Connecting Alums:

The vibrant and ever-evolving Vassar alum community of over 41,000 individuals across the globe includes scientists and singers, veterans and volleyball players, first-generation college graduates, and members of Native American nations. Multicultural and Affinity Engagement in the Office of Advancement, led by Director Sharon Parkinson, introduced an exciting initiative this fall. This initiative strives to deepen connections and foster engagement among Vassar alums globally, celebrating their shared experiences and diverse backgrounds.

“Multicultural and Affinity Engagement Virtual Events” kicked off in October, Latinx Heritage Month, with an event featuring Dr. Natasha Gordon-Chipembere ’92, author of the award-winning historical novel Finding La Negrita. She spoke about Costa Rica’s Afrodescendiente heritage, its contemporary expatriate community, and how her background as a child of Costa Rican/Panamanian immigrants influenced her writing.

A second event in November, a month in which veterans are celebrated, featured novelist Joshunda Sanders ’00. Hosted by Vassar veterans Makeda Johnson ’20 and Asia Baker ’24, Sanders discussed her novel Women of the Post, inspired by the only unit of Black women to serve overseas during WWII.

“These events are a testament to our commitment to honoring the diversity of Vassar experiences and providing engaging opportunities for our valued alums,” said Parkinson. “What it gives them, I feel, is something that speaks to them personally.”

Vice President for Advancement Tim Kane agrees. “It is important that Vassar celebrate and recognize the shared affinities of our alums, including athletics, social identities, former student affiliations, and much more,” he said. “Sharon is our first full-time director for this work, and I am excited to see her bring these priorities to life.”

Parkinson and her intern/event producer, Arily Velasco ’25, want to involve more alums in generating program ideas and urge those with ideas regarding affinity-based programs that would appeal to a wide-ranging audience at various life stages to email vassaraffinity@vassar.edu.

Other events—open to all alums—are in the works and will be announced soon. Follow @VassarAffinity on Twitter and Instagram, download the Vassar Mobile App, or watch for invitations in alum inboxes for more information. —Kimberly Schaye