Letter from the President of the AAVC

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 ’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