Letter from the President of the AAVC
I write to you at a time of unsettlement and sadness around the world and in our community. We have heard from many of you about the gender pay equity lawsuit and about the horrific situation in Israel/Gaza. Please know that we hear you, that the College is responding to both issues in real time, and that the AAVC is here to support you.
Meanwhile, we remain committed to the other work of the AAVC, including, importantly, the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of Alumnae House in 2024.
The AAVC Board House Committee, led by James Estrada ’13, with Vice Chair Alisa Swire ’84, and working closely with Martha Barry ’86, is immersed in extraordinary preparation for this very special occasion. There are plans afoot for several celebrations during 2024, and we so hope each of you will be able to join at least one of them. We have also embarked upon archival research and brainstorming about how best to honor the history of the House, while charting a path forward that reflects the diversity of our present and leads us into the future. Some of you have shared memories and anecdotes of your experiences at Alumnae House, and we welcome all of you to send a quick note with your story to vq@vassar.edu. Alumnae House continues to be the warm and welcoming space that was founded to provide a home to alums returning to campus, and we hope you find occasion to visit or spend the night in the beautifully redone rooms. Even just sitting in the lobby is a transportive experience!
Our other AAVC committees are embarking on their work, whether it be for nominations, career networking, awards, annual fund, or alum engagement of all varieties. Woven through all of our efforts is a core emphasis on diversity and equity, coupled with inclusion and a sense of belonging. Our DEI committee is focused on embedding these principles into the work of the AAVC, at the board level and beyond, and our October meetings began with a workshop on these fundamental issues.
Please reach out with thoughts, reactions, suggestions, or anything else on your mind. I would love to hear from you.
Wishing you a safe and healthy autumn,
aavcpresident@vassar.edu
