Staying Engaged

In November, Barnard President Debora L. Spar announced her resignation, leaving Barnard to become president of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. We are grateful for her vision and leadership, and on behalf of the AABC, I would like to thank “D Spar” and wish her well.

But as Thomas Jefferson sings in Hamilton , “The sun comes up and the world still spins.” In that vein, I am excited to share some enhancements to our AABC Board nomination process. The Nominating Committee continues to expand and refine its efforts to increase alumnae engagement. Last year, the Board of Directors approved a proposal by the committee giving it discretion to possibly present more than one candidate for a position. In the past, alumnae may have chosen not to vote, as it was a ratification of a slate of single candidates rather than a competitive election.

Additionally, the committee broadened its outreach to alumnae volunteer leaders to expand the breadth and depth of alumnae under consideration for nominations. This year, the committee is choosing to put forth multiple candidates for one open position as enabled by last year’s change in the AABC bylaws. For the position of vice president, there will be a competitive election among three candidates, and it is our hope that this will inspire even more alumnae to cast a vote and further influence the shape of the board.

The opportunity for competitive elections and an increase in the number of suggested nominees are two steps implemented this year. A special thank you to Lisa Lin ’98, chair of the nominating committee, and to the entire committee for their time and commitment to a thorough process that puts forth nominees reflecting the diversity and talents of the Barnard alumnae body. I hope you will join me in voting at our.barnard.edu/election2017.

With spring on the horizon, there are many programs to join in the coming months:

• The Athena Film Festival (February 9-12) showcases women leaders and gets better every year.
• On March 14, the Professional Leadership and Development Committee (PLDC) will host an event focused on women on boards.
• Annual Galas in Los Angeles on February 4 and in New York City on May 2 raise crucial funds for scholarships.
• “Bring It Back to Barnard” for Reunion 2017, June 1-4, including a panel discussion on women and activism featuring alumnae reflecting on the past and considering new trajectories for organizing; the Alumnae of Color Dinner, themed “Hard Times Call for Furious Dancing”; and more.

Please explore the Alumnae Relations event archive to watch some of the events that occurred on campus, including a PLDC training on networking and others. Explore all of the upcoming events. I also encourage you to visit the Barnard website for college, student, and faculty news and events. And, as the ground prepares to thaw, I hope you will attend a Barnard event in your region, on campus, or virtually. Thank you for staying engaged!

Best wishes for a prosperous new year.

— Terry Newman ’79