In the afterglow of the grand opening of the Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for the Performing Arts, many were seeing each other once again this year, while others hadn’t connected in years. From exploring memories in the Emma Willard School Archives to re-discovering the evolution of costumes in the Revels room, fond memories abounded. Behind-the-scenes tours provided insight into what’s new and different, as well as what remains the same. While nourishing rain dotted much of the weekend, there were plenty of moments to visit the Back 40 to reconnect with the beauty of nature on Mount Ida.

 

While reminiscing is a favorite pastime during Reunion, alumnae also got a glimpse into the current curriculum through Emma Academy sessions. English Instructor Kathleen McNamara focused on Circe from Homer’s Odyssey, while Mathematics Instructor Judy Price guided her students to take a deeper look at how to read, interpret, and detect flaws in the statistics presented to them daily. Experiential Learning Department Chair Jon Calos introduced Emma’s STEAM, Practicum, and Signature programs. Keemayaa J. ’27 shared about STEAM 9 and 10 projects, and three students presented their Signature projects: “Perspective and Personal Histories: Emma Willard School in US History” with Stacy C. ’26, “Dispose It: Improving Recycling and Composting Habits on Campus” with Carly Hunter ’25, and “Seeing the Scent: Design and Marketing of Perfume” with Eleanora Bennett ’25.

In a development that has taken shape over the past year, Dennett Page ’69 and History Instructor Dr. John Riley shared plans to restore the Lafayette mural and its alcove to its original grandeur. With the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s visit this past year, excitement around preserving this important piece of history (as well as other campus preservation projects) is at an all-time high. (Connect with the Advancement Office if you’re interested in learning more: 866-833-1814 | alumnae@emmawillard.org.)

In her one-woman show entitled “Memoir of a Citizen Appearing,” Rachel Goodstein ’70 artfully intertwined her life experiences with a message of activism. Equal parts entertaining and educational, Rachel led her audience to consider where they might find their own passions in civic engagement. While voting is a must, it only scratches the surface of a citizen’s responsibility, Rachel asserts, akin to getting “a gold star for learning your colors” in Kindergarten. To become civically fit, Rachel encouraged each person to find a chosen cause—whether local, national, or global—and spend the required time to deeply engage with it.

The Women in Philanthropy panelists pulled on a similar thread in their discussion, encouraging engagement with causes that afford the opportunity to build relationships directly with the organization. Director of Planned Giving Jack Sise led panelists Wendy Graham ’85, Erica Ling ’75, Sally Klingenstein Martell ’85, and Michal Colby Wadsworth ’65 in a conversation about learning the practice of philanthropy, determining where to direct your gifts, and finding causes that connect with your passions. Getting involved with both service and giving financially is often more effective if you find a local organization that is working on a cause that you’re passionate about. In the discussion that followed, alums shared books and web resources to help one another in their philanthropic efforts.

While inner campus stood in a sheet of rain on Saturday morning, the Parade of Classes was exuberant as ever, moved inside to parade through Dietel Gallery, past the viewing party in LeFort Atrium and Baxter Gallery, and into Klingenstein Concert Hall. 

 

Head of School Jenny Rao delivered her final State of the School address as she prepares to depart Mount Ida at the end of June. “What makes our community truly special and profoundly cohesive,” she asserted, “is that we share a sacred value: we believe that a functional and sustainable world is possible only with educated girls and women leading, sharing, and working hard to overcome challenges and celebrate successes.” She went on to update alumnae on the state of enrollment, academics, student life, and strategic initiatives as laid out in Leading with Purpose.

In closing, Jenny introduced 18th Head of School Dr. Karen Lassey and shared the collaborative relationship the two have developed to facilitate a smooth transition. “Karen and I both believe that now, more than ever, our world needs to hear strong, self-confident, and outspoken voices of girls and women—voices that are developed during time at Mount Ida—to help shape the future into something we all can be proud of and believe in.”

 

Following Jenny’s remarks, the Alumnae Recognition Awards were presented, honoring alumnae who embody the spirit of Emma Willard School, have made significant career achievements, have shown themselves to be great humanitarians, and have served the school in significant ways. Each honoree shared remarks in accepting their award. 

• Distinguished Alumna: Mary Conklin Bowen ’75
• Distinguished Young Alumna: Sophia Michelen ’05
• Humanitarian and Global Service: Rachel Neugarten ’00
• Career Achievement: Vivian Brady-Phillips ’85
• Service to Emma Award: Deborah Smith ’70

Alumnae Association Council Co-Vice Presidents Erin K. Hayner ’94 and Molly Mulligan ’01 presented the awards and then held a brief Alumnae Association business meeting. We invite you to read the full citations for each of our award recipients on our website. 

Beyond the schedule of activities and presentations, Reunion weekend is filled with toasts, artistic endeavors, affinity gatherings, dinners, and dancing! The Class of 2020 enjoyed a senior tea moment with Head of School Jenny Rao, Associate Head of School Meredith Legg, and Dean of Students Shelley Maher, which they missed their senior year during the pandemic. Alumnae of Color had the opportunity to gather with Head of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Prince Botchway. It is in these moments of playfulness and connection that we witness the everlasting bonds of the Emma Willard School community. 

 

In the final hour of Reunion, that community came together to remember those in their classes who had passed on and enjoy a blessing from the Alumnae Choir, a reading of the poem “Ithaca” (C. P. Cavafy) by Lane Atkinson ’20 and Cat Hackett ’20, and remarks from Rev. Brandilynne Vandermark Craver ’87. “We are still looking toward each other, embracing the language of love and still learning how to be human together in this great big wild world,” Rev. Carver declared. “Still learning. Fragile and fearless. Gentle and gregarious. Confused and clear. Thank you for sharing who you are. Thank you for sharing your divine spark!”

 

Indeed, we do thank all of you who returned to Mount Ida to make the 2025 Reunion an amazing weekend!  Mark your calendars now for Reunion 2026! We’ll celebrate the 1s and 6s on June 5–7, 2026.

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See our SmugMug for photos from Reunion, with more coming soon!