the Lakeview Club and the Oakland Hills Tennis Club. She is survived by three sons and three grandchildren. June Bishop Rudolph ’47, March 31, 2016, in Springfield, Missouri. She worked as a music teacher and was active in the Presbyterian Church, the Springfield Regional Opera Guild, and many civic organizations. She is survived by two daughters and two grandsons. June Stanford Marroquin ’48, April 21, 2016, in Austin, Texas. She served as a social worker in the Dallas Juvenile Court. She was a member of the Colorado River Walkers, enjoyed tennis, and for many years could be found at local garage sales on Saturday mornings. She is survived by three sons and six grandchildren. Elizabeth “Betts” Hansen Friday ’50, May 24, in Greenwich, Connecticut. An avid collector of modern art, she worked at The Sidney Janis Gallery in New York City. She later opened a gallery in Greenwich and volunteered at The Bruce Museum. She is survived by her former husband, John; four children; and seven grandchildren. Suzanne Eggleston Gerdes ’50, September 1, 2016, in Tucson, Arizona. She was a leader in many arts and civic groups in Des Moines, Iowa, before moving to Arizona, where she began a career in the travel business and played violin for the Civic Orchestra of Tucson. She leaves behind two children. Lucile “Muggins” Selpher Haener ’50, March 3, 2016, in Danville, California. She taught elementary school for a short time and later owned a gift shop. She had a passion for tennis, horse racing, radio contests, auctions, and the stock market. She is survived by four children and four grandchildren. Charlotte Wing Lynch ’50, April 27, in Oakland, California. A music major studying cello at Mills, in the 1960s she played in the Peninsula Symphony. Later, she had a 20-year career in early childhood education for San Mateo County. She was a passionate feminist. Her five children and three grandchildren survive her. Anne Tracy Thiel ’50, February 1, in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Case Western Reserve School of Library Science. Survivors include two children.

Helen Metz Lore ’43, June 1, in Oakland, California. She worked on the Montclarion newspaper, the Oakland Parks and Recreation Department, and Oakland Heritage Alliance, devoted to preserving the city’s architectural legacy. She founded the Montclair Hiking Club and was active with the Alameda County Historical Society. She is survived by three children.

Claudia Sklueff Lamp ’51, October 18, 2016, in Fremont, California. She is survived by two children.

Anna Vallevik Green, MA ’44, February 20, in Corrales, New Mexico. She worked in the Chemistry Department at the University of New Mexico, raised livestock, and enjoyed Scandinavian folk dancing. She

Adele “Betsy” Wulsin Bennett ’52, October 10, 2016, in Vancouver, British Columbia. A longtime volunteer and board member of the Vancouver Aquarium, she also supported the symphony and the

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Marilyn O’Neill Williams ’51, April 16, 2016, in Klamath Falls, Oregon. She had a 30-year teaching career in the Klamath County School District. In retirement, she enjoyed motor home travel and needlework. She is survived by two daughters and two grandchildren.

Elizabeth Fry Society. She was passionate about any activity that took her into nature and walked the forest trails until the last day of her life. She is survived by four sons, 14 grandchildren, and her sister, Peggy Wulsin Kite ’50. Kathleen Steven Hoch ’53, April 23, 2016, in Dallas, Oregon. She is survived by two children and two grandchildren. Monte Colgren, MA ’55, January 13, 2016, in Spokane, Washington. A gifted ceramic artist, he had careers as an arts instructor and urban planner before opening an antique shop in Seattle with his partner Ralph Rosen. They later opened shops in Palm Springs, San Francisco, and Spokane. He is survived by three brothers and several nieces and nephews. Doris Daw Johnsen Nielson ’55, May 26, in Santa Rosa, California. She was the first female executive at Libby, McNeil, Libby in San Francisco and, with her first husband, started Warren Johnsen Insurance Agency. She is survived by her husband, Bill; three children; and two grandchildren.

Chana Bloch Poet, professor, translator, and scholar Chana Bloch died May 19 in Berkeley, California, at the age of 77. She was a co-founder and longtime director of the Creative Writing program at Mills, where she was a faculty member from 1973 to 2005. Bloch earned her bachelor of arts from Cornell University, her master’s in English and Judaic studies from Brandeis University, and a doctorate in English from UC Berkeley. She was the award-winning author of five books of poems, and her work was published in The New Yorker, Atlantic Monthly, The Nation, The New Republic, and many literary journals, as well as Best American Poetry, The Pushcart Prize, and other anthologies. Her sixth and final poetry book, “The Moon is Almost Full,” is set for release in September. She also published six books of translation from ancient and contemporary Hebrew poetry. Her co-translation of the Song of Songs is considered a ground-breaking translation of that ancient text; and, together with Chana Kronfeld, she was honored with the PEN Award for Poetry in Translation for Open Closed Open by Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai. At Mills, Bloch will be equally remembered for her warmth and humor. She served as a role model for generations of students and colleagues for her work as a teacher, feminist, activist, and artist. She is survived by her husband, Dave Sutter, and two sons from a previous marriage.

Barbara Schutt Shafer ’55, May 21, 2016, in Napa, A memorial is scheduled for 1:00 pm on October 8 in the Littlefield Concert Hall on the California. She worked in several Bay Area jobs Mills College campus. before moving to Napa, where she started a catering business, opened a bed-and-breakfast, and helped promote Shafer Vineyards. She supported organizations working for peace and Holly Newcomb Asano ’64, March 30, in Davis, California. Survivors helping the disadvantaged. Survivors include her husband, John; two include her husband, Takashi. children; and five grandchildren. Kathleen Boyle Champlain ’64, November 29, 2016, in Fort Collins, Sue McClelland ’56, June 14, in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Colorado. She began her life as a “professional volunteer” when she business degree at Radcliff College and worked in advertising with joined the Navy Wives Club, later serving on PTA boards and school Scott Paper and Gallo Wines, where she became the company’s first board committees, and taking leadership positions in Girl Scouts, Cub female vice president and initiated many successful advertising Scouts, and the League of Women Voters. Survivors include her campaigns. She mentored young women in business, spoke at husband, John; four children; and five grandchildren. universities and industry organizations, and advocated for more Barbara Neufeld Tavangar ’64, June 13, 2016, in Rancho Bernardo, significant roles for women in business. She also was a successful California. An avid reader, she was devoted to her family and friends. breeder of champion wirehair dachshunds and Morgan horses. She is survived by her husband, Jamchid: three children; four grandSurvivors include her sister, niece, and nephew. daughters; and her niece, Minu Kazemi Moore ’64. Nancy Henderson Norris ’56, June 25, 2016, in Ben Lomond, California. Mary Asha (Frances Chew) ’66, March 18, in Carmel, California. She She taught piano and was a leader for the Dances of Universal Peace. earned her PhD in French Studies at Yale, spoke six languages, was an She is survived by three children and five grandchildren, including expert in Chinese art, and a champion ping-pong player. She joined the Christine Roberts ’09. Missionaries of Charity and served in Haiti until returning to Carmel. Nancy Schaefer Gamer ’59, MA ’60, April 26, in Claremont, California. Julia Ferry Littlefield ’66, April 1, 2016, in Hotchkiss, Colorado. After She worked in fundraising and alumni relations at Harvey Mudd working in university fundraising, she ran a bison ranch, an operation College and taught writing at the Claremont McKenna College Writing that also gave rise to a furniture store, a bird-hunting club, and a river Center. She is survived by two sons. rafting business. She is survived by a daughter and three grandsons. Suzanne Kullgren Kintzele ’60, March 23, in Denver. She was active Jane Cheever Talbot ’67, March 12, in Westwood, Massachusetts. with several civic organizations supporting children and education. A member of the Dedham Country Club and Fox Hill Garden Club, she was She is survived by two children and five grandchildren. a gallery instructor at the Museum of Fine Arts, a trustee of the Riverview Lucy Cantril ’61, May 8, in Seattle. She practiced child and adult School in Sandwich, and a lover of nature, art, and friends. She is surpsychotherapy for 30 years, taught elementary school, and became a vived by her husband, Peter; three daughters; and six grandchildren. professional potter. She is survived by three children and four Melody Fujimori ’69, June 18, in Lafayette, California. She practiced law grandchildren. for more than 20 years and, in retirement, was active in her community Judith Ann Jones O’Brien ’61, May 23, in Morro Bay, California. She was and supported many charities, especially those that involved care of an active Marine Corps wife and had a career working in retail. She is neglected animals and pets. A member of the Oakland Buddhist survived by Richard, her husband of 56 years; six children; and eight Church, she is survived by her son and former husband. grandchildren. Ernest Morgan, MA ’71, June 23, 2016, in Cardiff By The Sea, California. Betsy Campbell Shea ’62, May 23, in Carmel Valley, California. She He was an elementary school music teacher for more than 20 years and spent 17 years as a grade school teacher, then worked in fundraising a member of various pop bands including, briefly, Strawberry Alarm and started her own public relations business. She also was a Master Clock. An avid surfer and sailor, he lived on his boat, Karma Phala, for Gardener and president of the Carmel Valley Garden Association. 42 years. He is survived by his wife, Mary. Survivors include her son. F A L L 2 0 1 7   23

Sarah Washington-Robinson ’72, May 20, in Berkeley, California. She had a career in services for the elderly, serving on the board of the Over 60 Health Center and the Alzheimer’s Association. She also served several terms on the board of the Alumnae Association of Mills College and was active in Reunion and Diversity Committees. Survivors include her husband, Charles. Michele Carr Kiene ’75, December 20, 2016, in Schwetzingen, Germany. She worked for Boehringer Mannheim (now Roche) in Indianapolis and Mannheim, Germany. She is survived by her husband, Rudi, and three children. Patrice Bruton Cotham ’78, November 17, 2016, in Houston. She taught English as a Second Language to refugees, as well as Spanish in the Houston public schools. She was a member of the Women’s Club of Houston, co-founded Urban Harvest community garden program, and supported Good Steward Global Initiative to supply books to developing countries. She is survived by her husband, Mark, and two children. Alishia Holder-Verhage ’89, January 10, in Warner Robins, Georgia. She was an officer in the United States Air Force, deployed in Operation Desert Storm, and completed her service with the rank of captain. She was a certified math and science teacher and a Boy Scout merit badge counselor. She is survived by her husband, John; three children; and her parents and siblings.

Lore Ehrlich ’97, December 28, 2016, in Berkeley, California. She developed a strong work ethic while growing up on a working farm in Bavaria and came to the US seeking adventure and opportunity. She worked as a special education teacher and was a lifelong advocate for women’s education. Survivors include her husband, James Harrison. Marco Eneidi, MA ’00, May 24, 2016, in Pleasanton, California. A talented multi-instrumentalist, he performed and recorded widely and was primarily associated with free jazz. He started Botticelli Records and later lived and worked in Vienna, Austria, where he was artistic director of The Neu New York/Vienna Institute of Improvised Music before moving to Mexico in 2015. He is survived by his mother, sister, a son, and a granddaughter. Normajean Washington-Palmer ’02, MA ’07, March 11, 2016, in Alameda, California. She earned a PhD in educational counseling from Madison University and was a member of the City of Alameda Police Volunteers program, a community activist, and an avid runner. She is survived by four children and two grandchildren. Renee Ropp, MA ’14, November 11, 2016, in San Jose, California. She was employed as an outreach and applications reader in the UC Santa Cruz admissions department and was an active member of Tri Delta sorority. She is survived by her parents and other family members.

Spouses and Family Joe Rosenblume, husband of Ann Bachrach Rosenblume ’53, May 31, in Bellevue, Washington.

Gifts in Memory of Received March 1–May 31, 2017

Harriet Middleton, MA ’48, by Donald Pugh

Margery Churchill Adams ’41 by Jaci Williams Pappas ’60

Jean Walters Molnar ’65 by Corinne Hamada Tan ’65

Laura Balas, MA ’92, by Helen Hovdesven

Winsome Nembhard by her daughter, Lois Nembhard ’90

Timanna Bennett ’02 by Marcia Randall ’02

Clara Nervino by her niece, Adrianne Calonico Rose ’74

KerryLynn Blau-Williams ’65 by Jan Miller White ’65

Marjorie “Marge” Nicholson, MA ’96, by Michelle Balovich ’03, April Ninomiya Hopkins, MFA ’03, Anita Aragon Kreplin ’63, P ’84

Erica “Rita” Weber Brevet ’51, P ’76 , by her husband, Frits Brevet Trisha Brown ’58 by Mura Kievman ’64, JoAnna Wiess Wyss ’64 Sally Matthews Buchanan ’64 by Anita Aragon Kreplin ’63, P ’84 Virgil and Vyvian Calonico by their daughter, Adrianne Calonico Rose ’74 Carol Barkstrom Carney ’53 by her daughter, Cheryl Lekas Katie Dudley Chase ’61 by her husband, William Chase Willa Wolcott Condon, MA ’32, by her daughter, Ann Condon Barbour ’69, P ’13 Richard Fagerstrom by Robert Ball, P ’91 Nancy Schaefer Gamer ’59, MA ’60, by Molly Fairbank Grassi ’59 William & Helen Baer Gaw by their daughter-in-law, Jane Farrell Gaw ’52 Connie Gilbert ’61 by Ann Gordon Bigler ’61 Eleanor Armstrong Gray ’54, P ’80, P ’83, by Carla Beam, MA ’81 Kim Korner by Jessica Mosher ’95 Rosemund Miller Laing ’41, MA ’43, by her daughter, Mavis Leahy Charles Larsen by Elizabeth Terhune ’90 Sylvia Jaureguy Love ’47 by the estate of by William Love

Arlene Calonico Palumbo by her niece, Adrianne Calonico Rose ’74 Sara “Sally” Bain Reither ’59 by Molly Fairbank Grassi ’59 Marsha Dungan Stodghill ’55 by Frances Mixter Lloyd ’55 Mary Lois Hudson Sweatt ’60, MA ’62, by her sister, Estrellita Hudson Redus ’65, MFA ’75 Jennifer Kiyomi Tanouye ’07 by Suzette Lalime Davidson ’94, Naomi Gaton, Lisa Tanahashi Nancy Thornborrow, P ’93, by Julia Almanzan ’92, Dale Block, Kristine Chase, Sherwin Chen, Robin Peers Fallat ’88, Greg Mottola, Mori Grace North ’81, Rosa Sheng, her son Andrew Thornborrow, SSO ’93, Susan Veit Harold Thorne, husband of Evelyn “Muffy” McKinstry Thorne ’48, by Yvonne Steele Byron ’50, April Ninomiya Hopkins, MFA ’03 Betty Chu Wo ’46 by Donna Ching, Gerry Wong Ching ’57, Carol Chinn Chiu ’63, Camille Chun-Hoon ’79, Allison Wong Daniel ’93, Alecia DeCoudreaux, Ronald Goo, P ’82, H.T. Hayashi Foundation, Pearl Sun Lin ’45, Annick Ma ’90, Diane Mark ’72, Lance Matsuda, Sandra Aoki Ohara ’67, Marina Ong ’80, Stacey Panui, P ’04, Barbara Luke Tom ’47, Ruthann Yamanaka, Robert and Betty Wo Foundation Zeppelin Wong by Yuri Chiamori Mok ’60, P ’91

P=parent. For information about making a tribute gift, contact 510.430.2097 or donors@mills.edu. 24

M I L L S Q U A R T E R LY

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 2018–21 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 8, 2018

Submissions are due January 8, 2018, to AAMC Nominating Committee Chair Linda Stingily ’78 at aamc@mills.edu or AAMC, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., MB #86, Oakland, CA 94613.

ALUMNAE TR AVEL 2018 THE WORLD OF JANE AUSTEN    JUNE 11–25, 2018

Back by popular demand!

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Professor of English Kirsten Saxton ’90, an expert on 18th-century British literature, provides literary commentary and color as you adventure into the thatched country villages, green countryside, and small parish churches that make up the idyllic world of Jane Austen. The itinerary includes a visit to a regal estate used for recent film versions of her works as well as stops in Bath, Salisbury, and Stratford-Upon-Avon to discover more about the novelist, those who inspired her, and other British women authors.

ADDITIONAL DESTINATIONS IN 2018:

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.

New Zealand Journey Along the Elbe Reims Normandy Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Cruise the Rhine

March 17–31 April 18–29 May 15–23 May 21–29 May 17–25 July 4–12

Mills Quarterly Mills College 5000 MacArthur Blvd. Oakland, CA 94613-1301 510.430.3312 quarterly@mills.edu www.mills.edu

On view through December 10 at the Mills College Art Museum In-Between Places: Korean American Artists in the Bay Area The artists featured in In-Between Places reveal the ambiguous identity and cultural complexities of being Korean artists in America. Featuring new work in a diverse range of media, the exhibition formulates a new strategy to acknowledge Korean American experiences in the Bay Area and allows visitors to reflect on the intricacies of cultural identity. This exhibition is supported through the generosity of the Korea Foundation and The Carpenter Foundation.

Museum Hours: Tuesday: 11 am–4 pm Wednesday: 11 am–7:30 pm Thursday–Sunday: 11 am–4 pm Monday closed Admission is free For exhibition and event details, see mcam.mills.edu, call 510.430.2164 or email museum@mills.edu.

RELATED EVENTS September 23 | New Traditions: Korean Cultural Week launches, 2:00–6:00 pm, MCAM. October 21 | Dwelling In-Between: Korean Americans in the Bay Area, 2:00–5:00 pm, David Brower Center, Berkeley. October 25 | First Person Plural: Movie and Director’s Talk, 6:30– 8:30 pm, Danforth Lecture Hall. The Days Like Feathers Jung Ran Bae, Human Betweens, 2014, ceramic, courtesy of the artist and Michael Rauner Photography