Class Notes

Alumnae Spring 2019

CLASS NOTES | PROFILES | MILESTONES | ARCHIVES

1940-49

Frances Freund Appen ’45 is nearly 91 years old, but doing very well. “I always enjoy reading AIS reports!”

Barbara Smith Boyd ’48 says, “I am still enjoying life and living in Texas near my family, but never forget my years at Agnes Irwin.”

Barbara Penrose Tarbell ’49 says, “I enjoyed reading the AIS summer magazine. It’s fun to see what’s going on. Unfortunately, I’ve lost all contact with my 1949 classmates. Of course, I wonder how they’re doing. AIS was eons ago, but I remember the years vividly. I now live in Portsmouth, NH, walk my chocolate Labrador twice daily, draw horses and dogs, and read constantly. In college I was an Art History and English Literature major. I love crosswords and YouTube films in German and Russian (with English subtitles!). I keep busy. My health is good, thank goodness! I just want to keep in touch with AIS and say hi to old classmates.”

1950-59

Josephine Pilling Dodson ’50 writes, “Although I did not graduate from Agnes Irwin in 1950 (I left the school in 1945), I like to get the magazine and hear about all the wonderful things happening at AIS. I still keep up with my old Irwin’s friends.”

Devereaux “Devy” Rose Eyler ’55 says, “Life on historic Jekyll Island, GA, continues to thrill me, as I become more involved in the activities and the history of why people keep coming here. My speaking engagements have increased, as my story of illegal adoptions has garnered much interest.”

Josephine Reeves Winsor ’55, her two sons, and two of her grandchildren recently exhibited together at Beaumont Hall in Bryn Mawr. The show included more than 70 pieces: freehand enamel line designs by Craig Lander (son), watercolor designs by Christopher Lander (son), sculpture and rock cuttings by Benjamin Lander (grandson), photography by Jeremy Lander (grandson), and Josephine’s oil paintings. “The variations, vibrancy and originality of the work contributed to the show’s success,” Josephine said. Josephine has painted her entire life, studying with many excellent teachers throughout the United States after her formal training in the 1970s. She recalls her favorite class at AIS being art with Miss Redpath when Agnes Irwin was located in Wynnewood. Two of her paintings were hung in the office of former Head of School Mrs. Bartol. “Paintings are records of our personal experiences: they can be influenced by deep intuition, and thus be

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1960-69

1. Louise Stengel Barton ’69 with her grandchildren. 2. Petey Ziesing Stein ’61 and her grandson, Ezra James Stein. 3. Peggy Cortright Dixon ’64 with her daughter, Meghan MacConnell, and granddaughter, Grace.

CLASS NOTES | Alumnae

orchestrated beyond the educated mind’s intent to manage the end result. Artistic expression can be the deepest communion we have — that with our creative self,” she said. Following are three of her most treasured periods: the years in which she studied energy healing, learning how we are all literally connected to each other and all life, then making that invisibility become visible; the four months spent in Wyoming with an unobstructed view from her studio of the Teton mountain range and its ever-changing light and weather; and, currently, moving with R. W. Emerson’s encouragement that while painting, “not to go where the path may lead, but go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Her current studio space is located in the Historic Blacksmith Shop at the corner of Goshen and Providence Roads in Edgemont, PA. You are welcome to stop by!

Joanne Di Francesco Bruce ’57 writes, “I would never have believed I would end up in Austin, TX, to be near our children and their families — but we are all here and spend lots of family time together. I am so blessed!”

Linda Morrison Robbins ’59 is enjoying her life in Chestertown, MD, and hopes to attend Reunion Weekend 2019.

CLASS OF 1954

Elizabeth Spiro Clark

In her 20 years as a career foreign service officer, Agnes Irwin alumna Betsy Clark ’54 had a front row seat to history. As a political reporting officer in South Africa in the mid-1980s, Betsy reported on the end of apartheid regime; in the early 1990s as a political counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo, she analyzed the effects of countries such as Latvia and Estonia declaring independence from the Soviet Union.

In addition to witnessing fascinating political events like the breakdown of the Soviet Union, Betsy recalls the wonderful experiences she had while and serves as a forum for conversation, thought, living abroad. Thanks to Icelandic and Norwegian and action. language courses provided by the Foreign Service, At the WNDC, Betsy also serves as editor of the she gained enough knowledge to read newspapers, Political Dispatch, a print and electronic newsletter watch television and hold conversations — although, covering a wide range of political issues. she says, “I am not a natural linguist.” Another Betsy’s interest in government began at Agnes highlight of an international posting was the Irwin, and she went on to earn a B.A. in Government opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the from Radcliffe College. area: hot springs in Reykjavik, Iceland, and hut-to- “Even though the years I was at Agnes Irwin were hut cross country skiing in Scandinavia. apolitical, it was the place where I first realized my

A passionate advocate for democracy, Betsy fascination with government and the democratic continued consulting, lecturing, and teaching after process, through assemblies and history class,” her retirement from the Foreign Service in 2000. Betsy said. “I also met my close friend, Nancy Hill She traveled to Durban, South Africa for the World Lamason, while at Agnes Irwin. She is not only a Movement for Democracy meeting in 2004, and great friend, but a great activist for gun control, so was an official elections observer at we share that commonality.” parliamentary elections in Yemen “The WNDC’s slogan is timely: in 2003 and Jordan and Lebanon in 2009 and 2010. “Agnes Irwin was From the Right to Vote… The Power to Lead,” Betsy said. “It’s a historic

Betsy calls it a logical move that where I first time to be involved with the WNDC. her focus would turn from global democratization to democratic issues within our own country, and she is now immersed in her current realized my fascination with government and As we prepare to celebrate the centennial of the suffrage movement and the women’s right to vote, a record number of women were role as Vice President for Public the democratic recently sworn into the 116th Policy with the Women’s National Democratic Club, which engages process.” Congress. They are a remarkable group of leaders, and women are men and women in public policy, mobilized.”

Alumnae | CLASS NOTES

CLASS OF 1969

Agnes Irwin’s Centennial Class: A Changing World

If Agnes Irwin’s Class of 1969 can be described with one word, it would be “adaptive.”

Living in an era that witnessed some of the world’s most influential events — the conflict in Vietnam, Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, and the Cuban Missile Crisis — the members of the Class of 1969 were surrounded by change. They watched the first televised presidential debate, heard about the demonstration of the world’s first laser, and mourned the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Change marked their Agnes Irwin experience as well. The The Class of 1969 Agnes Irwin, the girls gained insight into the changing world, social upheaval, and the rise of technology. school moved from Wynnewood to “Class of the 10-minute diets … At Agnes Irwin’s Centennial Celebration in Spring Rosemont in 1961, as the Class 1/2 the class supports the “bug” … 1969, Dr. Athelstan Spilhaus of the Franklin Institute and prepared to leave Lower School. pigtails and backward sweaters … Supreme Court Justice Arthur J. Goldberg were among With the addition of the school’s bestest senior room … spider the esteemed guests to speak about the new face of first computer, they were intro- web makers? … a kaleidoscope education and life in the 21st century. As part of the duced to the BASIC computer of brains, personality, and Centennial Celebration, Alumnae Association President language. They navigated through the new American CORE program, which sought to take a holistic approach to education and remained a signature component of AIS until the early 1990s. athletic ability … stretches from Downingtown to Lille … guinea pigs … senior surprises … class of the Betty Crocker cooks … senior cuts … pom poms … Is this a great class or what?” Nelly Keffer Lincoln ’44 officially welcomed the Class of 1969 into the Alumnae Association on May 2, 1969. Their tables formed the shape of a “100,” and at the luncheon, Dr. Joanne Lowe Neal, Chair of the History Department, spoke about her new book, Miss Irwins of Philadelphia, which chronicled the first century of the school’s history. Throughout their final semester at — THE 1969 LAMP A few weeks later, their graduation marked yet another first for Agnes Irwin: the inaugural Commencement on the Rosemont campus. “Commencement on our own lawn at last,” the girls enthused in the 1969 yearbook. The Lamp also highlighted ways in which the world had changed in the 100 years since Miss Irwin first taught “her girls.” “The world that we experienced was so different from that of our parents,” says class representative Marcy Brown. “And now, as we celebrate our 50th Reunion, the world of our children is so different from the world of my generation.” Throughout their time at Agnes Irwin, the girls moved with curiosity and a desire to deepen their knowledge and understand the shifting landscape of the world around them. They embraced the uncertainty and sought to find their places in a changing society, as well as what impact they might have on the future. So they adapted — and, 50 years later, have thrived.

CLASS NOTES | Alumnae

1960-69

Cecily Watson Kelln ’60 is currently writing her autobiography.

Helen Wentz Panitt ’61 says, “Jeff and I are enjoying our life living near Charleston, SC, and near our son, his wife, and two grandchildren. The oldest will graduate from high school in 2019 and is applying to Clemson and USC.”

Elizabeth Ward Preble ’61 writes, “We continue here on our farm amid horses, alpacas, chickens and dogs. We are blessed that our children and grandchildren all live nearby. This summer, all 12 of us explored the waterways of Alaska.”

Peggy Cortright Dixon ’64 and her husband Sandy (Haverford School ’58) enjoy being on the water, hanging out at the Beaufort Yacht & Sailing Club, playing with their croquet team on weekends, and supporting a special Episcopal Church. They are both still working. “As we reflect on one of our parents’ favorite sayings, ‘Growing Old Ain’t For Sissies!’ Let’s join hands, great Class of 1964, and march on to 60 together!”

Jacqueline EarleCruickshanks ’65, along with family members and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, presented an official State Historical Marker on September 28, 2018, honoring her father and commemorating his term as governor of Pennsylvania and his contribution to the nation as a diplomat for FDR during WWll. The marker has been placed at 3 Earles Lane at the base of the well-known Earles Lake that was once part of Broadacres, a thousand-acre country home in Newtown Square, where the governor grew up. Among those who spoke at the ceremony were township and county historical officials who praised the governor for his civic involvement and his significant contribution as a diplomat during WWII. Margaret “Margie” Clark Stevens attended and said, “Jackie’s speech was more personal with stories of her childhood with her father. She also told a story of a cafe brawl in Bulgaria. Her father and his party were singing ‘Tipperary’ to the dislike of a Nazi nearby. The Nazi told Earle and his party to stop singing at which point Earle stood up and said, ‘we will keep singing... this country is still free’ and then a brawl ensued.” Attending the ceremony were also classmates, Mary Hunt Davis and Patricia Moyer Walls. Margie wrote, “It was wonderful to see Jackie and listen to her welldelivered speech! The ceremony was quite moving and interesting. Stop by 3 Earles Lane to see this informative marker honoring Jackie’s father.”

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1970-79

1. Leslie Carroll ’78 at Machu Picchu in Peru this summer. 2. Alumnae from the Class of 1978 gathered at 333 Belrose in October. From left: Chrisy Masters Jones, Mary Hopkins, Chris Berry Welsh, Elizabeth Simpson Renner, Leslie Carroll, and Meg Garvey.

Alumnae | CLASS NOTES

CLASS OF 1984

Jara Dean-Coffey

For Jara Dean-Coffey, the greatest gift Agnes Irwin gave her was not seeing her gender as a barrier. Her memories of that time include “all of us piled into the lounge, hanging out on the couches, happily in each other’s business.” Looking back, she says, despite the fact that she was one of only a very few students of color at the time, she graduated from Irwin’s having been nurtured with the belief that anything she aspired to was within her grasp.

After AIS, Jara went on to Temple University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Political Science. She worked with three different national consulting firms before returning to school at the University of California, Berkeley, for a Master in Public Health.

Jara began her career in the Bay Area in strategic planning and evaluation services, eventually striking out on her own as an independent consultant. She didn’t set out with the goal of owning her own business, but as she progressed in her career, Jara began to think more about how she wanted to make her mark. “When I turned 45, I became very clear about where I wanted to be when I turned 50,” she recalls. In 2002, her independent consulting work evolved into her first firm, jdcPartnerships; in 2017, she launched the Luminare Group. As founder and principal, Jara leads a team that works with nonprofits and foundation clients of after being incubated at the Luminaire Group with all sizes, from annual budgets of $250,000 to revenues of over $10 billion. funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Ford

Jara has long been cognizant of the ways in which people are able — or not able Foundation, the California Endowment, and the — to move easily through cultural, political and powerful circles, and the intentional Kresge Foundation. and systematic barriers that privilege access. She feels a deep responsibility to EEI is a five-year initiative aimed at changing the contribute to a world in which everyone, especially women and women of color, evaluation paradigm so that it becomes a tool for, and “can and do harness their social and intellectual capital to create an equitable and of, equity. EEI’s initial practice partners are just world.” institutions whose work has equity at their core, and

A key “aha” moment for Jara came when she noticed that although foundations who hope that equitable evaluation will align their were shifting the conversation from diversity — the presence of difference — to values and deepen their impact, Jara says. Those equity — ensuring that systems and structures do not privilege one group over practice partners include the Walton Family another — many organizations do not fully consider how equity should affect their Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard evaluation practices, or how inequity and structural racism has Foundation, and the Vancouver affected them. It follows that charities, consultants, and nonprofits Foundation, Canada’s largest might unintentionally reinforce inequity if their practices are not community foundation, among others. examined. One example is subconscious “white framing” — narrowly defining “success” based on the values of dominant white culture. Another example: evaluating female employees based on male Jara feels a deep These early adopters, Jara hopes, will, in turn, bring others along. When asked about her greatest definitions of teamwork or success. “If the growing interest and shift responsibility accomplishment, Jara quickly points to towards addressing equity and inequality did not consider how and in what ways evaluation practices needed to evolve, we would find ourselves using a tool from another time and place that may even be doing harm,” Jara stated. to create an equitable and just world. EEI. “What makes me happiest is when a woman approaches me and says, ‘Thank you for reminding me that what I think and feel is valid; and that I have

Jara’s team and some key partners saw an opportunity, and the the ability and responsibility to change Equitable Evaluation Initiative was born, publicly launched this fall the way we engage in evaluative work.’”

CLASS NOTES | Alumnae

Madeleine Q. Ewing ’65 is still practicing ophthalmology at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. “I just lost my only sibling, my brother David Ewing, a ‘special needs child’ who had a debilitating congenital condition, but loved life and enjoyed 68 years, rejoicing in the Eagles Super Bowl Championship in 2018. I appreciate the friendship and support of my classmate, Anne Rouse McDowell, through all the ups and downs of David’s final years, and still being my dear friend and comforter.”

Deborah Luff Carboni ’68 says, “I moved to a new home in Devon, PA, seven months ago. I lost my husband, Jim, last November and try to stay busy with my church and going to yoga classes. Seeing my friends regularly has been such a blessing.”

Louise Stengel Barton ’69 shares that in July 2018, she made a big life decision to permanently move from Portland, ME, to Mill Valley, CA. “I now live near my two married daughters and their three beautiful children: Hudson, 6; Bennett, 4; and Samantha Louise Larson, 2. I am retired from my pediatric nursing career of 40 years, but am enjoying reconnecting with AIS and college friends in the San Francisco area. I am excited to return for my 50th Reunion with the Class of 1969,

CLASS OF 1989

Minsuh Son

Dr. Minsuh Son believes in the importance of trying on new and uncomfortable roles for personal and professional growth. During her recent three-year stint working for the U.S. Department of State in Bangkok, Thailand, she added U.S. Embassy political officer to her already impressive titles of foreign affairs analyst, author, and assistant professor.

Minsuh has served as a foreign affairs analyst with the U.S. Department of State since 2010, presenting widely on Korean issues and briefing diplomats, Washington officials, and students. She briefed former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Joe Biden in the Oval Office After earning her Ph.D. in Korean history from the and considers that meeting one of the highlights of University of California, Los Angeles, Minsuh her career. Minsuh’s assignment in Thailand, from became an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins 2014 to 2017, was her first overseas post and an University, and realized relatively quickly that opportunity to work alongside members of the U.S. academia was not her dream career. “My work at the Foreign Service. “I felt so proud to be an American State Department is much like an academic job, and when I saw the good work we do internationally. I knew I had the skill set to transition there,” Minsuh There are embassies all over the world supporting says, continuing, “but it’s much faster paced and you and serving American interests, advancing work with a lot of different people from other democracy, and strengthening our diplomatic agencies and governments and it’s not as isolating as relationships.” academia can sometimes be.”

One of the more memorable experiences in One drawback is that the politics and security Bangkok was tagging along with an embassy field she works in is mostly dominated by men with consular official on one of the embassy’s regular few women in leadership positions. “I’ve gotten prison visits. “A lot of people probably don’t know used to often being the only woman in the room. If what embassies do overseas, aside from processing I had not developed confidence in my abilities at passports and visas. My colleagues provide support Irwin’s, I may not be able to speak up the way I do.” and services to all U.S. citizens, even Minsuh distinctly remembers preparing those convicted of crimes abroad. It was to give her Senior Assembly in the Westpretty eye-opening to see the inside of a Wike Theatre, and says that speaking in Thai prison, and I was struck by the professionalism and compassion with which they treated all Americans.” “I feel incredibly front of her classmates felt like a tougher audience than some of the senior officials she briefs today. “I feel

Now that she has returned to lucky incredibly lucky to have gone to Irwin’s Washington with her husband and son, Hugo, who was born during their posting in Thailand, Minsuh has returned to her job at the State Department working on to have gone to Irwin’s.” and realize how much of an impact it had on my transformation from a shy Korean kid to becoming the outspoken person I am now,” Minsuh says. “Even if I don’t Korean affairs. She loves her work and see my classmates regularly, I consider couldn’t imagine doing anything else. all of them to be my lifelong friends.”

Alumnae | CLASS NOTES

but will do so with a bit of a heavy heart, remembering the 2017 passing of my sister, Ellanor “Ellie” Stengel Fink ’63, and my mother, Louise Roberts Stengel ’37, who almost never missed a chance to attend an AIS Reunion!”

1970-79

Leslie Carroll ’78 got together for dinner at 333 Belrose in Radnor on October 23 with classmates to catch up and share recent happenings since seeing each other at their 40th Reunion last May. “Thanks go to Chris Berry Welsh for organizing. We look forward to gathering again in the new year and hope more of our local classmates, and those visiting from out of town, will join us.” Leslie also checked off a bucket list item in September with a tour of Peru and Bolivia, and a visit to Machu Picchu. “It was fantastic — a place everyone should visit!”

Julia Stahlgren Wharton ’78 has moved again! “After five different theatre teaching gigs (in two international schools, two United States public schools, and one private Zimbabwean school) and seven overseas postings in 32 years, my husband and I are now in beautiful Asheville, NC. The plan is to stay put, so it will be interesting to see if we feel restless or relieved in a few years time when we don’t have to move. I am still teaching and directing theatre and hope to add in some public speaking coaching. I am also enjoying the gorgeous natural surroundings, the artsy culture, and much smaller, yet happening, city life of Asheville!”

1980-89

Petrina Burnham Branch ’81 says, “I was appointed by the Chula Vista City Council to the Chula Vista Human Relations Commission several months ago. Chula Vista is the second largest city in San Diego County. I am honored to be a part of this 11-member commission that serves as an advisory body to the mayor, city council, and the city manager on the rights of every inhabitant of the City of Chula Vista and the interrelationships between the various groups based on race, religion, color, ancestry, socioeconomic status, age, sex (including gender identity and gender expression), sexual orientation, place of birth, citizenship/immigration status, marital status, military service, disability, medical condition, and any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws. It’s been a rewarding experience. I enjoy working on issues of equity, inclusion, and access in the city in which I live.”

Page Nolker ’86 writes, “In 2017, I published Materials on Hand: A Poetic Tale of Compassionate Caregiving, which tells the story of helping my father care for my mother during the last year of her decline with Lewy body dementia. Written as a poem a day the final year of my mother’s life, the story shines a light on the fine line between heartache and beauty. I currently give talks on my family’s experience and the importance of changing our relationship to dementia, death, and caregiving. My father’s death from mesothelioma a year later, and finally the dismantling of my parents’ home, are slated as books two and three in the series and are underway.”

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1990-99

1. Sadie, Christopher, and Chase Toothaker, children of Nathaniel and Cornelia Marshall Toothaker ’95. 2. Teddy, son of Megan Dorsey Clawson ’98. 3. LeeLee Brown ’94 celebrates her marriage to Jack Westhead with classmates. From left: Danielle Davis Trucksess, A. Robin Wood Sailer, LeeLee Brown Westhead, Kari Tank-Nielsen Richards, and Amanda Cannon Goldworm.

CLASS NOTES | Alumnae

CLASS OF 1994

Lloyd “LeeLee” Brown Westhead

Given LeeLee Brown Westhead’s creative flair and anti-authoritarian streak, it may surprise some of her Agnes Irwin classmates to learn that she now works for a bank. However, LeeLee’s current role — as global head of workplace strategy within Goldman Sachs’ Corporate Services and Real Estate Division — is, for her, a perfect blend of analytical rigor and creativity.

LeeLee earned her bachelor’s degree in Politics from Princeton University and, upon graduation, spent a year teaching in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic with the Princeton in Asia program. “It was a challenging year, both due to a difficult language barrier (especially for someone who is completely tone deaf) and a lot of down time for a recent busy graduate, but it was an incredible experience,” LeeLee recalled. “It gave me the travel bug and made me curious international team of architecture and design firms, about living internationally.” to driving change in the workplace environment.

It would be several years before LeeLee moved abroad, but she admits that The projected move-in date of June will allow living in London was always an appealing idea. “London is simultaneously livable LeeLee to travel back to Philadelphia for her Agnes and cosmopolitan — I love that it is a city steeped in 2,000 years of history.” Irwin Reunion. “My teachers at Agnes Irwin inspired

In 2005, LeeLee earned her master’s degree in Urban Planning from the my intellectual curiosity and left an indelible mark, Harvard University School of Design, where she “learned complex problem- beyond what I encountered at Princeton and solving in 3D.” Relocating to San Francisco, LeeLee worked for both a small urban Harvard,” she recalled. “It is the Agnes Irwin design firm dedicated to positive urban transformations, and a global architecture teachers I remember, like Ms. Bartuska, who led a firm. It was exciting and challenging work, and yet LeeLee longed to see a project memorable SSP in marine biology; Mrs. Lynch, who from conception to completion, a rarity for a consultant. She found an opportunity is the reason I am drawn to the medieval history of to do so at Goldman Sachs — located, fortuitously, in London. London; Mr. Frank, whose Third World History

As global head of workplace strategy, LeeLee’s current project is overseeing a class inspired my interest in living in Lao; and Ms. massive move, as Goldman Sachs builds its new European headquarters in Watson (Priscilla Sands) who made me believe I London. When Goldman Sachs moves into Plumtree Court this summer, it will be could write.” into the largest floor plate office building in London, with 1.1 million square feet LeeLee praises Agnes Irwin as incredibly and across 10 stories. uniquely supportive. “We were encouraged to

The scale of the new headquarters presented huge challenges for LeeLee and participate in everything, from drama and the arts, her team. They were responsible for housing each of Goldman Sachs’ 16 divisions to the play, to athletics and student government — in an environment that not only supports each business’s requirements, and our teachers turned out to support productivity, and efficiency, but also promotes health and well-being. all of it.” LeeLee describes challenges such as how teams will connect across To this day, LeeLee is close to her huge floorplates and where employees will find space to concentrate. “In addition to incorporating best practices like 100-percent adjustable height desks, and biophilic design (incorporating elements “My teachers classmates, no matter where they are. “When I lived in Boston, I reconnected with Christina Mills Astley. Then in San of nature), we were also concerned with how it would feel to work in at Agnes Francisco, I had the opportunity to spend such a large space,” she said. “We needed to determine how best to Irwin... left time with Meghan Reed and Lara Kroop. allocate space to support variable working styles and be flexible to accommodate changes — and how to apply these approaches to our new Brexit offices and our legacy global portfolio.” an indelible mark.” Recently, I spent time with Laura Bright Babka when she was living in Norway, and Lara Kroop Delamarre, who is in

LeeLee says that it has been fascinating to be a part of this massive Paris. And of course, there are the friends project — from a real estate perspective, to the collaborative work of an I get to see when I’m home.”

Alumnae | CLASS NOTES

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2000-09

1. Tori Johnston FitzPatrick ’06 at her wedding to Brian Fitzpatrick (Episcopal Academy ’05) at Merion Golf Club on November 17, 2018. From left to right: Caroline Stokes, Ashley Stewardson McGuinness, Joanna Johnston Stott ’03, Celeste Tarbox, Lexy Pierce, Sarah Jenkins, Suzie Welsh Devine ’07, Nicole Marchetto, Whitney Roller, and Janet Bartholdson Fry. 2. Quinn Lovejoy, daughter of Avery Eyre Lovejoy ’03, was born on September 22, 2018. She is welcomed and loved by her two big sisters, Lila and June. 3. Aimee Gelinas ’04 and Matthew Yogg married on September 22, 2018 at the Free Library of Philadelphia. From left: Elise Gelinas Attridge ’02, Aubrey Hunter Flood, Katie Jenkins, Lauren Hanna Matz, Aimee Gelinas Yogg, Matthew Yogg, Christy MacGregor, Elisabeth Hill, Lauren Sottile, Jennie Hansen, Kate Pierce. 4. Michelle James Magruder ’05 with classmates at her wedding. From left: Kristen Yoh, Anita Sellers Helfrich, Kate Archer, Michelle James Magruder, Katie Bonner Benjamin, Tessa Wheeler Jones, Giuliana Vetrano. 5. Tessa Wheeler Jones ’05 hikes with classmates before her wedding. From left: Kristen Yoh, Katie Bonner Benjamin, Tessa Wheeler, Anita Sellers Helfrich, Giuliana Vetrano. 6. Kendra Daniel ’04 married Jonathan Doveala at Congress Hall in Cape May, NJ on October 13, 2017. She celebrated with classmates Kacie Adams, Whitney Hatch Smolczynski, Jamie Lynch, Leslie Frondorf, Elspeth Fergusson Knighton, Jen Donohoe Pizzitola, Catherine Flint, Christie Bryan, Chloe Johnston and sisters Kelly Daniel Colvin ’94 and Kim Daniel ’97.

CLASS NOTES | Alumnae

2010-18

1. Shannan Williford ’11 married Olie Burton III on August 31, 2018 at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, D.C. From left: Nicky Vogt, Jenea Williford ’07, Erica Shippen ’99, Saida Harpi, April Wedderburn, Shannan Williford, Isabelle Smith, Bernadette Berger, Kiana Spady, Grace Manning, Rayven Bowser, and Kara Tomlin. 2. Edward “Wigs” Frank, chair of the history department, and Annie Ulichney ’18 reconnect at a Yale University reunion in October.

1990-99

Megan A. Jones ’90 says, “I recently moved to Orcas Island, part of the San Juan Islands in WA. I work at the Montessori School here and just recently received my certification as an integrative health coach through Duke University Integrative Medicine. We are raising a Great Dane pup now and training for our next race. I believe we are doing the 2019 SwimRun on the island. Life is good and busy!” Robin Wood Sailer ’94 has a little boy named Thomas who just turned 1, and a little 3-year-old girl named Priscilla, who will certainly carry on the tradition of the name. She lives in New York City and works at The Wall Street Journal.

Cornelia Marshall Toothaker ’95 and her husband, Nathaniel, welcomed Christopher Coffman in February 2018. “He’s our little cherry on top — a sweet but rowdy little baby who loves snuggling and wrestling with his older siblings (Sadie, 5, and Chase, 3)! He fits right into this crew.” Megan Dorsey Clawson ’98 says, “I am still mourning the loss of Jane Paranzino Withstandley. She and I got very close after AIS. I know we all wish her family well and I just want to keep her memory alive.”

2000-09

Corina Sylvia English ’00 and her husband welcomed their third child, Ava Theresa English, on June 7, 2018. Big brother Nolan and big sister Keira adore their baby sister. Cori enjoyed being on maternity leave this summer. Cori is a principal at Hamilton Lane, where she was promoted last year.

Allison Scanlan Abbott ’01 and her husband Brent welcomed Sophie Rose Abbott on April 11, 2018. Sophie was named for her maternal grandmother/great grandmother. Big brothers Walker, 4, and Tyler, 2, are completely smitten with “baby Sophie.”

Grace McCarty ’09 writes, “I am in the midst of my second year at NYU Law, but I’m spending this semester as a visiting student at Columbia’s Center for Public Research & Leadership; working on education consulting projects with diverse graduate students in law, policy, business, and education!”

2010-18

Molly C. Schmader ’18 writes “I am so thankful for everything Agnes Irwin did for me. I am now loving my time at Bucknell University.”

Alumnae | CLASS NOTES

CLASS OF 2004

Keri Zug Ernst

Keri Zug Ernst calls her work “supremely challenging, intellectually fulfilling, and meaningful, with ample opportunities for work internationally.” A women’s health nurse practitioner in the San Francisco Bay Area, Keri has already been widely recognized for her academic and career pursuits in her short career. She was awarded a Fulbright research grant; has presented at the International Council of Women’s health issues in Bangkok, Thailand; has been published; and, most recently, was selected as a small grant awardee by Alumni TIES, a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. “I love that I am able to dedicate my career to improving women’s health and wellbeing,” Keri said. “I have had the privilege to see how women are the foundations of strong communities around the world — be it as mothers, spouses, neighbors, or friends.”

After graduating from Agnes Irwin, Keri earned a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Politics from Scripps College in 2009. She received a Fulbright research grant in 2010 to investigate sociocultural issues in maternal and reproductive health in the Andean region of Peru, which has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in Latin America. Upon completion of her research, Keri Keri acknowledges that Irwin’s has served as the enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing foundation for her career. “My hope would be for program, graduating summa cum laude, and received the prestigious Mary Naylor Irwin’s girls who are interested in medicine to Undergraduate Research Award. consider the possibility of a profession in nursing,”

Keri then spent two years working at the Solid Organ Transplant Unit at she said. Keri and her husband recently welcomed Medstar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. While in D.C., Keri their daughter Grace, and Keri is enjoying leave to also interned at the Pan American Health Organization researching the care for her. “In addition to a career that I have development of an advanced practice nursing (APN) role in primary healthcare found challenging and meaningful, nursing provides in Latin America. She published two editorials advocating this role and a research a fulfilling solution to the perennial conflict that paper summarizing the perspectives of nursing professionals on the APN role young women face in life deciding between career throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. and family (although my baby is only a few months

Returning to the University of Pennsylvania for her Master of Science in old — so far so good!).” Nursing degree, Keri completed the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program Despite her academic and career success, Keri in August 2016. Her clinical work at Penn in high-volume urban clinics, where considers completing the 2017 Ironman Louisville she provided comprehensive gynecological and obstetric care, prepared her for with her husband to be her proudest her current role as a women’s health nurse practitioner at La Clínica accomplishment. “And,” she added, de La Raza for a patient population consisting primarily of recent “becoming a mother. Although I’d call immigrants from Latin America. With 35 locations and 85,000 Baby Grace not my accomplishment, but patients, La Clínica is one of the largest community health centers in California. “Even now it’s hard to call myself bilingual — I now speak “I am my greatest gift.” Keri’s daughter Grace has given her excellent ‘OBGYN Spanish,’ but am still learning something new every still another gift, too: a reason to recall happy day!” Keri said. Most recently, Keri has been involved in La Clínica’s initiative to combat human trafficking. Keri applied for and was awarded a small grant through the Department of State’s Alumni TIES program; the learning something new every times at Irwin’s. “I have so many memories of AIS, but the one that has come to mind recently is music with Mr. Savar. I find myself animatedly singing clinic used the grant to create a human trafficking task force and day!” songs we used to sing in Lower School establish a clinic-wide protocol to recognize red flags and support — The Fox and the Hare and C-O-F-Fpotential victims of trafficking. E-E — to my baby girl.”