Beyond Vassar
Jean Lachat
Astrophysicist John E. Carlstrom ’81, currently Subramanyan Chandrasekhar Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago—teaching in the departments of Astronomy and Astrophysics as well as Physics—was awarded the 2024 Dannie Heineman Prize for outstanding mid-career work in astrophysics by the American Institute of Physics (AIP) and the American Astronomical Society (AAS). Carlstrom was lauded “for his pioneering work on microwave interferometry and his leading role in the development of the South Pole Telescope, which has led to cosmological observations that have improved our understanding of the large-scale structure and behavior of the universe, changing the field for generations to come.” Said Carlstrom, “It feels so special that AIP and AAS, the experts in understanding and exploring the universe, appreciate my work. That means a lot to me, and I am happy I can contribute.”
Stefen Pompée
Educator and activist Kleaver Cruz ’11 was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Debut Author. His book, The Black Joy Project: A Literary and Visual Love Letter to How We Thrive, released by HarperCollins in December, features eight essays and more than 100 photos by acclaimed artists, all capturing the enduring joy of Black people around the globe. Essence magazine called Cruz’s book “a source of healing and renewal for people of diverse backgrounds and identities.” Cruz started the Black Joy Project on social media back in 2015 as an antidote to what they call the “Black death and pain” pervasive in the media; the project was an ode to those who thrive in the face of oppression. Cruz has since gained thousands of followers on Facebook and Instagram.
Karen Clopton ’80, who wrapped up her five-year tenure as San Francisco Human Rights Commission Chair at the end of 2023, was awarded a year-long Advanced Leadership Initiative (ALI) Fellowship from Harvard University for 2024. The fellowship, according to Harvard, aims to “unleash the potential of experienced leaders to help solve society’s most pressing challenges” through a year of immersion in interdisciplinary study, leadership development, and peer-to-peer collaboration. As an ALI fellow, Clopton will develop a social impact strategy on an issue of her choice, which she will determine during the course of the year. “While my vision for the year begins with an initial focus building on my extensive background in environmental sustainability, social justice (including racial and gender parity), and ethical corporate governance issues (ESG), I am entirely open to following new pathways, partnerships, and paradigms to achieve lasting social impact,” Clopton said. “One of my goals is to create replicable integrative programs to assist corporate, nonprofit, and governmental organizations in developing more effective, innovative, productive, and inclusive cultures.”
Margot Duane Photography
Courtesy of the subject
Longtime advertising executive David Chapman ’75, P’15,’20, former Managing Partner of Ogilvy Health, became a 2024 inductee of the Medical Advertising Hall of Fame and was honored at a February black-tie dinner at the Pierre hotel in New York City. Chapman’s nomination was supported by dozens of industry professionals, who praised his “visionary creative approach that has consistently pushed boundaries” and “his dedication to diversity and inclusion [that] has been a driving force behind transformative initiatives aimed at reshaping the industry.” But who’s to say it wasn’t testimony from his Vassar alum daughters that sealed the deal: Sarah Chapman ’20 wrote about her father’s rules for successful copywriting (and living), including, “Foster originality, encourage openness, and see weirdness for what it really is: creativity.” Catherine Chapman ’15 wrote, “David Chapman is a pharmaceutical advertising legend who helps alleviate symptoms of being alive like doldrums, angst, and boredom.”
Laura Washington ’88 was appointed President and CEO of Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV), a nonprofit that manages over $100 million in assets and administers nearly 600 charitable funds for individuals and organizations.
CFHV Board of Trustees Chair Charles “Chip” Simon said Washington stood out for her background in strategic planning, communications, and successful grant campaigns—but also for her Hudson Valley alma mater. “When we considered that she’s also a graduate of Vassar College, we knew she was the perfect match to serve our board, staff, and community partners,” he said.
Roger Archer Photography
Sharon Kennedy-Nolle ’84 has been named Poet Laureate of Sullivan County, NY, by the Academy of American Poets—a fellowship that comes with a $50,000 prize and the opportunity to lead a public poetry project. Kennedy-Nolle’s project is “Catskilled Poetry for Healing,” which utilizes poetry as a tool for healing and self-empowerment and is targeted to young people and adults afflicted by mental illness and substance abuse. Supported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Catholic Charities, the project consists of a three-month period of outreach to their affiliates; a six-month series of poetry workshops; a daylong interdisciplinary symposium bridging poetry, mental health, and public policy, for which the Hurleyville Performing Arts Center is also a partner; and a permanent public arts installation featuring the workshop’s poetry mounted on plaques and installed in the county’s eleven public libraries. Kennedy-Nolle was one of only 23 poets to receive this award nationwide.
Jenny Davis
Will Healy ’12—composer, pianist, and founder of ShoutHouse, a collective of hip-hop, jazz, and classical musicians—earned a Leonard Bernstein Award from the ASCAP Foundation in December. The award was presented during a virtual ceremony by Jamie Bernstein, the award namesake’s daughter, who described Healy as “a very Bernstein-like multitasker.” In accepting the award, Healy said the honor was particularly meaningful to him because “Leonard Bernstein is one of my all-time favorite composers, and somebody whose music inspired me to start composing myself.” He noted that he was particularly fond of Bernstein’s “Anniversaries”—short solo piano pieces created for the composer’s closest friends. Seated at a piano, Healy then launched into his own “Anniversary” piece called “Prelude for Rrita.” Watch it on the ASCAP Foundation’s YouTube channel!