Letter from the President of the AAVC

Portrait of AAVC President Monica Vachher ‘77
Dear All,

Spring is almost upon us, even in the Midwestern U.S., and the buds and shoots truly bring forth a revival of the spirits. The promise of spring turns my thoughts to long walks outdoors, and generally to good health and well-being, after cocooning during the cold months.

And there is no better place for this sense of revitalization than our spectacular Vassar campus, which I am certain you can envision with the glorious bright-green lawns, the daffodils on Main Circle, and the trees bedecked with new leaves and rich blossoms.

I am so proud of Vassar for modeling a paradigm of a healthy community, with its focus on mental health services, efforts to keep students physically healthy, and providing restorative and contemplative practices.

I so hope that all of us will also find ways to take care of ourselves and support each other. We are all connected, in a deep and fundamental way, and the AAVC and our alum community are here for us.

And, as you consider our community, please give some thought to those among our ranks who you believe should be recognized by the AAVC Alum Recognition Committee, chaired by my colleague and friend, Eddie Gamarra ’94. Every year, AAVC awards honor and recognize the distinguished achievements, service, and contributions of Vassar alums, faculty, and staff. The full Call for Nominations can be accessed here, so please familiarize yourselves with the categories and submit candidates you would like us to consider.

I look forward to seeing many of you at Reunion 2025, which promises to be another fabulous celebration of our collective past, present, and all that is yet to come. Until then, please take good care of yourselves.

My very best,

Monica Vachher signature
Monica Vachher ’77
AAVC President
aavcpresident@vassar.edu
AAVC Logo
Alumnae House
161 College Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
vassar.edu/alums
2024–2025 AAVC Board of Directors
  • Monica Vachher ’77, Illinois
    President and AAVC Trustee
  • Brian Farkas ’10, New York
    Vice President and AAVC Trustee
  • Tyrone Forman ’92, Illinois
    Vice President and AAVC Trustee
  • Alisa Swire ’84, New York
    Nominating and Governance Committee Chair
  • Gail Becker ’64, New Jersey
  • Maybelle Taylor Bennett ’70, Washington, DC
  • Patrick DeYoung ’18, Pennsylvania
    AAVC Trustee
  • AC Dumlao ’13, New York
  • James Estrada ’13, Michigan
    Alumnae House Committee Chair
  • Eddie Gamarra ’94, California
    Alum Recognition Committee Chair
  • Anne Green ‘93, New Jersey
    AAVC Trustee
  • Delia Cheung Hom ’00, Massachusetts
    AAVC Trustee
    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    Ad Hoc Committee Chair
  • Peggy Ann Nagae ’73, Oregon
  • Michael Neuwirth ’89, New York
  • Katherine “Kat” Mills Polys ’93, Virginia
    Vassar Fund Committee Chair
  • Heller An Shapiro ’81, Maryland
  • Sheryl Smikle ’81, Georgia
  • Andrew Solum ’89, United Kingdom
    Clubs Committee Chair
  • Keith St. John ’81, New York
  • Carlos Hernandez Tellez ’14, Brazil
    Career Networking Committee Chair
  • Kerri Tillett ’91, Massachusetts/North Carolina
    (on leave)
  • Emily Weisgrau ’96, Massachusetts
  • Ellie Winter ’18, Rhode Island
  • Lisa Tessler
    Executive Director of the AAVC
  • Patricia Lamark
    Associate Director, AAVC Engagement