Letter from the President of the AAVC

Dear All,

his is such an important issue of VQ, showcasing alums who are doing extraordinary work. But this magazine can only feature a handful of our classmates and friends. What I know is that every one of us who is part of our Vassar alum community has chosen to apply our learning and knowledge in myriad ways that better our communities and make an impact on those close to us, or upon those we will never meet.

In March, we celebrated the Centenary of the UK Vassar Club, led by Andrew Solum ’89, and toasted two alums whose commitment to that Club has spanned a collective 100 years! The value of this type of dedication simply cannot be overstated, and I know that each of us, in our own way, is contributing to Vassar or to other causes that are meaningful to us. Your dedication and commitment to the ideals you cherish will enable them to flourish.

This is the true gift of our Vassar community, and it has been my privilege and honor to have served as your AAVC president for the past four years. Although we find ourselves continually muddling through complicated times, I know that somehow, somewhere, Vassar people are shining the light for all of us.

Thank you for all that you do, and thank you for allowing me to play a small part in serving this amazing community. I am indebted to the AAVC Officers, Brian Farkas ’10, Tyrone Forman ’92, and Alisa Swire ’84, and the entire AAVC Board, for their support, thoughtfulness, and tireless commitment to all things Vassar. In my role I have had a symbiotic relationship with Lisa Tessler, Executive Director of the AAVC, who has been an amazing partner, and will also be stepping down this June. The relationship between the AAVC and the College is critical, and it has been a true pleasure to collaborate with our College President, Betsy Bradley, and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Sharon Chang ’84, in ensuring the vitality of our alum community.

I know that my successor and the AAVC Board will cast their own imprint on our community, in collaboration with Willa Vincitore ’92, our new Associate Vice President and AAVC Executive Director. I look very much forward to being a part of that.

Perhaps I will see some of you at Reunion, and I hope you will always bear in mind that ineffable bond created by Vassar that ties us together forevermore.

Take good care, and see you around,

Monica Vachher ’77
AAVC President
aavcpresident@vassar.edu