Forte et Gratum Spring 2023

Forte et Gratum

Spring 2023

Community by Design

CSG IN ACTION

IN THIS ISSUE:

ALUMNAE IN THE CLASSROOM

Alumnae share real-world experiences with students

ADVOCATING FOR OTHERS

Kate Albers ’08 focuses on community with UN career

THE POWER OF PHILANTHROPY

All about the Annual Fund

LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

CSG is a truly special place. There is so much joy and vibrancy here from our youngest to our oldest learners, and it is felt as soon as you walk through the doors. One of my favorite things about my role here is the placement of my office in the historic mansion building of our campus. From my corner, I can see the PYC girls learning to share bikes and perform plays on the stage they create from the patio. I watch our Lower and Middle School girls swing on the disc swing, play tetherball, four square, and volleyball. I get to see our Upper School students gather at the iron tables just outside of my window studying Math and sitting on the grass reading Macbeth. Every once in a while, their schedules converge, and that’s when the true magic happens: PYC students running hand in hand with their friends from the Middle School; Lower School students dancing and playing with their Big Sisters; Upper School students climbing on the playground–the Unicorn spirit abounds.

We launched this year focusing on the theme of Community by Design and throughout the year, we have spent time intentionally tending to our community by centering and elevating the needs and desires of girls. When I shared this theme with the CSG community this year, I reflected that this theme offers us the opportunity to choose who we each will be at CSG and how we can work together to create a climate of unity and belonging for each of us. Communities don’t just come together by accident; they are built, on purpose, by individuals who decide that our success as a school is wrapped up in one another. Students, faculty, staff, administrators, families, and alumnae all have a responsibility to come together to create the CSG we wish to be and to build the future of our school.

It has been an honor to see all of us embrace this important work, and in this edition of Forte et Gratum, you will see the manifestation of this powerful idea in the stories told in these pages. From uplifting student voices in A Seat at the Table, to celebrating literacy through Children’s Book Week, to cheering on our athletic teams, and honoring the incredible expertise of our faculty and staff, the red and gold spirit is alive and well at CSG. Thank you for being a part of our community and for all you do to keep CSG growing forward in strength and grace.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2022–2023

Steve Falk P’18’22, Secretary

Lacey Greenwalt ’04, Finance Chair

Nicci Hicks P’32

Denise Page Hood ’70

Liza Kessler ’86, Board Chair

Carey Krug P’29’33

Taylor Lint ’11

Chris Olsen P’30’32’37, Nominating and Board Governance Chair

Brandi Slaughter ’95

Anne Jeffrey Wright ’70

EX OFFICIO

Michael Glimcher P’14’20, ex-officio

Camille Seals P’30’35, Head of School, ex-officio

CSG STAFF

Amy Borntrager P’34, Chief Development Officer

Julie Eikenberry, Chief Financial Officer

Michael Tyler II, Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications

Chelsea Woods ’00, Director of Enrollment Management

Camille Seals Head of School

COLUMBUS SCHOOLFORGIRLS

125

2023 2023

125 ONE MISSION|TWO FOUNDERS |FIVEGENERATIONS

Mission Founders Generations

COLUMBUS SCHOOL FOR GIRLS’ QUASQUICENTENNIAL

Please join us this fall as Columbus School for Girls celebrates our 125th anniversary! Since Mary Bole Scott and Florence Kelley founded Columbus School for Girls in 1898, our School and community have come together to rally behind our shared mission of empowering girls to discover their distinct potential as learners and leaders. Though much has changed throughout the decades and the School has seen five generations of students walk the halls with strength and grace, the need for an all-girls education has remained necessary and pertinent. In anticipation of CSG’s anniversary, below you will find three ways to prepare for our celebrations!

SAVE THE DATE!

Mark your calendars for two signature anniversary celebrations next year: CSG’s first-ever Founders’ Day Weekend from September 22–23, 2023 and the 125th Jubilee Gala on April 27, 2024! From spirited tailgates to one-of-a-kind auctions, you will not want to miss these incredible events. For more details follow our upcoming communications via email and social media.

STAY CONNECTED!

To ensure you don’t miss out on any of the 125th fun, make sure you stay connected to our social media, email communications, and mailed invitations. To update your contact information, please reach out to Emily Elbert at eelbert@columbusschoolforgirls.org.

START PLANNING!

As we recognize CSG’s 125th anniversary and the impact our beloved school has had on generations of girls and young women, we ask that you consider leaving a lasting legacy by joining the Golden Unicorn Society and making a planned gift to CSG. If you have already named CSG as a beneficiary or are interested in learning more, please contact Rebecca Bailey at rbailey@columbusschoolforgirls.org or 614.252.0781, ext. 136.

Head of School Installation

On Friday, September 23, 2022, Columbus School for Girls celebrated the installation of Camille J.L. Seals as the 14th Head of School. The event marked the beginning of an exciting new era for the School, with remarks from guest speakers Dr. Kristina M. Johnson, President of The Ohio State University, and Sarah Johnston, Head of School at Old Trail School. In her address to the CSG community, Dr. Johnson spoke of the responsibility inspirational leaders have to be compassionate and kind. She commended Mrs. Seals on her accomplishments in empowering young women and congratulated her on embarking on an amazing new journey. Sarah Johnston, who has known Mrs. Seals for many years, also spoke of her friend’s commitment to lifting up girls and helping them find their voice and potential. CSG students also shared their words, talents, and gifts in celebration of Mrs. Seals. In her address to CSG as the newly installed 14th Head of School, Mrs. Seals shared that she has been blessed with many opportunities to learn and to lead, lifted up by those who believed in and encouraged her. Her experiences, she said, serve as the foundation on which to build the next chapter in CSG’s history.

CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK: Reading is music to our ears!

This year, CSG’s annual Children’s Book Week was a celebration of all things music, and the campus was transformed to recognize jazz, rap, country, rock, and all manner of music genres. Under leadership from Lower School Librarian Annie Ruefle, the project work is created in great collaboration across disciplines with PE, Computer Science, Art, Science, Music, and within Language Arts. This hallmark of CSG develops the 21st Century skills of critical-thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. The halls were filled with a variety of projects Lower School students carried out related to musical history and the science of music, and Form V students gave tours to parents and guardians, filling them in on the various musical genres they studied. Highlights of the week included fiction trivia with Forms V and VI and a Reading Festival with activities and projects connected to music.

Significantly CSG

CSG celebrates Class of 2023 with Convocation

At the end of August, our community joined together for Convocation, our annual event honoring graduating seniors and celebrating the start of a new school year. Middle School Student Council President Lailah Lomax ’27 and Upper School Student Council President C.C. McLarty ’23 spoke to students, faculty, staff, alumnae, and families. Speaking from the heart, both students talked about their gratitude for CSG’s strong community. C.C. shared that the continued sense of community she feels daily at CSG was what made her most look forward to the start of a new school year. Lailah shared her excitement surrounding the new academic year, as well as her gratitude for new additions to the CSG community, such as Head of School Camille Seals.

Form X student accepted to Ohio Music Education Association South Central Regional Orchestra

Form IV student wins at MLK Oratorical Contest

Mia Dela

Violinist Mia Dela Cruz ’25 this past September was accepted into the Ohio Music Association South Central Regional Orchestra for the 2022 season. The orchestra is composed of high school musicians from all over central Ohio. Mia, along with her peers, performed at Upper Arlington High School on November 20.

After competing in the City of Columbus Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical on Saturday, December 3, Jasmine Davis ’31 won in the Intermediate Division for grades three through five. The 2023 theme for the Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission is “Bridging the Divide: Daring to Dream Again.” Davis and other students who competed shared original orations. As a winner, she will also have the opportunity to compete in the Statewide MLK Youth Oratorical Contest in late spring, and she also shared her piece at the CSG MLK Program Friday, January 13.

Form IX student places second in state competition

In March, Anabanel Anne ’26 placed second in the state Poetry Out Loud competition, a national arts education program that helps students foster self confidence and public speaking skills. Anabanel represented our school at the Central Ohio Regionals for Poetry Out Loud in February before proceeding to the state tournament. Anabanel recited Caged Bird by Maya Angelou, Friendship After Love by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, and Come Back by Rocket Caleshu.

Head of School Camille Seals speaks to the CSG community during Convocation.

Jasmine Davis ’31

Cruz ’25

Anabanel Anne ’26, center

CSG hosts community-wide discussion for Big Table event

Middle School students lead Hispanic Heritage Assembly

On Thursday, October 6, Columbus School for Girls hosted a panel of Columbus-area professionals for a roundtable discussion on the ways in which we prepare girls and young women to develop the confidence necessary to find their voice and know their power. The event was part of a larger, community-wide initiative for October 6 organized by the Columbus Foundation called The Big Table that’s centered on cooperative action in the central Ohio region. CSG joined thousands of people from different backgrounds who participated in countless conversations to discuss how our larger community can create an environment of kindness and connectivity. At CSG, the conversation centered around working to help girls and young women find the tools they need to have a seat at the table. Participants discussed Ohio’s strengths for girls and young women and what steps our community needs to take to meet their needs. They also discussed how women are supported in their own places of work.

Author and actor Maulik Pancholy visits CSG

In October, author and actor Maulik Pancholy visited CSG. Pancholy, who has worked on 30 Rock among other TV shows, has also written the novels The Best at It and Nikhil Out Loud. At CSG, Pancholy gave a presentation to students and also led a writing workshop on storytelling.

On Thursday, October 13, Middle School students enjoyed a student-led Hispanic Heritage Month assembly. Two Form VIII Latinx students, Gabriela Papadakis ’27 and Tessa Steere ’27, took initiative and asked their Spanish teacher to lead the presentation; they planned and prepared a fantastic and informative assembly about Latinx culture and traditions. They also enlisted the help of their peers to highlight the lives of many influential Latinas and their contributions. It was a wonderful experience and celebration of identities and a true example of students sharing their stories and experiences.

Author and actor Maulik Pancholy talks to Astrid Seals ’30, left, and Hadley Mazak ’30 during a writing workshop on storytelling.

Columbus-area professionals gather in the Mansion Living Room during the Big Table event.

Gabriela Papadakis ’27 and Tessa Steere ’27 talk to their peers about Hispanic Heritage Month.

Upper School students present The Mousetrap

In October, Upper School students put on the beloved Agatha Christie play, The Mousetrap. The play, the longest running one in history, tells the story of a group of strangers stranded in a hotel during a blizzard who must solve a whodunit mystery after one of them is murdered.

Middle School students selected to perform in Ohio Music Educators Association event

Six Middle School band members were chosen to represent CSG at this year’s Ohio Music Educators Association District 15 Middle School Honor Band.

Sydney Poindexter ’27 (oboe), Reese Kessler ’27 (clarinet), Quinn Aubert ’27 (percussion), Zoe Keeling ’28 (clarinet), Erin McCormick ’28 (percussion), and Simone Dean ’28 (French Horn) spent Saturday, November 12 at Thomas Worthington High School with the best 7th and 8th grade band students in all of Columbus, working with two of Columbus’ best Middle School band directors. After reporting to check in that day, they rehearsed together from 8:30am to 3:30pm, prepared three tough pieces of music, and performed at the 4:00pm concert for family and friends.

Upper School students visit Cleveland and Washington, D.C.

In November, Form X and XI students departed Columbus for learning opportunities that augmented what they were doing in the classroom. Form XI students saw multiple live theater performances and had the opportunity to talk to professional casts and crews. After studying Romeo & Juliet for the prior month, the students met with the Great Lakes Theater cast about the art of acting and the intricacies of Shakespeare. Form X, which missed their D.C. trip due to the COVID-19 pandemic, finally had the opportunity to visit, seeing locations that they studied in their American Literature and History classes. Their itinerary included visits to the U.S. Capitol, the Library of Congress, the National Museum of American History, and more.

PYC, Lower School, and Upper School students meet writer Hanif Abdurraqib

On December 8, Hanif Abdurraqib, a music critic, essayist, and poet who has received critical acclaim for his work from such outlets as The New York Times and the Chicago Tribune, visited our campus and talked to our PYC, Lower School, and Upper School students. Abdurraqib met with Upper School students in the AJS Theater and later moved into the lobby to read his book, Sing, Aretha, Sing! to 5/6 students and several Lower School classes. Abdurraqib, who graduated from Beechcroft High School here in Columbus, was awarded the MacArthur Foundation genius grant last year. He has written about music and has also crafted poetry addressing the themes of race, class, and politics. His most recent book, published in 2021, is called A Little Devil in America: In Praise of Black Performance.

Cammie Kleinman ’23, left, and Gabby Clarke ’25 in The Mousetrap

Hanif Abdurraqib speaks to Upper School students in the AJS Theater.

Upper School Golf earns second place in MSL

The Upper School Golf team had a strong showing this season, placing second in the Mid-State League. Emma Kim ’23 had a strong season, earning a spot in the Golf State Final and finishing in 6th place out of 71 competing. Four players also earned All MSL honors:

• Emma Kim ’23 - 1st Team

• Madi Kim ’24 - 2nd Team

• Clara Faulkner ’25 - Honorable Mention

• Kristina Ma ’25 - MSL Player of the Year and 1st Team MSL

Upper School Soccer sets season record

Upper School Soccer had a regular season record of 11-4, their best in recorded history. The team scored 66 goals in 17 games, with only 10 goals scored against them. The Unicorns were the No. 4 seed in their tournament and hosted the first District Semifinal in program history. Team members also earned individual honors:

• Annie Wagenbrenner ’23 - 2nd Team All Metro by the Columbus Dispatch, 2nd Team All State by the Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association, 1st Team OHSAA Division III Central District, 1st Team

All MSL

• Jameson Pillifant ’24 - 2nd team OHSAA Division III Central District, 1st Team All MSL

• Allie Salamon ’24 - 2nd Team OHSAA Division III Central District

• Madeline Hansen ’24 - 2nd Team OHSAA Division III Central District

• Lily Kern ’24 - 2nd Team OHSAA Division III Central District

• Carmen Albrecht ’23 and Gillian Spangler ’25 - Honorable Mention OHSAA Division III Central District

Upper School Field Hockey Team earns honors

The Upper School Field Hockey Team had the opportunity to practice and play on a brand new turf field at Kirk Campus, giving them an important competitive edge.

The following players earned accolades this season:

• Jacey Cassandra ’23 - 2nd Team All League East

• Sarah Alexander ’24 - Honorable Mention All League East

Upper School Golf

Upper School Soccer

Upper School Field Hockey

Middle School Volleyball ranks in MSL top five

Middle School’s Volleyball Gold Team ranked third in the Mid-State League, earned its first win against Grandview Heights, and won a thrilling three-set match at home against Columbus Academy during their season. The Volleyball Red Team ranked fourth in the MSL, made it to the semifinals of the MSL tournament, and took a set from the No.1 ranked Buckeye Valley during a home game.

Upper School Cross Country Qualifies for OHSAA Regionals

Upper School Cross Country’s season was marked by a win at the Columbus Academy Invitational, which they earned by beating the Vikings in a tie. Our Unicorns won the Erin Nance Pack Award at the Erin Nance Invitational and qualified for the OHSAA regional meet as a team, placing 8th out of 18 teams. The following runners earned accolades this season:

• Mira Martin ’24 - 1st Team All MSL

• Ella Chomic ’24 - 1st Team All MSL

• Grace Chomic ’24 - 2nd Team All MSL

• Grace Chapman ’26 - 2nd Team All MSL

• Lauren LaRochelle ’25 - Honorable Mention All MSL

• Chloe Brooks ’25 - Honorable Mention All MSL

In early November, Mira Martin ’24 also competed in the Ohio High School Athletic Association Cross Country State Championships, held at Fortress Obetz and Memorial Park.

Upper School Cross Country

Middle School Gold Volleyball

Middle School Red Volleyball

CSG Tennis places 2nd in the MSL

CSG’s Tennis Team this season placed 2nd overall in the Mid-State League with a 6-1 record. The team had five district qualifiers and a combined Varsity and Junior Varsity record of 25-5.

The following students also received All MSL honors:

• Lanie Klatt ’23 - 1st Team

• Victoria Dizon ’26 - 2nd Team

• Annahita Riazi ’23 - 2nd Team

• Priya Mehta ’26 - Honorable Mention

Middle School Soccer makes it to championship in end-of-season tournament

Middle School Soccer had a strong season, making it to the final round in their end-of-season tournament. During their regular season, the team beat Hamilton Township and Hilliard Heritage by several goals and also beat Groveport twice in two weeks.

Middle School Cross Country earns 2nd place finish at MSL Championship

Middle School Cross Country ran their hearts out this fall. The team was competitive in every meet including 1st place finishes at the Farmbanks Invitational at Fairbanks High School and the Viking Invitational at Columbus Academy. The team ended their incredible season with a 2nd place finish at the MSL Championship with all five scoring runners finishing in the top 14, including a 2nd place finish by Maggie Carney ’28 and a 5th place finish by Lucia Furci ’28.

Upper School Tennis

Middle School Tennis

Middle School Soccer

Middle School Cross Country

CSG kicks off school year with Big/Little Sis event

In September, CSG took advantage of the warm, sunny weather to get our girls outdoors together for a Big/ Little Sis event and Pep Rally. There was music, dancing, cheering, and more as students had the opportunity to share in the celebration of school spirit. We had a strong showing from both Team Red and Team Gold. Our Big/Little sis tradition, initiated in 1904, is an important way to facilitate community between older and younger students.

Ping Wu participates in summer professional development programs

Upper School faculty member Ping Wu , who teaches Mandarin, this past summer participated in the International Forum on Language Teaching, where she learned about the Forum’s ADI coaching model and developed her own lesson plan, presentation techniques, and coaching ideas. This summer, Ping will attend the STARTALK Cape Cod Chinese Teacher Retreat on Cape Cod in Massachusetts where she will coach other teachers.

Tracy Kessler earns Women in American History award

On October 8, Form IV teacher Tracy Kessler and her former teaching partner, Charlotte Stiverson ’76, served as keynote speakers at the Ohio History Museum for The National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution. They were awarded for their efforts with the CSG classes of 2018, 2020, and 2021, in conjunction with the Ohio General Assembly, to designate the Adena Pipe as Ohio’s official state artifact. In honor of their educational work and success with this bill, the DAR presented them with The Women in American History Award.

Leisan Smith presents at LeaderLink Summit

Chief Equity Officer Leisan Smith on October 26 presented at the LeaderLink Summit hosted by the Ohio Urban Community Action Network (OUCAN). Her presentation Do You See What I See? explored centering cultural competence from both personal and organizational perspectives.

presents at Ohio conference

In mid-October, Operations & Facilities Director Brian Botzman presented at the Ohio Association of Administrators of State & Federal Education Programs Conference. This OAASFEP conference provides effective leadership, professional development, and legislative information on state and federal education programs to serve all Ohio students. This two-day conference brought together leaders and educators from all over the state of Ohio for training, presentations, and collaboration.

Director of Lower School Betsy Gugle interviewed for ICGS podcast

On October 24, Dr. Emily Krichbaum , the Director of the Center for Girls’ & Young Women’s Leadership, and Dr. Meghan Hattaway, the Upper School Dean of Students, attended the ICGS Educating Girls Symposium. The event gave both Emily and Meghan the opportunity to participate in discourse surrounding the best ways to teach and work with girls. Emily also gave a talk entitled, Community By Design: Leveraging Student Leaders As Partners to (Re)build a Community.

Betsy Gugle , our Director of Lower School, in November joined Trudy Hall, the host of the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools podcast On Educating Girls, to discuss how our faculty members work to affirm introverted students in and out of the classroom. The episode, Girls Who Embrace Their Introvertedness, also featured CSG students Emma Kim ’23 and Abigail Gugle ’27.

Angie McLarty ’94 appointed as Director of the Program for Young Children

In November, CSG announced the appointment of Angie McLarty ’94 as Director of the Program for Young Children. Angie had served since July 1, 2022 as Interim Director of the PYC. A lifelong Unicorn, Angie first arrived at CSG as a kindergarten student. After earning her B.A. in Psychology from Wittenberg University, Angie worked in the Development Office here at CSG as the Assistant Director of Development. Most recently, she served as an Assistant Director

Angie McLarty ’94

Brian Botzman

Dr. Emily Krichbaum and Dr. Meghan Hattaway attend symposium

Dr. Emily Krichbaum Dr. Meghan Hattaway

Leisan Smith

Ping Wu

Brian Botzman

Betsy Gugle

Tracy Kessler

of Admission. Her work with prospective PYC and Lower School families helped her develop a deep understanding of the Reggio Emilia approach to education, and she fostered strong relationships with the PYC faculty, families, and students. While her roles at CSG gave Angie the opportunity to develop a keen sense of understanding about the PYC program, she also gained vital early childhood education experience in her wider career. Prior to joining the admissions team at CSG, she spent five years as an early childhood educator at the Childhood League Center. As an alumnae and a longtime employee, Angie has been a fixture at CSG and is loved by faculty, staff, students, and families.

Michael Tyler joins CSG as Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications

At the beginning of December, CSG welcomed Michael Tyler II as our new Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications. Michael most recently served as the Director of Marketing at Columbus College of Art & Design, where he managed a team to oversee marketing and brand management for the college.

Prior to his work at CCAD, Michael served in marketing and communications leadership roles for the American Red Cross, McGraw-Hill Education, and in other local nonprofit organizations. An Ohio native, Michael graduated from Central State University with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and Media Studies. He holds a Master of Humanities degree in African American History from Wright State University.

Dr. Emily Krichbaum recognized with international research fellowship

Dr. Emily Krichbaum , Director of the Center for Girls’ & Young Women’s Leadership, was selected as a 2023-2024 Fellow for the Global Action Research Collaborative on Girls’ Education (GARC), a program of the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS). Emily joins educators from 35 schools in seven countries to participate in an 18-month program composed of training and action research that will culminate in a conference presentation in June 2024 at the ICGS conference. This year, Emily and her peers will conduct research inspired by the prompt: Engaging the Power of Many Voices: Leveraging girls’ collaborative spirit toward courageous and joyful learning. Emily was also recently mentioned on the ICGS podcast On Educating Girls, which featured clips from her TED talk. In February, Emily also presented at the Educating Girls Symposium.

Faculty members awarded CSG travel grants

Two CSG faculty members were awarded grants to allow them to undertake immersive research trips in their respective fields. Each year, faculty members can apply for

the opportunity to earn these grants, which allow them to gain invaluable experience they can then apply in their classrooms. Upper School faculty member Joseph Danielewicz , who teaches Latin, received an award in response to his proposal titled Carpe Aestatem: Immersive Pedagogy in Roman Italy. His grant will fund his participation in a two-week program on Horace’s poetry as well as guided visits to art and archaeological sites in Rome, Pompeii, and Florence, Italy. Jessica Fries-Gaither, Lower School faculty member and Department Chair of Science, received an award in response to her proposal titled Watching for Whimbrels. Her grant will fund a two-part trip: In March, Jessica will observe and collect data on migrating whimbrels at Deveaux Bank in South Carolina, and in May, she will participate in the Sea Island Shorebird Festival and experience peak whimbrel migration.

PYC faculty attend conference

In March, Kindergarten faculty members

Kasey Neer, Devie Hiller, and Ally Gaurino along with Program for Young Children Director Angie McLarty ’94 attended the Ohio Summit on Dyslexia, a professional development opportunity where educators share methods and findings on how to support and transform learning for students with dyslexia.

Dr. Emily Krichbaum

Michael Tyler II

Kasey Neer Devie Hiller

Ally Gaurino

Joseph Danielewicz

Angie McLarty ’94

Jessica Fries-Gaither

A Seat at the Table

An empowering public art installation

On October 11 in recognition of the International Day of the Girl, over 400 uniquely designed folding chairs lined the perimeter of Columbus School for Girls’ campus, facing Broad Street and Drexel Avenue.

The art installation, a project led by the Center for Girls’ & Young Women’s Leadership, was a fitting way to highlight our students’ unique voices while giving them a critical thinking opportunity. The chairs also served as a very physical reminder of the importance of advocating for access to change-making avenues. A Seat at the Table was inspired by the words and work of former New York State Representative Shirley Chisholm, and her famous quote, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”

Highlighting causes and topics of interest on everything from animal rights, to environmental concerns, to the gender disparity regarding equal pay, the chairs were uniquely designed by every CSG student to represent issues that were important to them.

Columbus School for Girls Head of School Camille Seals said the project gave students the opportunity to discover and give voice to their own perspectives.

“Whether it’s our youngest learners sharing their passion for animals or our older students communicating the importance of environmental justice and women’s rights, we’re giving our girls the information and experiences they need to find and use their own voices to be the change they wish to see in the world,” she said.

Students were inspired to learn more about the importance of advocating for access to not only bring about positive change for themselves, but also their communities. The diversity of chairs represents the diversity of ideas each CSG student brings to her table—here at school and later after she enters the larger world.

Thanksgiving Program

Emphasizes importance of community

The 2022 Thanksgiving Program was a special one as families, alumnae, students, faculty, and staff joined together to recognize all that we had to be thankful for this year. The celebration included beloved traditions, such as the PYC students’ rendition of Over the River and Through the Woods Some students from each division shared with the community things for which they were thankful, and other students participated in musical performances. The program was a great way to experience the CSG spirit heading into Thanksgiving Break.

Celebrating Senior Day

The school was transformed on March 17 for Senior Day, with the Class of 2023 decorating the halls with imagery from the movie Despicable Me. The PYC, Lower School, and Middle School all visited the gyms for games and crafts. The festivities were a great way to end the week before the beginning of Spring Break.

Global Going

Experiential learning trips help students foster cultural competence

An ancient Buddhist temple and the Westminster Abbey were just a sampling of the sights Upper School students experienced during CSG’s two global programs this past month over Spring Break.

Twenty-one students traveled to Japan, while seven students traveled to London, England. The programs represented the beginning of CSG’s global education program. These experiences offered students an opportunity to participate in a carefully constructed, on-theground, in-country curriculum.

The development of global competencies fostered through these programs supports CSG’s mission of empowering our students to discover their distinct potential as learners and leaders. When students participate in this programming, they develop the ability to engage in open, appropriate, and effective interactions across cultures; they understand and appreciate the perspectives and worldviews of others; they examine local, global, and intercultural issues; and they take action for the sustainable development and collective well-being of their communities.

Research from the National Association of Independent Schools affirms that strengthening students’ global competencies positions them to succeed in all aspects of their lives now and in the future. In a survey, 88.4% of alumnae said their high school global learning experience informed their current ability to modify the way they communicate with people from cultural backgrounds different from their own. Of those surveyed, 87% reported that their global learning experience taught them how to adapt to different situations.

This past month, students participating in the London and Japan programs were able to more completely experience the benefits of learning abroad by avoiding use of their cell phones. They also strengthened executive functioning skills that come from navigating experiences outside one’s comfort zone.

In addition to reaping the benefits that come from new and novel experiences, students in the London program also had an opportunity to more fully immerse themselves in theater and art. The six-day itinerary included visits to the National, Orange, and Globe theaters, a viewing of London’s Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, and an exploration of Westminster Abbey. But rather than simply taking in sights, students had an interactive experience, meeting with theater staff and costume designers to learn more about their work and viewing two different shows–one at the Globe, and one at the Young Vic. They also spent time experiencing some of London culture, participating in tea time and taking a bespoke art tour.

While the London Program was an opportunity to learn more about the arts, students traveling to Japan were able to explore the juxtaposition of modern and rural landscapes. Students visited UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Nijo-jo Castle and the Rokuon-ji and Ryoan-ji temples and also traveled to the bustling center of Kyoto. While there, they visited the Kyoto Disaster Prevention Center to learn about

how the threat of natural calamity has influenced the Japanese way of life. The trip also included many opportunities for students to learn about and participate in Japanese culture, from trying Zazen Buddhist Sitting Meditation to making soba buckwheat noodles. Students stayed in host homes for an even greater immersive experience.

Now that students have returned from their cultural immersions, they’ll have the opportunity to share their experiences and learning with their fellow students in Upper, Middle, and Lower Schools. And as CSG evolves with our global education program, it will have a strong presence across divisions. Curricula also will continue to expand for our oldest students. Next year, Upper School students will be able to take Global Seminar. And in addition to global experiences, there will be opportunities for micro-exchanges, virtual exchanges, and hosting international students.

Madi Kim ’24, left, and Della Jones ’24 learn common Japanese phrases ahead of their participation in the Japan Program.

Students in the Japan Program pictured at the top of Kiyomizu Temple.

Students in the London Program pictured in front of Big Ben.

Learn more about the Center for Global Studies & Citizenship by visiting our website

Advocating for Others

Kate Albers ’08 focuses on community with UN career

In 2020, Kate Albers ’08 was part of a global United Nations effort to combat hunger that earned the World Food Programme (WFP) a Nobel Prize.

It was the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, and global crises that were already challenging were made even worse as the world grappled with a rapidly spreading virus. Albers, along with others on her team, formed a coordinated response, determining which staffers and what support was needed as well as where to address nutrition and food issues in a variety of countries.

“It was the biggest worldwide response to an emergency that we’ve ever coordinated before,” Albers said. “It went really well. It was a way to feel part of something bigger.”

Albers has worked for the UN since 2017, but her interest in global affairs and humanitarian concerns began when she was a student at Columbus School for Girls.

Albers joined CSG in kindergarten, and from a young age she was encouraged to think and learn about different voices and experiences. History and politics classes encouraged her to think about global issues, while an interfaith club in Upper School became an opportunity to discuss ethics and philosophy from diverse perspectives. Her track and cross country coach, Jack Guy, became a mentor to her, and conversations of his work abroad in Afghanistan also made Albers curious about other cultures and communities.

Her growing interest in justice and service ultimately led Albers to take a trip to Costa Rica in Middle School for a volunteer project, an experience she viewed as pivotal to determining her future course of study beyond CSG. While at Emory University, Albers studied abroad in Spain and also volunteered in Tanzania for a month, living with a host family. The volunteer experience showed her that she was able to adapt to different environments and challenges.

“I was realizing that I was adaptable and there was a lot to learn from other cultures in the world,” she said.

Albers graduated from Emory with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Affairs. Following her undergraduate study, she did a year-long program in Zambia under the Princeton Fellowship Program, working for a non-government organization to gain project management experience. It was her first long-term international experience. She went on to work for the International Rescue Committee in New York before attending the John Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies for a Master of Arts degree in International Development and Economics.

Albers joined the UN in 2017, where she has focused on issues involving food security, economic development, and migration. She began working at the headquarters level in Italy, spending two and a half years in Iraq before returning to Italy, where she now serves as Programme Officer for the UN’s International Organization for Migration. Albers’ current focus is looking at mid- and long-term effects of the crisis in Ukraine on those within Ukraine and in neighboring countries, from economic development, to poverty levels, to migration.

Her career has given Albers the opportunity to meet and engage with people from a variety of places and to be in a community of people working toward common goals. And the road that led her here began during her CSG years, when friends, family, and teachers helped motivate her to get out of her day-to-day bubble and focus on her community and the bigger picture.

“The most important lessons I learned during my CSG years came from my wonderful classmates, supportive family, and a few influential mentors like Jack Guy, who taught me how to develop confidence from within, form healthy relationships with others, and address everyday injustices in whatever small ways you can,” Albers said. “My hope is that CSG can help young women to define their own ideas of what success means and to see themselves as important contributors to an interconnected world, no matter what they decide to do with their careers.’’

Kate Albers ’08

Alumnae in the Classroom

Alumnae share real-world experiences with students

CSG alumnae are making a difference all over the world – leading Fortune 500 companies, directing award-winning films, building robots, creating life-changing nonprofits, teaching tomorrow’s leaders, and so much more. A unique element of a CSG education is that our students have access to our remarkable alumnae—through mentorship, learning opportunities, and internships. One way we connect our students with alumnae is through the Alumnae in the Classroom program. This program leverages the expertise of our alumnae in classroom visits (in person and via zoom) to share real-world experiences and lessons with our students.

The partnership between current and former faculty is a crucial part of building this program and welcoming our alumnae to campus each year, said Lisa Dodge, Assistant Director of Development, Constituency Engagement.

“Our alumnae are a priceless resource to our current students,” Dodge said. “They share what they’ve learned since leaving CSG and pursuing their careers, what they wish they would have known while they were here, and just how much is possible when you know your power.”

Through the program students hear from women leading in careers that they hope to explore and hear of their success and fumbles they have encountered along the way.

Dr. Aylin Altan ’89, a healthcare economist and Senior Vice President of Research at Optum Labs, this past October visited Form XI students in two sections of Health II. She shared meaningful statistics and stories about women’s health and maternal mortality and said she found the experience to be greatly rewarding.

“Even via Zoom, I felt connected with the class and was impressed by the elevated nature of their questions and comments,” Dr. Altan said. “It was an energizing experience, and I was so grateful to have been invited.”

For Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor Simi Botic ’04, who visited CSG juniors this past fall in their Health II class, visiting current students is a way to connect with individuals who will be a huge part of creating the future.

“I hope to remind them of the wisdom they each have within,” said Botic. “I hope to support each of them to connect with and trust themselves more deeply.”

Botic worked with students in the gym, doing a barre class to promote self-connection. The group discussed intuitive eating, intuitive movement, and body image before closing with a journaling practice to connect mind and body.

“The earlier we can introduce girls to the concepts of intuitive eating, intuitive movement, and body image healing work, the more we can empower them to thrive,” Botic said. “I love any opportunity to give back to the CSG community and plant these seeds.”

Genelle Castro, a Middle and Upper School Health and Phys. Ed. Instructor who brought both Botic and Dr. Altan in to speak to students, said she likes to bring alumnae in as often as possible because of the valuable “windows” and “mirrors” the experience creates for students.

“Bringing in alums who work and live in various industries and communities allow our students to see themselves, or gives them an opportunity to broaden their horizons and perceptions as to what success as a CSG grad looks like,” Castro said.

Visiting CSG often gives alumnae a chance to share advice and messages they wished they would have heard when they were young. For Dina Tayim ’10, a research engineer with Ford who visited Dr. Kevin Sweeney’s and Susan O’Connor’s Design: Intersection Between Art and Engineering class via Zoom earlier this school year, thinking about the information that would have helped her as a young high school student gave her a chance to intentionally reflect.

“The realization that I hadn’t sat where the students were sitting in over a decade brought perspective to my own journey and growth, and I am thankful to Dr. Sweeney and his class for the opportunity to experience that,” Tayim said.

Upper School faculty member Dr. Kevin Sweeney has helped many alumnae come back to CSG to visit his current students. Sometimes, a panel of recent alumnae talk together about what college is like. Other times, he organizes a series of speakers who visit his engineering class to discuss career paths.

In whatever context the visits happen, the former students not only share stories about their schooling and career path, but also give current students advice that they wish they would have heard when they were in school.

“Not only do our students learn about the world and possible career paths, and where they might be headed, the alums are reminded about how far they have come over the years since the halls of CSG,” Dr. Sweeney said. “I believe that the very best way to highlight CSG is by highlighting our amazing alums, and it’s also one of the best ways to learn about and improve our offerings.”

To learn more or participate in the Alumnae in the Classroom program, please contact Assistant Director of Development, Constituency Engagement Lisa Dodge.

Simi Botic ’04, a certified intuitive eating counselor, works with juniors in their Health II class.

Tiffany Lau ’13, a Researcher and Designer at ZoCo Design, and Stephanie Dokko P’34, Design Research Manager at Brooks Running, talk to the Design: Intersection Between Art and Engineering class about user experience design this past November.

CSG community gathers for MLK Program

On January 13, students, faculty, staff, families, and alumnae joined together for our Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service led by the Beauty of African American Culture Club. The program featured songs including Lift Every Voice and Sing and Siyahamba as well as student readings and a performance by The CSG Steppers. Trudy Bartley ’77, Associate Vice President of Local Government & Community Affairs for The Ohio State University, joined us as our Alumnae Speaker.

All About the Annual Fund

For nearly 125 years, Columbus School for Girls has been empowering young girls to know their power, own their voice, and show the world what they can do—CSG doesn’t just prepare young women for college and a career, we propel them to become the changemakers the future needs. When you support the Annual Fund, you are investing in textbooks and school supplies and so much more—you’re investing in each student’s education so that she can be the leader in the classroom today and tomorrow’s leader in the boardroom, courtroom, studio, and more. Your Annual Fund gift supports our students and School in the following ways:

ACADEMIC PROGRAMMING

At CSG, our curriculum is designed for girls—to teach girls how they learn best, to empower them to lead in and out of the classroom, to offer them the tools and skills they need to flourish and thrive. In the last five years, more than 90% of CSG students have matriculated through our full program from PYC to senior year, and of our 2021–2022 class, 98% of our graduates were admitted to at least one of their top three colleges.

TUITION ASSISTANCE

We know that CSG is the best place for girls. Whether it’s in the classroom or on the field or on the stage, girls’ empowerment is at the center of our mission. Our tuition assistance program ensures that every girl who could flourish and thrive at Columbus School for Girls has the opportunity to receive a CSG education regardless of financial situation. Last year, CSG awarded $2.4 million dollars in tuition assistance to 38% of our current students.

FACULTY SUPPORT

The faculty at Columbus School for Girls are trailblazers in education who work tirelessly every day to give each student an innovative and empowering learning environment. Our faculty are role models of excellence with nearly 70% of them holding advanced degrees.

ARTS

From our youngest learners in the PYC to our graduating class, CSG gives students the tools they need to express their creativity in the arts. Whether they’re on the stage or behind the scenes, holding a paintbrush or a viola, girls are building vital skills—from music theory to problem solving—that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

ATHLETICS

CSG offers 10 competitive sports programs for Upper School and Middle School students and a variety of Unicorn sports for Lower School students so our student-athletes can build their skills from an early age. From developing vital leadership and critical thinking skills to creating meaningful and lasting relationships, CSG athletics help our students succeed inside and outside of the classroom.

CAMPUS FACILITIES

CSG has three specialized spaces for our students to flourish and thrive, including our main campus, our 100-acre outdoor learning space at Cynthia’s Woods, and our 55-acre prestigious athletic facility at Kirk Campus. Whether our girls are joyously learning in nature or competing on our new state-of-the-art turf field, CSG offers facilities that foster unforgettable experiences.

Her Power is Our Promise: the

Power & Promise Campaign Surpasses the Goal!

Dear CSG family,

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your generous investment and commitment to ensuring that every student at Columbus School for Girls knows her power. Together, we raised more than $17 million dollars, and we are still counting! We started this campaign with a $15 million goal and, along the way, have expanded to include a $1 million+ turf, enhancements to the Center for Girls’ & Young Women’s Leadership, and a deeper commitment to ensuring that CSG is a place where all students feel like they belong.

There is no place like CSG, and none of this would have been possible without your support and our extraordinary campaign leadership. Michael Glimcher, Gina Olsen, Chris Olsen, and Anne Jeffrey Wright ’70 led this campaign with strength and grace—inspiring our community to rally around the vision and possibilities that we could achieve through Power & Promise. We are incredibly grateful for their leadership, commitment to CSG, and insight.

To each person who made a donation, offered guidance, volunteered your time and talent: thank you! Our community united to create limitless opportunities for our girls and has ensured that generations of young women know their power and use their voice to become the changemakers the world needs.

In the following pages, you will read more about all that we were able to do through your philanthropy and commitment to CSG’s students.

Whether she is learning to code or studying abroad or scoring on the field, our girls are owning their power—and it’s all thanks to you. Thank you for helping us build a brighter, bolder future for our students and school.

With immense gratitude,

Amy Borntrager P’34 Chief Development Officer

PEOPLE

Access and affordability are crucial components of a vibrant future for CSG. Through investing in Power & Promise tuition assistance, we ensure that every girl who could flourish and thrive at CSG has the opportunity to do so.

The campaign helped CSG ensure that faculty and staff professional development opportunities were abundant so that we can continue to enhance our students’ experiences and maintain CSG’s high caliber of academic excellence.

ENDOWMENT

Through Power & Promise, we invested in CSG’s future. Our community came together and contributed over $2.5 million to grow the endowment—an ongoing source of income that will be used to continually develop CSG’s world-class programs and invest in our people.

Our faculty is what makes CSG so special— they inspire, nurture, and educate our curious learners and leaders. Through Power & Promise, CSG was able to ensure our talented faculty are some of the most well compensated educators among peer schools in our region.

PROGRAMS

CSG is the only girls’ school nationally that offers a fully integrated computer science curriculum for all students age three through grade 12. Over the course of the campaign, CSG created this computer science curriculum and launched and solidified our partnership with HER Academy.

Through investing in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work, CSG has deepened our equity and belonging curriculum and school life opportunities. At CSG, we strive to foster a space where all students feel like they belong.

Students are now able to further develop their global citizenship, competency, and advocacy through CSG’s global program.

Through Power & Promise, CSG was able to launch the Center for Girls’ & Young Women’s Leadership, a flagship program that will expand partnerships in the central Ohio community, strengthen CSG’s leadership curriculum, and provide unique opportunities for our students.

CSG now has a state-of-theart turf field that offers our student-athletes facilities needed to train and compete at the highest level.

HER POWER IS OUR PROMISE

Investing in Global Leadership

The Skaruppa Family believes in the power of a global perspective. Cindy and Matt Skaruppa, parents of PYC 5/6 and Form II unicorns, Audrey and Annie, have always treasured the cultural exchanges that foster shared understanding, create lasting friendships, and form bonds between diverse communities. They also believe that CSG offers an excellent, world-class education and see a bright, bold future for our School. That’s why they are giving to help support CSG’s Global Program, which will create a fund so that every Upper School student, regardless of financial need, will have a valuable international experience, helping them develop into more confident and globally minded women of action.

“We want to do our part to ensure that CSG is the premier institution for educating girls and young women in Columbus. Investing in the Global Program is an investment in each student’s learning, relationships, and her potential to lead throughout the world. Global experiences change lives, and we were honored to provide funding to make these experiences possible for more girls,” says Matt.

Cindy adds, “All students at CSG should have the opportunity to engage with others of different backgrounds and learn lifelong lessons that go beyond borders. We see this as a chance to support CSG girls who will go on to change the world.”

Individual in Mind and Community at Heart

Santino Davis (Tino) joined CSG’s team of trailblazing faculty and esteemed staff members in the spring of 2022 as our Assistant Athletic Director. During his first year, he has truly become a part of our community—from rallying our student-athletes on and off the field and court to connecting with families in the stands to becoming a CSG dad himself, Tino knows that CSG is the best place for girls and young women in central Ohio.

“CSG stands apart from other schools in that it has exceptional faculty and staff that work with and allow the students to develop analytical skills, collaborate, and communicate effectively in preparation for their future endeavors. The students can build leadership skills and have their voices heard in an environment without the societal pressures of being in a coed situation.” Tino says.

Tino designated his gift to support faculty compensation so that CSG’s exceptional educators have what they need to continue fostering an empowering learning environment.

“I want my money to support the people who make CSG a special place. Because of our incredible faculty, our students excel academically and have fun while doing it too. I can’t wait for my daughters to have the chance to experience all that CSG has to offer!”

The Skaruppa family from left to right: Matt, Annie, Audrey, and Cindy Skaruppa

Santino Davis, Assistant Athletic Director

The students can build leadership skills and have their voices heard.

A Legacy of Strength and Grace Leveling the Playing Field

Celebrating a legacy of strength and grace was at the heart of Tad and Nancy Jeffrey’s decision to give an incredible $2.5 million gift to Columbus School for Girls in support of tuition assistance and the endowment. This gift will invest in the longevity of our exceptional school and ensure that every student who could flourish and thrive at CSG has the opportunity to do so.

Tad and Nancy Jeffrey were beloved members of our community who dedicated countless hours to the betterment of CSG. Nancy led our school through her service as Board Chair and as co-founder of CSG’s Jubilee fundraisers. Tad was a Board member and devoted volunteer; he helped to create CSG’s first endowment policy and stewarded the endowment throughout his life, offering years of counsel and guidance to ensure the strength and longevity of CSG’s fiscal foundation. Their guidance has shaped CSG into the premier institution it is today.

Anne Jeffrey Wright ’70 says of her parents, “I think they would tell you, if they were here today, that they watched what CSG did for my sisters—Sally Jeffrey O’Neil ’72 and Betsy Jeffrey Balderston ’75—and me and wanted to do everything in their power to ensure that CSG would exist for daughters forever.”

The Wagenbrenner and Alexander families understand the importance of providing our student-athletes with premier facilities so that they can compete at the highest levels. Leah and Mark Wagenbrenner, parents of Maggie ’17, Katie ’19, and Annie ’23, teamed up with Cecily and Brett Alexander, parents of Brooke ’20, Cynthia ’22, and Sarah ’24, to invest in building CSG’s first state-of-the-art turf field. Together with an anonymous donor, they led the fundraising effort to rally community members to join them and make an investment to fund the turf.

“We needed to level the playing field so our girls could focus on their skills rather than worry if they’d slip in the mud or get rained out of the next practice. Our student-athletes deserve the best, and they needed a turf field to be the best,” say Leah and Mark Wagenbrenner.

On September 24, 2022, Columbus School for Girls celebrated the completion of the turf field with a dedication event at Kirk Campus, a tailgate celebration, and an opportunity for the community to cheer on the CSG Unicorns in varsity-level field hockey and soccer games.

“This field is critical for a number of reasons. In particular, it enables our girls to develop their skills to their fullest potential in sports where turf is especially important, such as field hockey,” says Cecily Alexander. “We need to continue to invest in all aspects of the girls’ development, both in and out of the classroom, and we were glad we could help CSG meet this important need,” Brett added.

The Wagenbrenner and Alexander families from left to right: Mark Wagenbrenner, Leah Wagenbrenner, Head of School Camille Seals, Cecily Chester Alexander ’88, and Brett Alexander.

Nancy and Tad Jeffrey

Inspiring the Next Generation of Female Leaders

Leadership is at the core of a CSG education, and no one knows that better than our alums! Through the Power & Promise campaign, CSG secured the funding necessary to launch the Center for Girls’ & Young Women’s Leadership. Alumna Leslie J. Sawyer ’71 keeps this initiative close to her heart and prevalent in all of her work through her countless volunteer roles at CSG and her philanthropy.

“I invested in the Center for Girls’ & Young Women’s Leadership because I appreciate the excellent academic and life preparation that CSG provided my sister and me and know what this program can do for others. I give back to do my part in helping our School move forward and prepare girls and young women for successful and fulfilling futures.”

From serving as a Campaign Cabinet member, a former Board member, and former Alumnae Association Board President to bringing together her fellow alumnae, Leslie offers her time, talents, and treasure to ensure that CSG becomes a hub of young women’s leadership development and flagship organization for girls’ leadership in central Ohio.

Because of the generosity of Leslie and others in our community, the Center for Girls’ & Young Women’s Leadership

Leslie J. Sawyer ’71 has already begun to offer leadership opportunities inside the classroom and in our community, most notably with the A Seat at the Table art installation as well as the Community Unicorn Breakfast for International Women’s Day.

“I believe CSG students and graduates have the power to change the world—and I believe it because I’ve seen it. I know their leadership will help make our world a better place.”

SATURDAY, APRIL 29 • 2:00–7:00 P.M.

To show our gratitude for all that you made possible through Power & Promise, please join us at the Power & Promise Festival on Saturday, April 29th, from 2:00–7:00 p.m.!

Join in the fun with SuperGames bounce houses and slides for little ones, plus inflatable obstacle courses and challenges for the big kid in us all. There will also be face-painting, games, food trucks, and you might even see your favorite teacher in the dunk tank. Whether you’re a student, parent, alum, or friend, there’s something for everyone!

1947

Class rep: Barbara Van Meter Carey

Barbara Van Meter Carey’s husband, Donald, died on December 19, 2022 after a long illness. According to his wishes his body has been contributed to Dartmouth medical school. There will be a service to celebrate his life on July 29. Barbara shares that she is a bit lonesome without him after spending over 71 married years together. However, she has a very supportive family and spent the month of March in Ghana at the home of her son, Ted, along with daughters Brenda and Blythe.

1955

Class rep: Bobbie Isaac Weiler

Sylvia English Haller recently lost her son, William Haller. To share condolences, Sylvia can be reached at 401 N. 17th Apt. 218 Mt. Vernon, WA 98273.

1956

Class rep: Joanna Walz Foster

First, let’s thank Andy Smith Lorig for many years of not only updating the class about goings on, but doing so with great wit and creativity. Andy continues to live her full life and with great courage despite her declining vision. Fortunately, she has the assistance of her daughter, Alison, and longtime caregiver, Kelly Kincaid. Andy had sad news that George Katz, husband of Julia Brooks Katz , recently died. The class sends Julia its sympathy.

Sue Andreae Brown also carries on life with limitations created by a stroke she experienced several years ago. But that

didn’t stop her and her husband, Hewett, from taking a cruise to Antarctica! They saw lots of penguins and other wonders but after returning home decided that the trip was a bit challenging for an 80-year-old!

Barby Boothby Thun and her husband, David, have moved from their home to the Highlands into a lovely Villa. Barby continues to paint and sold 59 of her paintings to accommodate her new and much smaller studio. Joanna Walz Foster and her husband are thrilled to own two of Barby’s beautiful paintings!

Molly McCloud Parry and her husband, Dick, have decided to brave the cold and snowy winters of Minneapolis. Molly loves the familiarity of her longtime home, friends, doctors, etc.

Joanna Walz Foster and her husband, Jerry, have moved from their home in San Antonio, Texas to the lovely town of Ashland, Oregon. Moving is a huge project and it’s not just trading one home for another, but it’s finding new doctors and developing new friendships. The whole situation becomes worthwhile if a son or daughter lives close by. No question, Joanna would have been overwhelmed without the guidance, support, and love of their daughter, Sheila Anne Foster ’84 She is an amazing woman, and they will be forever grateful for her help.

1963

Class rep needed

Cynthia Yenkin Levinson writes that she was going to come to reunion but is being inducted into the Texas institute of Letters in Corpus Christi that weekend. April 28-29 is right around the corner, so do plan on a fun weekend in Columbus.

1964

Class reps: Carla Pollack Lane & Linda Benua

Molly Kauffman Marsh’s winter home in Ft. Myers, Florida, was damaged by Hurricane Ian last fall, so she is temporarily living in a retirement community while the repairs are completed. This disaster didn’t prevent her from enjoying a Christmas visit from son Mark, who lives in Poland, and son David, who lives in Columbus, and their families, all staying together in a lovely rented house.

In 2021, Karen Wise Jaffe volunteered for Wes Moore’s primary campaign for the Maryland Democratic gubernatorial race, even though he was a long shot with almost no name recognition in a crowded field. And now Karen is pleased to report that Moore won not only the primary, but also the general election, and is now governor of Maryland. These days, Karen volunteers for the Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, which provides residential services for children being treated for rare and serious diseases. Karen helps with the book collection and brings authors and illustrators in to discuss their works with the children.

1968

Class rep: Pamela Lynn

Pam Lynn will serve on the Acton 250 Committee planning for the contiguous town’s celebration of the “shots heard round the world” in neighboring Concord, April, 1775.

Class rep: Candace Corson

Prudence (Pru) Schofield and John recently became grandparents on June 1st, 2023 when their son Byron and daughter-in-law Mollie welcomed Grace Clifford Glaus into the world. As you can imagine, the entire family is besotted.

Susan Burchfield’s son and his wife had a baby girl last September, 2022. Susan’s daughter had a baby girl in December 2022.

Suzanne Stallman Betts lives in Tasmania and is coming for a visit in April. She hopes to get together with classmates in Columbus on April 19 or April 20. Anyone interested in joining for lunch should contact Babette Gorman.

While Cris Aronson still has her home in Kororareka, New Zealand, much of this past year has been spent in Dover, MA, with her daughter, son-in-law, and gorgeous, busy granddaughters ages six and three learning the world through their eyes. In addition to the family, she has in residence 20 chickens, five goats (soon to number at least five more) and an enthusiastic dog. Life is never dull, and the exciting upcoming trip to Egypt with her sister, Janie Aronson Baskin ’70, may actually pale in comparison to the whirlwind of living in an intergenerational household.

Christine Wittman’s oldest son, Austin, was married September 24th, 2022 in Columbus to Beth Sacks. Her youngest son, Philip, and his wife, Ellen, live in Washington D.C. and love it. Christine is

still working with her brothers, and her husband, Joel, is retired. They are doing well, have avoided COVID and are starting to travel again: Cabo and Kauai in between visits to DC to visit Philip and Ellen.

From Candace Corson: “We are excited about the upcoming birth of our fifth grandchild, to our son, Dan and his wife, both physicians, who’ve been in Indianapolis since training in medical

school. Sadly, for us, they’ll be moving to our daughter-in-law’s original home: Juneau, Alaska, this spring. Another of our four sons is in the Pacific Northwest, so I look forward to visiting them on a big “arc” of a Northwest trip, as often as possible! Happily, our oldest and youngest sons will remain in Indy, along with one grandchild. My work continues to be deeply gratifying, helping folks with fresh, urban organic farming, made available to homes and schools through vertical tower gardens. And I love being an affiliate with a global health food company, helping people with daily plant powers for stronger health. (CorsonWellness.net) I will be teaching a basic Herbal Garden and safe Herbal Medicine class later this winter on Facebook (free or optional love donation to a good environmental cause). If you have any interest, let me know, and I’ll send you an invite! Call 574-850-2039 or email Dr.Corson@gmail.com.

1970

Class reps: Leslie Huntington & Lesley Schaab

Beth Byers Sells went cruising on the Timor Sea after touring New South Wales, with her daughter, Katie Sells ’02 . They traveled on to Darwin to search for Komodo dragons in celebration of Beth’s 70th birthday!

Barb Monett ’70 is learning to use pastels

Brenda Beavers Hendricks ‘73 and Martha Gallagher Michael ‘73 traveled to the Jane Goodall Institute in Tanzania in June of 2022.

Lesley Wilson Schaab is busy, serving as Membership Chair and President-elect of the Franklin Park Conservatory Women’s Board, where she has also been the Secretary. She is also wrapping up a term as President of her P.E.O. chapter.

Janie Aronson Baskin completed a year-and-a-half-long art project, called Thirty Seven Dresses. She created 37 dresses in a variety of mediums, which was fun! During the last two months, she’s had two pieces of mixed media art in a gallery (one sculpture, one of the thirty seven dresses.) Her picture book manuscript, a story about friendship and loss, is still in the revision process. While the subject matter is a hard sell compared to

happier-themed books, there is a need for such books. Janie also teaches occasional art classes, plays pickleball three to four times a week, and is training to become a docent for the Orlando Museum of Art. Hosting visitors from out of town, and having the good fortune of time with her grandchildren and her sister, who lives in New Zealand, makes her life good!

Barb Monett recently started learning to use pastels. She sent pictures of two beautiful landscapes in process (see one at left), and three finished works.

Class of 1970 delights in its artists and treasures its volunteers, including Jill Levy, Anne Jeffrey Wright , and Denise Page Hood at school.

1971

Class rep: Nancy Pace

After missing our 50th reunion due to the pandemic, the Class of ’71 had to make up for it in grand style! In October, eight classmates descended upon the windy city of Chicago for a fun-filled weekend packed with adventure, great food, and amazing friends. It all began with check-in when each classmate received a lovely gift bag with CSG swag, Hawaii goodies, a memory booklet of our years at CSG, and the famous book, The Devil in the White City, all put together by the organizers of the reunion, Cathy Stephenson , Leslie Sawyer, and Nancy Pace.

The weekend began on Thursday evening with cocktail hour and a gourmet dinner hosted at the gorgeous home of Cathy Stephenson. The evening was topped off with cookies that Cathy had custom made for our 50th + reunion—what a treat.

Friday morning, the early risers enjoyed catching up over coffee and gourmet delights at Eataly Restaurant just down the street from their centrally located hotel. Later they visited The Dreihaus Museum followed by a remarkable tour of the famous landmarks of the city on the Architectural Chicago River Tour.

Friday evening, they had a pizza dinner at Lou Malnati’s (a class of ’71 reunion must-do) and the grand finale of the day was the amazing Dennis Watkins, Magic Parlour show at the Palmer House. Two classmates were selected as audience participants in the show, which was a highlight of the evening.

Saturday, they visited the King Tut immersive exhibit and a few of us stopped in at Marisol at the Museum of Contemporary Art for lunch. Later, they joined the Untouchables Bus Tour (The Original Chicago Gangster Tour) which recounted the dark history of Chicago, complete with site visits and gruesome details of the corruption of the past. During their last night together, they dined together at the Adobo Grill followed by a late show at the famous Second City Comedy Club.

Those who attended the weekend, Connor Strauss , Martha Livingston , Nancy Pace , Cathy Stephenson , Marcia Smith Miller, Sandra Mendel Furman , Lisa Miller Westwater, Leslie Sawyer and Caroline Donnan (unable to join us at the last minute) was missed, but there in spirit, as they took a laminated photo of her with them to each activity—just like they would have done for “Margaret.”

Members of the Class of 1971 visited several spots in Chicago during their recent 50th reunion trip.

A very special thanks to all who made this weekend so memorable, and they look forward to their next reunion someplace in the world.

1973

Class rep: Susie Bauer

Martha Gallagher Michael retired from Capital University as a full professor and the Homer and Isabelle Endowed Chair for a distinguished professor in Education in June of 2022. She taught for 10 years K-12 and 21 years in higher education teaching both Art Education and Special Education. She now tutors several students who have learning differences and continue to paint, create images with a variety of methods, and metalsmith. In addition, she shares that she is lucky to have five granddaughters in Columbus where she still resides with cat Slim Shady and new puppy Alfie.

Class of ’73 is very sad to relay the news that we have lost classmate Marla Lumbert Cole. Marla died suddenly and unexpectedly on January 17, 2023. She is survived by her husband Alan Cole, her daughter Alexandra Cole-Yoder (Andrew), her son Ian Cole, her grandson Nash Alan Cole-Yoder, another grandchild on the way, brother Mark Smith, brother Steve Lumbert, and mother-in-law Margaret Ellen Cole. She loved all of them very deeply. As her ’73 classmates can attest, Marla approached life with intensity, had a deep love for her family, a passion for all animals and a determination to make sure those around her were taken care of at all times.

Brenda Beavers Hendricks and Martha Gallagher Michael traveled to Jane Goodall Institute in Tanzania in June of 2022. They saw chimps in the wild who were families of Flo and others and they trekked to Jane’s Peak.

1974

Class rep: Muffy Hamilton Parsons

Eleventh District Court of Appeals Judge Mary Jane Trapp has been named the 2022 Legacy of Justice Award winner by the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland at its 117th Annual Meeting on December 2nd. The award is given to an individual, group, or institution whose participation in pro bono or other volunteer efforts has been significant in terms of length and/or impact. In announcing the award, the society wrote, “Judge Mary Jane Trapp has been a champion for Legal Aid and our clients for many years. A past member of Legal Aid’s Board of Directors, she has both participated in pro bono and

recruited others to participate. Now as a member of the Ohio appellate bench, she focuses her role on ensuring access to justice and educating members of the bar on their professional responsibility to support civil justice. She is a connector— helping Legal Aid extend our reach in both the client community and with the bench and bar.”

1976

Class rep: Charlotte Stiverson

This past fall, Tracy Kessler and her former teaching partner, Charlotte Stiverson ’76 , served as keynote speakers for The National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution at the Ohio History Museum. They were awarded for their

efforts with the CSG classes of 2018, 2020, and 2021, in conjunction with the Ohio General Assembly, to designate the Adena Pipe as Ohio’s official state artifact. In honor of their educational work and success with this bill, the DAR presented them with The Women in American History award. The Women in American History award is presented annually to a woman (or women) who makes a difference in her community and who serves as an example through her contributions in the areas of education, religion, social, scientific, or cultural innovation. The award was presented to Tracy and Charlotte by Kathy Fulmer Waller ’81 , Regent of the Ann Simpson Davis Chapter DAR and CSG alumna.

Elizabeth (Libby) Maxton Kirk died this past summer on August 25, 2022.

Elizabeth (Liz) Williams ’76 and Patty Williams French ’74 lost their dad, David Williams, in December 2022. He was also grandfather to Elizabeth Williams ’12. Antoinette (Ann) Farrar Yawberg died August 6, 2020.

1981

Class rep: Marla Krupman

Diane Lore was recently accepted into a year-long art mentorship, judged by portfolio; she was always so talented! Plus she got a beautiful Great Dane puppy for her birthday named Annabelle (Bella) who will be about 150 pounds when she is full grown.

Kathy Fulmer Waller ’81 presented Charlotte Stiverson ’76 (center) and her teaching partner Tracy Kessler (right) with the Women in American History Award on behalf of the DAR.

Judge Mary Jane Trapp ’74 (right)

Alyson Leeman has three excellent vacations scheduled for her BIG BIRTHDAY! The first one was a Hawaiian island cruise with her significant other in December. Next up: a dude ranch in Arizona with her sister and finally on to an African safari with her kids in May!

Michelle Katz Grey is enjoying double blessings with both of her children planning to be married this year!

Lori Bornstein Linskey will be retiring this April after serving as a prosecutor in New Jersey for the last 25 years. Most recently she spent 16 months as the first woman in the role of Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor. Next up: spending more time with family and friends!

Manette Watson just started a wonderful job with the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center as their Financial Counselor. She plans to sell her home where she has lived since 1991 and is excited to find something new, while remaining in the South Hills of Pittsburgh.

Mallory Hurd Adair got married in a beautiful island wedding in St. Lucia last October.

Jenny Brown Cohen had a nephew’s wedding in Chicago last November and was

able to make time for a morning meet-up and selfie with old pal Marla Krupman!

Tammy Patterson Backenstoe’s son Alex got married in the fall and this winter the whole family enjoyed a great ski trip at Massanutten Resort.

Beth Williams reconnected with a high school sweetheart after the end of her marriage and moved to Akron to take the long-distance out of their romance. Exciting times!

Dawn Echols van Hoegaerden reports loving her new downtown life in West Palm Beach where she ran into Lisa Munster Tananbaum ’82 - only to discover that Lisa was planning lunch with another classmate, Debbie Zacks Robbins ’87, the following week! The world is truly small.

Stephanie Halliday Giroux had an especially great birthday celebration in December when Marigene Malone Dolven flew in to surprise her at the party! Ronda Mankamyer became a grandmother on October 20 making every day a reason to celebrate!

Marla and Andrea Krupman’s father, Victor Krupman, died September 19, 2022—the day after his 88th birthday. Julie Solomon’s father also recently passed away on January 11, 2023.

1984

Class rep: Andrea Krupman Powell

Liddy Smith Schmitz is very busy with her thriving law practice in central Ohio. Her son is currently in his second year at University of Minnesota Law School, and her daughter will graduate from University of Richmond this year with a double major in Political Science and Economics and will follow in the footsteps of both of her parents and attend Ohio State University Law School in the fall. She is looking forward to seeing classmates next year at their reunion.

1985

Class rep: Robin Ives Canowitz

It is with great sorrow that Lindsay Lawrence Sears announces the passing of her dear mother, Mary Lou Lawrence, on October 16, 2022. Her mother was an advocate for her children’s education, both at CSG and Columbus Academy. Lindsay knows her mother lived a long and very fulfilling life, and she changed the lives of countless other people through her devotion to family, friends, and people in need. She would like to encourage everyone, in memory of her mother, to help educate a child, perform a random act of kindness, or make things better for someone in need through a charitable act.

1990

Class rep: Janet Knight Rauschenberger

Megan Lisska reports with sadness the passing of her father, Anthony (Tony) Lisska. She can be reached at lisskamc@ hotmail.com, or 915 Alturas Way, Mill Valley, CA 94941.

Danielle Berger reports with great sadness the passing of her beloved father, Dr. Stephen Berger, MD. “Our family was deeply touched to see so many from the CSG community at his memorial service before the holidays.” She is reached at 335 Carroll St. Apt 4E, Brooklyn, NY 11231.

Jenny Brown Cohen and Marla Krupman

Ronda Mankamyer with her first grandchild

Dawn Echols van Hoegaerden and Lisa Munster Tananbaum

Stephanie Halliday Giroux and Marigene Malone Dolven

2001

Class rep: Janis Cherise Penn

Gina Forster started a new business called Nutrition Unmeasured. She works with people to help them develop a better relationship with food and their body. Taking new clients now: www.nutritionunmeasured.com.

2003

Class rep: Liz Liston

Annalise Hoftmaurer and Jennifer Maurer Clerkin ’97 report the loss of their father, Steven. Many may remember him not just as their dad, but as a German and History substitute teacher. Aside from being the father of two alums, he was the grandfather and de facto “father” of two nieces who lived with him, Frankie Munyan (Form 4) and Lana Wilkins (Form 9). He died of pulmonary fibrosis, which after years of tests the doctors could find no other evidence to the cause of, except for that he was drafted to Vietnam and the area where he fought still, to this day, shows zero signs of plant life via satellite photograph. Despite this, he deeply loved his country and served many years in government, primarily in the USDA.

2007

Class rep: Kate Vorys

Sarah Yost married Devin Mapes in May 2022 and recently changed her name to Sarah Mapes. They currently live in Chicago where Sarah has been working at the Jewish United Fund as a fundraiser.

Rachel Smoot Keller and husband Alex Keller welcomed son Michael Jeffrey Keller on August 1, 2022. Rachel is an attorney in the Columbus office of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP.

2008

Class reps: Megan Fitzmartin & Teresa Eigel

Alyssa Thiele and her husband welcomed their first child Brody Edward Thiele on November 11, 2022.

2014

Class rep: Hannah Barends

Hannah Barends is engaged to her college sweetheart, Conor Loy. The wedding is set to take place in June 2023.

Erin Balasky is recently engaged to Matt Monte.

Kellie Carlson moved to New York City to pursue a travel nurse position.

2017

Class reps: Marissa Madison & Mia George

The Class of 2017 had a five-year reunion in December 2022 where 13 members of the class got together at Pins in Columbus to reminisce on their CSG years and share new life updates. They had a great time!

2021

Class rep: Alyssa Canowitz

Nyah Funderburke won her first Big 10 NCAA individual title as well as being a member of the winning 200 Medley Relay, 400 Medley Relay and 200 Free Relays.

Jeanne Stoddart Barends ’50 September 23, 2022

Sally Cunningham Blackstad ’56

Marla Lumbert Cole ’73 January 17, 2023

Elizabeth (Libby) Maxton Kirk ’76 August 25, 2022

Dr. Christine Thorne ’84 March 17, 2023

In Memoriam Condolences

To Kitty Porter Young ’70 on the loss of her mother Lucy Porter.

To Marissa Madison ’17 for the loss of her brother Jack.

To Lindsay Sears ’85 on the loss of her mother Mary Lou Lawrence

To Elizabeth (Liz) Williams ’76 and Patty Williams French ’74 for the loss of their dad, David Williams. He was also grandfather to Elizabeth Williams ’12

To Marla Krupman ’81 and Andrea Krupman ’84 on the loss of their father Victor.

To Julie Solomon ’81 who lost her father.

To Megan Lisska ’90 on the passing of her father Anthony.

Antoinette (Ann) Farrar Yawberg ’76 August 6, 2020

To Danielle Berger ’90 on the loss of her father Dr. Stephen Berger.

To Sylvia English Haller ’55 on the recent loss of her son William Haller.

To Annalise Hoftmaurer ’03 and Jennifer Maurer Clerkin ’97 on the loss of their father, and former CSG substitute teacher, Steven Maurer.

To Ingrid Wobst ’82 and the Wobst family on the loss of Joan Wobst. Ingrid’s mother, Joan, passed away on February 26, 2023 at age 88. Some of her beautiful art is still on display at CSG.

To Marigene Malone Dolven ’81 on the recent loss of her mother.

To Bernadette Kuhnsman Donovan ’95 and Megan Kuhnsman ’96 on the loss of their father, James.

Focused on Community:

How Alumna of the Year Nika Lee Elugardo ’91 found a career in serving others

Nika Lee Elugardo ’91 knows how it feels to be lifted up by her community, and she’s devoted her career to public service to make sure others also have that same opportunity.

“I know what it’s like to push back and to win,” Elugardo said. For her continued advocacy efforts, Elugardo is being recognized as 2023 Alumna of the Year, a distinction which celebrates a CSG graduate who represents the highest principles of CSG, and through that display, has made outstanding contributions in her area of endeavor. Elugardo has spent over 30 years of her career in community and economic development especially in communities with lived experiences with racism, genderphobia, heterosexism, and xenophobia. She just finished up two terms as a Massachusetts State Representative for the 15th District, and this spring, she’s moving to Washington, D.C. to begin a new position as Chief Council for U.S. Senator Edward Markey, who represents Massachusetts.

“I’m very excited to support a U.S. Senator who has spent decades fighting for justice,” Elugardo said.

During her time attending CSG from Form VIII through XII, Elugardo took advantage of opportunities to realize her passion for activism and outreach. Elugardo lobbied with her peers to change the Black History Club’s name to the Black Awareness Club to position the club as an avenue for connecting Black culture with the broader community. She also created events and informational displays, such as a fashion show featuring African American designers and entrepreneurs, to teach the CSG community about the contributions of African Americans on local and national levels.

In addition to her involvement with the Black Awareness Club, Elugardo was also part of the French Club, Environmental Club, and played Varsity track, volleyball, and basketball along with intramural lacrosse and field hockey.

“I had enormous support inside and outside the school that fortunately for me outweighed the negative voices telling me I couldn’t succeed,” she said.

As someone who always had a passion for learning, Elugardo was able to thrive at CSG. Through the support of her English

teachers, she was able to find her voice as an award-winning writer. Many faculty members rewarded her for challenging her potential and limitations.

She also faced unique challenges, though, as one of the only Black students from a low-income community. But she was as much shaped by those experiences in the school as she was by the strength and confidence instilled in her by so many other CSG teachers and coaches, from the English teacher who helped her perfect her writing to the biology teacher who, after noticing she had a green thumb, allowed Elugardo to help care for classroom plants to the physics teacher who pressed her to apply to MIT.

“I had so many teachers, particularly in Upper School, who were qualified to teach at universities,” she said. “They chose to teach young women because they valued our contribution. And I learned so much just from that fact about who I am and what I’m capable of.”

Upon graduating from CSG, Elugardo attended MIT, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Studies and Planning. She

Nika Lee Elugardo ’91

later earned a Master of Public Policy degree in Leadership & International Security Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and her Juris Doctorate Degree in Corporate Governance & International Human Rights from Boston University School of Law. She has defined her career by continually choosing to lift others up the way she was lifted up by special teachers and friends at CSG. At the National Consumer Law Center in Boston, Elugardo managed the organization’s Foreclosure Prevention Project that helped people remain in their homes. Later, while working with the Emmanuel Gospel Center, Elugardo founded research and consulting departments there that would be integral to efforts to address education, youth violence prevention, and antitrafficking in Boston and other Massachusetts urban areas.

Elugardo served from 2019 to 2022 as Massachusetts State Representative. During her time as Massachusetts State Representative, she co-chaired the Special Legislative Commission on Structural Racism in Corrections and

successfully secured funding for the Big Sisters Association, the Daughters of St. Paul, and the MA Commission for the Blind Community Services. Working with over 40 advocacy groups, she also drafted bills such as the Public Housing Expansion bill to expand affordable housing options for residents. Parts of that bill eventually passed into law. Elugardo also worked with Justice4Housing and the Boston Housing Authority to secure funding for a Stable Housing and Reentry Pilot Program to create equitable housing access for formerly incarcerated individuals and parents in her district and joined advocates to secure millions in vouchers for similar programming statewide.

Over the course of her career as a public servant, Elugardo came to realize that she had the power to make any space a space for belonging, regardless of the obstacles in her way. She credits her champions as well as her challenges at CSG for helping to plant those seeds.

Alumnae in the Culinary Scene

With the confidence that comes from an all-girl education, It’s no secret that CSG alumnae are natural entrepreneurs. Two recent graduates have found particularly sweet success with being their own bosses: Elizabeth Johnson ’19 started her own home bakery in 2021, while this past November, Nia Caldwell ’17 launched a breakfast-themed food truck. With some creativity and a lot of hard work, both women are making their mark on the local culinary scene.

Elizabeth Johnson ’19: Eliza’s Cookies

When the homemade brownies and cookies that Elizabeth Johnson ’19 brought in for her CSG classmates began disappearing before first period, Johnson knew she had something from which she could profit.

It wasn’t until the pandemic though, that Johnson began baking at home in earnest. Stuck at home in isolation, Johnson was baking out of boredom, but the process soon led to an adventure into entrepreneurship.

Johnson had dreams of becoming a chef or owning her own restaurant or food truck. But as time went by, she realized that she didn’t have to wait–she could start her own business now.

“I didn’t really want to work for anyone else,” she said.

At the time, Johnson was attending The Ohio State University, and the online classes made it easier for her to spend a great deal of time in the kitchen perfecting her recipes, experimenting with different textures, consistencies, and flavor profiles until she landed on a combination she liked. “Baking is a science, and I’ve definitely fallen in love with the science aspect of it,” Johnson said.

In May of 2021, Johnson officially launched her home bakery, Eliza’s Cookies. Her menu features brownies as well as cookies, including chocolate chip, s’mores, peanut butter, snickerdoodle, and peach cobbler, the latter two of which have proved to be seasonal hits. Orders can be placed online at elizascookiesandtreats.com.

Elizabeth Johnson ’19

Nia Caldwell ’17: Aggie’s Cafe

For Nia Caldwell ’17, opening a food truck was the perfect way for her to venture into entrepreneurship while satisfying her extroverted spirit.

“I’ve always liked communal atmospheres,” she said. As much as she enjoys people, Caldwell also enjoys food. In creating the menu for her breakfast-themed food truck, Aggie’s Cafe, she drew inspiration from her knowledge of food pairings to create items such as her Caprese Waffle, which features balsamic vinegar, tomatoes, herbs, and burrata cheese.

In addition to a traditional waffle, Caldwell’s menu is rounded out by strawberry and cream, triple chocolate, and apple pie varieties. She makes the waffles from scratch to order, serving them up with perfectly paired toppings. Each month, Caldwell rotates the selection of waffles, and also offers her visitors a variety of handcrafted treats in addition to coffee and tea.

Caldwell operates her food truck, which she named for her grandma, Agnes, from morning to mid-afternoon. Her schedule can be found via Instagram, Facebook, and the Street Food Finder app. In addition to the opportunity for

socializing that working with her customers affords her, Caldwell also appreciates the creativity she can express in curating menus.

“I think that really appeals to me,” she said.

Caldwell also has been able to merge her new business enterprise with her love of photography, creating food photos for her social media accounts. With full control of her creative direction, she’s crafted a brand identity that emphasizes community. The family photos that decorate her truck are always a conversation starter.

Though she can envision owning a brick and mortar cafe or some sort of communal space down the line, for now, Caldwell is enjoying her food truck venture.

“I’m just excited to continue learning from the experience,” she said.

The CSG community will have a chance to visit Aggie’s Cafe during the Power & Promise Festival, to be held Saturday, April 29 from 2:00–7:00pm!

Nia Caldwell ’17

Forging a Path:

Taylor Lint ’11 works to create spaces for women in tech

Early on in her computer science career, Taylor Lint ’11 found that she was often the only woman on her team. All too frequently, those in management positions above her were all male.

Now, Lint is striving to do her part to bring other women into the computer science and engineering industries. As the CEO and Cofounder of Swantide, which automates the management of software used by sales, marketing, and customer success teams, Lint has committed to maintaining an engineering staff that is at least 50% women.

“It’s important to me to start changing the status quo,” Lint said.

Working toward greater female representation in the workplace is just one of the ways Lint is making waves in the computer science industry. Since founding Swantide, Lint has raised $7 million in venture capital funding, and she was recognized this past year in Forbes’ 30 under 30 list. She credits her confidence in part to the power of an all-girl education.

“I think that at CSG, you see girls and women doing everything, holding every role, doing every extracurricular activity,” Lint said. “You don’t ever think that you can’t do something, because girls are doing everything.”

Lint attended CSG from kindergarten through Form XII. In addition to building her confidence, she said her experience at CSG fostered a curiosity for learning and an adeptness at building relationships. As a student, Lint took every AP science and math course that was available to her, but she was also interested in political science and government.

When she began her undergraduate career at Cornell University, she started as a government major. After a summer internship on the Hill in Washington, D.C., Lint realized she wanted to move in a new direction. At the suggestion of her mother, an engineer, Lint decided to try a computer science course.

“It clicked, and I ended up doing that, and I’m really glad I did,” Lint said.

Lint graduated from Cornell with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Information Science with a minor in German. Following that, she worked at LinkedIn as a software engineer. The experience was a great way to start her career, and from there she joined a team at Alphabet. While there, Lint worked on a team that was responsible for looking for ways

to make cities more data-driven. The work eventually led to the founding of a spin-off company called Replica.

When founding her own company, Lint wanted to leverage this product building experience and apply it to a new sector. She was drawn to the management of go-to-market tools because of how painful the problem is for companies and how manual the solution is currently.

“It’s such a huge problem that companies spend a ton of money on,” she said.

Lint founded Swantide in March of 2020 and spent her first year doing market research, talking to people in the industry to understand the problem and work to build a solution for how to best serve her customers. Lint now has 16 employees and a customer base that appreciates the ways in which Swantide helps them more efficiently manage their internal systems. Customers have shared that they wouldn’t have been able to grow their businesses as quickly without using Lint’s products.

“Launching a business isn’t easy, but I’m so grateful to have a great team building alongside me, and it’s really rewarding to see customers use our product to run their business more efficiently,” Lint said.

Taylor Lint ’11

The Bigger Picture:

It was a teacher at Columbus School for Girls who introduced Julie Janata ’75 to the world of film.

Janata, who attended CSG from Form V through XII, had always loved reading, specifically character development. When she reached the end of her senior year, her former Form VIII teacher, Jane Chamberlain, introduced her to an opportunity with local public access cable television.

The two attended a training together, and Chamberlain volunteered Janata to run the large studio camera for a show about the Ohio State Fair that was broadcast live twice a day during the summer.

“It was a major turning point, and I was just 17 years old,” Janata said. “I was absolutely mesmerized by it.”

Janata worked that show, Cable at the Fair, that summer and the next. The experience sparked within her a love for the industry that would never leave. Now a two-time Emmy Award winner, Janata has worked as an editor, story consultant, producer, and director on a variety of major motion pictures as well as independent films and documentaries.

“I am endlessly fascinated with making films and all the possible experiences there are in the world. Paths people take. Mistakes they make. Obstacles they overcome,” she said.

Always interested in people’s stories, Janata originally wanted to be a psychologist. After graduating from CSG, she attended the Residential College at the University of Michigan, where she double majored in Psychology and Film & Television. Though she had initially envisioned film as a creative hobby, a summer internship with ABC Channel 6 in her early 20s made her realize she needed to pursue film as a career.

Janata took a year off college, during which she was hired by Channel 6 to write, produce, direct, and edit promotional spots for the station. That experience spurred her to attend the American Film Institute, after earning her undergraduate degree. She was selected as the only female Cinematography Fellow that year, and also created her own editing program.

Janata quickly became a force within the film industry, working her way up to major motion pictures as an assistant editor. She traveled the world working on location in Europe

Julie Janata ’75 earns her second Emmy Award at the 2016 Emmy Awards ceremony.

Julie Janata ’75 found a lifelong passion for film

and Africa, moving from project to project. By the late 1990s, Janata began using what she learned as an assistant editor to move up to editing and then producing.

She also began being asked to serve as a story consultant for others’ films. In the most recent example, she served as a producer and editor for Fuego, a film that tells the story of an indigenous mother in Guatemala who struggles to keep her family together in the face of the migration crisis. The film is due out later this year.

Janata credits CSG with fostering within her the perseverance necessary to find success in her career. But her time at CSG also gave Janata an appreciation for the power of creating a space for women that she has taken with her into the film industry.

“There were and still are lots of barriers,” she said. As a career veteran, she has championed inclusion for decades, first as President of Alliance of Women Directors, then Co-Chairing the Producers Guild’s Power of Diversity

Master Workshop. She remains committed to creating pathways for women and all underserved voices who come after her.

The Alumnae Association Board

The network of more than 3,000 CSG alums is governed by a volunteer Alumnae Association Board (AAB). The good news is, each alum is automatically a member of the AAB! This year’s AAB is led by president Yolanda Nunn ’94 and president-elect Krissy Rose-Anderson Fenner ’97. There are several committees – development, networking & communications, and governance – charged with assisting the school in achieving its goals around fundraising and alumnae engagement. In an effort to ensure that alums from all over are engaged with CSG, more than half of the AAB members live outside of central Ohio. The AAB meets virtually throughout the year. Interested in joining a committee? Visit columbusschoolforgirls.org/alumnae to learn more and share your interest and expertise!

Thanks to the 2022-2023 AAB

Yolanda Nunn ’94, President

Krissy Rose-Anderson Fenner ’97, President-Elect

Anne Jeffrey Wright ’70, Immediate Past President

Madeline Hadley ’13, Development Committee Chair

Jill Levy ’70

Marla Krupman ’81

Catherine Colinvaux ’82

Emilee Deutchman-Blaschke ’06

Mallory Halley ’06

Aris Rosh ’94

Traci Dodderer Bentley ’94

Marnie Stein ’93

Mary Jane Trapp ’74

Alexandra Roberts ’08

Juntao He ’15

Vandita Malviya Wilson ’86

Janata won her Emmy in 2016 for Outstanding Picture Editing for a Structured or Competition Reality Program for the TLC show Who Do You Think You Are episode Bryan Cranston.

Make sure your contact information is up-to-date. Contact ldodge@ columbusschoolforgirls.org

Follow us on social media @colsschforgirls @uniealumnae

Join our online networking and mentoring platform CSG Connect csgconnect.org

Attend Alumnae Weekend and other alumnae engagement opportunities throughout the year

Read Forte et Gratum and submit your news

Participate in the Alumnae in the Classroom program

Serve as class rep, volunteer on a committee, or host a regional alumnae event Contact ldodge@columbusschoolforgirls.org

Give back to CSG by making an Annual Fund gift columbusschoolforgirls.org/annualfundgiving

Keep in touch with your classmates, teachers, and friends

Help us celebrate our 125th anniversary next year! See p. 3 for details