Infinite Horizon

A Full Emma Experience For All

Modern European; and, senior year, American History,” she continues.

“Our music classes followed this focus. With less known about the music of ancient civilizations, freshman year we covered the foundations of music theory, and we learned sight reading. That led to enjoying the riches of Medieval plainsong as sophomores, and so on. For me, Russell Locke was the center of the Correlated Curriculum. Singing in choir was a joy. And senior year I was thrilled to be a would go down to New York City my senior year to experience opera, and I now serve on two opera boards. This really began with Russell Locke.

“I think he must have loved being our teacher because he stayed for so many years, and he was so good. We all remember him and are grateful to him.

“His successor, Dr. Debra SpiroAllen, has done great things over the last 20 years, and she sure had big shoes to fill. I know there are two decades of students already

“And look at what we’re doing with this campaign. Holy smoke!

“Russell Locke always said the great thing about the Alma Mater was the last two lines. ‘O, touch each fleeting moment with friendship’s alchemy, the days that lie before us, our memories soon shall be.’ It rings true! I can’t sing it without crying. It’s just beautiful,” Michal notes.

“I am absolutely confident that Emma Willard School always ‘shall be.’”

“My mother, Dr. Ann Als, was a trustee while I was a student at Emma Willard, so serving the campaign is a way of reaching back and continuing her service to the school. I was so touched by the celebration of her life and achievements in the fall magazine. Emma Willard was important to my family, and they saw what I might not have seen at the time: that the Emma Willard experience

“I am really impressed that the issues alums of color were experiencing have been given a forum by the school through the AOC Network,” she continues. “And I’ve been impressed with the work of the Campaign Steering Committee. I hope to inspire

JoAnne serves on the planning committee for her 45th Reunion, and together with classmate Cyndi Skripak ’78 and others suggested student opportunity funds be the focus of their 45th reunion gift. JoAnne’s pledge over the next five years to The Emma Fund for student opportunity funding will help students feel welcome and that they are full participants in the life of the school. “I care deeply about how a diverse student body experiences the school. Our gifts will be put to good use covering the kinds of expenses that enrich the life of students yet can easily be beyond a student’s budget. We want all students to enjoy the little extras that come with the daily rhythm of being a part of this exuberant and tradition-filled community. I was exposed to a lot of things I would not have been in another community. I want that for today’s students.”

Many people and experiences come to mind when JoAnne thinks back to her years as a day student at Emma Willard. “Mrs. Carter’s teas freshman year, where I had apple butter for the first time. Mrs. Handelman. Superior academics. Spelunking with Mr. Dodd. The Thatcher School exchange. Falling in love with the opera on school trips to New York City. And one daring visit to the kitchen after hours for the unsanctioned acquisition of ice cream,” she notes humorously.

In addition to her work on behalf of Emma Willard, JoAnne trains regularly for another life-changing experience—walking the Camino de Santiago, the way of pilgrims, in 2024.