Connecting Across Continents

Dear Alumnae,

After celebrating my 35th reunion with more than 1,500 fellow alumnae from near and far, I was reminded that Barnard is like a home that welcomes us back with open arms and provides new opportunities for learning, laughter, and friendship. This year, I was fortunate to share Reunion with three friends who had never come. To their surprise, it was even better than advertised. After attending the micro lectures by Barnard faculty and our Friday-night class dinner, and seeing the “Mentors, Muses & Monsters” alumnae storytelling performance, one friend remarked that she could kick herself for not having attended Reunion before.

At Reunion, I met alumnae who had traveled from South Africa and England. Yet another came all the way from Australia. One of my goals as incoming president is to ensure that Barnard’s wonderful programs are more accessible to all alumnae, regardless of where they live. To that end, we filmed the engaging exploration of the everyday challenges of American women delivered by Pulitzer Prize–winning author, Trustee Emerita, and Chair Emerita Anna Quindlen ’74. Please watch the video at the alumnae affairs YouTube channel or at alum.barnard.edu.

As we embark upon the 125th anniversary of the College’s founding, we invite you to help Barnard celebrate its rich history and become part of its exciting future. Visit 125.barnard.edu to follow the events and share your memories. Please mark your calendars for Sunday, October 26, when we will celebrate Founders Day. From its beginning, the College has shaped women leaders by teaching them to think critically and creatively, communicate their ideas effectively, dream big, and act on those dreams. As Nancy Biberman ’69, recipient of a Millicent Carey McIntosh Award for Feminism, reminded us, we share a history of women making trouble. It is through making trouble that we can make the world a better place. During our quasquicentennial, we will look back on the amazing contributions of Barnard alumnae who have not only made trouble, but also made a difference in the world.

We encourage you to let the AABC enrich your life by taking advantage of opportunities to make connections with other alumnae and to serve and support the future leaders of tomorrow, our amazing Barnard students. We are planning an exciting year of programs and activities for alumnae and volunteer leaders to be shared with you in the coming months.

I look forward to serving the 34,000 alumnae in 96 countries around the globe. Join me in supporting the AABC and the College as we embrace our history and build upon our future.

Sincerely,

Terry S. Newman ’79