Alumnae Council

FROM THE… Alumnae Council

By Ginny Robbins ’91, President

The Alumnae Council has had an interesting year rising to the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the social unrest in our country. The mission of our association, to connect our alumnae with one another and with the School, has never been more important than during this time of physical and emotional isolation and amidst the continuing calls for justice and social equality. It has guided our activities over the past months. Our committees have sought ways to increase the sense of connection and belonging among our alumnae as well as to give space to their stories and experiences, finding innovative solutions to meeting these goals virtually, which has been our new reality. I am honored to share their work with you and grateful to the members of the Alumnae Council for their determination, creativity, empathy, and commitment to the School and to the members of our Association.

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee adopted a new name in the latter part of 2020 to better align themselves with the work that has been done by the committee and which will be done moving forward. They are now the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEI Committee). In addition to the programming the DEI Committee offered over the summer and fall — four Courageous Conversations addressing mental health led by Jordan Moore Sraeel ’01 and Dr. Emily Eckstein ’00, “Racism and the Black Lives Matters National Movement” led by students, “Bias and Perception” based on Mellody Hobson’s TED talk, and “DEI in the Workplace and Navigating Your Career” — the Committee supported activities the School undertook in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by sharing thoughts from committee members on what the future of Foxcroft looks like to them based on the theme “I have a Dream for Foxcroft.” Current students also shared their dreams which were combined with the committee’s to create a temporary outdoor display around the turf field.

The Committee also focused on planning their Courageous Conversations event that took place over Reunion Weekend and offered their support to the newly formed BIPOC Alum Group for Foxcroft on the group’s two spring events, the “Workshop on Racism” and the “Healing Circle.”

Kassinda Usher ’93, Co-chair of the DEI Committee, worked with several Black alumnae to host a reunion for all Black Foxcroft Alumnae on June 12. Although this effort was independent of the DEI Committee, it does support DEI objectives.

During Reunion 2021, the Reunion Committee reimagined the Senior Dinner and brainstormed exciting programming and engagement for the virtual weekend. The Council welcomed the newest alumnae, the Class of 2021, into the Alumnae Association and honored Distinguished Alumna Barkley Boutell Henning ’73.

The Class Representative Committee changed its name this year to the Alumnae Outreach Committee, a muchneeded update to fit with their mission of facilitating communication between the School and alumnae classes. They also reworked the purpose of Class Representative Weekend to make sure it has a more specific goal every year. This year the focus was on the theme of DEI. The committee brought in a guest speaker, Dr. Marcia Chatelain, and led dynamic discussions around inclusivity in alumnae leadership.

The Alumnae Outreach Committee plans to personally reach out to Class Representatives with the goal of providing mentorship and support in their work with their classes and the School. Co-Chairs Kendall Blythe ’83 and Jordan Moore Sraeel ’01 are currently designing an “open house meet and greet happy hour” to initiate a “call to action” and answer any questions on how to get more involved with the School.

Finally, in addition to their events last spring and summer, the Social Committee hosted three online Zoom happy hours last fall — a Foxcroft Trivia night, a very spooky Halloween evening (in conjunction with Class Rep Weekend), and their signature Jingle and Mingle Holiday Party. Other fun activities and gatherings are in the works.

The Alumnae Council reviewed its Articles of Association in preparation for Foxcroft’s accreditation next year and continues its work and offerings for alumnae both virtually and, hopefully, in person. As always, we welcome your thoughts, suggestions, and ideas. Spring/Summer 2021 23