Surgere_Spring-Summer2011

Photo courtesy of Pica+Sullivan Architects

meet the new kid on the block

westridge school | upper school science building | 2010–2011 Form Meets Function: Westridge Puts Pasadena on the LEED Platinum Map

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Premier Platinum

Westridge School's Upper School science building, completed and open for classes in fall 2010, has been awarded LEED® Platinum certification, the highest level granted by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI).

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction, and operation of high performance, environmentally sustainable buildings.

Westridge School now holds the distinction of having built the first LEED Platinum certified building in the City of Pasadena.

Encompassing approximately 15,000 square feet on two levels, with the lower level situated below grade for energy efficiency and design purposes, the facility itself is a teaching tool for environmental education. With indoor and outdoor classroom spaces, students have the opportunity to observe, monitor, and evaluate “green” technology, including a Web-based interactive energy management system featuring photovoltaic panels, light and motions sensors, and eco-dimming lighting systems.

“The building has become part of our curriculum. Our students actively engage in experiential learning, from monitoring energy consumption to scientifically observing decomposition in a natural environment. They are appreciating and analyzing, first-hand, how resources can be utilized, conserved, and re-purposed in ways that promote environmentally friendly practices,” said Westridge Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor. “This is education for life!”

Tech Talk (pages 10-15)

Technology at Westridge is like sunshine in Southern California — expected, valued, coveted — but sometimes taken for granted.

This issue of Surgere reveals a few of the ways in which technology, as the lifeblood of this day and age, courses through the veins of Westridge School.

Westridge technology and its history are about more than computers. This feature section illustrates how the impact and success of technology relies on the innovation, curiosity, and creativity of those who use it.

In support of Westridge’s commitment to sustainability, the City of Pasadena Water and Power has provided the school with financial incentives for the photovoltaic system and LEED certification through various rebate programs.

LEED Platinum certification of Westridge’s Upper School science building was achieved through the number of credits earned against USGBC’s system of sustainability measurement. The facility, designed by Pica+Sullivan Architects with LEED consultant Davis Langdon, was assigned the highest certification level based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. These features include: • Optimized energy performance • On-site use of renewable energy • Ninety percent use of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood • Building water use (over 40 percent reduction) • Water efficiency in landscaping (50 percent reduction) • Use of low-emitting materials such as paints, flooring systems, adhesives and sealants, composite wood, and agrifiber products • Lighting system design and controllability • Optimal daylight and views in over 75 percent of spaces • Green cleaning practices • Use of the facility as a teaching tool for sustainable education “Buildings are a prime example of how human systems integrate with natural systems,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “Westridge School’s project efficiently uses our natural resources and makes an immediate, positive impact on our planet, which will tremendously benefit future generations to come.”

Background photo courtesy of Pica+Sullivan Architects

Gratitude & Giving [pages 2-3] Community [pages 4-6] Drama Pictorial [page 7] Athletic Highlights [pages 8-9]

Tech Talk [pages 10-15] Alumnae Reunions & Class Notes [pages 16-25] Recognition & Graduation [pages 26-27] Fond Farewells [page 28]

community gratitude

Dear Maintenance, You do all the behind-the-scenes work that sometimes goes underappreciated—we love you all for keeping the school and campus so beautiful!

— Sara To the 6th Grade teachers, I love your wacky styles of teaching and most, if not all, of the cool projects you assign.

— Emma Math Department, You’ve helped me love math! Thank you!

— Nina

To Middle School Faculty...you guys are AWESOME! — Carson Thank you Lower-School science for teaching me about neurology and being so awesome.

— Juliana My teachers are soooo nice and they make me want to go to school — even on the weekends!

— Audrey Dear Crossing Guard, You work all morning and all afternoon. You are great at your job.

— Anonymous Commons Staff, Thank you all for providing us with fantastic foods and keeping the lines moving quickly!

— Samantha English Department, I can’t wait to be one of you! You all have inspired me to aspire to be a Westridge English teacher!

— Ellie In February 2011, the Westridge Parent Association (WPA) held the annual faculty/staff appreciation breakfast as a way of saying “thank you” to Westridge employees. A papier-mâché “Tree of Appreciation” was conceived and created by parents Jane Sachdeva (Lara Sachdeva ’18) and Jenny Huang (Celine Tien ’13) with help from the WPA Decorations Committee. Over 200 leaves with heartfelt messages to faculty and staff were collected from parents and students from the Lower, Middle, and Upper School. These are a few of the student messages shared with the community.

Dear After School Care, I love you ALL! You work so hard to keep us safe.

— a 5th grader I love how my PE coach always finds fun AND healthy games for us to play!

— Lucy To the Performing and Visual Arts Faculty: Thank you for teaching us so much about acting and art. You make our plays beautiful and our art fabulous!

— anonymous

Photo credit: current parent Marshall Kwong

Campaign for a Green Future Many thanks to the community members who have donated to the Capital Campaign, which funded the Upper School science building. Donors who contributed at the level of $10,000 and above will be recognized on the leadership donor wall as well as individually in named locations or on facility features.

Leave your legacy at Westridge and add your family’s name to this historic structure, Pasadena’s first LEED Platinum certified building. Contact the Advancement Office and make your gift today!

626.799.1053, ext. 252 | philanthropy@westridge.org

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westridge annual fund 2010—2011

Through generous community support, Westridge exceeded the Annual Fund goal of $800,000 by over $80,000.

parent participation reached 86 percent.

Alumnae participation reached 21 percent.

Grandparent donations increased 78 percent from last year.

Faculty and Staff had 93 percent participation and Trustee participation hit 100 percent.

These donations benefit daily operations and enhance the excellent education of Westridge students. For final year-end details, look for the 2010-2011 Annual Report in the fall.

A Culture of Giving a sampling of The many dimensions of philanthropy at Westridge

time, talent, treasure donor event The Glee Club’s Interim Japan Tour in March 2011 was canceled as a result of the earthquake and tsunami that devastated the country. In response, they held a series of fundraising concerts at Westridge, Altadena United Methodist Church, and Downtown LA’s Water Court with Grand Performances. They also staged concerts for local Japanese communities at Hollenbeck Palms, Keiro Retirement Home, and Keiro Nursing Home. “The girls were disappointed because they had worked so hard for this tour,” said Paul Stephenson, Westridge Glee Club Director. “But our disappointment pales in comparison to what the people of Japan have been through. The girls found another way to have their music benefit the people of Japan.” Funds raised supported the United Methodist Committee on Relief, as well as relief efforts of the US-Japan Council and Operation USA. Pictured above: The Glee Club performs at Water Court as part of Grand Performances.

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healing through music: Japan benefit concert featuring LA Phil musicians

Glee Club Japan benefit concert series

6th grade bake sale

Annually, Westridge celebrates the generosity of the community with a special evening event. On November 17, 2010, Westridge honored the time, talent, and treasure of Westridge parents, alumnae, grandparents, alumnae parents, employees, and friends who had given or volunteered at leadership levels during the 2009-2010 school year. Pictured below, top photo (l. to r.): current parents David Golden, Kirk Dillman, and trustee Alan Tekerlek. photo beneath (l. to r.): alumna, current parents, and alumnae parents Darrell Chulay Banta ’77 and Bert Banta; current grandparent and alumnae parent Paul Erskine; current and alumnae grandparent June Banta; and alumna, current grandparent, and alumnae parent Georgianna Bray Erskine ’50.

The 6th graders raised $1,514.74 from their campus-wide bake sale efforts on March 8, 2011. Funds benefitted Little Dresses for Africa, Friends in Deed Food Pantry, and Union Station Family Center. (See Lower School technology feature on page 10 for additional bake sale details.)

Westridge hosted a concert for Japan relief, initiated by Japan-born Los Angeles Philharmonic violist Richard Elegino and organized by Westridge Parent Association President Kazue McGregor. Four world class LA Phil musicians and an internationally renowned pianist graced the Fran Norris Scoble Performing Arts Center stage on May 3, 2011. The concert raised funds for the US-Japan Council Earthquake Relief Fund. Pictured above, top photo (performers, l. to r.): Cellist Ben Hong, violinist Minyoung Chang, violist Richard Elegino, pianist Gavin Martin, and violinist Jin-Shan Dai. photo beneath (l. to r.): Westridge Parent Association President Kazue McGregor, cellist Ben Hong, Westridge Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor, retired Westridge Head of School Fran Norris Scoble, Jeri and Bryan Takeda, West Coast Program Director, Los Angeles Office of the US Japan Council.

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PG The 2010-2011 Parent Association Executive Committee. back (l. to r.): President Kazue McGregor,Treasurer Larry Ng, Secretary Jennifer Holladay, Assistant Treasurer Marilyn McDonald. front (l. to r.): Vice President for Room Parents Allison Obico,Vice President for Development Sheri Bender, Past President Sheila Golden. Not pictured: Vice President for Summer Opportunities Fair Dee Moritz.

at its best

The Westridge Parent Association (WPA) strives to build community and communication through involvement with the school. Promoting a sense of community among parents, students, and the school, the WPA relies on the talent, expertise, and support of generous parent volunteers. All parents of enrolled Westridge students are members of the WPA. Committed to supporting adult education, the Parent Association meetings feature speakers who provide a forum for discussion of issues pertinent to the school, the education of young women, and parenting.

The topics in 2010-2011 included: “Where in the World is My Child?”

Teens and Social Media: Using the Internet Safely At the September 2010 meeting, Sally Miller, Westridge Director of Technology, helped shed light on the vital role parents play in helping their children navigate this complex new social arena. Parents learned about a range of related issues, from establishing guidelines, to child safety, to student time management.

New parents were welcomed to the community at an intimate reception at Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor’s home in October 2010. pictured (l. to r.): Grant Little,Wes Jackert, Julie Prebel, and Robyn Smith Little.

“Engaging the Heart, Intellect, Body and Soul of Westridge Students” Elizabeth McGregor, head of school, led a panel discussion in November 2010 that focused on the value and importance of balancing an academic program with an enriching student life experience.

Panelists: Bonnie Martinez, Interim Assistant Director of Upper School Lee Stork, Director of College Counseling Cathy Fink, Upper School English/Seminar Teacher Judy McCleese, School Counselor/Director of Student Services Leo Kitajima, Middle & Upper School Orchestra Teacher Melanie Horn, Director of Athletics

“Our Community Journey Toward Cultural Fluency” Elizabeth McGregor moderated a second panel discussion in January 2011 focusing on the school’s diversity and unity initiative.

All parents of students enrolled at Westridge are invited to attend the Parent Association meetings, held every other month during the school year. Preceded by a wine and cheese social reception on Ayrshire Courtyard, most meetings are held in the Elizabeth Edmundson Herrick Commons.

Panelists: Juanita Jimenez, Middle and Upper School Ceramics Teacher and

Latina Affinity Group Advisor Danäe Howe, Academic Technology Coordinator and Mulit-Racial Affinilty Group Advisor Cathy Fink, Upper School English/Seminar Teacher Sabrina Leon, Lower School Spanish Teacher

“Food and Cultural Authenticity” The March 2011 meeting featured special guest speaker Jonathan Gold, Westridge parent and Pulitzer prize winning food critic for LA Weekly. Tastings of an eclectic selection of items from Mr. Gold’s recommended local restaurants were presented to parents during the reception prior to the start of the meeting.

New Parent Welcome and College Report Parents new to the community for the coming school year joined current parents to learn about the colleges and universities where students from the Class of 2011 have enrolled for the fall.

“Food and Cultural Authenticity” featured Pulitzer prize winning food critic Jonathan Gold, pictured above with his daughter Isabel Gold ’12,WPA President Kazue McGregor (center), Past President Sheila Golden, and Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor.

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A summary of each meeting is available on the Parent Association section of Edline, Westridge’s online community. All recaps are written by parent volunteers. Find the Parent Association section link at www.edline.net/pages/Westridge_School and click on Parent News Archive under Contents.

student article

Affinity Groups Evolve Republished from the April 2011 issue of Spyglass,Westridge’s student newspaper | By Sarah Jackson ’12, Spyglass Op-Ed Editor

As Westridge affinity groups and culture clubs strive to incorporate diversity initiatives and promote cross cultural communication in all aspects of campus life, both have taken on a more active role in diversity leadership this year, from rousing interest in the December 2010 national Student Diversity Leadership Conference to planning cultural conversations, celebrations, and assemblies. As the school focuses more on communication among girls of all backgrounds, affinity groups and culture clubs are developing too, hoping to provide an outlet for communication and education for all students, regardless of heritage.

This year, Westridge does not have a Director of Diversity on faculty, which has allowed the student body to become much more involved in affinity group and culture club leadership. “In the past year, affinity groups have been so much more involved in leading diversity initiatives and discussions across campus and various affinity groups and culture clubs have interacted with each other and planned activities together more so than in [previous years],” stated Taelor Bakewell ’11, Student Diversity Chair and African American Affinity Group Head.

Students have the opportunity to join the African American, Latina, East Asian, and Multiracial affinity groups and the Armenian, Asian, Korean, African American, and the Spanish/ Mexican Heritage culture clubs.

Culture clubs and affinity groups have diligently planned and led diversity initiatives, from the cross campus Cultural Conversations and Upper School discussions to affinity breakfasts and lunches. Rachel McKnight ’11, who frequently attends African American Affinity Group meetings, stated, “the planning of these events has for the most part been done by students. We thought of every topic for the Cultural Conversations and met numerous times to decide who would lead which discussions.”

Jessica Ma ’11, Asian Culture Club and East Asian Affinity Group Co-Head, agreed that affinity groups and culture clubs have been much more involved in leadership across campus this year. “Our affinity group is much more interactive this year.

Everyone who participates has a strong voice and it is all student run. We asked for an assembly, planned it ourselves, and were able to have it,” Ma said.

One of the goals of the affinity groups this year is to incorporate the larger student body into diversity activities, hence the Cultural Conversations. “When planning our discussions and activities, we wanted to make sure our topics [pertained to] every member of the student body,” said Deanna Loh ’11, who helped plan the Asian culture Cultural Conversations.

Despite the hope of promoting cross-cultural conversation, however, some students still feel that the affinity groups and culture clubs have an aura of exclusivity. “It seems as though our Cultural Conversations promote diversity, yet the affinity groups sometimes tend to isolate people by group,” said Carrie Honn ’12. Nayely Martinez ’12, agreed with Honn, stating, “Sometimes it seems like the affinity groups are a little insular, and I think this is because people don’t always realize that they are in fact open to everybody.”

Affinity groups are open to everyone who feels a connection to a particular race or ethnicity, however, they have traditionally been viewed by the student body as groups where people discuss what it is like to be a member of a particular race or ethnicity, making some students feel that if they are not a member of a specific race or ethnicity, they should not go to that particular affinity group meeting. In contrast, culture clubs have traditionally been viewed as clubs where people can learn about a particular culture and have usually been attended by students who share an interest in learning more about culture in general. Thus, they have traditionally been viewed as the more open of the two groups. “Affinity groups have been and are generally thought of as a means of connection for students who [identify] a certain way. The cultural clubs by definition provide education [for the student body] about a cultural group,” said Bakewell.

“I see why people may think that affinity groups are especially exclusive because most of the participants seem, from an outside perspective, to be part of one cultural background.

This is not meant to happen, but unfortunately, it seems to happen most often,” said Loh. “Being in a culture club or affinity group offers a connection on a cultural level, so anyone who expresses an interest in or feels connected to a particular culture should definitely attend affinity group or culture club meetings of their choice,” she added.

“Ethnic lines are rather ambiguous anyway and if someone identifies with a cultural group on any level, they should feel free to become involved with that affinity group,” said Veronica Verdin ’11, Latina Affinity Group Co-Head.

As the Cultural Conversations evolve, affinity groups and culture clubs are evolving too, continuously striving to include students of all backgrounds. Affinity groups and culture clubs expand and develop every year. This year, for example there is a new East Asian Affinity Group. “Any one who feels a need for a particular affinity group or culture club should try to begin one because there is always a need and will always be interest,” added Ma.

As a result of this inter-cultural emphasis, many affinity groups have seen increased attendance and interest in culture clubs.

“A lot more people are interested in the affinity group this year and so many more people participate in discussions,” McKnight said. Ma agreed, stating, “The affinity groups seem to be flourishing. Most of them are very well attended now as they gain more leadership responsibilities.”

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Grandparents and Friends Day April 15, 2011 Westridge’s annual Grandparents and Friends Day is a tradition honoring the adults who play important roles in students’ lives. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, and family friends gather on this special day to share in the Westridge student experience through classroom visits, a student performance, campus tours, and lunch.

author | researcher | professor

Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D.

v is it s w e s t r i d g e s c ho o l Westridge School hosted a presentation about student motivation and success by renowned researcher and Stanford University professor Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. author of the best-selling book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.

On Friday, March 18, 2011, as part of the school’s Parent Education Series, Westridge parents, faculty, staff, alumnae, and invited guests from local schools and the larger community learned more about “Mindsets & Praise: Helping Children to Fulfill Their Potential.”

Lee and Dave Sanderson visit with granddaughter Madison Bender ’15 (far right) and classmate Clarke Grayson ’15.

Dr. Dweck is one of the world’s leading researchers in the field of motivation and is the Lewis and Virginia Eaton Professor of Psychology at Stanford University.

Her research has focused on why people succeed and how to foster success. She has held professorships at Columbia and Harvard Universities, has lectured throughout the world, and has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Her scholarly book, Self-Theories: Their Role in Motivation, Personality, and Development, was named Book of the Year by the World Education Federation. Her work has been featured in such publications as The New Yorker, Time, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Boston Globe. She has also appeared on Today and 20/20.

sharing her gift Elizabeth Pyle Chandler ’59 2011 Cynthia Clark Maxwell ’71 Artist-in-Residence

(l. to r.): John Matthiessen, Julia ’14, Olivia ’17, Amanda ’13, Annsley ’13, and Dorothy Hughes Matthiessen ’52.

(l. to r.): Jeanette Martin, Laura Medina ’15, and Warren Martin.

Westridge’s Artist-in-Residence program brings a local artist to campus annually, making it possible for Westridge art students to benefit from the resources of talent in the Los Angeles area. The artist-in-residence interacts with Westridge students and offers a lecture or show to the broader school community.

Westridge School’s 2011 Maxwell Artist-in-Residence, painter Elizabeth Pyle Chandler ’59, worked with students in classes the week of February 22, including an all-school assembly where she discussed her career and art. Her residency concluded with a special exhibition of her selected works on Friday, March 18 in Westridge’s Sigrid Burton ’69 Gallery. Following the exhibition, Chandler donated one of her exhibit pieces as a gift to the school, to be displayed in the Main Building at the entrance to the Joan Irvine Smith ’51 Academic Resource Center.

Throughout her evolving career, Chandler has experimented with different media and approaches, using collage, etching, monotype, oil painting, and acrylic in her work.

Exhibits of her work, both solo and group, have been seen domestically in Pasadena, Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, the Northern California Bay Area, New York, Atlanta, Austin, and Dallas, and internationally in Berlin and Bonn, Germany; and Rome, Italy. She has completed residencies at Byrdcliffe Colony, Woodstock, NY and the “Painting's Edge” in Idyllwild, CA. Her work is in numerous private and corporate collections, with current gallery representation at Gremillion & Co. Fine Art in Houston and Dallas, TX. A Westridge alumna and third generation Southern Californian, Chandler attended Stanford University where she received her BFA in Fine Art and minored in math and biology. She completed graduate work at the University of Iowa and Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.

Joann Anderson (left) with Dorothy Proctor (granddaughters Lauren Anderson-Sanchez’15 and Lucy Birney ’17, not pictured).

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The Maxwell Artist-in-Residence program, named after Cynthia Clark Maxwell ’71, was established in 2004. The endowment fund was created by her parents, Mr. & Mrs. R.B. Clark, to honor Cynthia’s memory and Westridge experience.

Image above is a photo of artwork by Elizabeth Pyle Chandler ’59.

Coney Island 29 | 40 x 30 inch, acrylic on paper, 2010

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2010 — 2011 athletic highlights

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young talent, new potential

Cross Country ended 5th in the Prep League. Senior Kelly Riffenburgh was the leading runner finishing 13th overall.

Golf is building momentum with freshmen Jackie Pai and Niamh James leading the Tigers in all matches.

JV Tennis went undefeated not only in Prep League play, but for the entire season.

Varsity Tennis placed 2nd in league and went to first round in California Interscholastic Federation - Southern Section (CIF-SS) playoffs. Sophomore Maral Tavitian was the first player to advance to CIF-SS Individual playoffs in more than two decades. Maral completed the second round before elimination.

Varsity Volleyball had a rebuilding season, however the Tigers show great promise with the addition of freshman middle blocker Carmen Costa.

Varsity Basketball placed 4th in the Prep League led by senior Taelor Bakewell (10.2 ppg, 11.5 rebounds) and Erin Golden ’14 (8.6 ppg).

Varsity Soccer came from a 0-3 Prep League start to finishing tied for 3rd at 4-4-2 and a 7-8-3 overall record. The Tigers advanced to CIF-SS first round (wild card) and fell to La Salle 0-2 in a tough battle. While the team had very balanced scoring, the Tigers were led by freshman Julia Matthiessen with seven goals for the season.

Water Polo began the season with a strong .500 record by winter break. Prep League competition proved to be very tough for this year’s rebuilding team.

Leading for the Tigers was junior Andrea Risolo with 43 goals for the season.

Varsity Lacrosse, in their first year in the Prep League, competed against Chadwick, Glendale High School, and La Cañada High School. Tigers were Consolation Champions at the Westridge-hosted 9th Annual Rose Bowl Jamboree and defeated rival Glendale High School twice. Leading in goals for the season was freshman Tatum Mannion with 20. Not far behind was sophomore Annsley Matthiessen with 18.

Varsity Softball had nine freshmen on the roster. Three Tigers batted over .300 for the season — freshman Sydney Estrada (.383), sophomore Claire Davis (.378) and freshman Erin Golden (.360). Both pitchers (junior Kelly Habib, freshman Jackie Pai) are returning for the 2011-2012 season.

JV Swimming ended placing 2nd in the Prep League with sophomore Jennifer Jones, first year JV diver, placing 1st in the Prep League.

Varsity Swimming ended 4th in the Prep League. Senior Elyssa Pedote earned her fourth appearance at CIF-SS Division II Swimming Finals, finishing the 100 yard butterfly in 59:58 to win 6th in Consolation Finals and 8th in CIF-SS Division II Finals for the 100 yard backstroke. Elyssa posted a 1.00:77 to be the 8th fastest swimmer in the entire division! Elyssa committed a remarkable four years to representing the Tigers at CIF Finals and will continue her success swimming at the University of Pennsylvania in fall 2011.

Varsity Diving standout sophomore Cassidy Golden ended the year with a 2nd place finish in league and advanced to CIF-SS Division II Diving finals. Cassidy made both cuts to compete in the final round and achieved a personal best with an overall score of 399.42, finishing 7th in the entire division.

Varsity Track & Field had several athletes who advanced to Prep League finals including sophomore exchange student Antonia Hemprich (track) and freshman Carmen Costa (high jump and discus). At CIF-SS Division IV Track & Field Preliminaries, freshman Julia Matthiessen placed 31st in the 400 meters at 1.05:38.

Carmen Costa also placed 31st in high jump at 4’6”, looking toward a promising 2011-2012 season!

Equestrian team (Novice, Freshman, JV, Varsity) participates in four shows per year and ended in 14th place overall – ahead of all Prep League schools. Sophomore Emma Shupper ended in 18th place overall in the varsity division. Freshman Lauren Widuch Snyder is the sole Westridge representive in the Saddleseat & Western School League (JV division). Lauren won first place in the Junior Varsity Saddleseat Equitation and second place in Pleasure Horsemanship Classes in the final Saddleseat & Western School League Horse Show.

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e Digital Age Learning

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The Land of Digital Natives Beginning in the Lower School, technology and digital tools and resources are employed in support of student learning. Interactive programs, robotics, and other software applications are used by students and teachers in order to develop math, language, and music skills as well as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity.

In 4th Grade, students are introduced to robotics using LEGO® Mindstorms. In 6th Grade, the students participate in an interdisciplinary unit where they design, construct, and program robots. The robotics projects expose students to the practical applications of mathematics, physics, computer science, and engineering wherein the robots are both tools and teachers, providing students with immediate feedback.

In addition to promoting logical and critical-thinking skills, the robotics unit encourages creativity and teamwork. The projects are designed to be open-ended so students use their imaginations, are encouraged to take risks, and work together to problem solve — essential skills to foster in this developmental age group.

Upon completion of the unit, students have programmed robots to recognize and identify different colors, dance the Hokey Pokey, and golf on a specially designed course.

Technology further supports 21st century learning in the 6th Grade curriculum. A bake sale to support service-learning integrates consumer math skills. Students collect data and create spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel to compare unit costs, prices of goods sold, and total profits. After the data is collected, students convert findings into graphs, and the profits are donated to local, national, and international organizations.

Students in the 6th Grade also use Microsoft Publisher in social studies to create a newspaper about ancient Greece. While filming and editing a news program about ancient Rome, students learn Adobe Premiere software, which allows them to edit video and create a television show in which they also use green screen technology to transport themselves to ancient Rome.

Audacity is an audio recording and editing program that allows students to edit sound recordings and convert them into digital audio files, or MP3s. In 6th Grade Spanish, students use Audacity in conjunction with Microsoft PowerPoint to create a short documentary. Students research an animal, translate the information into Spanish, create their visual presentation in PowerPoint, and add audio that plays as the slides are shown.

Interactive music software called SmartMusic is used to help Lower School students in 5th and 6th Grade practice and submit school music assignments. The program records student progress from home and school computers, allowing teachers to track student challenges and improvement. Using full accompaniment, the program gives students the chance to play with the sound of a complete orchestra. Rachel Fabulich, 5th and 6th Grade Strings teacher, describes the opportunity provided by the software, “By bringing their music to life, the girls are more likely to want to practice in the first place. In the past, practicing was logged in minutes; this way the students practice for as long as they need to in order to create a recording they want to submit to me. Since the computer assesses them as they go, it becomes almost like a video game, where they compete against themselves to earn the highest score possible.”

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Making two visits to the senior center in the fall, students conducted small group interviews with participating older adults. Practicing video-recording and interviewing skills while learning historical events from the perspective of older adults, the students gained a new outlook on life, living, and aging. After returning to campus, the students used Adobe Premiere Elements to create short multimedia video tributes which were shared at the Pasadena Senior Center over lunch at the end of September 2010. Each participant interviewed received two copies of their oral history videos.

Danäe Howe explained the positive learning experience that occurred in the process.

“Now that broadband is accessible in most homes and schools, the sharing of digital video has become incredibly popular. Video editing software comes standard with most new computers and publishing to the web via YouTube and the like is growing exponentially. We believe it is important for the girls to develop their multimedia creation skills, to better compete in the new multimedia rich global environment. They are using their skills to enhance their own learning, to document historical facts, and to share the many positive aspects of their local community.”

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For the first time in the curriculum, the 8th Grade completed an interdisciplinary oral history project, which joined English, History, Technology, and Service Learning classes together. Sara Cline Tammen ’92, 8th Grade History; Carol van Zalingen, 8th Grade English; Lauren McCabe, Middle School Service Learning; and Danäe Howe, Academic Technology Coordinator, established the project, which partnered with the Pasadena Senior Center.

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The success of the project is substantial. It received attention from the local media, appearing in the Pasadena Star-News and Pasadena Outlook. According to Lauren McCabe, Middle School Service Learning Coordinator, “Every senior who completed a survey said that they would participate in the future, and the coordinator at the Pasadena Senior Center is excited to make this a yearly collaboration. The students acquired new technology skills and also learned about history through personal perspectives. They also learned the importance of bridging generational gaps and what that can teach us about life.” Carol van Zalingen shared, “The kids' reflections on the experience…were so moving. Many talked about how they see history differently now - not as some random abstract event, but something that happened to real people like their seniors. They were so impressed with the volunteer work many seniors did, and many girls talked about how they are inspired to consider what they can do with their own lives to help others. And on a more humorous note, some girls mentioned that they had never realized before that ‘old people’ were once ‘kids like us’ who ‘flirted’ and ‘played practical jokes.’"

The intergenerational project will now be an annual part of the 8th Grade curriculum. Howe explains, “Many of the seniors the girls interviewed have seen moving pictures evolve from black and white films to television to streaming videos over the internet. It is so exciting for them to be the stars of our student films, and a great service to have their oral histories recorded for future generations to see.”

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Information Technology: For Students, By Students After installing new laptops and printers in the Upper School science building as part of the 7th Grade computer science class lesson in hardware, Ruchi Parikh ’16 and Shayana Seneviratne ’16 were hooked. As Middle School students, they now have ambitious plans to boost technology interest at Westridge.

Inspired by their teachers and computer science classes in the 4th and 7th grades, the two asked their teacher, Sally Miller, Directory of Technology, if there had ever been a Middle School Computer Science Club at Westridge. Explaining that there had not been, Ms. Miller suggested that the girls start their own. The club, now in development and headed by Ruchi and Shayana, will take classroom instruction one step further. Diving deeper into hardware, networking, and wireless technology, the two also hope to explore new software. They even anticipate collaborating with a local business

to produce a commercial under Ms. Miller’s guidance and supervision.

When asked why the club is important, Shayana explained, “In 4th Grade, I did a Computer Science class, learning all the basics of how to use a computer. Ever since then, I knew I wanted to know more about technology. Technology is important in education, because soon, everything will be done with technology, so we should be informed earlier on how to use technology in a useful way.”

Ruchi added, “Technology is important for education because many jobs and businesses require the knowledge of how to use and work a computer.”

Ruchi and Shayana expect to have the Computer Science Club up and running for the 2011-2012 school year, and are optimistic that many students will join.

Ruchi Parikh ’16 (Left) and Shayana Seneviratne ’16 are right at home in Karsh Lab, one of three dedicated computer labs on the Westridge campus.

Retooling the Trade The Upper School science building, Westridge’s newest campus facility, is a learning center that boasts multifaceted cutting-edge technology. In addition to the tools specific to eco-conservation and observation, each learning center is thoughtfully equipped with enhanced technology to create broader latitude for both teaching and learning.

Each science and math classroom is equipped with SMART Boards™ and laptops at each student desk. Science laboratories include overhead cameras at each teacher’s station, allowing demonstrations to be projected and clearly observed by each student from her seat. Optical microscopes are equipped with high resolution digital technology, providing students with the option to view magnified samples through the standard eyepiece or on a screen or monitor. Interactive learning software allows teachers to control student laptops, file share, project student work, and send data, Web sites, and URLs to the class.

Aaron Eichelberger, Upper School science teacher, enjoys using technology daily in his classroom. “I use the SMART Board for all of my lectures,” he begins. “I type most of the notes, which are projected for the students to see. I can then handdraw various diagrams on the board where my notes are projected.” For classroom interactivity, Mr. Eichelberger creates practice problems, which students work out on the SMART Board. He then saves all of these SMART Board lecture notes and diagrams, converts them into Adobe PDF files, and posts them on

Edline (Westridge’s online community) for the students to reference, as needed, on their class Web site.

“Several of my students use the laptops at each desk every day to take notes,” Eichelberger continues. “Most take notes in Microsoft Word, a few use SMART Notebook™ so they can also draw in pictures, and a couple even use Google Docs so they can access their notes at home without having to email a file to themselves or use a flash drive.”

Laboratory technology has also been a key component of Mr. Eichelberger’s classes. “I’ve used all kinds of electronic probes for labs this year, from motion sensors to Geiger counters. In one lab, the students used the Geiger counters to measure the background radiation levels at many different locations on campus, as well as determine the type of radiation (alpha, beta, or gamma) that was most prevalent.”

The overhead camera above his teacher’s station has also provided an added dimension to Mr. Eichelberger’s classroom instruction. “On occasion, I use it to display an image in the textbook that is not available electronically. I also display demonstrations or lab data from the teacher’s desk so students will have a clearer, larger view of the demo without leaving their seats. ”

12 Photo courtesy of Pica+Sullivan Architects

beyond

center stage

The Westridge Performing Arts program delves beyond center stage, immersing students in aspects of theater — from stage craft to costume design — in addition to performance.

Students interested in performing arts tech work learn various programming software and hardware for design in sound, light, set, and costume.

Below are a selection of programs and software students may learn as they work with faculty on Westridge productions: Adobe AfterEffects: digital visual & animation effects AutoCAD: vector-based drafting in 2D & 3D CAD: computer-aided design ETC Element: digital DMX lighting control for intelligent lighting Final Cut Pro: digital film making software Garage Band: digital audio editing software Illustrator: vector-based design software iMovie: Mac-based digital film making software Leprechaun 1600 Console: digital 2-scene DMX lighting control LightWright4: lighting design documentation & organization Photoshop: digital photographic effects for graphic design Movie Magic Screen Writer: script writing software Sketchup: digital 3D drafting & animation software Soundtrack Pro: digital sound mixing Virtual Light Lab: digital vector-based lighting simulation & modeling

Paige Lurie ’11 Student Sound Board Operator JaNelle Weatherford Theater Tech, Performing Arts Deparment

“I try to help the girls associate lighting with things they already know from math, science, and art to better understand concepts of electricity and design. Students on my crew are capable of simple wiring, programming, patching, and focusing standard components of theatrical electrics in a safe way. They have a comfortable (and playful) understanding of what each light does and why we would choose to use it. My personal joy comes from sharing my experience in a field that was once predominately male.

Theatrical lighting takes creativity, intelligence, flexibility, as well as physical, mental, and emotional strength to clearly sculpt a story with light. Not only do we invent a play’s design, but we see the work to its completion in a timely and agreeable way with the rest of our team. I think these professional skills are invaluable in an environment like Westridge.”

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“Sound can help create the mood and atmosphere of a show for the audience. I think it is great that we have this technology available to make sound so easy. Before, we relied on a series of CDs to get the correct sounds.”

Brittany Huang ’11 Student Assistant Lighting Designer

“I really enjoy learning about lighting — the differences between types and styles, for example, and how the angle we hang a light affects how the actors look. And it’s fun!

My work in Technical Theater has allowed me to combine my creative side with my love of science. Lighting design is both artistic and technical. We have to calculate the angle at which the lights hit the stage or else the actors will look creepy or ill. The combination of colors has to be perfect to create a mood. We have a limited number of instruments, and a limited area to light from, so we have to be thoughtful about how we hang lights. It's all about problem solving, and it's incredibly fun to figure out just the right touch to make a play come alive.”

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i n t e r v i e w s :

Alumnae discuss

Julia Cates ’69 What sparked your interest in technology? Did Westridge help prepare you for such a progressive career path?

When I was at Westridge in the 1960s, we didn’t talk about technology in the classroom. Classroom technology was white chalk on a black board. Homework used pencil on paper. English essays were typed on manual typewriters.

Outside our school, the computer industry was starting to take off, driven by companies like IBM. The highest selling computer, the IBM 360 mainframe, consumed half a classroom and had 8 kilobytes of memory. While I practiced algebra, the US was gearing up to put a man on the moon — and using lots of computers to do so.

During my senior year, my Westridge pal, Jean Henderson ’69, heard that Pasadena City College offered a computer programming class — at 7 a.m. We could rise early to attend PCC’s computer class and then rush across town to reach Westridge in time for first period.

Learning FORTRAN constituted our Senior Project. That was my introduction to computers. Computers, with their magical programming interface, was the cool, new thing; and I wanted to learn more.

So how did Westridge figure into the plan? Westridge’s culture has always been to encourage students to be independent and make a difference. We were inspired by our teachers, who gave us the confidence to take challenging courses. Mrs. Morelli taught us algebra and to show our work on problem sets. Ms. Lipschutz introduced us to Shakespeare. Mrs. Wilcke brought us gymnastics and the uneven bars. Ms. Wieland taught trigonometry with its tangled tangents and secants. In Mrs. Huber’s physical science class, we gave electrical impulses to frog legs.

One very special teacher was Mrs. Runkle. She not only shepherded seniors through AP biology, she found ways to give all Westridge students an appreciation for a range of science fields, such as microbiology. In one Upper School morning assembly, Mrs. Runkle brought seven students to the stage and wiped the first student’s hand with a bacteria ladened Q-Tip. Moving down the line, each student shook hands with the next student. She swabbed the palm of the last student’s hand and dabbed the Q-Tip on the surface of a petri dish. A week later, Mrs. Runkle returned to morning assembly to show the extensive bacterial culture that had developed on the dish. From then on, we students had a better understanding of germ transmission and the importance of vigorous, frequent hand washing.

Looking back at my Westridge days, I appreciate the smaller class sizes and structure that led to forming strong bonds with classmates. I was among girls with amazing interests and skills. My classmates participated

14

in Olympic equestrian events; Sigrid Burton ’69 became a professional artist with work acquired by New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Kate Moore ’69 worked in Ronald Reagan’s and George Bush Sr.’s presidential administrations. Amanda Reynolds Boesche ’69 directed and starred in musicals; others became medical doctors and lawyers. Several of us gathered on Alumnae Day [in March 2011] to honor Nan Elliot Hale ’69, who received the Mary Lowther Ranney Award this year for her work as an author and journalist in Alaska (for more information about Nan Elliot Hale ’69, see page 18). These gifted students encouraged me to pursue computers, and find ways to conquer calculus, physics, and computer programming, despite the fact that they were not available at Westridge at the time.

A key strength of the Westridge program has always been to provide students with leadership opportunities.

I played on many varsity sports teams and was Head of Athletics, running a committee with events to organize such as the Greek and Roman induction ceremonies as well as various pep rallies. These team building skills would prove useful in my career.

And, of course, Westridge gave me the necessary critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills, so that Jean and I had no problem aceing a college level computer course. Describing my “Westridge Programming Senior Project,” I wrote on my college applications that I wanted to become a computer engineer and was accepted to several university engineering programs.

Tell us about your career path in technology. As a professional in the field, what role do you see technology play in education?

I spent over 30 years in the high tech industry in Silicon Valley. After graduating from Stanford with bachelors and masters degrees in Electrical Engineering, I worked for Hewlett Packard in its computer design division. My first project was to develop and release to production a new computer system intended for factory automation applications. Then I moved into project management and later into product marketing. The remainder of my career was managing product lines ranging from large business systems to thumb-nail sized computer chips and even multi-gigahertz signaling technology used in video games and personal computers.

Product managers are expected to translate the needs of the market into designs of future products. They marshal corporate business and engineering resources needed to bring new products to production and to market. In the high tech field, I led a team of engineers, sales, marketing, communications, production, and finance experts. The process of bringing a new complex product to market requires great team work and bringing out the strengths of each team member.

Today there is a lot of discussion about the need for students to develop 21st century skills – and people think of computers and software applications. We know that technology has helped to improve our lives; enhancing how we communicate, work, and play. Twenty years

ago, the majority of the population did not use cell phones. Ten years ago, today’s powerhouse internet companies — Amazon, Google — were just starting to shape the industry. Facebook didn’t even exist yet.

Who can predict how technology will change our lives by 2020 and what “technology skills” will be needed?

In education, as well as in industry, technology can be a tool and a resource for getting more done, more efficiently and effectively. Coupled with basic learning skills, critical thinking, and problem solving, 21st century students will be prepared to capitalize on the global and economic changes ahead. Westridge has always provided a strong academic skill set and love of learning, communicating, and collaborating — which are key to mastering “21st century skills.”

Westridge just opened a new, sustainable Upper School science building. What do you think about that?

Westridge’s new sustainable Upper School science building is very exciting. At Alumnae Day, I was able to tour the science building, talk to teachers, and see a class in action. The students have access to professional level labs; computers are incorporated into the daily instruction and provide many avenues for collaboration.

Within its leadership architectural design, students cannot help but gain a fresh way of viewing our evolving world; one feels transformed and part of a learning community that can seem boundless.

What are you doing now?

For the last four years, I have devoted my energies to help low income, middle school students prepare for college. Working with 13 school districts across Silicon Valley, we help students complete algebra and take on rigorous high school college prep classes. Our students go on their first college campus visits. Their parents, who typically did not attend college and may not speak English, learn how to support their child’s path to college. This summer, some of our students will be supplied with their first computers (portable netbooks) and enjoy a more personalized learning environment.

I plan to stay connected with Westridge to see how Westridge continues to integrate technology into its instruction to enhance student learning. I also see Westridge’s alumnae network as a powerful resource for advancing our world so I am finding ways to collaborate with other alumnae to help more under-represented students reach rewarding careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

What are your interests other than technology?

I married a Caltech technologist, raised three sons, and feel challenged in keeping up with their careers and technology pursuits. I enjoy staying in contact with Westridge classmates. We share reading lists, debate the issues of our world. And laugh, a lot.

careers in technology after a Westridge education

Sandra Lloyd ’97 When did you know you wanted to go into a technology-related field? Did Westridge have anything to do with it?

That is a tough question. I was interested in science and math for as long as I can remember, and always knew I would enjoy working in a technology-related field. I credit Westridge’s science and math teachers entirely for sparking my interest in tech. But I also wanted to do music and ended up earning degrees in music performance. I went to the University of Illinois, a school that had one of the top computer engineering programs in the country at the time, and I found myself fascinated by the work my friends in that major were doing. Unfortunately, I also let myself get intimidated by it and told myself that I could never catch up to their level of knowledge. But I never stopped being curious about science and technology. I even took organic chemistry for fun while earning my music degree.

My curiosity about how the world works led me to a career in financial services, which was interesting but not a perfect fit. That’s where the twist of fate occurred.

I was laid off in May 2009 from my job in private wealth management sales. This ended up being the best thing that has ever happened to my career because, as a result, I got a government grant to take classes in order to learn a new occupation. I realized that I wasn’t really loving the financial services thing, and I didn’t have much to lose, so I took this opportunity to choose something I was just empirically excited about — something I didn’t have to try or pretend to like.

After a lot of reflection and meditating, I realized that I really, really wanted to learn how the Internet worked and how to build great Web sites. So I used all the grant money to take three certificate programs at NYU in web design, web development, and marketing. In these classes, I learned that I loved to code, but even more, I loved user experience design (“UX”). Through one of my instructors at NYU, I got an internship in interaction design (a branch of UX) and worked my way into a salaried position.

What in your Westridge education sparked an interest in technology?

Westridge was special because it always emphasized women's fantastic ability to excel in science and math.

The enthusiasm of my science teachers, Mr. Hallman, Mrs. De Kleine, Mr. Cooperman, and Mrs. Kupperman, was infectious and got me excited about figuring out how things work. My 10th Grade math teacher, Mrs. Reeves, helped me realize that I was great at solving problems, even though I went through a rough patch in math in Middle School. Those are two main ingredients for being interested in and successful in technology.

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The other encouraging factor at Westridge was that we had lots of computers in the science building. A few friends and I often spent our lunch hour playing computer chess and just exploring the computers.

exciting possibility.

I was also incredibly lucky to be a gap-bridger: I was at Westridge when it first got Internet access, around the time when the Internet really came to be commonly used. I am glad that they made this investment in our education; this perspective got me permanently excited about discovering new capabilities on the Web and constantly helps me understand many different shades on the spectrum of being computer savvy.

In particular, I love my UX career because I get to use all of my interests and lots of different parts of my brain.

Westridge made its students into Renaissance people because it encouraged us to explore and develop abilities in many different areas. UX works perfectly for that type of thinking because you have to figure out how the human mind works and how computers work, and come up with creative solutions that help the two communicate. In order to do that, you have to at once understand psychology, logic, art, math, marketing, and many other aspects. You have to know how to research, and you have to be a compassionate person. Westridge did all of that for me.

How did Westridge prepare you for your life and specifically your career? Are their any teachers or classes that were crucial or inspirational to you?

Westridge prepared me well for my life and career because it taught me that I can learn anything. This is essential in technology-related fields because things are always changing and developing. So if you don’t like to learn, you’re going to fail.

Why is technology important in education?

Technology is a hugely integral part of our entire world.

Even in third-world countries, cell phones are used regularly to communicate. It is inescapable. Today, if you are going to be successful in any field, you need to understand something about how technology works.

Schools that minimize or fail to offer up-to-date technology education are hurting their students’ chances for success, no matter what career they choose.

I'm very encouraged to know that Westridge is still taking a strong initiative on having up-to-date technology resources for its students. These resources are crucial to ensuring that Westridge accomplishes its goal of preparing young women to be successful and worldly individuals.

Tell me a little about your job and the work that you do.

Westridge just opened a new, sustainable Upper School science building. What do you think about that?

I love that Westridge has opened a new sustainable building. I hope that students will learn how the sustainable technology works and the magnitude of the energy savings. It's a great way to show how technology can solve social and environmental problems.

What are your interests other than technology?

I have lots of interests! I'm currently learning Japanese, which takes up a lot of my time. I enjoy working out.

I participate in social media (you can follow me at @ sandblasta). I love eating out at restaurants and cooking. I keep up with my music and occasionally perform with orchestras, but I'm also learning the ukulele and the bass guitar. I’m never bored!

Westridge is the kind of school that I could see being a trailblazer in technology education. I love that Westridge requires students to take technology classes in Middle School and has elective options in Upper School. This exposure is often all a student needs to find her passion and make it a career.

The unfortunate truth is that there are very few women in tech fields these days, even though we are perfectly suited to be successful in them. This is a real shame for the industry because women in the field bring a fresh perspective and attributes that naturally lend themselves to tech-related tasks. We’re great problem solvers, we’re creative, we’re resourceful, we’re patient, and we think outside of the box. In order for this trend to change, schools need to teach girls to write code, to understand how databases work, and to explore other aspects of computers and technology. I believe that schools like Westridge are perfectly positioned to take the lead on changing the gender gap in tech. It's an

15

class of

1971

class of

40th Reunion

Front row (l. to r.): Alfrida Penberthy King, Linda LeMoncheck, Leslie Fleeman, Cynthia Callaway Williams, Cicely Moorman Powell.

Back Row (l. to r.): Kathy Sterling, Barbara Starr, Julia Tyson LaGrua, Lauri Hendrickson Mendenhall, Catherine Christian Schultz, Mary Good Lindgren, Mary Russell, Mary Horrall Miller, Dana Howes Anderson, Barbara Beckham.

class of

class of

1981

class of

1991

16

30th Reunion

Mary Elizabeth Anderson (left), Julia Huddleson Wohlgemuth

20th Reunion

1986

1976

35th Reunion

(l. to r.): Jane Wheatcroft Wiser, Sabra Clark White, Anne Dorsey Long, Alison Marshall

25th Reunion

(l. to r.): Kate McMillen Fasulo, Mary DeWitt Wilson, Courtney Fong Evans, Michelle Tyson, Caren Cholakian Colburn, Michele Matsuura Shibuya, Jennifer Schultz Bertolet, Melissa Furbush Shaw, Kristen Brown, Kelly Bedford Willrich

Front Row (l. to r.): Mary Chess Abelson,Wendy Schnee Withers, Amber Bradley back Row (l. to r.):Natasha Morisawa, Michele Nishiyama Esbenshade, Rebecca Cox Rios, Jane Belmont Peutet, Stacey Tappan, Monica Oller, Jennifer Bowns Bryan, Miko Lwin Meraz, Sarah Robinson Oerth,Veronica Roman, Melissa Lee, Rehana Hethumuni, Brandi Bakewell, Heather Lee

50th Reunion

Front row (l. to r.): Pamela Lochhead Trachta, Catherine Hillard, Sallie Anderson Reeves, Alice Myers Brown, Susan Bassett Clough, Alison Grey Anderson Second row (l. to r.): Andrea Dorn Rohrer, Margo Jensen Boetticher, Karla Stromberger, Nadine Smith Danz, Jane Hoffman Popovich, Janet Russell, Mollie Paul Collins, Karen Zisch Hardesty, Susan Higginbotham Rehm, Kristi Wallace,Virginia Corelette Pollard Back row (l. to r.): Victoria Odriozola Dillingham, Betsy Hartwell Schapira, Linda Wheaton Hollister,Virginia Gerner Heinrich

class of

1961

home there’s no place like

Alumnae return home to Westridge to celebrate Alumnae Day and gather for class reunions

class of

class of

1951

60th Reunion

(l. to r.): Sherry White Bullock, Althea Milbank Brimm, Ann Davies Martin, Nancy Laine Thompson, Barbara Minty Hennessy, Barbara Stewart Jameson, Eleanor Gramatky Wolf, Anne Armfield

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Surgere 2010-2011

1956

55th Reunion

(l. to r.): Karen Schirm Irwin, Debbie Andreson Burns, Patty Gooch Capps

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Westridge honors Nan Elliot Hale ’69 2011 Winner of the Mary Lowther Ranney Distinguished Alumna Award This year’s Mary Lowther Ranney Distinguished Alumna Award recipient is researcher, storyteller, and naturalist Nan Elliot Hale ’69, honored at Alumnae Day on March 18, 2011.

An independent writer and producer, Nan has written several books, many about exploration, culture, and the personalities of her home state of Alaska. She was the author of “I’d Swap My Old Skidoo For You”: A Portrait of Characters on the Last Frontier; co-author of ALASKA: National Geographic’s Guide to America’s Outdoors; co-author and editor of both the first and second editions of Alaska Best Places; and contributing author of Alaska and the Yukon and The American Coal Miner. As a filmmaker and photographer, Nan worked with one of Alaska’s great legends, Joe Redington, Sr., founder of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. During his Iditarod Challenge Expeditions, they traveled 1,200 miles by dogs across Alaska along the Iditarod race trail.

Currently, Nan is writing “To The Summit!” The Story of the Pirate—Ray Genet—King of Mount McKinley, a biography of one of Alaska’s more flamboyant characters, a boisterous SwissAmerican who was the first guide on Mt. McKinley.

Nan’s independent spirit, commitment to the environment, passion and caring for her community, and joy in storytelling are among the reasons she was selected as this year’s Ranney Award winner.

Pictured above: Nan Elliot Hale ’69 is presented with the Mary Lowther Ranny Distinguished Alumna Award by Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor.

Eight Ranney Award winners were present at Alumnae Day 2011. below (l. to r.): 1996 recipient Julia Cates ’69, 2006 recipient Palmer Robinson ’68, 2004 recipient Linda LeMoncheck ’71, 2011 recipient Nan Elliot Hale ’69, 2000 recipient Dorothy Hughes Matthiessen ’52, 1991 recipient Gwen Garland Babcock ’53, and 1997 recipient Jean Tarr Fleming ’44. In attendance but not pictured is 2002 recipient Adelaide Finkbine Hixon ’36.

“Like most Alaskans, I have worn many hats. I have worked as a reporter for daily newspapers, as a citizens’ lobbyist and staff to the governor of Alaska, and as field researcher/writer for a Presidential Commission under President Jimmy Carter. I have been down in the coal mines of Appalachia; directed film crews on board Japanese fishing boats in the Bering Sea; lectured on cruise ships sailing the Inside Passage of Alaska; mushed dogs down the Iditarod Trail; traveled to the Himalayas to research the story of a legendary Alaska climber who died beneath the summit of Mt. Everest; and produced award-winning television and radio programs on the fisheries, history, and science of Alaska. By profession, I am a writer and filmmaker. By nature, I am an adventurer. Alaska has been my home for 37 years.”

Nan is the 26th recipient of the Mary Lowther Ranney Distinguished Alumna Award, created in 1987 to honor an alumna whose life embodies the Westridge motto, Surgere Tentamus (We Strive to Rise).

Westridge Class of 1947 Honors the Memory of Joan Taufenbach Haskell ’47 During a special reception on Alumnae Day 2011, Westridge Class Representatives were recognized for their vital role in building, maintaining, and strengthening the relationship among classmates and between alumnae and the school.

Many members of the Class of 1947 were in attendance at the reception to pay tribute to Joan Taufenbach Haskell ’47, their sole Class Rep for 63 years, who passed away in October 2010 (see In Memoriam section, page 25).

Joanie, also fondly known by her classmates as “Tauf,” kept the bonds of the Class of 1947 strong, and encouraged their continued connection to the school. She was also honored as the Mary Lowther Ranney Distinguished Alumna in 2008. Joanie’s children, Sarah Haskell Greene and Cobe Haskell, attended and made brief remarks.

The Class of 1947 sponsored the creation of a plaque in Joanie’s memory, unveiled at the reception and located in Braun Music Center — the “old gym” — honoring Joanie’s love of and dedicated commitment to athletics as a Westridge student.

A memory board in Joanie’s honor was created and displayed during the reception.

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On May 27, the first Joan Taufenbach Haskell ’47 Contribution to Athletics Award was presented to a Westridge Erin O’Reilly ’11. Joanie’s son Cobe attended Senior Class Day to present the award.

cn lo at es ss 1926

1941

1951

Virginia McCormack Graff (Pasadena, CA): Here is a picture of Virginia at her 103rd birthday party. She’s holding her childhood doll that we had restored for her. She was completely surprised and kept the doll on her lap throughout most of the party! Virginia is usually at her best in the afternoon. I chat with her every day, and she often reminds me of what a wonderful teacher Miss Ranney was!

Submitted by Jane Magwood, Virginia’s friend.

Nancy Noble Harder (Encinitas, CA): In Houston, TX on April 16, 2011, Nancy married Frederick J. Carr Jr., widower of Nancy’s friend and 1941 classmate, the late Kathryn McTaggart Carr. Nancy and Fred had dated frequently all through college years, and over the past 70 years, had been aware of each other’s occasional news as published in the Westridge’s Surgere.

Althea Milbank Brimm (La Jolla, CA): “I enjoyed the reunion on March 18, 2011, a lot, and missed all those from our class who weren’t there. Especially happy to see Nan Elliot Hale ’69, whose husband was a dear friend of my husband’s, beginning in the 1940s at Annapolis. Art work, great women friends, t’ai chi and family are keeping me going after my husband’s death on December 19, 2010.”

Editor’s note: Virginia McCormack Graff passed away on March 24, 2011.

1937 Vail Goss Belyea (Charlottesville,VA): “Starting my sixth year at Our Lady of Peace in Charlottesville, a retirement home.

Volunteering in various ways like posting the daily schedule and weekly singing solos, accompanied by my friend, Joe Giovanelli, whose book Let There Be Light has just been published. It’s great: author born blind shows how he made it, eventually with the Lord’s help. It’s inspiring! It’s available at Amazon.com. Heather Goss ’59 (my niece) will be able to tell you about it (I’m in it, too!).”

1939 Josephine Carter Duff (Montecito, CA): “I have been at Casa Dorinda for 11 years — a great place if you have to grow old. Casa Dorinda is in Santa Barbara, CA.” Katharine Nevins Schwarzenbach (Pomona, CA): “I live in Mt. San Antonio Gardens in Pomona/Claremont now.

Beautiful place...near enough to Pasadena activities and family. Still summer four months in Maine.”

1940 Rosemary Hadden Hayes (Santa Rosa, CA): “I am blessed to live in a genial and generous community founded by Quakers.

I am sickened by our country’s subsidizing the violence of war and its appalling destruction and suffering. Growth and success must have new avenues which I deeply hope education can foster.”

1942 Barbara Beardslee Perren (Dallas, TX): “I am enjoying life in Dallas, TX with my sister, Sandra Beardslee Werden ’52, and from time to time visiting former classmates.”

1943 Zemula Pierce Fleming (Aliso Viejo, CA): “We made the decision last year to move to a retirement community, The Covington, in Aliso Viejo. With our favorite pieces of furniture and a whole new family of friends, we are very happy that we chose this facility. Our children live approximately the same distance away as when we lived in Laguna Beach.”

1945 Margaret Bliss Harms (Quechee,VT): “Finally had a total hip replacement in August. Two months later, I’m walking comfortably with a cane. Should have done it years ago!”

Editor’s note: Margaret Bliss Harms passed away on January 7, 2011. See “In Memoriam” section on page 24.

1948 Constance Crawford (Palo Alto, CA): “I am beginning the process of moving from my Palo Alto home of 40 years. I am very bad at throwing out files or paper saved and I am adding to my files: still writing — poetry now — and some random stories.

I feel well and am thankful for it! I enjoyed seeing Gloria Wyeth Neumeier and Katherine “Kay” Swan Schwarberg at the recent meeting in San Francisco. I always enjoy seeing Dorothy “Dotty” Ruebel Davis when our paths cross.”

1949 Prudence Baldwin Kaye (Kamuela, HI): “In spring of 2010, I sold my Corvallis, OR home and bought a place on the Big Island, HI. So happy to be living where it is not too hot, not too cold, and almost always sunny.

Aloha!”

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Sherry White Bullock (Huntington Beach, CA): “It was fun on October 21, 2010, getting together for the alumnae event at the Irvine Museum with Margaret Hastings Howe ’52 and Valerie Thom Read ’53. I enjoyed meeting Elizabeth McGregor and the other ladies.”

discover the

Benefits of

giving wisely

Do you know there are creative ways to support Westridge School? Ways in which Westridge, you, and your loved ones all benefit at the same time?

Such giving techniques are called “planned gifts” because with thoughtful planning, your gift can benefit both you and Westridge. For example: • You can make a gift that costs nothing during your lifetime by naming Westridge in your will or trust.

• You can give stock and realize larger tax savings.

• You can get a monthly paycheck for life in return for your gift through a charitable gift annuity.

Planned gifts are recognized in The Madeline Society. The Madeline Society honors the generosity of all those who provide for Westridge School in their estate plans or who are participating in a life-income plan or other deferred giving arrangement. We encourage you to become a member.

If you would like information about making a gift that will benefit the school in the future, please contact the Advancement Office, 626.799.1053, ext. 273.

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1953 Cynthia Crawford Berne (Los Angeles, CA): “Enjoyed the Westridge annual lunch for our class at Gwen Garland Babcock’s house. Saw Jane Kearney Kahn and Susan Grandin Taylor while on a driving trip. Attended Alumnae Day 2011 — Westridge hospitality is outstanding!”

Gertrude Robbins Fator (Oakland, CA): “I’ve made two new Westridge friends by accident - one, a P.E.O. sister who graduated in 1948 and the other a fellow dog lover walking on the beach in Aptos where I am frequently.”

Barbara Hawks McCampbell (West Hills, CA): “My grandson, Patrick Carmichael, was married in 2009 to his one and only girlfriend since they met at church as teenagers. He graduated from Masters Seminary in 2010.”

Valerie Thom Read (Capistrano Beach, CA): “Larry and I spent my 75th birthday in Paris. I never get tired of that place. In October 2010, Westridge hosted Orange County alums at the Irvine Museum, with lunch at Bistango. The best part was meeting the new Head of School, Liz McGregor.”

Marilyn Keyes Roper (Houlton, ME): “Our granddaughter, Sarah, graduated in May from college with a major in international finance. We wish her generation well and hope ethical choices will result in a more productive economy with concern for all.”

Susan Grandin Taylor (Ross, CA): “My sister, Nancy Lou Grandin Hutchinson ’47, and I went to Israel in June 2010 to see ‘Nabucco’ at Masada; loved the trip. Bob and I did some fly fishing on the Truckee and flew to British Columbia for a lovely little ‘get-away.’ We are both well: tennis, gardening, bridge (Susan) and cooking (Susan).”

1954 Marilynn Krick Bracken (Palm Springs, CA): “On January 30, 2010, I married Joe Bracken, owner of Bracken Bird Farm in Redlands. We had been acquainted for about 10 years as I had a large aviary in my Palm Springs backyard and bought birds and supplies from Joe. We spend time bird watching, caring for 100 rose bushes and dancing West Coast Swing!”

Lucia Sowers Hyde (Raton, NM): “Life in the ‘wild west’ continues as our group has removed a corrupt mayor. Our business also continues in a very beautiful spot.”

1955 Jenifer Paul Bode (Pasadena, CA): “Lots of recent travel, the Islands of Japan with Susan Straubel Champion and then three wonderful weeks in Alaska.

A marvelous reunion with classmates at Amanda Nyce McIntyre’s home. We missed those of you who couldn’t come.”

Susan Straubel Champion (Corona Del Mar, CA): “Traveled to Namibia, West Africa, with Amanda Nyce McIntyre in June 2010 and then celebrated our 55th Class Reunion in Carpinteria, hosted by Amanda.

Great turnout and all had a wonderful time.”

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Marian Cooley Green (Salt Lake City, UT): “Celebrating 50th wedding anniversary.

Sid retired and has become a professor in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah.”

Amanda Nyce McIntyre (Carpinteria, CA): “Twelve of us came to my home on the shore in Carpinteria for three days of good cheer, much sharing of family information, news and fine cuisine — including a visit to Lotusland (where the picture below was taken of nine of us.) 1st row: Amanda Nyce McIntyre, Gigi Poulson McWilliams, Jenifer Paul Bode. 2nd row: Nancy Rhodes Burrows, Bobbi Glover, Janet Morse Stanford. 3rd row: Nancy Hunting Saunders, Sue Straubel Champion, Cece Hamlin Wells. Jackie Hurschler Evans, Jennith Gilbert Knox and Ann Moore skipped the garden. Trekked to Nambia and Yunnan, China (with Sue Straubel Champion) in 2010. Lately, the Everglades, and soon the Arches and Monument Valley. I love the splendor of nature.”

1959 Sondra Rogers Behrens (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA) performed in Robert Schumann’s Frauenliebe und Leben on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, at Ascension Lutheran Church, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Elizabeth Pyle Chandler (Desert Hot Springs, CA): “I am the Westridge School Maxwell Artist-in-Residence for 2011 and glad of it. I have donated a painting to the school in appreciation for the great education and lasting friendships.”

Peggy Meggs White (Laguna Woods, CA): “Keep an eye out for a new reality show called Sr. Class. I’m in it!”

Cynthia Nash Hummel (Billings, MT): “This year I have continued to pursue my favorite activities, one of which is travel.

For three weeks in February I was back in Germany to visit my special friends. Then for a long weekend in March 2010, I attended the Westridge Alumnae Day. Three weeks in April and May my husband and I were on a Stanford cruise up the Amazon River from its mouth at Belem, then out and around the northeast coast of South America to Suriname, Guyana, up the Orinoco in Venezuela and finally a few days in Trinidad and Tobago. In June 2010, we attended an event in Connecticut, then explored Acadia National Park in Maine. Back home in Montana I attended The Rocky Mountain School of Photography for a week in Missoula, was able to stay with son Karl and his wife Lauren for that time. Fall 2010 is in the air here in Billings. Recently, my husband and I headed out to join a travel group to the Caucasus Mountains visiting Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and ending in Iran. I had a hard time trying to decide how to dress appropriately in the latter country, as I can only show my face and hands!”

1956

1960

Janet Skeels Bacon (Palmer, AK): “Moved back to Alaska!”

Erika Hoeneman Oller (Pasadena, CA): “Two lovely granddaughters, Sabina and Fiola. I’m doing sculpture now.”

Toni Dibble Parker (Columbia, SC): “All is well in South Carolina for us.”

Barbara Trent Furmanski (Ocala, FL): “Getting ready to leave for Europe on the Queen Victoria cruise out of Fort Lauderdale.”

1957 Claudeen Smith Lindberg (Atlanta, GA): “We now have five grandchildren in California and luckily have three here in Atlanta.”

Joan Lamb Ullyot (Scottsdale, AZ): “We still spend summers and part of the winters in Colorado; ‘shoulder sessions’ in Scottsdale, AZ for golf. I also still run about three miles every day (ever slower!). I have three grandchildren now (ages 3—9) who live in Hillsborough, CA.”

1958 Poppy Copeland (Boulder, CO): “My Internet contact is sketchy as I am now working in Thailand with refugees on the border with Burma. To catch you up, I am still a psychotherapist and intercultural trainer for Tucker International. I also serve on the Board of Directors of Burma Lifeline and am the project coordinator for Salus World both of which are NGO’s that specialize in humanitarian work in conflict areas.”

Susan Wheeler Rappe (San Francisco, CA): “I am beginning my 10th year as president of Friends of Roman Cats, a non-profit that helps spay and neuter the street cats of Italy and also helps care for the San Francisco Bay area feral cats — ­ and I grew up as a dog person! Have seen Mary Test quite often over the year. Loved the reunion!”

1961 Alice Myers Brown (Palo Alto, CA): “Don and I are living in our original 1972 home in Palo Alto where we raised our three daughters and one son. They live in Menlo Park, Oakland, San Francisco, and San Diego.

We recently built a vacation home on the lagoon in south Carmel next door to Clint’s Mission Ranch. Our children and grands love vacationing together there. I am still painting oil landscapes plus requests by the grandchildren — trucks, African animals, t-shirts, and tea tables and chairs. Our daughter, Emily, imports ceramics from Italy, Mexico, and France (check out her website: emiliaceramics.com) which keeps me busy, too. Don and I love adventure travel alone or in small groups — this year to Zambia, Namibia, and Botswana, and Alaska. Andi Dorn Rohrer and husband joined us in Carmel this summer. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at Westridge for our 50th.”

Catherine Hillard (Alexandria,VA): “Planned our 50th Reunion March 2011 with Vicki Odriozola Dillingham.”

Virginia Corlette Pollard (Stanford, CA): “From January to June 2010, we lived in Seattle while Dave was at the University of Washington, on sabbatical from Stanford.

It was great to get to know Seattle and the Northwest. Our third grandchild was born in Palo Alto in April. We had a wonderful time at our 45th class reunion at Pomona in May. Great year! I so enjoyed our wonderful 50th Reunion at Westridge in March 2011, and all the terrific sharing that we engaged in, both before our weekend together in Pasadena and at the reunion itself. We had a great campus tour and everything about today’s Westridge is impressive!”

Susan Higginbotham Rehm (Santa Rosa, CA): “It has been a sad time for me since September 29, 2010, when my husband of 46 years died after a very brief illness.

Having my daughters Elizabeth and Sarah close by have been a source of strength for me. After spending the day at my 50th Reunion in March 2011, I highly recommend that everyone go to each and every reunion.

Seeing old classmates after so many years was wonderful. We all enjoyed reminiscing and catching up on all our news and lives.

My seven years at Westridge helped me be who I am today. The friends I made while there are my most cherished and like my family. I will never give them up.”

Lynn Bates Russell (Pleasantville, NY): “Enjoyed all the email information around the 50th Reunion festivities. Thank you!”

1962 Ellen Davidson (Eugene, OR): “Still busy with ceramics classes and living in a multigenerational family. Life is good.”

Lynne Helpbringer Pierpont (Ojai, CA): “Big News! Son Philip’s wedding in May! Husband, Philip, and I are still enjoying growing oranges and avocados in Ojai and running up to the San Francisco Bay Area to visit my 95 year old mother-in-law! Having a great year so far!”

Linda Lashley Roth (Desert Hot Springs, CA): “Sold my thoroughbred breeding and mare lay-up ranch last year. Downsized to a ‘normal’ house — less work and responsibility. Husband Jerry and I are semi-retired and play lots of golf. Hello to everyone!”

Margaret Bothwell Walker (Port Orchard,WA): “For a retired person, I stay pretty busy. I taught a graduate course on Metaphor at Antioch University in the winter.

My main work is still with dogs — Tellington TTouch, acupressure, and aromatherapy.

Gary and I went to Turkey and Greece with my sister and her husband in September.

It was very fun especially having been a ‘Greek’ at Westridge! Come see us if you are in the Seattle area.”

1963 Ann Tudor McCook (Bend, OR): “We are enjoying seasonal activities in central Oregon and southern Arizona. Life is full!”

Leslie Wheeler (Cambridge, MA): “I recently became a contributing editor to Level Best Books annual anthology of short crime fiction, Thin Ice, so I am now a publisher as well as an author. Also, my third Miranda Lewis ‘living history’ mystery, Murder at Spouters Point, was published.”

1964 Elizabeth Huntington Edwards (Bloomfield Hills, MI): “Still living in Michigan but I spend the winter in Sarasota, FL—love it.”

Carol Horton Hawkins (Hollister, CA): “I have retired after more than 25 years of teaching. I have more time for my hobby of creating greeting cards and spending time with my family.”

Barbara Coates Morey (Victor, ID): “My husband Mike and I are really enjoying life.

We live on a ranch in Idaho, enjoy a beach house on Lopez Island, Washington, and lots of boating all over the world. We have nine grandchildren ages six months to seven years that keep us busy as does our company, City Pass.”

1966 Deborah Paul Barkley (Pasadena, CA): “Still in Pasadena, but majority of time in Laguna Beach with husband of eight-anda-half years, Richard, two Laboradoodles (our children), and my three grandsons to be moving to Orange County! (3 1/2 & 1 year). Life is too good. Whale watched in Cabo San Lucas in March. Revisited my old JC now George Washington University in May. Wonderful sisters in Pasadena (Mollie Paul Collins ’61 and Jenifer Paul Bode ’55).

I would love to think that our Class of 1966 might be able to have a reunion as special as my sister’s.”

Virginia Hastings (Peakhurst, NSV 2210, Australia) “On December 11, 2010, I was married to Dr. Max Lawson in the presence of only our immediate families. It was a joyous day for both of us! Neither of us thought we’d find the perfect mate at our ages! Max is a retired senior lecturer at U of New England in NSW and Volk College of Helsinger, Denmark. He has a married son and daughter, and will be made a grandfather in August by his daughter.

He’s a darling, interesting and interested man, and we never run out of topics to explore and ideas to delve into. I now have a granddaughter, Hazel Maeve McDonald, born May 2010, as well as a grandson, Oliver Charles, born August 2008. Their mother, Christy, is on leave to enjoy her kids from her job as a child and family therapist. My daughter, Muffy, is TV producing in Kabul, Afghanistan, and her recent program Eagle 4 was written up in the NY and LA Times.

She is returning for another contract after a good Christmas break at home in Sydney. I am semi-retired but I still tutor elementary children with learning difficulties 14 hours per week. Fortunately, I find it extremely rewarding and get the results I never could get with my hands tied behind my back in

the public education system. Max and I will enjoy travel in 2011, hopefully to eastern U.S.A., as well as having many U.S. visitors.

Life has never been better!!”

Nancy Morton (Oakland, CA): “Retirement is looming in December 2011.

Planning a trip to Sierra Leone immediately following. Busy squeezing in local trips between now and then including Death Valley, Ashland, and Florida. Trying to relearn bridge. All interspersed with yoga, hiking, and entertaining.”

Nancy McNabb Twist (San Marino, CA): “Can’t believe it’s been almost 45 years since we’ve graduated! I’m enjoying being a grandmother and am working as a licensed Marriage Family Therapist.”

Lynn Manildi Watanabe (Honolulu, HI): “Still doing community volunteer work. Have four grandsons all living in Hawaii. Jeff and I love being grandparents. It’s the best! Also, still traveling a lot.”

1968 Mary Fauvre Holmes (Pasadena, CA): “Currently serving as Director of Lower School at Brentwood School. Lower School is on a separate campus from the ‘big kids’ and it’s lots of fun!”

Barbara Nordstrom-Loeb (Minneapolis, MN): “Now living in Minneapolis, MN. Received a Fulbright teaching grant to teach Dance/Movement Therapy at the University of Tallinn in Estonia (January-June, 2011). Have an extra room to host anyone who visits. (Tallinn is the European Cultural Capital City for 2011). Currently teaching at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist and Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist.”

1969

Join fellow alumnae for a monthly meeting of the minds! The group meets at 7:30 p.m. on select Wednesdays throughout the year in the Leslie Clarke Gray ’62 Alumnae Living Room, Pitcairn House.

For the 2011-2012 book list and meeting dates, visit the Alumnae Programs section of www.westridge-alumnae.org.

old!!! — how did it happen?) Our delightful afternoon confirms that Westridge girls of all ages share a deep and lasting attachment to the school and each other spanning generations. How fortunate we all are!

We plan to see each other again at various events. Mollie is working for SCOPE which has their NYC art fair upcoming and Katie’s at the New Museum — the current exhibitions (February 2011) are retrospectives of Linda Benglis and George Condo. We will attend SCOPE and meet Katie for a tour of the exhibitions. Isabel just interviewed at a law firm for an internship (she graduates from Cornell in the spring). She’ll work in the area of intellectual property and hopefully will be living here soon.”

Margaret Cheesewright Garner (Bellevue,WA): “Moved back to Bellevue, WA, last year. John, husband of 33 years, passed away in October from a three-anda-half year battle with a rare form of cancer.

Daughter, Whitney, turned 21 years old in March and is a true blessing and peach.”

Sigrid Burton (New York, NY): “In February 2011, Katie Kraft ’06, Isabel Miller ’07, Mollie White ’04 and I all got together for lunch at my home (at Isabel’s instigation) to chat about the art world and life in New York City and, of course, our deep and fond connection to Westridge — which spans many decades. Alas, I am the sole representative of all of them from the 60s to the last; these smart and charming women all attended in the 2000s. (Yikes, I feel so

Class of 1963 Reunites at Westridge

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Surgere 2010-2011

1972 Laura-Mae Baldwin (Seattle,WA): “Still active in family medicine research at the University of Washington. Spending some time each summer backpacking — recently circumnavigated Mt. Rainier. My daughter, Sylvie is soon headed to college and has chosen a women’s college as her first choice!”

Barbara Davis Reynolds (Pasadena, CA): “We became grandparents in September, Carlota “Lotsie” Reynolds Pappas ’99 gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Keeping connected to Westridge with the Alumnae Book Group. Join us, or read along at home.

Happy 2011, best to all!”

1970

1973

Janet Ellis Calvo (Altadena, CA): “Husband Rafael and I are still creating glass art in the hills of Altadena. We had the opportunity to visit Jennifer Zoff Lamb while on a business trip. Her home in Napa Valley is delightful. Fun to catch up a bit. This is my first year on Westridge’s Alumnae Council.

Looking forward to it.”

Louisa Crowley (Pasadena, CA): “I am still living with and caring for my mother in her home of 53 years. Playing with ceramics and watercolors. Joined the Rotary Club for friends and to do service. I see Lisa Tomita frequently, and Nina Warner, Alyce Minsky, Katharine “Katie” Clark and Dorrie Braun infrequently. Sarah Weller King supported me, by phone, after my detached retina surgery last fall. I still have one niece attending Westridge.”

1971 Mary Good Lindgren (Arcadia, CA): “Our son married last March 2010, and in May, I will become a grandmother!”

Members of the Class of 1963 gathered on the Westridge campus in February 2011.

Although their 50th Reunion will take place in 2013, the class celebrates each available opportunity to reunite. Following a campus tour and prior to lunch at Mijares, the classmates took this photo beneath the Ranney Lawn tree, where they fondly remember playing as lower schoolers. Pictured above (l. to r.): Lynne Tsuboi Saito, Karen Robinson, Susan James, Anne Robertson, Patsy Donoghue Evans, Cele Mandigo Donath.

Barbara Starr (Friday Harbor,WA): “I am doing well — still love being on San Juan Island. Son, Aaron, is 20 now. Spending the winter in Madagascar and having wonderful adventures. I hope to see everyone at our reunion.”

Paula Pomerantz Feinberg (Camarillo, CA): “Happily enjoying teaching Middle School Language Arts and Ancient Civilizations.”

Suzanne Brashares Pedretti (Turlock, CA): “Still basking in the glow of the Giant’s winning the World Series. It has been so much fun. Went to the parade and had a wonderful wild time. All else is good.”

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alumnae [lunch] speaker series Bring your life experience back to Westridge and share your wisdom with current students! Through the Alumnae Lunch Speaker Series, alumnae are invited to spend lunch time with juniors and seniors discussing careers, education, and experience, followed by a question and answer session.

The speaker series aims to help students learn more about fields in which they are interested, while connecting them with the alumnae community.

The series places in context for students what is possible with a Westridge and continued education, as well as the diverse career paths, passions, and success of Westridge women.

If you are interested in participating as a speaker, please contact the Alumnae Office, 626.799.1053, ext. 244 or alumnae@westridge.org.

Many thanks to the 2010-2011 alumnae speakers!

Susan Fitzgerald ’76 Senior Vice President of Scripted Programming, AMC Television

1976

1980

Margaret Wells Bentley (Bellevue,WA): “I am still living in Bellevue, WA, enjoying life as an unchaperoned parent! Our three boys are all in college now. I am still volunteering at our local Middle School tutoring kids in math. If any of my fellow ’76ers are in the Seattle area, give me a call!”

Cathleen Cochran (Carlsbad, CA): “Happy New Year to my classmates and Westridge team mates!!! In 2010, I secured the Web sites and domains for my film projects, The Vikings, for a feature epic film and a children’s animated film. It is about the Danish Royal Family and other royal families during the Viking period. Historical research was conducted by Danish royal historians and the Smithsonian Institution historians who advised for these projects. I continue to work on updating environmental reports to assist scientists at the University of Southern California in a global effort to improve ocean research, climate change, forests and the environment. As a Daughter of the American Revolution and a Daughter of the Republic of Texas, I sent additional reports this year on post-traumatic stress disorder to assist the Dean of the USC Social Work School and the Salk Institute with new research by scientists for our U.S.A. military troops and as a support to their families.”

Susan Fitzgerald (Pacific Palisades, CA): “I had fun returning to Westridge in September 2010 and speaking to juniors and seniors about my career and life. (See sidebar at left about the Alumnae Speaker Series.) Loved seeing Juanita Jimenez in her lovely ceramics studio.

Now working at AMC Channel developing new scripted shows. Kids are growing; Otis is 14 and Mabel is 11.”

Theresa Oldknow (Norco, CA): “I am in the process of becoming a Certified Financial Planner. I believe this will complement my career experience in commercial real estate and law. I work with the Centaurus Financial Group based in Anaheim, CA.”

Erika Miller Ceporius Nguyen ’95 Development Director and Co-Founder of The Chance Theater

Brynne Montgomery Staley (Piedmont, CA): “Our daughter, Evyn, is a freshman at University of Michigan and loving it.

Henry is starting to look at colleges and Teddy is loving the 7th grade. I have fun seeing Mary O’Melveny Schmidt and Eugenia Erskine Jesberg ’77 periodically and enjoying buying clothes from Jane Wheatcroft Wiser!”

Sarah Tenaglia Taverner ’76 Former Senior Food Editor, Bon Appetit magazine

1978

Sarah Tenaglia Taverner ’76 pictured below (standing, center) with the students who attended the March 2011 lunch event. Sarah’s daughter Olivia will join the Westridge Upper School community as a 9th grader in the fall.

Eve Rappoport (Los Angeles, CA): “My father, Stanley Rappoport, M.D. passed on August 2, 2010. He made it possible for my sister, Claire Rappoport ’77, and me to attend Westridge. He loved children and valued education.”

Alyce Minsky ’73, Esq. Attorney-at-Law

Mary Wheatcroft TenBroeck (Palo Alto, CA): “Just started a new job — commuting to San Francisco on the train. Fun visits to Pasadena to celebrate our 50th birthdays.”

1979 Joan Griffith Malloy (Great Falls, MT): “Living in Great Falls, MT with my son Griff and daughter Bayley. Got to celebrate my 50th B-day with many friends in San Jose del Cabo at Casa Duckett with Marianne Van Vorst Ryan, Mary Guinn Morphy, Meg Carmack Symes, Jennifer Cutting, Cammy Duckett Staunton, my sister Susan Griffith Mackenbach ’77, as well as Patricia Campbell Duckett ’47. It was a blast!”

1982 Whitney Potter (New York, NY): “Living in Manhattan with my fiancé. Love seeing old Westridge friends in the city and also reconnecting on Facebook! whitney@ WhitneyPotterEvents.com” Virginia Stolarz-Bauer (Glendale, AZ): “My partner and I retired from LAUSD in June and moved to Phoenix in July 2010 to be near family. Enjoying exploring the desert.

After spending the summer here, we’re really enjoying the wonderful fall weather.”

1983 Jossalyn Turner Emslie (San Gabriel, CA): “Now have two daughters at Westridge, 7th and 11th grades. They play in the Middle and Upper School orchestras. Eldest, Caitlin, Class of 2012, marched in the Rose Parade in full Scout uniform. Still living in San Gabriel, practicing medicine nearby. Rob and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary in January 2011.”

1984 Anna Pehoushek (Orange, CA): “I’m enjoying all aspects of being a mom to my 4 year old son, John. Our family continues to live in Old Towne, Orange. I recently marked my 10-year anniversary working as a City Planner at the City of Orange, where I lead the City’s long-range planning activities.”

Calling All Tiger Moms!

Join fellow Westridge alumnae and their “tiger cubs” for play dates and arts and crafts throughout the year! The Alumnae Tiger Cub Club (TCC), created by alumnae moms, hosts occasional Saturday get-togethers for alumnae, spouses, partners, and children on the Westridge campus.

For more information, contact the Alumnae Office, alumnae@westridge.org. The new schedule will be posted online at www.westridge-alumnae.org in the fall!

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Veronica Roman (Los Angeles, CA): “Loving life and living in Los Angeles.

Enjoying raising my 11 year old son, Diego.

Happy Reunion! Thanks Westridge for helping me learn que: Si se puede!”

1998 Brooke Atkinson Yohalem (Pasadena, CA) and her husband, Mark, welcomed Eleanor Ann Yohalem into the world on April 27, 2010 (12 years and one day after her parents’ first date)! The whole family is doing great and living in Pasadena.

Class of 1985 reunion In June 2010, the Class of 1985 held a reunion barbecue lunch at the home of Kristin Olson Panehal and Jim Panehal in Newport Beach. Pictured, back row, l-r: Cassandra Hinz Mittelberg, Cindy Brooks-Hoban, Kristin Olson Panehal, Hilary Whelan Reyl, Lori McConaghy Newman, Melissa Monk, Liz Connor Allen, Robin Preble. front row, l-r:Elena Saris, Mary Herms, Julianne Anderson Shuler.

1986 Whitney Bennett Salerno (Valencia, CA): “Always fun to hear what everyone is doing.

We’re blessed with three boys, ages 12, 11, and 8. Life is busy and wonderful. Hope everyone is doing well. 25 years flew by so fast!”

1987 Jennifer Tongish Giles (San Marino, CA): “Enjoying being busy with our two boys: Carson is almost 10 and Cole is 6 1/2 going on 16, it seems. Busy with my architectural projects: a 2-story house addition in San Marino soon to be completed, a one-story addition with new kitchen in Burbank, and helping a friend search for a house here in San Marino. Also busy with volunteering at our boys’ school, Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena, and at Westridge on the Alumnae Council. Just visited recently with Laurie Edmundson who took a road trip down to So. Cal. to introduce her new daughter to family and friends. Little Charlotte (2 years) is a true blessing to Laurie and Mikal. Wendy Burns Everett came for our visit and shared dinner with our family and guests. My husband, Mark, is trying to stay busy in the architectural world with this slowing economy. My freelance work is helping tremendously. We have just celebrated our 15 year anniversary.”

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Leslie Reeves Lindholm (Altadena, CA): “Phil and I have been married now for 14 years. In our own ‘unique’ manner — we’re celebrating our anniversary at the end of the month, at Pink Floyd’s production of The Wall in downtown LA! Our two children: Henry and Kelly, ages 7 and 5, are whirling dervishes! They both attend Saint Mark’s School near our home here in Altadena.

I am now working for a South American importer (TGIC Importers) overseeing their corporate chain accounts. We were recently awarded ‘Importer of the Year’ by the Wine Enthusiast magazine, and being a small company — this was tremendous! Phil is a passionate sailor and keeps a boat up in Channel Islands Harbor, so we spend a lot of time together out on the ocean. Thus, both kids have become great fishermen!”

1988 Thembisa Mshaka (Brooklyn, NY) recently appeared on TV One Access: Most Legendary Sex Symbols. She was also a finalist in the books category for a Shorty Award with Put Your Dreams First: Handle Your Entertainment Business.

1991 Jennifer Poehler Eastlack (San Diego, CA): “Just added baby number five in spring 2010. Finally, a girl! I am taking a break from my dermatology practice to hang out with the kids.”

Surgere 2010-2011

1999 Amanda Clark Flach (Azusa, CA) had a second child in February 2010, Charlotte Lynn Flach.

2000 Betsy Roth Smith (South Pasadena, CA) became Mrs. Caleb Smith on October 10, 2010. Her sisters, Eleanor Roth ’14, and Mary Roth Johnson ’02 served, respectively, as bridesmaid and matron of honor.

Katherine Rutledge (Pasadena, CA) volunteered at an Andean clinic in Ecuador for the month of February 2009. She graduated from Albany Medical College, NY with an M.D. in May 2010, and married Gene Schiappa at the Caltech Athenaeum in Pasadena in June 2010. She is doing her residency at St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals in Manhattan (Columbia University).

2002 Brittany Heggem (Pasadena, CA) received her doctorate of veterinary medicine from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2010. Currently, she is a zoological medicine intern at Louisiana State University and is pursuing specialization in zoo medicine. Brittany is engaged to Benjamin Perry, a fellow veterinarian who is working toward specialization in veterinary surgery. A summer 2011 wedding is being planned in Pasadena.

2004 Katharine Swartz (Pasadena, CA): “I just finished my Master of Public Health from the Keck School of Medicine with a practicum at the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France.”

2005 Amanda Bradley (South Pasadena, CA) is a first year law student at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

2001 Heather Koffman (New York, NY): “I am currently working at Peking University’s School of Transnational Law as a C.V. Starr Lecturer. The School of Transnational Law is an exciting new kind of international law school where the students, who are all Chinese graduate students and who all speak English as a second language, receive instruction in English and they will graduate with both an American J.D. degree and a Chinese J.M. degree. They will be uniquely positioned to practice transnational law.

After two years of practicing law in New York City I am finding teaching in China an exciting and challenging change.”

Katherine Hassan (Davis, CA) married Sam Jubelirer in Pasadena on January 6, 2011. They met while they were both attending Pitzer College. Currently, they live in Davis, California.

2007 Emily Riggall (Northfield, MN) will graduate from Carleton College in June 2011.

Clare Sherman (Pasadena, CA) is currently in the Earth Sciences undergraduate program at Stanford. She hopes to apply to the fifth year program to obtain a master’s in biology.

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in

Join the Circle!

Cl asses of 2002 to 2011 Members of the Young Alumnae Circle are committed to raising funds and awareness about the importance of giving back to Westridge and to reuniting alumnae through various social activities and programs.

The group is comprised of graduates from the past 10 years.

The group’s mission is: • To recognize recent graduates who make annual gifts that set the standard for other young Westridge alumnae.

• To create opportunities for young alumnae to network, socialize, and build relationships.

• To ensure a strong alumnae community.

2008 Madeline Banta (Pasadena, CA): “I’m currently studying Sociology at Miami University in Ohio where I am a Kappa Delta. I live in a house off campus named Sandbar and am in charge of Homecoming for the whole school on the Campus Activity Council.”

Julia Maier (Oberlin, OH): Currently at Oberlin College, Julia had the opportunity to greet President and Michelle Obama at the Cleveland airport in October 2010.

Along with three other students, including fellow Westridge alumna Emma Rose Schneiderman ’08, Julia helped to direct guests prior to Air Force One’s landing at Cleveland Airport. Julia and her friends were greeted by President and Mrs. Obama, pictured below. “When I met President Obama, I said, ‘I have believed in you for SO long!’ And then Michelle gave me a hug.

I was star-struck for months afterwards. In fact, I’m still a little giddy when I think about meeting the Obamas.”

Minerva Pinto (Monrovia, CA): After a very successful and fulfilling Fall semester abroad at the University College London, Minerva returned to Philadelphia to complete her junior year at Bryn Mawr College. Spring semester, the family (including Grandma from Rome, Italy, pictured below) were proud to visit Bryn Mawr College and witness Minerva be one of the recipients of the prestigious Hanna Holborn Gray Research Grant from President Jane Dammen McAuliffe. As part of this prize, Minerva will receive a cash award and access to professional research resources this summer to carry out an original project which she proposed in the field of Modern European history.

2009 Lauren Yang (Middlebury,VT): “At Middlebury College, I started playing rugby, riding horses, & organizing Quidditch events.

My second year dorm room is larger. I have the same roommate from my first year.”

Bridget McDonald (Pasadena, CA): “Currently earning a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies at USC. Studied in Guam and Palau during the summer of 2010, doing SCUBA research and am part of the USC scientific SCUBA diving team.

Currently a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority and serve on the executive committee. In January 2011, I will start an internship with the Humane Society of the United States by helping plan their annual ‘Genesis Awards’, which recognizes celebrities who participate in animal rights.”

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Virginia McCormack Graff ’26

Henrietta Walter Barnes ’32 Henrietta died January 19, 2011 in Napa, CA. She was 95. “Henny” moved to Pasadena in the early ’20s with her family from Wisconsin where she was born.In her senior year at Westridge, she was president of the Student Body, Head of Basketball, business manager of Inlook, and president of the Supreme Court. She graduated from UCLA. In 1924, her family purchased a summer cottage on Balboa Boulevard in Newport Beach, which later became her family’s fulltime residence. Affectionately called the “Crow’s Nest” after the house’s look-out tower facing Newport Harbor, the home was her residence for 84 years until she moved into assisted living in Napa in 2008. According to a September 1, 2006, article in the Orange County Register, Henny was the longest living resident in Newport Beach at that time. Henny is survived by a son, Albert R. Thompson of Napa; daughter, Altha J. Burts of Sunnyvale and two grandchildren. Her sister, Alice Walter ’30 predeceased her.

Mary Welch Shelton ’34 Mary passed away on December 8, 2010 at age 94. She attended Westridge 1922-28 and graduated from Castilleja School and Stanford University. A lifelong Californian, she married Dr. Robert McNeil Shelton in 1941. She raised five children in San Marino and served in leadership positions in area PTAs, charity boards, and at St. Edmunds Episcopal Church. Mary was preceded in death by her husband and daughter, Jean. She is survived by four children, Margaret Gehan, Rosemary Draeger, William Shelton, Elizabeth Shelton, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Her sister is Barbara Welch ’35.

Bertha “Petie” Ridgway ’40 Petie passed away December 21, 2010 at the age of 89 at the Broadview Christian Science Nursing Home in Los Angeles. She was the fourth of seven sisters (Judith Ridgway Kieckhefer ’36, Elizabeth Ridgway Ham ’37, Pat Ridgway Chester ’38, Connie Ridgway Funsten ’43, Carroll Ridgway Brundred ’44, and Barbara Ridgway Gregory ’49) who grew up and lived in the Pasadena area. At Westridge, Petie served on the Library Committee, was Captain of Romans, and played hockey. After her graduation from UC Berkeley, Petie returned to the Pasadena area and worked as librarian for the Huntington Library, and the Pasadena and San Marino Libraries. She is survived by her sister, Constance Ridgway Funsten ’43, and thirty nieces, nephews, and family members to whom she was a loving and devoted aunt.

Barbara Hopkins Harms ’42 Barbara died December 12, 2009 after a long illness in Escondido. She was formerly a parish secretary for St. Mark’s in Altadena and a Hillsides board member. Born in Minneapolis, MN, after losing her parents at an early age, she and a younger sister moved to Pasadena and were raised by an aunt. She attended Poly and Westridge. While at Westridge she served as Intermediate Editor of Inlook and was a member of the Glee Club. During World War II, she worked as a civilian secretary at military bases around the country while her first husband, Henry R. Van Brussel, was serving in the Navy. She raised her family in Altadena and in 1973 married Richard Harms. They lived most of their 36 married years in Escondido where Barbara worked in real estate.

Phyllis MacDowell Selleck ’42 Phyllis died January 4, 2011 in Whittier, CA at the age of 86 after a brief illness.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Phyllis grew up in Pasadena. At Westridge she was president of the Glee Club and vice-president of the Westridge Music Club.

After graduation from Westridge she attended Scripps College. In 1952, she married Frederic T. Selleck of Whittier. Phyllis was a poet; photographer; and Marriage, Family and Child Therapist. She is survived by her husband, Frederic, daughter Pamela Holderman, son Jeffrey Selleck, and three grandchildren.

Margaret “Terry” Bliss Harms ’45 Margaret died unexpectedly January 7, 2011 at the age of 83 in Quechee, VT. At Westridge, Margaret was editor-in-chief of the Inlook and played on the volleyball and tennis teams. She graduated from Mt. Holyoke College, where she met James H. Harms. They were married on September 1, 1949 and lived in New Jersey, California; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and London, England while raising four children. They retired to Quechee, VT but remained avid travelers. Terry is survived by her children James K. Harms, Richard H. Harms, and four grandchildren, as well as her sister Elizabeth Bliss Klee ’42. She was predeceased by her husband James and daughter Katherine H. Streibich.

memoriam Joan Taufenbach Haskell ’47, age 80, passed away October 4, 2010 with her two children by her side. Joanie was born in Pasadena where she lived throughout her life.

Her sister Carolyn Taufenbach Thomas ’42 died in 1997. While at Westridge, Joanie was President of the Athletic Association as one of the school’s top all-around athletes.

Following graduation in 1947 and for the next 63 years, she served as the one and only class representative until her passing. In 2008, Westridge honored Joanie with The Mary Lowther Ranney Distinguished Alumna Award. In addition, the school has retitled its annual Contributions to Athletics Award, the Joan Taufenbach Haskell ’47 Contributions to Athletics Award. Joanie attended the University of Redlands and the University of Arizona before marrying Schuyler Haskell of Pasadena in 1950. She was an avid sports enthusiast, primarily golf and tennis, and a true song and dance gal, excelling in tap dancing. Joanie received her real estate license in 1978 and served the communities of San Marino and Pasadena until her retirement in 2005. In addition, she was also an active Pasadena volunteer. Following her marriage of 30 years, Joanie enjoyed 15 wonderful years with Bill Solani of San Marino until his passing in 1998. She is survived by her two children, Sarah Haskell Greene and Coburn Haskell, and three grandchildren.

Ann Hutt Browning ’52 Ann died January 15, 2011. She moved with her family in 1940 from England to Pasadena.

In her senior year at Westridge, Ann served as president of The Mask and Brush Club and was a member of the Glee Club. She went on to graduate from Radcliffe College and earn an M.A. from the Claremont Graduate School. In 1959, she married Preston M. Browning Jr. who she met when they both worked at Stephens College. Through the years, Ann held a number of responsible positions in educational and healthcare institutions. She later studied architecture and pursued an interest in designing energy-efficient houses.

After her husband’s retirement, they moved to Ashfield, MA where they established a retreat for writers and artists. Ann credited Westridge, in part, for the blossoming of her creative powers while a young girl. A poet, her book of poems, Deep Landscape Turning, was published in the later years of her life. They reveal an intellect and sensibilities deeply imbued with love of the natural world, passion for justice, and insight into the amazing capacity of the human spirit. Ann is survived by her husband, Preston M. Browning, Jr., her children, Katharine Browning, Sarah Browning, Rachel Browning, Preston Browning III, and five grandchildren.

Carol Titus Horton ’47 Carol died January 5, 2011 at the age of 80. Born and raised in Pasadena, she attended Mayfield, Westridge, Poly, and graduated from the Bishop’s School in La Jolla. She attended Wellesley College, Wright McMahon Secretarial School, and Pomona College. In 1997, Carol attended her 50th Class Reunion at Westridge. Carol served in the Red Cross in Japan and was a flight attendant for Pan American Airlines before marrying Winter Davis Horton Jr. in 1957. Together the Hortons ran their own film and video production company, Centre Films. They were active in public television and KCET. Married for 52 years, Carol is survived by her three children: Sarah Anderson, Katie Safford, Winter W. Horton, and five grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister Virginia Titus Pohlman ’35.

Caroline Sweezy ‘60 Caroline passed away November 6, 2010 after battling cancer. The inscription under her senior picture in the 1960 Westridge yearbook from R. W. Emerson reads “Nothing is sacred but the integrity of your own mind.” Caroline graduated from UCLA with a Ph.D. in mathematics and began teaching at New Mexico State University in 1986. During her tenure, she taught calculus and undergraduate – and graduate – level mathematical analysis. She is remembered by colleagues in NMSU’s Department of Mathematical Sciences as passionate and devoted to the success of her students. She played a vital role in the department for the last 24 years. Her mother Susan Sweezy was a member of the Westridge Board of Trustees 1964-1987. She is survived by her sisters Sara Sweezy Berry ’57 and Cornelia Sweezy ’65.

Janet Young Camlin ’48 passed away in February 2010. A celebration of her life was held in August 2010 at Caber Farm in Ona Laska, WA. In her senior year at Westridge Janet served as Head of Badminton. Janet was also a member of the hockey team and Westquestriennes. Beneath her senior picture are the words jodhpurs, camellias, mint juleps, and ruffles. According to her daughter, Wendyanne Robinson, she loved animals and provided a home for many. She was a fierce competitor who believed you played to win or you didn’t play. She used green felt tipped pens, wore pearls with her Levis, and always had pennies in her penny loafers.

Nicolette Hahn Sale ’61 A Tribute for Nicolette Hahn written by classmate Vicki Odriozola Dillingham

Rosemary Tilt Jones ’48 Rosemary passed away at her home in Balboa, CA on October 21, 2010. Known as “Rosie”, she was born in Pasadena where she attended Arroyo Seco School, Poly and graduated from Westridge. Rosie was President of the Senior Class and played on the volleyball and tennis teams. After graduation from Westridge, she attended Vassar College and earned an associates degree at Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa, CA in Horticultural Design.

In 1952, Rosie married Graham McClinton Jones who predeceased her. They raised three children, Laura McClinton Jones Tomlinson, Rosemary Jones Dewey, and Whitney Edward Jones. Rosie followed in her husband’s footsteps by developing a keen interest in sailing and sailed competitively from time to time. Her favorite pastime was her passion for horticulture. She was an approved Judge of Horticulture as well as a past member of the Board of Directors of the Garden Club of America.

Nancy Ogden Train ’50 Nancy died January 9, 2011. Born in Los Angeles, Nancy lived most of her 78 years in Pasadena. She graduated from Westridge in 1950 and Stanford University in 1954 with a B.A. in Creative Writing. Known at Westridge for her fine, satirical essays, she won the sophomore short-story contest. She was assistant editor of the Inlook her senior year and also found time to keep up an active interest in dramatics. In 1957, she earned a teaching credential from UC Santa Barbara. That same year, she married Wesley H. Train.

They moved to Pasadena where they raised their family and where ultimately they both died, Wesley in 2002, and Nancy nine years later. In the 1960s, Nancy joined the Arroyo Singers with whom she sang and performed regularly for over 40 years. In the early 1970s, Nancy began volunteer work with the Pasadena Unified School District. Nancy was instrumental in coordinating efforts to provide children in Pasadena’s public schools with quality educational and cultural experiences for four decades, organizing and conducting classroom presentations on art appreciation and field trips. She also became a tour guide at the Norton Simon Museum, a position she held for 22 years until her death.

Virginia Nixon Russell ’51 Virginia died October 21, 2010 after a fall at her home of 43 years in Arcadia. She was preceded in death by her son Kevin D. Russell and is survived by her two daughters Corinne Russell Terrell and Denise A. Russell along with three grandchildren. A great supporter of the Pasadena Symphony, Virginia was a long time member of the Pasadena Symphony Women’s Committee.

w es t r i d g e sc h o ol

Surgere 2010-2011

Nicki was born on June 11, 1943, in Pasadena to Stan and Irene Hahn. She came to Westridge in the 7th Grade after attending Arroyo Seco School. Nicki held many positions at Westridge, including Head of Romans in 8th Grade and she was an integral member of the Inlook staff as a senior. She was actively involved in all facets of Westridge life; a fine student, she was also a remarkable athlete and a star on every varsity team. She attended UC Berkeley and she was briefly married. She had no children. Her professional career included working at the law firm of Adams, Duque and Hazeltine and the Provident Investment Counsel, both in Pasadena. Nicki was an avid lifelong sports fan; she followed every team in every sport, especially baseball, football, tennis, and car racing. A lifelong resident of Pasadena, Nicki moved to Hemet, CA in March of 2010 when she retired. She was a beloved member of the Hemet community and died there on November 5, 2010 of respiratory failure. Nicki is survived by her brothers, Stanley Hahn and Jeffrey Hahn; their wives, Wendy and Tracy; and many nieces and nephews, to whom she was a loving aunt.

Nicki was our class clown, a kind and devoted friend to all of us, and she had the most marvelous and irreverent sense of humor, accompanied by a raucous laugh. The memory of her laughter and her fine friendship will live on in her classmates.

Catherine Coffin Senungetuk ’71 Catherine died December 18, 2010 in Anchorage, AK with family beside her after a fiveyear bout with breast cancer. Born in Los Angeles, Catherine grew up in Pasadena and Newport Beach. She attended Westridge 1967-1969. Her love of calligraphy and art started early, with the ocean being a common theme. In 1974, she graduated from Lewis & Clark with a B.A. in Art. In 1975, she married Robert Doss Jr. and headed to Alaska, where she opened a graphic design business and continued to pursue her art. After her divorce in 1980, she married Joe Senungetuk in 1987. In 1996, Catherine graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a B.S. in Nursing. In 1997, she integrated her art with nursing by creating the “Art Cart”, a rolling art studio at The Children’s Hospital at Providence, to allow children to express themselves through art while dealing with illness.

Catherine was an accomplished woman, a compassionate friend, partner, artist, and school nurse.

Julia Ryder Sill ’09 Julia died January 18, 2011 while a sophomore at Fairfield University where she was majoring in Communications and was active in the Glee Club. At Westridge, she could always be found on stage or on the athletic field. Her extended family and countless numbers of friends will miss her vivacious spirit, hilarious sense of humor, and open and caring heart. She is survived by her parents, Rick and Bonnie Sill of Pasadena, her sister Caroline ’03, and brother Michael. A memorial service was held at Westridge School on January 22nd. The Julia Ryder Sill Memorial Scholarship has been established at Westridge School to honor Julia’s memory.

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6th Grade Class of 2017

Jayla Alejo Kellie Au Rebecca Ayzenberg Sarah Bacio Sarah Binns Lucy Birney Emma Blank Hannah Blank Summer Bloom-Lichtenberg Georgia Bogle Emily Cheung Lindsay Chu Stephanie Davis Cristina Falabella Juliana Favela Quincy Foster Amari Gaiter Simone Gottlieb Shalini Haupt Christie Huang Rachel Kaufman Samantha Khalsa Hannah Kim

Julia Knoerr Vivienne Li Sydney Lim Angela Liu Sabreen Lyman Olivia Matthiessen Zoe Mobley

Olivia Nouriani Mikayla O’Reggio Ella Prebel-Jackert Mara Raygor Elisa Rothenberg Koyuki Sakurada Jana Sevin

Kira Stevenson Marina Weidmann Natalie White Amelia Whitford Elaine Yang Brynn Ziel

recognition 6th & 8th Grade Congratulations to the newest

members of the Westridge Middle and Upper Schools!

8th Grade

Class of 2015 Lauren Anderson-Sanchez Caroline Arya Gabriella Bacio Madison Bender Maya Brattkus Jacqueline Chen Nicole Chrisney Kaitlin Cochran Laura Davich Mariko DeNapoli Maimouna Diarra Kayoko Fong Karah Gebhard Clarke Grayson Allegra Gutierrez Rhiannon Hughes-Boatman Dylan Jack Adrienne Jo Jezebella Kachanon Rachel Kartin Zora Kidron Kris Kil Sarah Kim Natalie Lans Nora Lansing Cheryl Lee Juliet Lee Kasey Lee Muse Lee

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Madeleine Lew Alexandra Liao Catherine Lim Natalie Lim Jasmine Lin Laura Medina Gwenyth Naness Sydney Norris Serra Park

Margaret Phelan MacKay Pollard Samantha Reich Elizabeth Riggall Stephanie Ro Cameron Roberts Emma Rothenberg Madeleine Russell Julia Salseda

Shamilka Seneviratne Simona Shao Lena Tavitian Sophie Tolomiczenko Mary Van Schaick Alexandria Vasquez Kalin Venable Anna Wilson Kaitlin Wong

Photo credit: Nick Boswell Photography

class of 2011

commencement Congratulations to the Westridge graduating Class of 2011...

Taelor Ihsan Bakewell Cornell June Banta Catherine Grace Berry Amelia Samek Brooks Kelsey Elissa Carthew Caitlyn Alexis Cheleden Ashley Wei Yee Chu Brenna Katherine Coates Katharine Grace Cooper Victoria June Corbisiero Hannah Elizabeth Davich Mariana Lucine Estephanian Alexa Scout Fagen Judith Li Min Fong Monique Irene Francois Erika Rachelle Frazer

Katherine Elizabeth Gardiner Sarah Morgan Gibson Emily Nicole Griffin Nina Louise Guo Mary Ann Hakimeh Charlotte Browning Hall Anna Elizabeth Heflin Hope Elizabeth Hood Brittany Huang Veronica Mei Jimenez-Lu Emily McCleary Keating Elizabeth Y. Kim Emily Hyojin Kim Molly Jessica Lichten Deanna M. Loh Paige Clark Lurie

Jessica Ma Nicole Renee Schori Martel Katherine Claire McDonald Elizabeth Claire McKibben India Grace Miller Chloe Corinne Obico Anna Kirsten Olafson Erin Kelsey O’Reilly Mary Grace Orndorff Elyssa Anne Pedote Emily Rose Pipes Kyra Nailah Price Catherine Sullivan Readick Kelley Elizabeth Riffenburgh Liliana Robertson Rachel Marie Ross-Sullivan

Charis Elizabeth Russell Jamie Rollene Pollock Sadd Madeleine Victoria San MartĂ­n Giselle Sanchez Lindsey Sarah Schiffman Danielle Malika Wolff Ser Sheila Sitaram Julia Dana Skrovan Carlie Bree Smith Samantha Myles Stringfellow Egeria Lark Thomas-Sand Veronica Akane Verdin Caroline Jacqueline Wallis Daphne Wang Elise Claire Willcox Taylor Michelle Wong

...enrolled in the following colleges and universities: Bowdoin College Brandeis University Brown University University of California Berkeley (2) Los Angeles San Diego Santa Barbara (3) Santa Cruz California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo Carnegie Mellon University (2) University of Chicago

Colgate University Columbia University Cornell University DePaul University Duke University Emerson College (2) Emory University (2) Grinnell College Hamilton College - NY Haverford College (2) Institut Catholique de Paris Johns Hopkins University Loyola Marymount University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Miami New England Conservatory of Music New York University (2) Northeastern University Oberlin College Occidental College University of Pennsylvania (2) Princeton University University of Richmond University of San Francisco Sarah Lawrence College

Smith College (2) University of Southern California (7) St. Olaf College Swarthmore College Texas Christian University Trinity University Vanderbilt University University of Vermont Washington University in St. Louis University of Washington (2) Xavier University of Louisiana

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Westridge Bids a Fond Farewell to Five Long-Serving Employees

with deep appreciation...

Sentiments shared by Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor at the year-end faculty/staff/administration appreciation brunch

Lee Stork leaves Westridge after 10 years to become the Director of College Counseling at Sandia Prep in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Lee counseled over 600 Westridge students and families and developed a seminar curriculum relating to the college search and application process from her years of experience in higher education. Traveling extensively to build personal contacts with colleges and universities, she increased the visibility of Westridge. She was the founding member of the Girls’ School College Counselors (GSCC) group, hosting the 2010 GSCC conference at Westridge, and organized a Women in Engineering day in 2007 which allowed 40 girls to experience USC’s Viterbi School Louis Reyes retires after 14 years at Westridge. The students love of Engineering. In addition, Lee has been a dedicated supporter of him; he has been in more skits and student videos than any other Westridge athletics and was the first “Voice of the Tigers,” bringing fun employee. He is quick to say hello, good hearted, and a big Tiger sports and spirit to basketball games as the play-by-play announcer. fan! Louis is a devoted family man and looks forward to spending more time with his grandchildren. He has shown great loyalty to Westridge Dana Wopschall Laugharn ’97 leaves Westridge after nine years of and played a big role in getting his nephews Rolando and Ricardo and teaching 6th Grade to stay home with her son, Jake. She specialized in his sister Thelma to join the Westridge community.

Language Arts and Ancient Civilizations. Dana is a Westridge alumna, a huge USC fan, and an early adopter of SMART Board™ technology.

Liz Cavanaugh leaves after 13 years at Westridge. A thoughtful, A community leader, she was instrumental in student spirit days, was gentle soul, she is one of the kindest human beings Westridge has a Girl Scout leader, led the Lower School student council program for ever known. Liz is a committed teacher and advisor, someone who eight years, and also worked in the SEP program. Students say she is a really cares about her students and colleagues, and has many creative fashion icon, funny, personal, warm, and dedicated to their success. talents. During her time at Westridge, she introduced students to authentic French culture which included arts, media, fashion, and film, and developed a “Grown in America” Interim program, among many other contributions to the school and community.

Maria Murguia leaves Westridge after 35 years. Loyal and always willing to help out, she is appreciated for the kindness and support that she shared with the community, especially prospective families at Admissions Open House programs. Maria has been masterful at assisting the school with vital day-to-day operations. She became a much-loved part of the SEP program and has long-time connections with the school; Gerry, her husband, worked for Westridge, she is the mother of Westridge alumnae, and has been the “den mother” to many faculty and staff.

2010-2011 Board of Trustees

2010-2011 Alumnae Council

David G. Mgrublian, Chair

Jennifer Schultz Bertolet ’86, Chair

John Alejo Jennifer Schultz Bertolet ’86, ex officio The Reverend Canon Thomas G. Clarke Natalie N. Davis Stephanie Chandler Dencik ’90 Judith K. Gain Brooke Larsen Garlock ’70 Donald E. Hall Peter Lucey Jennifer T. Lum Elizabeth McGregor, ex officio Sarah Young Miller Christopher Orndorff Richard H. Patterson, Jr. Tari Frahm Rokus W. Torrey Sun Alison Taylor ’80 Alan Tekerlek Shaw B. Wagener Jane Mursener Wetzel Sabra Clark White ’76 Maha Youness ’88

Laurie Barlow ‘70 Lizzie Bonamy ‘01 Janet Ellis Calvo ‘70 Susannah Crowley ‘04 Tenaya Stewart Custer ‘59 Michele Nishiyama Esbenshade ‘91 Erica Fishman ‘84 Priscilla Dunn Flynn ‘47 Azizi Gibbs ‘96 Lauren Gibbs ‘02 Jennifer Tongish Giles ‘87 Karen Huante ‘79 Marie Cunningham Jones ‘48 Anne Dorsey Long ‘76 Bridget McDonald ‘08 Hannah Palmer ‘97 Jamie Rokus ‘02 Marianne Van Vorst Ryan ‘79 Dorothy McCay Scully ‘54 Julie Chen Woo ‘93

Trustees Emeriti

2010-2011 Parent Association Executive Committee

David C. Elliot (deceased) Ellen Ellis Richard N. Frank Dorothy Hughes Matthiessen ’52 Robert P. Miller (deceased) Helen Johnstone Rose (deceased) Susan Shepherd Sweezy (deceased)

Giselle Sanchez ’11, ex officio

President Kazue McGregor Vice President / Room Parents Allison Obico Vice President / Development Sheri Bender Vice President / Summer Opportunities Fair Dee Moritz Secretary Jennifer Holladay Treasurer Lawrence Ng Assistant Treasurer Marilyn McDonald Past President Sheila Golden

The fundamental purpose of Westridge School is to develop in girls their intellectual and creative powers and their unique qualities as individuals.

Essential to the school’s purpose is the commitment to be a community that reflects and values diversity, respects individual differences, and responds to a changing, dynamic world.

female academic courageous traditional inclusive visionary An intellectually engaging and challenging curriculum prepares students

to continue their education in college and beyond as discerning, motivated

learners who are committed to excellence and goodness in everything they do.

The program offers balance among humanities, mathematics and sciences, fine and performing arts, technology and athletics.

Westridge strives to develop young women whose joy in learning, personal

ideals, commitment to ethical action, social and environmental responsibility, courage and compassion will lead them to meaningful lives as contributing citizens of the larger world.

— Approved by the Board of Trustees, April 8, 2003

alumnae@westridge.org www.westridge.org www.westridge-alumnae.org

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Westridge School 324 Madeline Drive Pasadena, California 91105-3399 626.799.1153 Address Service Requested

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2010–2011 Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor Editor & Design Monica Meñez Class Notes Editors Julie Ehrhardt Kathy Ignacio Rebecca Harlow Potter In Memoriam Editor Rebecca Harlow Potter Contributing Writers Monica Meñez Courtney Seiberling Printing Sinclair Printing

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Centennial

2013-2014