Pick a random week on the calendar, and it’s probable that somewhere in the world, a group of Wellesley alumnae are connecting—either in person or virtually. It might be in Boston, Phoenix, or Shanghai. It might be an alumnae club sponsoring a faculty speaker, a group of class officers on a call to plan a mini-reunion, or an informal gathering for drinks and networking.

All these connections are supported by a team of four in the Alumnae Office at the College. Led by Susan Lohin, a 17-year WCAA veteran, the group handles everything from processing club orders for Wellesley book awards to assisting classes in finding new leadership. “Our jobs are made easier by our great volunteers—dedicated, loyal alums who give much of their time and energy to Wellesley,” Lohin says. “They serve Wellesley, and we do all that we can to make their volunteer roles easier.”

Here’s a look at the Alumnae Connections staff:

Susan Lohin

Director of Alumnae Connections

Responsibilities: Oversees WCAA support of all activities sponsored by clubs, classes, and shared interest groups. Facilitates major College and WCAA events around the world. Liaison between alumnae groups and College departments, such as Admissions and the President’s Office.

Thoughts on Volunteering: “Volunteer work is not just about serving the College, it’s also about serving each other … building the W-network—a network that has been called ‘the strongest female power structure in the country.’”

Marisa Shariatdoust ’09

Associate Director of Alumnae Connections

Responsibilities: Supports regional club, class, and shared-interest group volunteers. Works to ensure that WCAA technology meets the needs of alumnae in the field.

Why Volunteer: “Volunteering for Wellesley is seeing the network in action—dedicated alums caring and supporting one another. The community is only as strong as the volunteers, so if you are not involved already, become a volunteer and support your local club or class. … Your efforts truly make a difference.”

Leah Driska ’08

Assistant Director of Clubs

Responsibilities: Works with regional alumnae clubs, chapters, and key contacts in the U.S. and around the world. “I help with whatever they need: I can provide demographics of alums in their region, help with publicity for upcoming events, schedule a faculty speaker for the club, supply them with book awards, or work with the president to recruit new volunteers.”

Why She Likes Her Job: “I like that my job gives me the opportunity to meet alums from around the world. I experienced this on a smaller scale with my local club and met a number of wonderful alums from Boston whom I never would have known otherwise. Now I get to meet alums from all over. Sometimes they tell me about their hobbies and interests, and what Wellesley was like when they were here. I always love hearing about that.”

M.J. Pullins ’94

Assistant Director of Classes

Responsibilities: Responsible for all of the individual classes, from the 1930s to the current undergraduates. “I work closely with class officers solving quandaries, helping with class communications such as newsletters and eblasts, and facilitating reports and financial information.”

Advice to Volunteers: “Celebrate your accomplishments. Our volunteers do amazing things for their classes that continue to impress me.”