In October 2014, the WCAA launched the Sed Ministrare Awards to honor the service of dedicated volunteers to the College. These awards will be presented every year at Alumnae Leadership Council on campus. The inaugural recipients were Whitney Shaffer Ackerman ’03, Martha Reardon Bewick ’62, Charlotte Hayes ’75, and Helen Kriz Marshall ’77.
Whitney Shaffer Ackerman ’03 was honored for her exemplary leadership of the New York Wellesley Club. As one of the youngest club presidents, Ackerman, said her award citation, “met the challenges of a large, diverse club, and along with her board, identified key areas of focus including membership, improving communications, and recruiting more volunteers to serve and to lead the club.” When the club needed a better way to manage membership and events, she rolled out a multiyear plan that brought a 30 percent increase in dues-paying members in one year.
Martha Reardon Bewick ’62 was recognized for more than 50 years of class leadership. The first ’62 president after graduation, she was a catalyst in the formation of a class scholarship fund that now generates more than $6,000 annually for student financial aid. As chair of the 45th reunion and “chief volunteer” for the 50th, she led her class to achieve an outstanding attendance record and a high Wellesley Fund participation rate for both reunions.
Charlotte Hayes ’75 was highlighted as a key volunteer behind the success of the Wellesley in Washington Internship program and the Washington Wintersession program. Because of her connections as a deputy assistant secretary for the Department of Labor, the College relies on her advice when placing 16 to 20 students in a variety of internships. She also organizes a mentorship program, pairing the interns with D.C. alumnae with similar interests. Hayes has also mentored students herself.
Helen Kriz Marshall ’77 was honored as a stellar club and class volunteer. A driving force behind the Chicago Wellesley Club, she has a knack for gathering alumnae around Wellesley’s history and traditions. She revived the club’s annual holiday tea and incorporated Stepsinging into it. To raise money for the club’s scholarship fund, she coordinated the creation of a Wellesley enamel box and porcelain tray. Marshall is also president of her class.
The WCAA is currently accepting nominations for the 2015 Sed Ministrare Awards.
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