Reunion 2011-Save The Date

The Mascot Committee Needs You!

 Dear Alumni, 

Washington College has initiated a committee of faculty, staff, students and alumni to determine an official mascot for Washington College.  Within the next year WC will design, create and introduce a unique character mascot that will represent the spirit, strength and character that is Washington College.  Defining a character mascot does not, in anyway, eliminate our current identity as Shoremen or Shorewomen, nor does it eliminate any of our other branding icons.  The Mascot Committee invites you to play a huge part in helping us select a mascot that will live on for eternity at Washington College.  Will you take a moment to complete a very brief survey so that your preference can be considered?  The survey can be completed here: http://remark.washcoll.edu/cgi-bin/rws5.pl?FORM=Mascot_Survey

Thank you in advance for your time and contribution to the process.

Washington College Mascot Committee

You're Invited to a Networking Breakfast

Gather with fellow alumni on Thursday, December 9, at Pusser's Caribbean Grille in Annapolis, to hear Jack Gilden '87, speak about Mad Men in the Digital Age: A veteran ad guy's rags to riches to rags story about the rapid rate of change in business today and how to cope with it. 

Jack Gilden has more than 20 years' experience in the advertising industry as both an agency president and a creative director. His advertising firm represented clients such as Legg Mason, Sprint, Nextel, and Aether Systems. Jack is also a noted newspaper and magazine writer and columnist.

What: A continental breakfast and career networking opportunity sponsored by the Washington College Recent Alumni and Student Involvement Committee of the Alumni Board, the Center for Career Development, and the Annapolis Alumni Chapter.

Where: Pusser's Caribbean Grille, a waterfront restaurant in the Annapolis Marriott Waterfront Hotel.  Click for directions.

When: Thursday, December 9, 2010 from 7:30-9:00 a.m.

R.s.v.p Reply via email to the Alumni Office or call 410-778-7215 to leave a message on the R.s.v.p. line by Friday, December 3.  Tickets may be purchased at the door for $8 by cash or check.

Remember Homecoming? It's Back!

Washington College Young Alumni,

First and foremost it is our pleasure and honor, as representatives of the student body, to thank you for your enthusiastic and ongoing support of Washington College.

On behalf of the Alumni Relations Office and the greater Washington College student body, we’d like to thank you for the generous contributions that enhance our institution and enrich the lives of students enrolled
at Washington College.

As some of you may recall, Washington College in years past has held a Homecoming weekend event. This year we are bringing it back! We would like to formally invite you to the Homecoming festivities on September 25, 2010.

Saturday’s Festivities:

Cardboard boat race, live music, food, sailing, kayaking & cruising the Chester River! For more info, contact jfairchild2@washcoll.edu or 410-778-7295.

12:00 to 4 PM - River cruises, sailing & kayaking
12:00 to 4 PM - Tours of the Callinectes
12:00 to 4 PM - Music by Chester River Runoff
1:00 PM - Pony rides by the College equestrian team
1:30 PM - Prehistoric net-making & fishing technology
2:00 PM - Sail ($) aboard schooner Sultana
2:30 PM - Parade of cardboard boats
3:00 PM - Cardboard Boat Regatta
3:30 PM - Tug-o-War among parents, faculty, students & alumni
3:45 PM - Washington College rowing exhibitions
4:00 PM - Prizes & awards ceremony

Games:
11am: Volleyball Penny Classic
1pm: Field Hockey vs. F&M
4pm: Women’s Soccer vs. F&M
1pm: Men’s Rugby

11am-12pm: Writer’s Union Fall Family Weekend
Parents and friends are invited to join the Washington College Writers’ Union and its student members for their annual Fall Family Reading, autumnal tales, spiced cider and cookies.

9-12:30am: DANCE!
Hodson Green
Alum DJ Jason Price
Semi-Formal Attire

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Andrew Antonio, SGA President.

Hope to see you all there!

Thank you,
Washington College Student Government Association,
Students Events Board,
and the Office of Student Activities

Alumni Newsletter- August 2010

News and Views from the Alumni House Lorraine K. Polvinale '69 P'98 An Evening with the Reisses At the first of many welcome receptions for President Mitchell B. Reiss and his wife, Elisabeth, held at the Annapolis Yacht Club on July 29, I was fortunate to have the job of escorting the President and First Lady that evening and introducing them to more than 200 guests-our Annapolis, DC and Talbot County alumni, incoming students of the Class of 2014 and their families, and friends of the College. I admit to being a little nervous at first, thinking, "How should I address him? How should I introduce him? President Reiss? Dr. Reiss? Ambassador Reiss?" There are many titles from which I could choose. He squelched my anxiety immediately when he shook my hand and said, "Call me Mitchell." Both Mitchell and Elisabeth were approachable, warm and charming. Elisabeth practically danced around the room greeting folks in her cheery British accent, telling them that she was excited about opening Hynson-Ringgold House for the many events they have planned this year. One of Elisabeth's first projects is to re-introduce the "Alma Mater" to the College community. As an opening to the evening's program, Beth Anne Langrell, director of student development, sang the musical tribute to Washington College. I could hear the whispering among the alumni, "I never knew we had a school song." Well, we do, and you can hear the Washington College Consort's rendition here. President Reiss, too, moved easily around the room. He greeted everyone with the same grace, kindness and interest he had shown me. Mitchell listened to friendly chatter about how pleased they are that he is here, to complaints about past issues, and to suggestions as to how we could do things better. He devoted his evening to learning what matters most to us. President Reiss also had the opportunity to publicly address the guests. The audience broke into spontaneous applause as he outlined several new initiatives that you'll be hearing more about soon. It was clear to everyone that evening that, just 30 days into his presidency, Mitchell B. Reiss is making strides in raising the profile of Washington College. Washington College is in very good hands. If you have not yet had the pleasure to meet Mitchell and Elisabeth Reiss, I hope you will attend one of the upcoming chapter events we have planned for the year ahead (see "Alumni Events" column at right). Click here to register for an event near you. Mystery Photo Do you remember any of these lovely ladies from your college days?  The first person to correctly identify all five wins a fabulous prize. Send your answers to Alumni Relations today. New Lacrosse Coach Brings Great Expectations The Shoremen lacrosse team will have some new faces on the sidelines next season with the hiring of new head coach Jeff Shirk and assistants J.L. Reppert, Andrew Delaney and Ian Shure. The incoming staff brings a wealth of experience and high expectations to a storied program that has struggled in recent years. "I'm looking forward to getting the guys back on campus, meeting everyone and seeing what we have, how we can help develop these players, and how far we can go this year," Shirk said. The school's 11th men's head lacrosse coach, Shirk comes to Chestertown after four years as head coach at Division I Virginia Military Institute. A four-year short-stick defensive midfielder at the University of Maryland, Shirk's first coaching job out of college was at the Naval Academy Preparatory School. Assistant J.L. Reppert, a former player for the Naval Academy and a nine-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, also brings a military background to WC. "The experience of coaching at a military school really helps shape you to be more organized in everything you do within the program and how you run the program," Shirk said. "It's helped me become a better coach." Without the strict rules that govern life at a military school, Shirk says there will be a greater emphasis on educating players about the right things to do off the field. "I know they're 18-to-22-year-old men who are going to make mistakes, but they will understand that they are a representation of me and of Washington College at all times - over the summer, at night, on the field, over the weekend, in the classroom. It's important that my guys always represent us well," he said. Shirk plans to raise the expectations for his players, off the field and on. "They're going to be held to a higher standard," he says. "In the short-term, I'm focused on getting back on track right away and developing a mentality among the players of working hard, all the time, at everything we do," he said. "Long-term, I want to get back up to the top five teams in Division III where we're competing for a national championship every year," he said. To reach those goals, Shirk will rely on the strengths of his assistant coaches. "The staff that came together is an older, experienced staff, which sets us apart from a lot of our competitors," he said. "J.L. was a very good midfielder for Navy, and he's going to bring that offensive mindset. I trust him with developing the offensive side of the field," Shirk said. "Ian is really entwined in the Baltimore recruiting circles from coaching at the high school level, so he'll bring that aspect in addition to working with the offense," he added. Rounding out the staff, Delaney will work primarily with the defenders. "Drew's been in defensive coordinator positions recently so I expect him to help me there," Shirk said. "I prefer to oversee everything and have guys in place that I can trust." With his hard work mentality, high standards and will to win, Shirk's the guy Washington College is going to trust to bring its lacrosse program into a new era, and he's been embraced by the college community since he took the job. "The alumni have been overwhelmingly welcoming," he said. "I've spoken with some of them or exchanged e-mails, and I'm really looking forward to developing those relationships. They're very, very excited about the program, and that makes me excited to be a part of it," Shirk said. Lifelong Career Assistance for ALL Alumni The Center for Career Development provides lifelong career assistance for all Washington College Alumni. Career transitions are natural results of growth and change in work life. Call on us, your professional career services staff for: Individualized career assistance by telephone, video, or in person Access to "JOBS by George!," an online database for job opportunities (Visit http://career.washcoll.edu to create your free account.) Help with resumes, cover letters, job search tips, and interviewing skills Alumni contacts and events for networking via the Center for Career Development or Alumni Relations Office Graduate school advising Referrals to online career resources We are here year-round, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. E-mail us at: career_center@washcoll.edu or phone us at 410-778-7890. A Reunion Like No Other These music production team volunteers spent many hours coordinating the alumni musical talent for Reunion 2010. These are the drama production team volunteers who made the alumni drama and dance production possible. WC turned the spotlight on its talented alumni this year to create a Reunion like no other! Reunion 2010: Back by Popular Demand brought alumni thespians, dancers, artists, musicians, brewers and poets back to campus to share their talents on the WC stage once again. There was no shortage of artistic talent on display at Reunion this year. Alumni musicians of all ages performed onstage during the Red Carpet Party at "Andy's Revisited." Jim Graham '81 hosted a photo show of his work in the Miller Library. Erin Murphy '90 performed a reading of her poetry at the Lit House. The new Gibson Center for the Arts served as an outstanding backdrop for the alumni dance and drama production, and Martha Washington Square transformed into a stage for the alumni musicians' showcase. Fun was had by old and young alike. Professors from days gone by came back to present one more class in Bill Smith. Professor Emeritus Robert Day even distributed a quiz, or rather, his trademark "quizzy-poo" on the ABC's of Enlightenment. Children rode on ponies and slid down inflatable slides while families ate at the All-Campus Picnic. After having a bite to eat, a crowd headed to the Alumni House for a beer tasting hosted by alumni brewers from 16 Mile Brewery in Georgetown, DE. While some alumni who returned to WC did not come to celebrate a milestone Reunion, there was no shortage of parties for those who were honoring a special year. The classes of 1960 and 1985 celebrated their 50th and 25th Reunions, respectively, and the classes of '05, '00, '95, '90, '80, '75, '70, '65, and the Older and Wiser Society returned for their important reunions as well. Representatives from all classes presented their Reunion class gifts at the dedication of the Livingood Terrace by the Class of 1959. Washington College thanks all of its alumni volunteers-the Reunion chairs, the Reunion committee members, and all of the production volunteers-for their hard work and enthusiasm in making Reunion 2010 an incredible success! WC is searching for Reunion volunteers for 2011: if you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Alumni Office. About Your Alumni Board The Washington Fund Committee One of the key committees of the Alumni Board is The Washington Fund Committee. Ably led by Linda Ayres '69, this committee works closely with College Advancement staff who oversee The Washington Fund. The primary goals of the committee are to: improve alumni education about The Washington Fund increase alumni participation in The Washington Fund educate alumni about giving options at Washington College. Examples include The Washington Fund, The 1782 Society, the George Washington Society, the Sho'men Club, capital campaigns, etc. encourage the Alumni Board to set an example for our alumni by supporting The Washington Fund officially recognize those alumni who give to the Washington Fund What is The Washington Fund? The Washington Fund is the first fundraising priority for Washington College every year because it provides dependable, recurring, budgeted support for the College's highest priorities and greatest opportunities. Gifts to The Washington Fund directly and immediately impact our students. Thousands of alumni, parents, and friends choose to support WC through The Washington Fund because it has both immediate and enduring effects. Gifts made without restriction to The Washington Fund are directed to the most expensive and pressing priorities. Recent history shows these gifts most often support student scholarships. This type of support reaches a wide audience-every single student on campus, to be exact-by offsetting the annual cost of offering a personalized liberal arts education. Your generosity to The Washington Fund will be put to immediate use, addressing real needs and having real impact. In summation, the goal of the Washington Fund Committee of the Alumni Board is to increase alumni awareness and participation in The Washington Fund. If you have questions about The Washington Fund, please contact Rebekah Hardy '05, Director of The Washington Fund, or one of Linda Ayres' dedicated committee members: Bruce Alexander '94 M'00, Linda Sheedy'69 or L. Wayles Wilson '03. To make your gift to The Washington Fund online, visit give.washcoll.edu. ISO Washington College Veterans Do you know of Washington College alumni who served in a foreign or domestic war? The Alumni Board's Awards Committee is undertaking a project to recognize Washington College veterans. Currently, we have a list of nearly 135 veterans but we know there are more. We need your help finding those men and women who are an important part of our history and deserve recognition. If you know of any Washington College alumni who lost their lives in battle, served in past wars or are currently serving in military combat units overseas, please contact Judie Barroll in Alumni Relations at jbarroll2@washcoll.edu or by mail at Alumni Relations, Washington College, 300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, MD 21620. We are seeking military photos, details of service, and any other biographical information you may have. Alumni Events O C T O B E R    2 ,    2 0 1 0 ____________ Save the Date for one of the following regional alumni events introducing President Mitchell B. Reiss and his wife, Elisabeth. November 9, 2010 New England Chapter Reception November 11, 2010 New York City Chapter Gathering December 11, 2010 Kent & Queen Anne's Chapter Holiday Party December 14, 2010 Talbot County Chapter Holiday Party December 15, 2010 Washington, DC, Chapter Holiday Party December 16, 2010 Wilmington, DE, Chapter Holiday Party January 2011 Los Angeles, San Francisco (tentative) February 15, 2011 Baltimore Chapter Toast to George February 22, 2011 Philadelphia Chapter Toast to George March 2, 2011 S.E. Florida/Ft. Lauderdale Alumni Gathering March 4, 2011 S.W. Florida/Naples Chapter Gathering Space is limited, so reservations will be required. For details about these events and to make your reservations online, visit alumni.washcoll.edu. For more information, call 410-778-7846.

Washington College
300 Washington Avenue
Chestertown, MD 21620
If you wish to be removed from this group's mailing list, click here

Chestertown's 1st Half Marathon

Dear Fellow Alumni,

As you may already know, I started an organization called Athletes Serving Athletes, Inc. (ASA) over two years ago. Our mission is to provide the opportunity for challenged athletes to pursue an active lifestyle through the thrill of athletic competition otherwise inaccessible to them. Specifically, we offer programs and services that inspire, prepare and enable challenged athletes to compete in running, triathlon and cycling events.

I am pleased to share that ASA has made great strides in its first two years and we have teamed up with the Chestertown Town Council, Washington College, Kent County Sheriffs Department, Charm City Run and three local charities (Women in Need Inc. and its after-school programs at “the alley”, Character Counts! Kent County, and The Radcliffe Creek School) to host the Inaugural Chestertown Half Marathon on September 18, 2010, at Wilmer Park in Chestertown.

Please join us, either as runner, spectator, or volunteer, to witness the perseverance and courage that will be on display by amazing athletes who will push the limits of their abilities and show “what is possible.”

Go to www.chestertownhalfmarathon.com for complete information and registration forms. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available as well. (Please note that corporate sponsorship commitments need to be made no later than August 1, 2010, to be included in the event marketing and promotion, and on banners, and race shirts.)

Last but certainly not least, we can use all of the volunteers we can get to make this event a great success. If you or any groups that you know would be interested, please contact me directly.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you in advance for saving the date and spreading the word! Your generosity will make a difference in the lives of others less fortunate.

Sincerely,

David Slomkowski
WC Class of 1992
Founder, Executive Director
Athletes Serving Athletes

443-756-7711
www.AthletesServingAthletes.org
www.HopesHeroes.com
www.ChestertownHalfMarathon.com

Farewell to Washington College

June 30, 2010

To the Washington College Community,

Thanks to all of you who care so deeply about this special place, we have truly enjoyed our time in Chestertown. As Tom Paxton remarked about his career at the dedication of the Daniel Z. Gibson Center for the Arts last October, “The pleasure has been all mine.”

With best wishes for a bright future,
Baird and Sarah Tipson

*Daniel Z. Gibson Center for the Arts Dedication, October 2, 2009