Dear Alumnae

Dear Alverno Alumnae,

What can I say that hasn’t already been said about this scary and bizarre moment in history we continue to endure? Let’s admit it: I think we’ve all grown weary of hearing about this “unprecedented” 2020 and, frankly, I’m running out of Zoom puns. While there is no escaping the fear of the unknown characterizing our current reality, we at Alverno are determined to create something positive out of all this uncertainty. And we haven’t needed to look far for inspiration, as so many members of the alumnae community are finding ways every single day to give back, to reach out, and to lift each other up.

Our dedicated and hardworking faculty are doing the same – sacrificing so much of themselves to continue educating and supporting students. From afar, through a screen, instruction and interaction thanks to the internet… this isn’t how anyone envisioned the 2020-21 school year unfolding. Campus, too, feels strange and lonely without the vibrant cacophony that is sneakers shuffling, lockers slamming, voices carrying, and bells signaling that class has begun. The comforts of school have now blended with the comforts of home and, for many students, it’s anything but comfortable.

This, however, is where Alverno seems to shine – at the intersection between tradition and innovation. Rather than let the weight of the world crush our spirits, the Alverno community is working together to strengthen our foundation. And that foundation continues to be fortified by the sheer resilience demonstrated by our students, day in and day out. They set the example for the rest of us; and for them, we endeavor to keep delivering not only an exceptional education, but a steady hand to hold [figuratively speaking]. Drive-through events, online pep rallies, outdoor and safely-distanced opportunities to visit campus (come on, you all know Ms. Cales wasn’t going to let even a pandemic and freezing temperatures keep the Fall Play from entertaining select audiences!)… The leadership team at Alverno is working tirelessly to ensure that our students know we are here for them.

“We’ll be there for you.” It is the simple, brilliant, pop culture-driven message around which the Admissions Office has centered its outreach efforts this year. Based on the timeless TV show Friends, this promise – that Alverno will be there for you – extends far beyond prospective students and families. It encompasses, rather, the spirit of our entire school community.

I couldn’t escape publishing an Alumnae Magazine with a pandemic-related ‘theme’ because, for the time being, there is no escaping that this is the world in which we are living. What I refuse to do, though, is publish a magazine with anything other than honest portrayals of how our alumnae are handling the current circumstances with grace, positivity, and compassion… for that is exactly what they are doing. My beloved grandfather, who believed wholeheartedly in the power of an all-girls education, used to often remind me that, “It’s a good day to have a good day.” While there are many things right now that don’t feel particularly good, I hope YOU do – especially after reading about all of the good news that your fellow alumnae wanted to share.

From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of all of us here at Alverno – be safe, stay healthy, keep faithful, and always remember that we’ll be here for you.

Gratefully,

Selena Mone Director of Alumnae Relations