Letter from the President of the AAVC

What an incredible start of the year! I have just returned from the launch of The Institute for the Liberal Arts, which is not only a spectacular addition to the campus, but an extraordinary embodiment of everything that a Vassar education represents. To have a place to convene for further exploration of ideas sparked by our very diverse curriculum, with students, faculty, and experts in the field, is the realization of a dream. We are so deeply grateful to President Elizabeth Bradley and the many alums who were instrumental in helping this happen.

And not only can we enjoy intellectual sparks and challenge in the new Fred Fisher–designed building, but The Heartwood at Vassar hotel is lovely, as is the Salt Line, Hudson Valley restaurant, both in the same building. Standing at the bottom of the hill on College Avenue, they provide a beautiful complement to Alumnae House presiding at the top. It is very exciting to consider the many ways in which each of these special Vassar places will leverage the strength of the other and be inhabited and embraced in the years to come.

Our first AAVC Board meeting of the year was also inspiring, as we welcomed five new board members—Eddie Gamarra ’94, Michael Neuwirth ’89, Heller An Shapiro ’81, Kerri Tillett ’91, and Emily Weisgrau ’96, who are already wonderful contributors to our work. Our committees have been busy for the past several months, bringing creativity and commitment to clubs, career programming, the Vassar Fund, and alum awards, all of which are undergirded by our respect and inclusion of diverse perspectives. I am so grateful for all of my AAVC Board colleagues and the Advancement team for their partnership, leadership, and support. We are united in leading with integrity, commitment, joy, and love for Vassar.

My best, always,

Monica Vachher ’77
AAVC President
aavcpresident@vassar.edu