A Year of Connections

As I write this column, 2025 is coming to a close, and by the time this goes to print, I’ll be completing my first year as assistant vice president. It’s been a whirlwind learning more about the WCAA, working with our incredible volunteers, and getting a real grasp of the magnitude of the most powerful women’s network in the world: the more than 40,000 Wellesley alumnae making a difference in our communities, in ways big and small.

Before I came to the WCAA, I had celebrated two reunions (and had the pleasure of serving as reunion co-chair for both!), and led and participated in many events for alums and prospective students in the DC area as a Washington Wellesley Club volunteer. Even then, I only experienced the tip of the iceberg for what it truly means to be a Wellesley alum, and for all of the opportunities we have to connect with each other, with the College, and with students.

Every day at the WCAA, I learn more. In October, I participated in Walktober for the first time and watched the friendly rivalries and updates posted by more than 3,600 alums, students, faculty, and staff across decades, regions,
and class colors. (Congrats to my fellow green classes for winning the challenge!) In our office, we are also regularly checking the stats for the 150th anniversary Sed Ministrare Service Challenge, with thousands of volunteer hours and service projects being logged across the world. (Make sure to submit yours at wellesley.edu/about-us/150/join/sed-min-challenge!) Before Thanksgiving, I was able to visit the Wellesley Club UK for its annual potluck, where more than 80 alums and study-abroad students gathered to connect over good food, shared memories, and opportunities to help one another. Through all of these moments, I am inspired to continue creating and deepening opportunities for connections for alumnae, and to engage with alums on what is most meaningful for them.

We’re rolling out a new web platform for alumnae and alumnae groups, and I’m excited to see how we can create more connections and communications with one another there, on alum.wellesley.edu. If you’re interested in serving as a volunteer with your club, class, or SIG, or finding a new way to connect alumnae to one another around a shared interest, please reach out to our office at alumvolunteers@wellesley.edu—we’d love to hear from you.

I began this role at Wellesley a little less than a year into the formal merger of the College and the WCAA, and though I know there have been changes in how some of our programs and processes work, I believe that, as a result of the merger, there is a strong net positive—the WCAA, our volunteers, and our alumnae are closer to the College than ever before. As an alumna, I proudly represent your voices and perspectives with my campus partner colleagues and with the College’s Senior Leadership, and I strive to bring my experience as a past volunteer and club member to everything we do. Thank you for engaging with my team and me to share your views and ideas, and for your enduring commitment to keeping Wellesley the remarkable place it is as we celebrate 150 years, and look forward to many more to come.