Alumnae/i Volunteers Welcomed Back for Leadership Weekend
(October 30, 2009) -- Almost 150 alumnae/i, family, and friends returned to campus for Leadership Weekend October 23 and 24. The theme of the weekend was recognition and enrichment. Attendees were thanked, and some received special acknowledgment for their commitment to the college during Friday evening's dinner. Saturday's program featured updates about the College and volunteer information sessions.
Guests congregated on Friday in the Linda K. Paresky Conference Center to celebrate this year's alumnae awards, presented by the Alumnae Association Executive Board.  The 2009 Leadership Weekend Award Winners The Alumnae Service Award, presented to an alumna for her outstanding service to the College and the Alumnae Association, was given to two recipients this year: long-time Class Officer, former Class Secretary, and celebrated philanthropist Clotilde Chaves Zannetos '58; and Class Agent Christian Pope Campbell '91, who has served Simmons in roles including staff member, magazine editor, freelance writer, guest lecturer, and director of communications on the Alumnae Association Executive Board as the Director of Communications.  Alumnae and friends enjoy the Friday Evening of Appreciation dinner Two alumnae were also honored with the Community Service Award, presented to an alumna for her continued involvement with, or outstanding commitment to, the community. Betty Green and Simmons Trustee Hope Alperin Hirsch '67 received the award. Class Treasurer since her graduation, Betty enjoyed a distinguished career in fashion and is a noted humanitarian. In addition to being a Simmons trustee, Hope is active in her home state of Rhode Island, and in the Jewish community.  Leslie Dykerman '70 (left) and Sandra Lief Garrett '67 Lisa J.B. Peterson '03 was the recipient of the RecentAlumnae Achievement Award, presented to an alumna who has graduated within the past ten years, and who has attained a high level of achievement in her professional or civic field of endeavor. Lisa is the President and Founder of Lantern Financial, LLC, a Boston-based financial planning firm geared towards young professionals.  Recent Alumnae Achievement Award Winner Lisa J. B. Peterson (third from right) with family and friends.
The Mary Logan Canavan '38 Planned Giving Award, presented to an alumna who has furthered the planned giving program at Simmons College, went to Reverend Elizabeth Chace '69. Elizabeth's generous planned gift in honor of her 40th Reunion won her Class the Kay Heggie Planned Giving Award, an award presented at Reunion to recognize the class with the highest dollar total in planned gifts made during their reunion year The Hoyt Trophy, presented to the non-Reunion class with the greatest increase in participation to The Simmons Fund went to the Class of 1970, which had a 5% increase from last year. Leslie Dykeman '70 and fellow classmates in attendance accepted the award.
Saturday's program featured a state of the college address with President Drinan, an introduction to the Making Education Work Campaign, and a discussion with Provost Dr. Charlena Seymour about her first 100 days at Simmons. The weekend wrapped up with breakout session for Reunion planning tips and volunteer board management advice. |