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

Join our 2nd Annual VIRTUAL Reunion!

If you can't make it back to Chestertown for Reunion this year, you don't have to miss out on all of the action. You can watch a live video stream of Reunion 2010: Back by Popular Demand as it happens beginning Friday, May 14 at 8pm!

Friday, May 14, at 8 p.m.
Live From the Red Carpet
See your friends and classmates, get a glimpse of the new Hodson Hall Commons, and watch some great acts featuring: Keeza Matundan '01 | Laurel Harris '98 | Julie Klein Winter '95 | Molly Williams '05 | The Guchemand-Kern Quartet | Reverend Roland and the Prodigal Sons | Ford Schumann '73 and Debby Campbell '80 | and of course our special guest,
Andy Goddard '73 at Andy's Revisited, from the comfort of your own home.

Saturday, May 15, at 7:15 p.m.
What's Past is Prologue: The Ghosts of Washington College
streaming live from Decker Theatre
Alumni from across the years will descend upon Chestertown and lock themselves into Middle Hall for 24 hours. Why? These actors, dancers, directors, playwrights, and techies will collaborate on an evening of new work decades in the making. Not sure what to expect? See the result in this dance and drama production when these alums are UNLOCKED.

Onstage you'll see:
Jason Schmidt '99 | Patrick Walters '98 | Mary Hoffman Pohlig '98 | Kate Kolacki '02 | Jill Coste '03 | Jen Friedman '96 |
Travis Allen '99 | Chuck Sikorski '05 | Sarah Jarrell Contos '00 | C.A. Hutton '72

Backstage will be:
Tamanya Garza '02 | Andrew Cowles '04 | Mindy Beers Early '01 | Lindsay Krieg '00 | Doug Rose '86 | Liz Garrott '99 |
Stephen Spotswood '99 | Larry Stahl '82 | Diane Landskroener '76, M '81 | Jessie Emanuel-Spotswood '03 | Joel Haddock '01 | Josh Schulman '00 | John Porter '83 | Jenn Reeder '01

Saturday, May 15, at 8:30 p.m.
Alumni Musicians' Showcase
streaming live from Martha Washington Square
The name says it all! This showcase features: The Alumni All-Stars | Kentavius Jones '04 and Let it Ride | Jordan Page '01 | Ghostbox | The Steel-Point Archery Club | The Took ...and more!

Talk it Up On Twitter.
Want to send a message to your classmates, comment on our streaming video, or see what everyone's talking about? Send a message through Twitter. Be sure to include hashtag: #WCReunion10 in your tweet so you can stay in the loop.

See Who's Coming Back.
Photos will be uploaded within hours of each event, so keep a close eye on the Reunion Photo Galleries to see who returned to campus.

Get to the Virtual Reunion by visiting the WC homepage and clicking on the "Virtual Reunion 2010" link starting
May 14!

Reminder! Register for Reunion 2010!

If you haven't already registered for Reunion events and reserved a dorm room, now is the time.  You won't want to miss what promises to be the best Reunion yet!

Get your groove on at the Red Carpet Party at Andy's Revisited.  Enjoy coffee with the President and retiring faculty. Take a short class with Professors Bob Day, Davy McCall, J. David Newell and Charlie Halstead. Bring your family to the All-Campus Picnic with DJ, Roland Fornoff. Hear Alumna Erin Murphy '90 give a Poetry Reading. Enjoy a "Wine and the Arts" tasting at the Lit House.  Sample alumni brews at the Alumni House while watching the Preakness.  Have a gourmet meal in the new Hodson Hall Commons.  See an alumni dance production in the new Decker Theatre.  Watch the Alumni Drama Show, "What's past is Prologue: The Ghosts of Washington College."  Be wowed by the fireworks display.  Listen to bands as they reunite on the square for the Alumni Musicians' Showcase.  See the 227th Commencement Ceremony ...and more!

Watch Jordan Page's music video, "Listen."

See Bob Vanderclock onstage with his band.

The music just won't stop this year at Reunion. The list of performers is posted!  You won't want to miss these amazing alumni acts! Andy Goddard is hosting a bunch of performing alums during "Andy's Revisited."

Friday Night Performances

at Andy's Revisited:

• Jillian 'Keeza' Matundan '01
• Laurel Harris '98
• Sam Guthridge '04
• Julie Klein Winter '96
• Molly Williams '05
• The Guchemand Quintet, featuring John Guchemand '97, Greg Parent '00, and Mike Buccino '99
• Reverend Roland and the Prodigal Sons, starring Roland Fornoff '01, Tim Parent '00, Greg Parent '00, Mike Buccino '99 and Luther Wills-Dudich '95
• Ford Schumann '73 and Debbie Campbell '80

Saturday Night Performances

at the Alumni Musicians' Showcase:

• The Alumni All-Stars, featuring Ian Trusheim '07, Dale Trusheim '72, Marshall Norton, Jr. ‘98, and Trevor Williams '08
• Kentavius Jones '04, featuring Let it Ride with alumni, Ian Trusheim '07, and Tim Kerr '06
• Jordan Page '01
• Ghostbox, starring Ted Knight '97, Andrew Stein '99, Mike Buccino '99, Greg Parent '00, Tim Parent '00, and Dermot Quigley '99
• The Steel-Point Archery Club, featuring Mike Cades '03, John Killeen '04, and Meg Morris '04
• The Took, starring Brooks Long '08, Ian Trusheim '07, Trevor Williams '08, and Jake Deal '10

See who's coming back! Visit http://reunion.washcoll.edu or check out the RSVPs on the Reunion Facebook Event Page to see the friends who plan to celebrate with you!  Questions?  Contact the Alumni Office alumni_office@washcoll.edu

See you at Reunion 2010!
Alumni Relations

23 Days and Counting...

Reunion 2010 is only 23 days away!

If you haven't already registered for Reunion events and reserved a dorm room, now is the time.  You won't want to miss what promises to be the best Reunion yet!

Get your groove on at the Red Carpet Party at Andy's Revisited.  Enjoy coffee with the President and retiring faculty. Take a short class with Professors Bob Day, Davy McCall, J. David Newell and Charlie Halstead. Bring your family to the All-Campus Picnic with DJ, Roland Fornoff. Hear Alumna Erin Murphy '90 give a Poetry Reading. Enjoy a "Wine and the Arts" tasting at the Lit House.  Sample alumni brews at the Alumni House while watching the Preakness.  Have a gourmet meal in the new Hodson Hall Commons.  See an alumni dance production in the new Decker Theatre.  Watch the Alumni Drama Show, "What's past is Prologue: The Ghosts of Washington College."  Be wowed by the fireworks display.  Listen to bands as they reunite on the square for the Alumni Musicians' Showcase.  See the 227th Commencement Ceremony ...and more!

Watch Jordan Page's music video, "Listen."

See Bob Vanderclock onstage with his band.

The music just won't stop this year at Reunion. The list of performers is posted!  You won't want to miss these amazing alumni acts! Andy Goddard is hosting a bunch of performing alums during "Andy's Revisited."

Friday Night Performances

at Andy's Revisited:

• Jillian 'Keeza' Matundan '01
• Laurel Harris '98
• Julie Klein Winter '96
• Molly Williams '05
• The Guchemand-Kern Quartet, featuring John Guchemand '97, Will Kern '02, Greg Parent '00, and Mike Buccino '99
• Reverend Roland and the Prodigal Sons, starring Roland Fornoff '01, Tim Parent '00, Greg Parent '00, Mike Buccino '99and Luther Wills-Dudich '95
• Ford Schumann '73 and Debbie Campbell '80

Saturday Night Performances

at the Alumni Musicians' Showcase:

• The Alumni All-Stars, featuring Ian Trusheim '07, Dale Trusheim '72, Marshall Norton, Jr. ‘98, and Trevor Williams '08
• Kentavius Jones '04, featuring Let it Ride with alumni, Ian Trusheim '07, and Tim Kerr '06
• Jordan Page '01
• Ghostbox, starring Ted Knight '97, Andrew Stein '99, Mike Buccino '99, Greg Parent '00, Tim Parent '00, and Dermot Quigley '99
• The Steel-Point Archery Club, featuring Mike Cades '03, John Killeen '04, and Meg Morris '04
• The Took, starring Brooks Long '08, Ian Trusheim '07, Trevor Williams '08, and Jake Deal '10

See who's coming back! Visit http://reunion.washcoll.edu or check out the RSVPs on the Reunion Facebook Event Page to see the friends who plan to celebrate with you!  Questions?  Contact the Alumni Office alumni_office@washcoll.edu

See you at Reunion 2010!
Alumni Relations

Retired profs "up" for return to classroom