Share Your Expertise with Washington College Students

WC students need your help to prepare for the complex and ever-changing professional world. Alumni can support students in a variety of ways– sharing career advice, providing internship and job opportunities, and volunteering as a mentor or to sit on a panel.

Whether you have only a moment to share a career tip or can volunteer hours of your time, please complete our Career Development Interest Form and tell us how you might make an impact on the future of a Washington College student.

Dr. John S. Toll

To the Washington College community:

  July15th, 2011 marked the passing of one of the greatest figures in Washington College history. Dr. John S. Toll, whose presidency of Washington College between 1995 and 2004 capped a remarkable career in higher education spanning five decades, died in his sleep this morning.  (Click to read the full obituary.)  I know that all of you join me in sending sincerest condolences to his wife Debby, his daughters Caroline and Dacia, and his extended family of friends and colleagues who had the privilege to know and work with him.

Dr. Toll led Washington College through its most productive decade in recent history. All of us are the beneficiaries of what has become known as “The Toll Factor,” which inspired such a strong renewal of confidence and optimism on campus. The momentum sparked by his many accomplishments continues today.

I am deeply grateful for the work of my predecessor and his cheerful determination to leave Washington College better than he found it. He will be remembered for his infinite optimism, his kindness, and his unwavering belief in the special mission of Washington College.

The family is planning to hold a memorial service in September. We will let you know about these details as they become available.

Work for Washington College

A liberal arts education can take you to extraordinary places.

It can also bring you home.

Washington College is on the move, and we need top talent. If you want to help Washington College achieve the national recognition it deserves, consider working for your alma mater.

Check the Human Resources page periodically for new employment opportunities.

We Are Extraordinary!

 

In the whirlwind of our daily jobs, in the course of focusing on metrics and benchmarks to measure our progress, we sometimes forget to focus on what really matters: helping other people. A few days ago, I received the following e-mail from a mother who was visiting Washington College with her two children. 
 

"This past week I visited Washington College with my rising high school senior and her younger brother. We had an ill-fated trip. The day before, while touring schools in DC, I lost my wallet. I could access limited cash through on-line transfer to my kid's debit accounts, so we soldiered on with college visits. While at Washington College, my car broke down. I had no identification, no credit cards and limited cash. I took the cue from my car and broke down.

"As I cried openly under a tree, a Washington College employee immediately approached and asked if I needed help. Within the next 15 minutes we were offered assistance by 4 individuals. We received offers to spend the night in their homes and to front the money for car repairs. Again, I wish I had names. One was a gentleman with campus security, two were staff members (I think) and one a faculty member who teaches a course in global writing. She occupied my daughter with tremendous information about the college.
 "With the aid of a local garage, summoned by campus security, we got the car going and were on our way. The generosity of your staff, however, cannot go without comment. I was thrilled today (safe and sound back home in Oxford, Ohio) to be approached by a man whose car was out of gas and debit card not working. I was able to pay for his gas and send him on his way. It was an honor to repay my debt to your folks in some small way.

 "I needed to let you know about our experience. We also found the one-on-one college tour to be a terrific experience. The campus is beautiful, the programs appealing, but nothing will stick in our minds as much as the kindness of the people. Please thank them for us."

As you can imagine, this brought a tear to my eye. I could not have been more proud of the quality of individuals at Washington College and the shared sense that each of us plays a vitally important role in the life and reputation of this institution. All of us at the College, and all of our alumni and friends around the country, should be gratified by the care, attention and generosity that were extended to a family while they were so far from home and in need. This is who we are at Washington College. This is why we are extraordinary.

WC Wants Your Feedback!

 Share Your Feedback with WC

Regardless of whether you attended Reunion 2011, we want to hear your thoughts and suggestions about Washington College Reunions. If you have participated in past Reunions, what will motivate you to return? If you've never attended, tell us why. 

Please provide your feedback in the 2011 Reunion survey by July 1. Your suggestions will help improve future Washington College Reunions. The first 50 alumni to complete the survey will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card to the WC Bookstore!

Reunion 2012

If you're celebrating a special Reunion year, or even if you're not, save the dates now for the 2012 Reunion. Keep your eyes peeled for more information about the exciting events coming up on the weekend of May 18-20, 2012!

WC Needs Volunteers!

If 2012 is a special Reunion year for you, consider volunteering on your class reunion committee.  WC needs you to help us rally your friends to come back in May.  See the information below to find out more about this volunteer opportunity.

Title: Class Reunion Committee Member
Description: Rally classmates to return for Reunion by connecting with them through email, phone, and the web. Assist Alumni Relations in gathering information such as old college photos and content for your class web site. Encourage classmates to update new contact information. Encourage your class to support WC fundraising efforts and Reunion weekend events.
Location: This is a virtual volunteer opportunity that may be performed from any location- while at home, on the subway, or sitting under an umbrella on the beach!  Attendance on campus for Reunion weekend is expected.
Qualifications: Must be an alumnus/na from WC, have an ability to inspire and engage others, be an excellent team player, and have a commitment to attend Reunion events.
Time Commitment: This is a year-long position. Hours vary, averaging 2-5 hours per month.
Contact: Interested? Contact alumni_office@washcoll.edu.

Reunion is a Week Away! Have you Registered Yet?

See who's coming to Reunion 2011 by visiting the Reunion page and clicking on the honored class sites.  The Reunion schedule is full, the campus is ready, and faculty and staff are itching with excitement to have our alumni back in Chestertown again! If you haven't yet registered to attend Reunion Weekend, please take a moment to sign up online.

Reunion 2011 Events NOT to miss:

Join the Sho'men Club Golf Tournament
Kick off Reunion Weekend at the Sho’men Club Golf Tournament on May 20 at the Chester River Yacht & Country Club, 7738 Quaker Neck Road, Chestertown, MD
Registration & check-in at 8:15 a.m., Tee time at 9:00 a.m.
For more information and to receive a registration form, contact Susanne Kelly at 410-778-7231
or 1-800-422-1782 ext. 7231.

Relive the Beach Bash
The KAs are celebrating their 75th anniversary this year. Relive one of their best parties Friday night! Play cornhole, roast marshmallows by the river, enjoy food and drink, and hear yacht rock by Marshall Norton, Jr. '98 and the band, three sheets to the wind. (Shuttle service will be available between the Roy Kirby, Jr. Stadium parking lot and the Wilmer Park lot that evening. Rain location-Hodson Hall.)

Get Your Run On, George-Style
Register now for the Revolutionary 5K Run and White Wig Walk that begins at Wilmer Park Saturday morning. Revolutionary attire is encouraged and prizes will be awarded!

Meet the New President
Meet President Mitchell B. Reiss at the free continental breakfast Saturday morning in Hynson Lounge. Class gifts will be presented. See if your class is in the lead to win a trophy!

Hear from WC Coaches
Hear Barry Drew '70 moderate a panel discussion about the athletics program with coaches Josh Putnam (Sailing), 
Jeff Shirk - (Men's Lacrosse), Al Streelman '69 (Baseball), Megan Duran (Women's Basketball), and Dr. Mike Davenport (Women's Rowing, Director of Rowing Program).

Honor the Lit House Press
It's the 25th anniversary of the Lit House Press! Watch demonstrations by alumni who learned the craft, enjoy a wine tasting, and hear Adam Goodheart, director of the C.V. Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience and author of 1861:The Civil War Awakening, discuss his book.

Sample Alumni Craft Brews
Stop by your Alumni House to taste beers brewed by Evolution Craft Brewing Company. Owner John Knorr '93 will host the event, along with his wife, Sonya Church Knorr '93. Watch the Preakness while sampling Evolution's Primal Pale Ale, IPA, Lucky 7, and a limited Evolution beer.

See a Show Where Anything Could Happen!
Hear alumni storytellers like Robert Powell '56, Nancy Klos Grimshaw '86, Sarah Jarrell Contos '00 and C.A. Hutton '72 tell true stories about their late night college escapades. This live performance called "Tales Out of School: All-nighters" will be emceed by Doug Rose '86 and Travis Allen '99. A few lucky audience members may be chosen to share their own all-nighter tales during the show. Expect to laugh, expect to be moved, and expect the unexpected!  Seating is limited.

Feel the Rhythm
Dance to alumni DJs Ross Dettmering '01, Chris Mocella '01, and Kris Murphy '94 spinning tunes Saturday night or relax with friends in the jazz lounge and martini bar while listening to live music by Mike Buccino '99 and the Kelsey Shiba Quartet.

There's no shortage of fun for all ages this year. We hope to see you soon at Reunion 2011!

Good News On State Funding Requests

Dear Alumni,

 The 428th session of the Maryland General Assembly adjourned at midnight last night, and I am pleased to report that the legislature maintained funding for the Sellinger Program of direct aid to independent colleges and universities at the fiscal 2011 appropriation of $38.4 million.  Washington College’s allocation under the Sellinger Program will be $1,364,424.  As important, the Fiscal 2012 Capital Budget awards $10 million for four construction and renovation projects at independent colleges and universities.  Washington College’s allocation will be $2.5 million for the renovation of the Clifton M. Miller Library.  Washington College is contributing the difference to upgrade the heating, air conditioning and ventilation system; to create spaces for group study, distraction-free testing and study skills instruction, an expanded College Archive, and additional offices for instructional technology staff.

Up until this past weekend, there was grave concern that the College’s request for assistance in renovating Miller Library would be reduced to $1.5 million, effectively delaying the opportunity to begin the project this summer.  The $2.5 million is less than the requested $3 million, but it will permit the College to begin phase one of the project immediately following Commencement in May.  It also means that a planned $1 million renovation of the basement of the Cain Athletic Center will be able to proceed as planned this summer.

There are many individuals to thank for the success of our state funding requests in these trying economic times.  First and foremost, we thank the members of the General Assembly who were our champions:  Delegates Norman Conway, Adrienne Jones, and Melony Griffith of the House Appropriations Committee and Senators Edward Kasemeyer, James DeGrange, and Richard Colburn of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee.  In addition, Senators Barry Glassman ’84 and Joe Getty ’74 were persuasive advocates on behalf of their alma mater.  Finally, I would be remiss if I did not recognize and salute Tina Bjarekull, President of the Maryland Independent College and University Association (MICUA), and her staff for their diligent work throughout the 90-day legislative session to make the case for independent higher education before the members of the General Assembly.  We could ask for no better representation in the halls of the Maryland legislature than Tina and her staff.

I hope you will join me in thanking members of the Maryland General Assembly with whom you come into contact for supporting MICUA institutions through the Sellinger Formula and the State Capital Budget.