Perspective Magazine - Summer 2009 - Centennial Edition

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Perspectives Summer 2009

The magazine of Ashley Hall


Summer 2009

Welcome

from the Head Dear friends, One of the delights of celebrating a major anniversary is the process of looking back, paging through cherished scrapbooks, sifting through boxes of photographs and memorabilia, and reading old journals, letters, postcards and magazines. We empty out attics and basements and archives searching for those long abandoned tokens of the “good old days.” Ashley Hall’s Centennial committees have been doing just that in preparation for the School’s celebration in October. As each treasure is discovered, we are thoroughly entertained by how different life was for past generations of Ashley Hall women whether in regard to something as ephemeral as the mode of dress or as substantial as the right to vote. The most meaningful discovery, however, is just how similar, how constant have been the amazing students over the years in intellect, compassion, and passion. Evidence of these traits is especially present in student writing throughout the passing decades. Just as today’s Ashley Hall girls and more recent graduates are seekers of knowledge, independent agents, and steadfast servants to their communities, so too were the young women of yesteryear as deeply committed in their thoughts, education, and deeds. This speaks to both the nature of the students who choose Ashley Hall and to the enduring relevance of the School’s mission to produce an educated woman who is independent, morally and ethically responsible, and prepared to meet the challenges of society with confidence. Realistically, our magazine has barely the space to scratch the surface of this subject in a single edition, but as you read these pages take notice of just how well the writers in “Voices of Ashley Hall” would hold their own with the outstanding contemporary alumnae featured in the “Women in Leadership” article, alumnae profiles and alumnae awards review. I hope this edition of Perspectives whets your appetite for our Centennial Celebration in the fall. I look forward to seeing many of you on campus to share memories and a glimpse into the future of Ashley Hall. Possunt quae volunt! Sincerely,

Jill Muti Head of School

Perspectives The magazine of Ashley Hall

EDITOR John Slepetz GRAPHIC DESIGN Julie Frye Design CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Elizabeth Foster Catherine Newman Stephanie Tecklenburg BOARD OF TRUSTEES President – Karen Jenkins Phillips ’79 Vice President – Barton A. Proctor Secretary – Elizabeth Barone Luzuriaga ’80 Treasurer – Philip L. Horn, Jr. MEMBERS-AT-LARGE Edmund (Bill) W. Aylward Mary Gordon Baker ’77 Robert M. Baldwin Miss Ray Moore Coker ’59 John C. L. Darby Sheppard (Shep) Davis Ann W. Dibble ’70 Terry Becker Fisher Henry (Harry) B. Gregorie III Brett Hildebrand Elizabeth Rivers Lewine ’54 Kaycee C. Poston Heidi Ward Ravenel ’74 Joseph (Jerry) G. Reves M.D. Malcolm M. Rhodes M.D. Bobbie Gail Brown Rothschild ’54 Nella Barkley Schools ’81 Helen Turner Hill ’81 (ex officio) TRUSTEES EMERITI Mary Agnes Burnham Hood Martha Rivers Ingram ’53 Patricia T. Kirkland Hugh C. Lane, Jr. J. Conrad Zimmerman, Jr. HEAD OF SCHOOL Jill Swisher Muti ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER and ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL, Deanne Lucas Doscher ‘79 INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT DIRECTOR and ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL, Cindy Hay Johnson ASSISTANT to the HEAD OF SCHOOL, Elizabeth Gordon DEAN OF FACULTY, Nick Bozanic UPPER SCHOOL DIRECTOR, Mary Schweers INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DIRECTOR, Lois Ruggiero LOWER SCHOOL DIRECTOR, Amy Woodson EARLY EDUCATION CENTER DIRECTOR, Dana Van Hook DEAN OF STUDENTS, Kelly Wood FINE ARTS DIRECTOR, Judith Yarbrough ADMISSIONS DIRECTOR, Carolyn Newton ATHLETICS DIRECTOR, Frances Rivers Slay ‘80 TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR, John Yarbrough CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER, John Eppes


Table of Contents

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p. 24

p. 27

p. 37

Voices 11

Sections Featured writings of past Ashley Hall students

Women With the Will 24

Ashley Hall women speak out about politics and the environment

Centennial Horse Show 27

Inaugural Alumnae Cup pays tribute to Emily Ravenel Farrow ’33

3 5 7 9 21 33 37 41

Possunt quae volunt 172 Rutledge Avenue Charleston, SC 29403-5821 (843) 965-8482 Fax (843) 965-8461

Oh Ashley Hall Academe Sporting Life At Large Centennial Celebration Alumnae Alumnae Awards Announcements and Class Notes


Oh Ashley Hall Tennis

The third grade presented an original production, Fort Sullivan and the Palmetto Patriots, about the fort and the role its palmetto tree barricades played in repelling the British invasion during the Revolutionary War. Shown here, workers toil to erect the palmetto fortifications while the cast sings a rousing song.

Me’chelle Smith ’15 and her guest prepare to select a geography question by throwing a ball at an interactive map of the world. The quiz was part of the Fathers’ Morning activities for the sixth grade.

Fourth grade students performed First Ladies, Ladies First, a tribute to America’s greatest First Ladies and their patriotic, heroic, and leadership accomplishments. Pictured here is the Gallery of First Ladies museum exhibit that comes to life as the First Ladies tell their stories.

Chef Marianne Carnegie leaves Ashley Hall this year after a decade of loving service to students, faculty, staff and parents.

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Lower School Field Day, a long-standing school tradition, was held in April at the Athletic Complex on John’s Island.


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Family, faculty and friends applaud the class of 2009 as the new graduates toss roses in the air in celebration. Pre-primary student Zachary Wood tries on a Charleston firefighter’s helmet during the department’s annual visit to the EEC. Other thrills for the students included sitting in the firetruck driver’s seat and operating a firehose.

Lucy Thornhill ’19 shows off her pluff mud makeover during the second grade’s salt marsh excursion in James Island County Park.

Smiles abound as Kindergarten violinists conclude their performace in the Spring String recital.

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Academe

Ashley Davoli ’09, Casey Aylward ’09, Hayley Daen ’10, Sarah Norvell ’10, Lizzy Ott ’10, Mary Massalon ’10, Christina Kearse ’10, and Nancy Hagood ’10 were inducted into the National Honor Society.

Lowcountry author Brett Lott discusses writing with Ashley Hall students. The class workshop was part of Lott’s appearance in the Ashley Hall Guest Writer Series that brings celebrated authors to campus each year.

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Violin teacher Tiffany Rice (left) and science teacher Catherine Neel (right) received, respectively, the Rosemary Nelson Hutto and Daisy Barron Leland Awards for Teaching Excellence as Ashley Hall’s top educators for 2009. The pair are shown with Head of School Jill Muti.


ACADEME

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As a result of her stellar graduate coursework in partial differential equations, Ashley Hall Upper School math instructor Sybil Nelson has added research associate on a National Science Foundation-supported project at the College of Charleston to her resumé. Nelson has also recently published a short story and currently has two novels being considered for publication.

Shannon Laribo ’11 was the South Carolina champion and a national semifinalist in the 2009 National Poetry Out Loud competition. Over 150,000 students nationwide competed this year with fewer than 50 chosen as semifinalists. Laribo (front center) is pictured with family and teacher Beth Webb Hart (front right) after her victory in the South Carolina finals.

Four Ashley Hall students took top category honors in the Lowcountry Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Pictured (left to right) are Ashby Bland ’16, Maya Rawls ’15, science teacher Courtney Long, Erin Puckette ’15 and Alex Soltys ’15. Rawls’ project was also declared the Overall Winner of all entries.

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Cherry Payne ’70, Superintendent of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Alaska, presents a lecture to a sixth-grade science class. Payne also participated in the Women as Environmentalists panel discussion held on Earth Day as part of Ashley Hall’s Centennial Women in Leadership Series.

Derrill Hagood ’09 was selected as a National Merit Scholar. Hagood, who will attend William and Mary in the fall, also received one of only four scholarships awarded by the National English Honor Society.


Sporting Life

Arden Hare ’09 goes in for a layup against Ben Lippen

Basketball Honors

Basketball Front row: Arden Hare ’09, Colleen Leung ’11, Jordan Lowery ’09, Ellie

Bleecker ’11, and Sydney Howe ’09. Back row: Head Coach Lauren Arent, Nancy Hagood ’10, Catey Warren ’11, Celeste Carrigg ’09, Gamble Ouzts ’12, Jamie Harrell ’10, and Assistant Coach Ashley Watamura.

SCISA AAA State Runner-up SCISA All State Team – Sydney Howe SCISA All – Conference –Sydney Howe, Colleen Leung SCISA All-Star Team – Sydney Howe, Arden Hare, Celeste Carrigg, Colleen Leung Most Valuable Player Award – Entire Team Most Improved Player Award – Jamie Harrell Co-Coach’s Award – Sydney Howe, Catey Warren Best Defensive Player – Arden Hare

Emma Kofmehl ’09 and Mary Massalon ’10 prep for a race.

Sailing Honors

Sailing Front row: Isabelle Luzuriaga ’12, Cecilia Lipman ’10, Elizabeth Howell ’10, Mary Massalon ’10, and Sara Mac Swanson ’12. Back row: Derrill Hagood ’09, Maggie Mallard ’09, Charly Banks ’10, Nancy Hagood ’10, Charlotte Lazarus ’10, Emma Kofmehl ’09, and Coach Cathy Swanson.

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SAISA North Gold Regatta Champion – Undefeated season All sailors received a championship plaque for their undefeated season


Sporting Life

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Soccer Honors

SCISA All-State and All-Star Team – Colleen Leung SCISA All-Region 1st Team – Colleen Leung SCISA All-Region 2nd Team – Jordan Lowery, Charlotte Williams, Elizabeth Dougherty SCISA All-Region 3rd Team – Kathryn Pearce, Katie Morrison Best Overall Player – Katie Morrison Best Defensive Player – Charlotte Williams Best Offensive Player – Colleen Leung Co-Most Improved Player – Helen Smythe and Charlotte Williams Co-Coach’s Award – Claire Kruse and Nancy Hagood

Soccer

Claire Kruse ’09

Track Honors

SCISA AAA State Meet – 4th Place SCISA All-State Track Team – Sydney Howe, Hannah Poulnot, Miller Bianucci State Champion High Jump – Sydney Howe State Champion 3200 meter – Miller Bianucci Coach’s Awards Award for Determination – Hannah Poulnot Coach’s Awards Award for Inspiration – Elizabeth Scarborough Coach’s Awards Award for Performance – Sydney Howe Coach’s Awards Award for Leadership – Lauren Smith

Track

Tory Corless ’09

Softball Honors

SCISA North-South All Star Team – Kate Cannon Most Valuable Players – Robyn Do and Kate Cannon Coach’s Award – Lauren Hall Most Improved – Celeste Jilich

Softball

Kate Cannon ’09

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At Large

Ashley Hall entered three boats in the 2009 Dragon Boat Festival. Students, faculty and family members enjoyed a vigorous day of racing on the Ashley River and won the Team Spirit Award. Proceeds from the event benefit Dragon Boat Charleston, which supports cancer survivors and the Roper St. Francis Cancer Center.

Lower School students join Lower School Director Amy Woodson in song as part of Ashley Hall’s Earth Day celebration that included student presentations and a “green” picnic on the lawn featuring biodegradable plates and utensils.

Ashley Hall students and faculty try their hands at house building for Habitat for Humanity on John’s Island. Several Ashley Hall groups participated on Habitat projects throughout the year.

Students raised more than $12,000 for the American Heart Association at this year’s Jump Rope for Heart marathon.

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At Large

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Ashley Hall women donated their ponytails to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program that provides wigs for cancer patients. Pictured left to right (front row) Caroline Ravenel ’10, Hayley Daen ’10, Sarah Margaret Decker (teacher), Christina Kearse ’10, Allison Andrews ’15, (back row) Charlotte Lazarus ’10, Mary Massalon ’10, Olivia Hipp ’10, Abby Grady ’10, Caroline Andrews ’10, Marie Fogle ’10, and Celeste Jilich ’10.

A group of Ashley Hall students spearheaded fundraising to benefit education and humanitarian support for Tanzanian children. They raised $2400. Pictured (left to right) Megahn Gunderman of The Foundation for Tomorrow, Macon Bianucci ’13, Alexandra des Francs ’13, Miller Bianucci ’11, Lizzy Ott ’10, Sarah Norvell ’10, Marjorie Hanger ’10, and Nicole Miller and Erica Oblinger of The Tanzanian Education Foundation.

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As our Women in Leadership Series (page 24) and Alumnae Awards (page 37) amply demonstrate, Ashley Hall women are outspoken, compassionate and involved . A trip through the School’s archives reveals that, from the very beginning, these traits featured prominently in Ashley Hall students. The small sampling here showcases student thoughts on subjects as serious as women’s suffrage and as whimsical as driving in Charleston. 11 Summer 2009 PERSPECTIVES


ices

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Cerberus

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Madeleine Camp ’3

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staff 1917


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CENTENNIAL WEEKEND EVENTS WELCOME COCKTAIL PARTY Thursday, October 8, 2009 | 7:00 pm Charleston Visitor Center, 375 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29403 The Ashley Hall Alumnae Association will host a Centennial cocktail party in the surrounds of a professionally-designed pictorial exhibit of Ashley Hall’s first one hundred years. The images in this wonderful exhibit have been mined from the School’s archives as well as the basements and attics of alumnae from across the country. The exhibit pays homage to the history, traditions and mission of Ashley Hall in developing generations of strong, compassionate, and independent women. Take a walk within the antique brick walls of the Charleston Visitor Center and enjoy the canvas hangings highlighting Ashley Hall’s century-long commitment to a classical education. The exhibit will also be open to the public 8:30am – 5:30pm Monday through Sunday from September 1- November 30, 2009.

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Celebrate 100 Years

Friday, October 9, 2009 | 7:00 pm Ashley Hall Campus Ashley Hall’s 100-year celebration features an entertaining and enlightening evening including dinner, dancing and reminiscing with old friends. This extraordinary event begins with a short program highlighted by a performance of the School’s Red Choir and the ceremonial unveiling of the new Library and Science Center. After the program at the Bear Cave, guests will be treated to a Centennial party ranging across the entire campus: we’ll all be talking about it for the next 100 years! Invitations will be mailed in August. Please make plans to attend this special night.

Shakespeare in Love

Saturday, October 10, 2009 | 5:00 pm Ashley Hall Bear Cave Shakespeare in Love is an hour-long program featuring the extraordinary talents of Ashley Hall students as they celebrate their School’s century-long commitment to the classics. The program offers a glimpse into one of the most humorous portions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the play within a play, Pyramus and Thisbe. A Midsummer Night’s Dream holds a very dear part of the performing arts tradition. In 1910, it became the first play ever to be staged by Ashley Hall students. Highlighting another tradition, the Red Choir will also perform a short repertoire of Ashley Hall favorites. Finally, in recognition of new artistic growth, the Ashley Hall String Ensemble will perform.

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Hotel Accommodations for Ashley Hall Centennial Weekend Thursday, October 8 - Sunday, October 11, 2009

Doubletree Inn and Suites, $229 Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 181 Church Street Charleston, South Carolina 29401 www.doubletree.com / 843-577-2644 Francis Marion Hotel, $199 Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 387 King Street Charleston, South Carolina 29403 www.francismarioncharleston.com 843-722-0600 / 877-756-2121 Kings Courtyard Inn, $199 Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 198 King Street Charleston, South Carolina 29401 Includes Continental breakfast, wireless internet, and afternoon wine and cheese reception www.kingscourtyardinn.com / 800-720-2688 Meeting Street Inn, $209 Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 173 Meeting Street Charleston, South Carolina 29401 www.meetingstreetinn.com 843-723-1882 / 800-842-8022 Mills House Hotel $169 (Thursday), $239 (Friday), and $239 (Saturday) 115 Meeting Street Charleston, South Carolina 29401 www.millshouse.com 843-577-2400 / 800-874-9600

Residence Inn, $139- $189 Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 90 Ripley Point Drive Charleston, South Carolina 29407 Includes hot breakfast buffet www.marriott.com/chsri 843-571-7979 Spring Hill Suites, $129 Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 98 Ripley Point Drive Charleston, South Carolina 29407 Includes deluxe Continental buffet www.marriott.com/chssh / 843- 571-1711 Wentworth Mansion, $423 Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 149 Wentworth Street Charleston, South Carolina 29401 Includes hot cooked to order breakfast, wireless internet, parking, passes to local health club, and afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres www.wentworthmansion.com / 888-466-1886

Special discounted rates have been arranged. Please contact the hotel directly and ask for the “Ashley Hall Centennial Weekend Rate.” The above rates will be available until September 6th, 2009.

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joÅxÇ ã|à{ à{x j|ÄÄ THE CENTENNIAL WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP SERIES

\ n January of 2009, Chair Jennet Robinson Alterman ’70 launched Women with the Will, The Centennial Women in Leadership Series. The series has three goals:

To share with students and community members the valuable lessons, insights, contacts, knowledge and experiences of accomplished Ashley Hall women

“I was amazed at the energy and maturity of the girls at Ashley Hall. They seemed to soak up what we had to say and waded into intense political debates with open minds and demonstrable respect for the opinions of their classmates. It was an honor to be with them and comforting to know these will be some of our future leaders.” Jane Dreher Emerson ‘70

To begin a dialogue between students, community members, and a panel of experts on how women can succeed in areas that have been traditionally male

To empower students and the women of the Charleston community with practical advice and proven strategies for success. The series’ first two sessions featured Ashley Hall alumnae and parents from around the world who came to inspire, teach and motivate students, alumnae and community members alike. Each session was two days in length and included:

Focused, curricular-driven interchanges between guest presenters and select groups of students determined by subject matter

An evening panel discussion for the community

A reception following the panel to encourage more personal dialogue between panelists and community members

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WOMEN IN POLITICS

“I was thrilled to spend very meaningful time--two classes and lunch--with current students. They are engaged, informed, and not afraid to speak their minds. I hope that my views opened their minds to other points of view, which is, of course, the purpose of these sessions. I hope that my views give courage to those students whose thoughts may run counter to prevailing opinion. I hope that my thoughts spur them to think what they may not have thought before.” Fern Karesh Hurst ‘64

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n January 29th, just a few days after the historic inauguration of our new President, Women with the Will kicked off its own inaugural session, Women in Politics. Speakers included (pictured above in order): Cynthia Campsen Mosteller ’74 Past Chair of the Charleston County Republican Party

The panelists spent the day working closely with Upper School US Government and 8th Grade United States History students where they covered their reasons for becoming involved in politics, their personal journeys through the political process, and their challenges as women in politics. They also lunched with members of the Ashley Hall student government and began a dialogue with students on current issues such as gentrification, reproductive rights, parks and green space, and handicapped access. That evening, addressing a standing room only audience, panelists set a lively tone of discourse by first pointing out that South Carolina is ranked 50th among state governments with respect to the percentage of women holding seats in our State House. Jennet Alterman ’70 moderated the panel and focused the discussion on each panelist’s journey as a woman into the political arena and the unique challenges she faced. The interactive forum encouraged participation, questions, and reactions from the audience, many of whom later remarked that they were inspired and motivated to become more active in the political process.

Jane Dreher Emerson ’70 Director of Women’s Outreach for Hillary Clinton for President Fern Karesh Hurst ’64 Member of the Business Council of the Democratic National Committee and a member of the Democratic Leadership Council Penn Hagood Ashley Hall parent and served on Sullivan’s Island Town Council Kendra Y. Hamilton ’76 Served on Charlottesville, VA City Council Anne Peterson-Hutto Ashley Hall parent and Representative in the South Carolina State House for District 115 Anne Frances Bleecker ’76 Served on Charleston City Council Jennet Robinson Alterman ’70 Director, Center for Women

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WOMEN AS ENVIRONMENTALISTS

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he second event in the Women with the Will series, Women as Environmentalists, was held on April 22 and featured accomplished alumnae whose careers have been spent on the local, national and global frontlines in defense of our natural resources. During the day the participants worked in the classrooms with science students in the Upper, Intermediate and Lower Schools. This time the AP Biology students acted as moderators for two panel discussions: one for the Upper School students in the afternoon and the second open to the entire Charleston community in the evening. The panels coincided with the national observance of Earth Day. Women as Environmentalists participants included (pictured above in order):

In both forums panelists discussed women’s participation in environmental fields, challenges women face in these career paths, and specific ways that women can make a difference in the environment. They also discussed questions prepared by the student moderators on environmental “hot-button” issues such as global warming, conservation vs. preservation, dead zones in the world’s oceans, non-native species, aquaculture, and genetic engineering, among others. Each panelist offered her opinion on the topics which led to a lively debate among the panelists. The panelists closed by expressing what each member of the Ashley Hall community could do to make a difference in the environment. Their resounding, unanimous advice was straightforward: Get involved, speak up, and act! See the Centennial Calendar (page 32) for the dates and topics of upcoming events.

Felicia C. Coleman ’70 Director of the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory and of a marine biology research program for undergraduates.

“Coastal residents can and should take responsibility for how their activities and lifestyle affect the natural environment. It may not be enough to leave it as we found it. We may need to leave it better than we found it.”

Nancy Hawk Hadley ’67 A shellfish biologist with the Marine Resources Division of the SC Department of Natural Resources. Cherry F. Payne ’70 Superintendent of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Alaska.

Nancy Hawk Hadley ‘67

Alice Voss Gaines ’61 A third-generation landowner, farmer and advocate for sustainable farming practices

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Centennial Horse Show

Features Inaugural Emily Ravenel Farrow ’33 Alumnae Cup by Kate Lloyd

Surrounded by photographs both old and recent, in her family home on the farm where she grew up in West Ashley, “Miss Em” smiles in contemplation of her life as a horsewoman. “I’ve had a wonderful life,” she says. “I’ve been blessed.”

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mily Ravenel Farrow ’33 grew up in the family business of raising horses. King Edward, a stallion, was one of her father’s first horses, and she rode him at age 15 in a horse show in which he was surrounded by mares but never blinked an eye at them. “He was a regal horse,” she said, “and a beauty, with four white feet. He’s buried on this property.” Both of her parents were good riders, she reminisced, and her father was known as “the centaur” because he melded with the horse when he rode. Charles Ravenel and his first cousin and best friend Tom Stoney owned horses together. “Both of my parents rode horses to town; my mother hitched hers to a buggy; I was raised that way,” she said. “One day my 27

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father brought a pony home in his car, with the head sticking out one side and the tail the other. Miss McBee was shocked when my mother asked her to excuse me for two days for a horse show, but that’s how it was.” In a 2005 article in the Post and Courier, her son David wrote “… for a good portion of her life, Emily Ravenel Farrow taught riding to generations of Charlestonians. From a teenager in the 1920s through the depression, a world war and a fight against world communism, little else mattered save her sharing her knowledge inherited from her father and an inherent understanding of animals and nature.” He also noted that she married the man of her dreams, J. Ashby Farrow, to whom she had given riding lessons when he was 12 and she 17. They raised two


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children and remained in love until his death in 1984, David Farrow added. A prominent member of Charleston society, Mrs. J. Ashby Farrow was the first alumnae trustee of Ashley Hall in 1950, while at the same time on the boards of the Carolina Art Association and Historic Charleston Foundation. Francie Suddeth Dougherty ’69, a veterinarian, dressage trainer and breeder of sport horses in Maryland, says her “Cousin Em” shaped her life’s passion. “She was a renowned horsewoman in her day, and knew all kinds of international horse show people,” she said. “I have a picture of my first horse, procured for my parents by Emily. She taught me to ride the way I now teach, and she taught the right

“My daughters Sara and Caroline were encouraged in their love of horses by Francie (Dougherty) and learned horsemanship from both Francie and Dr. Nancy Bruggeman Gregory. And Francie and Nancy got their knowledge and passion from Miss Em. So it all goes back to that wonderful woman who started it all.” this year, involving the presentation of the inaugural Ashley Hall Emily Ravenel Farrow ’33 Alumnae Cup. “We wanted to honor Miss Em for her role in starting the Ashley Hall Horse Show, and she was there to present the Cup. We gave her a smaller replica of it.” The winner of the Alumnae Cup, which involved flatwork, horseman-

Emily Ravenel Farrow ’33, Francie Suddeth Dougherty ’69, and Heidi Ward Ravenel ’74 kind of horse management. Her horses were well-behaved and healthy, and I now understand why we had to do everything a certain way, because it’s the right way.” Heidi Ward Ravenel ’74 talks about the annual Ashley Hall Horse Show that she helped organize for the Centennial

ship, and jumping, was Marion Maybank ’01, now the Director of National Hunter and Jumper and Intercollegiate Affiliates at the US Equestrian Federation in Lexington, Kentucky. This year’s show also featured the presentation of a tribute and silver julep cup for “Announcer Emeritus” to Teddy Pet28 Summer 2009 PERSPECTIVES

- Heidi Ward Ravenel ’74

tersen, the announcer at the show for many years and whose sister, wife, and daughters have all been riders and Ashley Hall Riding Club members. The Ashley Hall Horse Show has a long tradition which began with Miss Em. It originated when she transformed a community horse show into the annual Ashley Hall Horse Show sometime during the 1950’s. The Riding Club, which had been a part of Ashley Hall for many years, put on the horse show and it continued through the 1990’s. For a brief period it fell to the Parents Association to manage, but its one-ring location became too small, so Heidi gathered some fellow alumnae to reestablish the club’s horse show in two rings at Mullet Hall, which she cochaired with Betsy Howland ’74. The first year of the two-day show drew 100 horses, and this year’s had more than 200 entries from all over the southeast. Heidi and Betsy helped the Riding Club girls get involved in planning the program, doing the scheduling, and volunteering at the event. “The girls raised enough money to make donations to local equine charities, including CATR (Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding), LEAP (Leading Equine Assisted Psychotherapy), Rein and Shine, and the SPCA’s Equine Rescue program,” Heidi said. “This year they also gave to the Colleton County SPCA for the 47 horses who were rescued there. They also began an environmental improvement program, recycling plastic water bottles at the show, which Mullet Hall will continue.”


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The funds raised from last year’s show also provided a trip for the Riding Club to Lexington to be volunteers for Marion at the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s Pony Finals National Championship last August. “The girls were thrilled to be part of one of the top equestrian events in the country, and they also toured the equine hospital and the thoroughbred farms in the area.” This year’s Centennial Horse Show was such a success that it marks the beginning of a new era for the Riding Club. Sanctioned by Progressive Show Jumping and the South Carolina Hunter Jumper Association, it included participants of all ages and levels from all over the southeast. The future includes a new Ashley Hall Riding Team, which will begin to compete next fall, thanks to funds raised through the horse show. The Team was established by Heidi and

“ I plan to get on my horse each year on my birthday,” Miss Em, now 94, said with a big smile, “and I hope I’ll keep on doing it at 100 and 105. I’ve been lucky all my life.”

- Miss Em ’33

Betsy Moseley, both parents of current Club members. “My daughters Sara and Caroline were encouraged in their love of horses by Francie (Dougherty) and learned horsemanship from both Francie and Dr. Nancy Bruggeman Gregory,” Heidi reflected, “and Francie and Nancy got their knowledge and passion from Miss Em. So it all goes back to that wonderful woman who started it all.”

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“I plan to get on my horse each year on my birthday,” Miss Em, now 94, said with a big smile, “and I hope I’ll keep on doing it at 100 and 105. I’ve been lucky all my life.” Ashley Hall’s Riding Club members have been the beneficiaries of that good fortune.


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MORE CENTENNIAL YEAr

Ashley Hall Centennial Tour 2009 This spring, Jill and Lorenzo Muti invited the Ashley Hall community to join them on the Ashley Hall Centennial Tour 2009, an educational excursion to Italy’s Amalfi Coast. The tour was part of the Arts and Humanities Enrichment for Adults program sponsored by Spoleto Study Abroad. The group traveled to Roma, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Napoli, Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento, Capri, Ravello, and Vietri on their seven-day trek of the old world. Their travels marked a great beginning to the wonderful slate of activities planned in celebration of the Centennial year and stand as a fitting model of Ashley Hall’s commitment to lifelong learning.

(not in order) Mollie Alexander, Victoria Allen, Lee Bailey Brewer ’62, Dorsey Brewer, Hilma Curtis, Lynn Henke, Jill and Lorenzo Muti, Doris Perry, Martha Ann Robertson, Mary Shannon Swanson, Janice Waring, Mary Webb ’76, Camille Wish.

McBEE HOUSE EXHIBIT Over the past several months, the MacDonald Drawing Room has housed the Ashley Hall Centennial Exhibit: The Past One Hundred Years. The display cases contain memorabilia from the following subject areas: Student Life, Athletics, Drama and Performance, Publications, and Academics. The exhibit has been enjoyed by alumnae, faculty, staff, and students and includes archived pieces from Ashley Hall as well as an extensive collection of donated material from alumnae across the country. A sample of these donations includes an original copy of the 1938 publication The Pup, Red Choir records, Junior/Senior banquet invitations, antique volumes of the Cerberus, felt sports letters and Ashley Hall sports banners, scrap books, Shakespeare and Christmas play programs, and many other keepsakes. These cases will be on display through the Centennial year.

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www.A SHLE YHALLCENTENNIAL.OR G

Centennial Reunion Class Campaign to Build Ashley Hall’s Endowment

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uring the Alumnae Awards Luncheon of Alumnae Weekend 2009, a very special fund-raising effort by the Centennial Reunion Classes was unveiled and celebrated. The announced Centennial Reunion Class Campaign will help build the School’s endowment for the unfolding century. Well before that special announcement, Ann Dibble ’70, a member of the Ashley Hall Board of Trustees and the Chair for the Centennial Reunion Class Campaign, worked diligently behind the scenes with the Centennial reunion class leaders emphasizing the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity this incredible milestone in Ashley Hall’s history provides to address the very real need for increasing the School’s endowment. She reiterated this message in her remarks at Alumnae Weekend. “In these past 100 years Ashley Hall has grown and changed and continued to evolve with the times. Almost 50 years ago, Ashley Hall established an endowment fund to provide for the future financial well-being of the school. The endowment pays out to the school a percentage of its earnings while leaving the principle intact to grow. A strong endowment allows a school to attract and retain the very best teachers, offer scholarships to students with financial need, fund new programs, have up-to-date classrooms, laboratories and facilities, embrace new technologies, and be prepared for the future. Even if enrollments or other fundraising efforts are decreasing, a strong endowment allows a school to take advantage of new opportunities and to face unforeseen financial challenges, while continuing to offer scholarships and the best academic programs. An endowment is like a savings account where you spend the earnings but don’t touch the principle. As we stand on the brink of Ashley Hall’s Centennial, it is time to reflect on Ashley Hall’s endowment and understand that it is not sufficient for a school of our caliber and for our current times. When we began the centennial planning, Ashley Hall’s endowment was only $3.5 million, a stark contrast to our sister and

One of the Chairs for the Class of 1959 Centennial Class Gift, Beatty Hooker Martin ’59 with classmate Nancy Head Thode ’59 and Margaret MacDonald. brother schools. For example, St. Catherine’s in Richmond, has an endowment of $67 million, Porter-Gaud has an endowment of $6.5 million and Heathwood Hall in Columbia has $6 million. Nationally independent schools have an average endowment per student of almost $26,000. In the southeast the average endowment per student stands at almost $21,000. Ashley Hall’s endowment per student is not even $4,500. Our girls….our daughters, our granddaughters, our great grandaughters and their children, and grandchildren…they deserve better.” Ann focused on recruiting campaign leaders from each of the Centennial Reunion Classes who will lead their classmates in this special fundraising effort. During Alumnae Weekend Ann shared with the gathered alumnae her passion for the vital necessity of every alumna doing what she can to help ensure Ashley Hall’s continued excellence and the importance of this year in Ashley Hall’s story. “In order to permanently ensure Ashley Hall’s future, regardless of the economic climate, we must build that endowment for the next generation of girls. The Board of Trustees and the Long Range Planning Committee recognized this as the school’s most critical need for this next century, and we have begun to focus our fundraising effort towards building the endowment. But we cannot do it alone---and we cannot continue to rely on a select group of

31 Summer 2009 PERSPECTIVES

We are still recruiting leaders from1964,1974,1994, 1999, and 2004. If you would like to help lead your class, please contact Catherine Newman at 843-965-8547.

Ann Dibble ’70, Chair of the Centennial Reunion Class Campaign and member of the Ashley Hall Board of Trustees, makes an impassioned appeal to our alumnae to help Ashley Hall be the best it can be for the next 100 years. alumnae or parents to give to this vital fund. To ensure that the rich legacy of Ashley Hall continues, we need all alumnae to help build Ashley Hall’s endowment.” Once more, amazing Ashley Hall women will call on the bonds of friendship, shared memories and hopes for the future and come together to sustain the very foundation of their alma mater. Thank you to all those class leaders who have already volunteered to help with this effort: CLASS OF 1959 Beatty Hooker Martin and Sally Harper McCoy CLASS OF 1969 Sue Levkoff and Babs Tompkins Ewing CLASS OF 1979 Karen Jenkins Phillips CLASS OF 1984 Elizabeth Felder McDermott and Frannie Baker Reese CLASS OF 1989 Summer Betchman O’Neill and Charlotte Anderson Parrino. Our dedicated class leaders will be working over the summer and into the fall asking for their classmates’ support. Then – in conjunction with the school’s keystone event of the Centennial Weekend – these special classes will present their gifts to the school at the Centennial Celebration, October 9, 2009. Possunt quae volunt.


www.A SHLE YHALLCENTENNIAL.OR G

Centennial Year

VtÄxÇwtÜ oy EäxÇàá 2009-2010

August 20..............Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the New Library/Science Center September 1 .............................Centennial Exhibit at Charleston Visitor Center Opens September 13 .........................................................................................................Centennial Family Picnic September 17...............................................................................................Centennial 1909 Society Party September 21 ..........................................................................................Guest Writer Series – John Lane October 5 .....................................................Guest Writer Series – Al Young and Kurt Lamkin October 8 ...................................... Alumnae Association Centennial Cocktail Reception October 9 ..................................................... Founder’s Day Student Centennial Celebration October 9 ............................................................................................................Keynote Centennial Event October 10 .............................................................................Centennial Shakespeare Performance November 3-5 ................Women in Leadership Series – Evolution of Women’s Rights November 30 ....................... Centennial Exhibit at Charleston Visitor Center Closes January 20-21 ...................................................Women in Leadership Series – Global Economy January 25 ...............................................................................Guest Writer Series – Carol Ann Davis January 31..................................................................Faculty, Family and Friends Concert Series March 22 .................................................................................Guest Writer Series – Richard Dillard April 13-14 ..................................Women in Leadership Series – Service and Philanthropy April 15 .......................................................................... Inaugural Sports Hall of Fame Induction April 16-17 ......................................................................... Alumnae Weekend/Centennial Capstone

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APRIL 2009

Jubilee Society gathering for Alumnae Weekend

Centennial Alumnae Weekend

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Celebration

here was a special air of excitement at this year’s Alumnae Weekend, April 24 and 25, 2009, as Ashley Hall’s year-long centennial celebration kicked off on a beautiful April lowcountry weekend. The weekend began with members of the Jubilee Society gathering in the McBee House Drawing Room to welcome the class of 1959 into their special group. Thanks to the planning efforts of class agents, Kay Robertson Skidmore ’59 and Marianne Gaillard Clare ‘59, the class of 1959 had a wonderful turnout for the reception. There was standing room only as members of this special group reconnected and shared stories. The earliest class represented was the class of 1934, with sisters Margaret and Elizabeth (Libby) Williams attending. Jill Muti, Head of School, individually welcomed each new member of the Jubilee Society with a Jubilee pin. Many of them had not been back to campus in years, so Jill’s update on the new Library and Science Center construction, as well as plans for the new dining facility, was welcomed. After the reception, many of the alumnae enjoyed touring the beautiful McBee House with historian, Ian MacDonald, and reliving school memories of dorm rooms and classrooms. 33 Summer 2009 PERSPECTIVES


ALUMNAE

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( National Alumnae Council

Ashley Hall’s National Alumnae Council met on Friday afternoon for its inaugural meeting. The mission of this Council, led by Amy Jenkins ’82, is to engage the interest and support of alumnae nationwide by promoting opportunities to participate in the life of the School and by encouraging professional and personal connections among alumnae. The members of the Council will formally meet once a year during Alumnae Weekend but will also work throughout the year in their own geographic areas. Members of the Council who attended the April meeting included Amy Jenkins ’82 and Caroline Welsh West ’89, Charleston; Laura McKinley Spriggs ‘91, Atlanta; Madge McCrady Hallett ’78, Columbia; Esther Hoshall Beaumont ’53 and Catherine McEaddy ’90, Washington DC area; and Elizabeth Powers Lindh ’67, New York. At the meeting, the members had a lively conversation brainstorming ways to the keep the Ashley Hall connection relevant to alumnae in their area. Suggestions ranged from providing information about local schools for their children, to serving as professional mentors, to organizing gatherings at book signings or sporting events. Amy relates, “As Ashley Hall’s alumnae base continues to grow nationally and internationally, it has become evident that there is a desire from alumnae all over to stay connected to Ashley Hall and to assist young alumnae moving to their areas. Just as we have a local Alumnae Board here in Charleston, we felt that it was time for a more national presence. With the help of the Advancement Office, we identified cities with a good representation of alumnae and invited members to serve on the Council. We currently have 25 members and will continue to grow.”

Amie Tedeschi ’89, Helen Linton Watson ’58, Helen Ann Lowenfield Harper ’89, Mary Neves Turner Richards ’89

Newest members of the Jubilee Society, all members of the class of ’59: Vida FitzSimons Robertson, Madge Bell Cooper, Midge Midyette Peery, Marianne Gaillard Clare, and Kay Robertson Skidmore.

Centennial Kick-off Party Alumnae Weekend 2009 kicked off the Centennial year with a lively on-campus party. A record number of alumnae gathered on the dance floor under the big tent over the sports court on Friday evening to share a night with old friends and memories. An authentic Carolina barbeque was dished out and musical entertainment was provided by the Folly Dogs featuring Ashley Hall faculty members. Helen Turner Hill ’81, the Centennial Chair, and Head of School Jill Muti officially opened the Centennial to a round of applause from the assembled alumnae, and everyone saluted the celebration with a piece from the special party cake baked in the shape of the number “100.” The event was a magnificent start to the weekend and the year-long Centennial Celebration.

“ Tory Davis Champion ’79, Jenks McDowell Bailey ’79, Costa Chakeris, Elaine Meyer Bergmann ’78, Therese Trouche Smythe ’78, Frannie Baker Reese ’84

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As Ashley Hall’s alumnae base continues to grow nationally and internationally, it has become evident that there is a desire from alumnae all over to stay connected to Ashley Hall.


ALUMNAE

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( Class of 2004

Class of 1969

Margaret MacDonald and Anne Street Lautz ’44. Lautz’s pin was worn at graduation by three generations of Ashley Hall women in her family. Class of 1989

Class of 1984

Class of 1959

Class of 1979

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Saturday Events On Saturday morning, the tradition of the Bloody Mary and Mimosa reception and class photos continued under the beautiful oak trees on the lawn. Alumnae had the opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet spouses, look through old annuals and visit with their former teachers. Ileana Strauch ’01 was on hand to sign copies of her book, Ashley Hall, The Campus History Series. There was a full house in Davies Auditorium for the Alumnae Awards Luncheon. Members of the class of ’84 and ’59 enjoyed looking over their special placemats, a collage of photos from their days at Ashley Hall. After a wonderful lowcountry lunch, several speakers took the stage. Jill Muti welcomed the roomful of alumnae back to Ashley Hall and shared her thoughts on how Ashley Hall’s motto, Possunt quae volunt (Those with the will have the ability) has truly shaped the school over the past 100 years and continues to do so. She related that while much about Ashley Hall has evolved to help students meet the increasingly complex challenges of today’s world, the school itself remains steadfast because the essence of Ashley Hall is its people – the dedicated teachers, the eager students and the loyal alumnae. Karen Jenkins Phillips ’79, Chair of the Board of Trustees, encouraged all alumnae to return in October for the weekend Centennial Celebration, which will also be the formal unveiling of the new state-of-the-art, LEED-certified Library and Science Center. As we look ahead to the next hundred years of Ashley Hall, Karen encouraged everyone to remember the importance of the legacy that this generation is leaving to the future generations of Ashley Hall women. Ann Dibble ’70, Board of Trustee member, announced the centennial class gift drive that will run through the centennial year and will wrap up in April 2010. As Chair of this Centennial Class Gift effort, Ann related that no gift is too large, and, particularly in these economic times, no gift is too small! She reinforced that, to ensure that the rich legacy of Ashley Hall continues, the school needs all alumnae to participate in helping build Ashley Hall’s endowment. The final celebration of the weekend came with the announcements of the prestigious Alumnae Awards (see page 37.) After all of the events on campus concluded, alumnae departed to enjoy their afternoon in Charleston and join their class that evening for their individual class parties.

Elaine Conradi Eustis ’84, Penny Davies Walker ’51, Tommy Thornhill, Chad Eustis

Class of 1999

Mariana Ramsay Hay ’77, Miels Smith, Amy Jenkins ’82

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Alumnae Awards 2009 Crandall Close Bowles Award Given to an Ashley Hall alumna who exhibits outstanding achievement in her chosen profession, this award honors Crandall Close Bowles ’65. Crandall is the Chief Executive Officer for Springs Industries. Her leadership skills propelled her from her initial position as a financial analyst at Springs Industries to CEO. Past recipients of the Bowles Award include Josephine Humphreys Hutcheson ’63, Anne Miller Moise ’63, Lark Pickett Palma ’67, and Sue Ellen Levkoff ’69. Elizabeth Powers Lindh ’67 has been selected as the recipient of the 2009 Crandall Close Bowles Professional Achievement Award. Elizabeth taught Latin for a short time just after graduating from Mount Holyoke College and went on to the University of South Carolina Law School where she was the Executive Editor of the Law Review. Elizabeth is a partner at Dewey & LeBoeuf, a law firm in New York with over 1400 lawyers in 14 countries. She practices in the securities and corporate areas and is a member of the firm’s executive committee. She also chairs the firm’s Women’s Initiatives committee and is a member of its Diversity Executive Council. Addi-

Sissy Hope Hewitt ’67 and Elizabeth Powers Lindh ’67 reminisce about their days in first grade together.

tionally, Elizabeth has been a member of the New York Junior League more than 25 years; served as president of the National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of NY; and served on the board of the Seamen’s Church Institute, an Episcopal organization providing services to mariners in the US and around the world, for ten years.

Fern Karesh Hurst ’64 honors Helen Turner Hill ’81 (left) with the Hurst award honoring Helen’s volunteer and community service.

Fern Karesh Hurst Award The Fern Karesh Hurst ’64 Award honors an alumna who exhibits outstanding volunteer and community service. Fern has served as an Ashley Hall trustee and as a member of the Goucher College Board of Trustees and the Learning Board of the National Jewish Center for Leadership and Learning. She is also past president of the Jewish Women’s Foundation of New York. Past recipients of the Hurst Award include Karen Jenkins Phillips ’79, Barbara Pierce Bush ’43, Dee Holmes Norton ’67, and Martha Rivers Ingram ’53.

Helen Turner Hill ’81 was honored with the 2009 Fern Karesh Hurst Community Volunteer Award. Helen served on the Ashley Hall Board of Trustees for four years and has served on the Alumnae Board since 2001 in numerous capacities including vice president, house tour committee, phonathon volunteer, reunion class chair, and class agent. Helen is currently serving as the chair of Ashley Hall’s Centennial Celebration. Not only has Helen been integrally involved in the life of Ashley Hall over the years, but also she has given so much of her time, energy and resources to the Charleston community. She has served as the Executive Director of the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau since 1989 and currently serves as a Board Member for the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Wachovia Bank Advisory Board and the South Carolina Tourism Alliance. She has also served on the Clemson University Board of Visitors and The Commission on the Future of Clemson University. In 2006, Helen was presented with the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest honor for a private citizen, by Governor Sanford.

37 Summer 2009 PERSPECTIVES


ALUMNAE

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( Martha Rivers Ingram Award Given to an Ashley Hall alumna who has been recognized by her peers for outstanding work in the performing or visual arts, this award honors Mrs. Martha Rivers Ingram ’53. Martha has spent much of her life devoted to the arts and is well known for her support and contributions to the arts community. Past recipients of the Martha Rivers Ingram Award include D’Anna Fortunato ’63, Anne Darby Parker ’78, Elaine Murray Stone ’39, and Louise Halsey ’67. This year’s award winner is Carolyn Powell Shaak ’49. Carolyn’s love of music started at an early age at Ashley Hall where she studied piano under J. Albert Fracht. After graduating from the University of South Carolina as the first honor graduate, Carolyn received a Fulbright Grant to study music in Rome. She received a Masters of Music and Music Education from Columbia University. She and her husband settled in Denver where they established the Shaak Music Studio which is based on the group teaching approach. Carolyn has performed concerts, published music and educational books and

Nena McBee Horn ’49, Harriott Means Johnson ’50, and Carolyn Powell Shaak ’49 at the Jubilee Society Party.

taught piano. She won the Clef Award of the Junior Symphony Guild (Colorado Symphony Orchestra) in 2002 and is currently President of the Musicians’ Society of Denver, Inc. She continues to present at conferences throughout the nation.

(left) Past recipients of the Dewar Gordon Holmes award gather to honor Karen Phillips. (Jenks McDowell Bailey ’79, Marguerite McLaughlin Bishop ’49, Karen Jenkins Phillips ’79, Elaine Meyer Bergmann ’78, Penny Davies Walker ‘51.

Dewar Gordon Holmes Award The Dewar Gordon Holmes Award is given annually to an alumna who personifies the characteristics of Dewar Gordon Holmes ’26. Miss Holmes was the first woman to serve on the Ashley Hall Board of Trustees, as well as a past faculty and staff member and a mentor for Ashley Hall girls. She was highly regarded as an outstanding citizen in the community and a dedicated volunteer for Ashley Hall for many years.

To the enthusiastic response of her many classmates present on Saturday, Karen Jenkins Phillips ’79 accepted the Dewar Gordon Holmes award from 2008 recipient, Elaine Meyer Bergmann ’78. As Chair of the Board of Trustees, Karen has worked tirelessly to further the mission of Ashley Hall, particularly during these past several years of growth with construction and building projects. She has also served in the capacities of Treasurer, Secretary, and as a member of the buildings and grounds committee. In addition to her board responsibilities, Karen has been an Ashley Hall parent for over 15 years and has worked countless hours on behalf of the Parents’ Association. For her 25th reunion she played a key role in organizing and leading the class gift effort. It was especially appropriate that Karen receive this award during her 30th reunion this year since she had many of her classmates present to share her celebration. Karen Jenkins Phillips ’79 truly exemplifies the qualities of Dewar Gordon Holmes ’26 in her work for Ashley Hall.

38 Summer 2009 PERSPECTIVES


ALUMNAE

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Politics and Purpose Anne Frances Bleecker ’76 by Kate Lloyd

It was the kickoff of the Centennial year-long celebration. They gathered to share experiences, career choices, and service opportunities. “We were a high energy, intense group,� she said, “a mix of conservatives and liberals, alumnae, and parents.� They had dinner together on the Wednesday night before they would visit classrooms and meet with students the next day.

Anne Frances Bleecker ’76

“We could have stayed all night talking.�

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nne Frances Bleecker ’76 was thrilled with the opportunity to reunite with her classmate, Kendra Hamilton ’76, and to share the Women in Politics event with her and the other women in the group, including Cindy Campsen Mosteller ’74, Fern Karesh Hurst ’64, Penn Hagood, Jane Dreher Emerson ’70, Anne PetersonHutto, and Jennet Robinson Alterman ’70. “For Ashley Hall to bring together women

OLNH WKLV ZDV LQVSLULQJ Âľ VKH VDLG ´,W Ă€W VR well with the theme of the Centennial, since we all have a Legacy to contribute to our community and to the world, and it is important that we stay connected.â€? Anne Frances is perhaps a prime example of a life devoted to political service. She attended Smith College, like many others, following the tradition of Miss McBee and HVSHFLDOO\ GXH WR WKH LQĂ XHQFH RI KHU (QJlish teacher, Miss Keith, her Headmistress Miss Pardue, and a great mentor and former

39 Summer 2009 PERSPECTIVES

trustee, the late Hugh Lane, Sr. During her time at Smith she had an internship in Washington, DC, with the Secretary of the Interior. After graduating with a degree in Government in 1980, she moved to Washington WR ZRUN IRU D ODUJH ODZ ÀUP ZKLOH DSSO\LQJ to law schools. She was accepted at several; however, the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas happened to be recruiting during that time, and they offered her a Fellowship for a Masters in Public Administration. She moved to Austin and


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For Ashley Hall to bring together women like this was inspiring,� she said. “It fit so well with the theme of the Centennial, since we all have a legacy to contribute to our community and to the world, and it is important that we stay connected.

within limits, and be more thankful each day for the wonders of life.â€? She got information, help, and support from family and friends during this time, and has “kept quiet until now.â€? She would like to initiate a survivors’ network, as a result of this article, through Ashley Hall’s alumnae connections. “I haven’t met any local women who’ve had Hodgkins Disease ZRUNHG IRU D ODZ Ă€UP WKHUH ZKLOH SXUVXLQJ Frances said. “My mother was active in lo- – I’ve met men, but no women. I’m hopthe degree. FDO FDPSDLJQV , XVHG WR KDQG RXW Ă \HUV DW LQJ WKDW RXU $OXPQDH 2IĂ€FH FDQ EH D FRQĂ€ ´,W ZDV D ZRQGHUIXO H[SHULHQFH P\ Ă€UVW the shopping center on the weekends even dential link among alumnae who’ve shared the cancer experience. Cancer used to be time in classrooms with men,â€? she laughed. as a little girl.â€? It humbled her a bit, but also opened her In 1988-89, she was the campaign man- a death sentence, but there’s so much hope mind and heart to other ways of thinking. ager for Mayor Joe Riley, then Sheriff Al now... I have accepted it as a transition in “U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Jordan Cannon, and then for Ernie Passailaigue’s my life. Perhaps my experiences will help taught there, among a diverse faculty. Lady Ă€UVW WHUP LQ WKH 6WDWH 6HQDWH 6KH ZDV DW someone else in her transition.â€? Bird Johnson had barbecues at the ranch for one time the Chair of the Charleston County us – I learned to drink “long neck beerâ€? and Democratic Party. She also ran for City enjoy Mexican food.â€? Austin was a small Council at Mayor Riley’s urging, a door-toWomen think differently, town then, and all the major Democratic door campaign in a Republican district, as a As speakers visited. “It was a life-changing ad- Democratic candidate – and won. “I loved we’re wired differently. venture.â€? City Council,â€? she said. “I helped start the After completing her degree, Anne Fran- 0D\RU¡V 2IĂ€FH RQ $JLQJ PRGHOHG DIWHU Anita Zucker said at graduaces was planning to go to New York to work Jacksonville’s, by getting people involved tion in May, we can ‘repair the in Public Finance, but returned to D.C., to from across the community– very grass work “on the Hillâ€? for a Texas Congressman, roots.â€? She was Mayor Pro Tem for a year, world’ one person at a time. as his Press Secretary. She also worked for and met people from all over the world. “I D OREE\LQJ Ă€UP GXULQJ WKRVH \HDUV DQG HQ- had great experiences that were also fabu- We can set a goal to lead othjoyed it. But she still needed a law degree, lous for my children.â€? and came back to South Carolina to enroll at She was re-elected in a contested election, ers, to change people and sothe University in Columbia. and then got involved in Johns Island comDuring her law school years she got mar- munity planning on growth and develop- ciety. Women have and will ried, her mother died of breast cancer, and ment, working hard to bring people together VKH KDG KHU Ă€UVW FKLOG $IWHU FRPSOHWLQJ KHU to create a plan that became a model for a continue to have a powerful J.D. in 1991 and passing the bar, she worked new zoning code for the city of Charleston. impact on making our world a for the Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough That motivated her to run again, to see a ODZ Ă€UP LQ &ROXPELD DQG WKHQ LQ &KDUOHV- plan developed for the region – but she lost better place. ton after moving back home. She has reared in a “negative campaignâ€? during the fall of two children amidst the law and politics, and 2007. describes them as the source of her strength. ´,W ZDV D FKDOOHQJLQJ WLPH DQG GLIĂ€FXOW The Women in Politics workshops at AshDaughter, Annie Brooks (Ashley Hall ’09) for me to absorb the loss,â€? she said. Her ley Hall “gave us a chance to share with stuwill enter Bennington College in Vermont marriage had also ended by that time. She dents the great need for more women at the this fall and 12-year-old Joe will be in the turned 50 in January of 2008, and in late Detable in decision-making roles,â€? Anne FranSeventh Grade at Porter-Gaud. cember of last year she was diagnosed with ces concluded. “Women think differently, Having worked on some pro bono divorce Hodgkins Disease. “Fortunately, that’s the we’re wired differently. As Anita Zucker FDVHV DQG Ă€QGLQJ WKDW VKH UHOLVKHG WKH LPPH- curable form of lymphoma,â€? she said. Folsaid at graduation in May, we can ‘repair diate help she could give her clients, she left lowing chemotherapy from January through the world’ one person at a time. We can Nelson Mullins, joined a friend’s practice, April 2009, she had radiation treatments set a goal to lead others, to change people DQG HYHQWXDOO\ OHIW WR RSHQ KHU RZQ Ă€UP $W from May until June 12th. “I’ve kept on and society. Women have and will continue Ă€UVW RQ KHU RZQ VKH QRZ HPSOR\V D VWDII RI working almost full-time,â€? she said. “And to have a powerful impact on making our Ă€YH LQFOXGLQJ WZR DWWRUQH\ DVVRFLDWHV DW 7KH I’ve come to see that there are many powerBleecker Law Firm, LLC. ful gifts in cancer. I had high energy, but world a better place.â€? “We were always active in politics – Dad chemo and radiation slow you down. I’ve was on the City Council and my grandfather learned to reassess the important things, was in the South Carolina House,â€? Anne give up some control, learn what I can do

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Announcements and Class Notes CLASS NOTES ’36

Tommie Jenkins Witte has always been proud that Jenkins Hall was named for her father, C. Bissell Jenkins, Jr. He was a great help to Miss McBee in the early days of Ashley Hall.

’41

Mary-Lou Strong Rhodes and her husband Ed recently made a move from North Carolina to Washington State. Mary-Lou’s daughters live close by, and they and their husbands helped Mary-Lou and Ed settle in to their new surroundings. Their new apartment is close to Lake Washington and a lovely park with a bandstand and entertainment. They are finally able to relax and enjoy life, and despite the every day drizzle, everything is going well. Mary-Lou reports that one of the best things about living in the new apartment is that she has her Steinway upright. She has been playing it with joy every day and may even take on a few students.

’44

Bobbe Williams Dyke has served as a docent at the Smithsonian Institute’s National Air and Space Museum for 33 years and has given 3346 tours! She welcomes all Ashley Hall friends to come by for a tour on Mondays or Thursdays.

’49

Carolyn Powell Shaak continues to teach piano and give recitals and workshops to piano teachers and is grateful for the education and values she learned at Ashley Hall.

’50

Sarah Mahony Ford-Rijswijk won the 2008 Ladies Amateur Tournament Senior Championship in Charleston last year. She is proud to have four great grandchildren.

Lillian Ellis McClendon ’54 and Inge Silber Crocker ’54 Lillian Ellis McClendon and classmate Inge Silber Crocker are joined by their daughters for their 55th reunion weekend. Their travels brought them from as far as California, Colorado and Louisiana. Lilian was thrilled to return to Ashley Hall for the first time since graduation. (From left, Margaret McClendon Lown, Lilian Ellis McClendon ‘54, Inge Silber Crocker ‘54, Erika Crocker, and Brenda Crocker-Pierce.)

Mitzi Lyons Kessler and her husband, Robert, have recently moved to a very nice retirement community in Stone Mountain, GA. They are glad to be near their daughter, Anne, and her family in Atlanta.

’52

Tommie Thompson Hayes has remained an active volunteer in many organizations despite her stroke six years ago. She has volunteered with the National Charity League, the Assistance League of Pasadena, the Town and Gown of USC, the Norris Cancer Hospital Auxiliary, and the Bob Hope Golf Classic (one of the courses was in her backyard!). She and her husband, Robert, raised their two daughters in San Marino, CA. Daughters Jennifer and Katherine both earned bachelor’s degrees from the University of Southern California, and Jennifer also received a Masters of Arts degree from the University of Virgina.

’55

Rosemary (Binky) Read Cohen and her daughter, Julie, enjoyed a memorable trip

41 Summer 2009 PERSPECTIVES

to Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Moscow, Vilnius, Riga and Tallin last summer. Binky’s grandparents (the Reads) came from Riga, Latvia in 1887. Her granddaughter, Dina Magdovitz, just finished her junior year at Indiana University with a semester in Harrow, England, and her granddaughter, Abi Wilensky, is completing the first year of her master’s in violin performance at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

’57

Nancy Morton Dawson and her husband Alec celebrated their 50th anniversary in March. Linn Whitelaw Ong is enjoying life and her seven grandchildren. Linn’s husband, Beale, retired a year ago after 45 years in pediatrics.

’59

Caroline Speissegger Mitchell and her husband recently relocated to Myrtle Beach and love it there.


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Susan Paul Firestone lives in New York and is currently in a PhD program for expressive therapy. Cass Norris Fenn continues to teach preschool. She is wondering how much longer she’ll be able to get down on the floor and play with cars and trucks. Her son, Robert, graduated from George Mason University, and her son John received his associates degree and hopes to attend George Mason in the fall. Kay Robertson Skidmore ’59 and Marianne Gaillard Clare ’59 After months of party planning and tracking down class members, class agents, Kay Robertson Skidmore and Marianne Gaillard Clare, enjoy the weekend festivities surrounding their 50th reunion. Their efforts culminated with a beautiful gathering at the Clare’s home on Saturday evening.

’60

Julie Burns Rieger ran into Georgia Hansen Lucas ‘60 and Mary Luke Chapman ‘61 in March in Charleston wandering around the old city jail munching chili and oysters! She had a great time catching up and hearing about Georgia’s recent mission trip to Bahrain and Mary’s return to Charleston.

’61

Sally McCrady Hubbard is looking forward to her 50th reunion in 2011. She has retired from the newspaper and temporarily has a full time job at Sewanee. Mally Armstrong Trzeciak has retired to Daytona Beach, Florida and spends summers in Virginia.

’63

Lucia Harrison Jaycocks and her husband Ned are enjoying living permanently in McClellanville where they have owned a second home for 30 years.

Stanley Smith Reahard and her husband Bo have sold their house in Tampa, FL and are traveling the USA in a fancy prevost bus conversion when not in residence on the Isle of Palms or in Leland, MI.

’65

Gail Karesh Kassan lives with her husband, Stuart, in Denver. They have two children. Their son Michael lives in Denver, and their daughter Merrill lives in New York. Gail visits Charleston frequently to see her parents and family members. Sudie Pollock attended Ashley Hall from 1st thru 6th grades, 1953-1959 and was voted Typical Ashley Hall Girl both in 3rd grade and 4th grade. She still has her purple and white bear! Her family moved back to California in 1959. After college at UC Davis, she spent 30 years being the teacher/director of her own “school for girls” in Napa Valley, California; the Hill & Valley Teen Parent Program which enabled girls to complete high school and go on to college or trade schools. She earned her Masters Degree in Marriage, Family, Child Counseling and authored two books for young adults: Will The Dollars Stretch, and Moving On. She adopted two sisters when they were teenagers. Retirement has given her the opportunity to become the director of the Napa Threshold Choir--a group of women who sing at the bedsides of people in the last weeks or days of their lives. She currently lives with nine cats and two dogs and reports that she is very happy. She would like to reconnect with any classmates who are interested. Her email address is msscp9947@mac.com.

42 Summer 2009 PERSPECTIVES

’66

Sara Karesh Benfield is teaching in Ashe City, NC and loves living in the area!

’68

Sara Bowers Bowen and her husband Jeff have just moved into their dream home after many years of renovation. Their daughter, Effie, has just finished her sophomore year at Hollins University. Sallie Middleton Parker is the gleeful grandmother of four grandchildren age three years old and younger. She owns and operates a virtual art gallery (www.salliemiddleton.com), is a self-syndicated etiquette columnist, and helps her husband, John, oversee their B&B in Georgetown, SC (www.mansfieldplantation.com). She has recently seen Adele Daniels ’68, Mary Ellison Orr ’62, Mary Anderson ’68, Barbara Street Hagerty ’68, and Barbara Maguire ’68. Sallie reports that, like good caricatures, their most prominent (personality) traits have just gotten bigger and better!

Kay Haselden Chandler ’61 Kay Haselden Chandler just completed her 13th marathon - this one, in Rome. She reports that the course was amazing, starting and ending at the Colosseum. The route took her past all of the ancient monuments and through St. Peter’s Square, which was awe inspiring! Kay and her husband Jim lived in Rome for over 3 years so this seemed like a logical choice for her. She finished in an amazing 4:39:20, which qualifies her for Boston in 2010!


ALUMNAE

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(

DeFord LeRoy Davis ’80 DeFord LeRoy Davis and her family were travelling in Denali National Park in Alaska on a bus tour and were enjoying a view at an overlook when a woman next to her prepared to take a photo of her family. DeFord offered to take it for her and then recognized that it was Linn Lesesne ‘78, her former next door neighbor from Charleston. They were touring, too, with a totally different group. What a small world!

Peggy Maroney Stallworth and husband Jim travelled to Australia for three weeks in March. She reports that it was a beautiful country with lovely people. Effie Little Richert and her husband, Gary, visited daughter, Lucy, in Sydney, Australia, in December and traveled for three weeks. They were thrilled to have all three children, Lucy, Gary and Thomas (stationed in Korea with the Army), home with them for Christmas.

’74

Beverly Stoney Johnson and her husband Joe celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary in June. Their son, Lawson, is a junior at Clemson. Beverly has enjoyed staying connected with her Ashley Hall friends through Facebook.

’75

Gail Jenkins Ector came to Charleston in April to see her mother, Jan Gestefeld

Moore ‘54, in the Footlight Players production of The Full Monty and also enjoyed visiting with Sue Klump Mevers ‘75, Liz Jenkins Thompson ‘75 and Dizzy Guerard Parker ‘75.

’80

Gene Poulnot Carpenter and Mary Bissell Tutterow ‘78 continue to work to make the lowcountry better for children with special needs: Gene, with the Downs Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry, and Mary, with Healing Farms Ministries. Elizabeth Barone Luzuriaga, a partner with Young, Clement, Rivers, LLP law firm, has been named an adjunct professor at the Charleston School of Law where she will teach South Carolina workers’ compensation law.

’82

Beth Fabian Landers and her husband, Andrew, live in CT with their two children, Drew (6) and Casey (2), staying

’72

May Dowling Peach is part owner of an educational consultant firm, The Price Group, which assists parents in finding the right school for their children. Emily D. Friedman is living in Oklahoma (where she least expected to) raising quarter horses. She has twin boys (6 yrs old) and is a neurosurgeon in private practice. A number of boarders from her class gathered in Aspen in April at the home of Betty Hardee Devanny ’72.

’73

New York Event

Claudia Poulnot de Mayo has taken up flying. She is now an Instrument Rated Pilot and has a Beechcraft Bonanza that makes Charleston a lot closer to visit!

Over 25 alumnae from the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut area gathered at the Union League Club in New York City for an alumnae party in May. Jill Muti, Head of School, and Karen Jenkins Phillips’79, Chair of the Board of Trustees, updated the alumnae on the progress of the new Library and Science Center, a LEEDcertified, green building and the activities surrounding the Centennial Celebration.

Carol Miller Lane and her family reside in Atlanta. Her son, Miller, will attend Clemson University this fall in Engineering. Carol’s niece, Jane Gilbert, will be attending Ashley Hall in the fall as a 9th grader.

(above left) Lila Lande and Karen Jenkins Phillips, both from the class of ’79, enjoy reconnecting in New York. (above right) Maura Hogan ’82, Lee Hudson Allen ’56, and Gaby de la Morandiere ’58 at the New York alumnae gathering.

43 Summer 2009 PERSPECTIVES


ALUMNAE

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(

Leah R. Fisher ’05 Leah R. Fisher was recently recognized with the award of Graduation with High Distinction at Duke University. High Distinction is reserved for a limited number of students in the graduating class who have presented a truly exceptional and outstanding thesis. Leah also received The William J. Griffith University Service Award, which is presented to a select number of graduating students whose service and contributions to the Duke and larger communities have significantly impacted university life. While a student at Duke, Leah, along with two other students, founded a student group called Crazies Who Care, an organization which combines volunteering and fundraising with Duke Athletics to support charitable causes in the Durham area. They raise funds for the Duke Children’s Hospital and the Emily Kryzyewski Center at home basketball games by encouraging students to give $1.00 on their way into the basketball games. They have raised $15,000 in two years.

busy skiing in February and taking a cruise during spring break. They hope to spend some time in Charleston this summer.

She was in Charleston in May during Piccolo Spoleto directing a production, The Island, by Hehol Fugard at Piccolo Spoleto.

’83

’99

Caroline C. Lesesne has just taken a job with First Financial Holdings as Senior Relationship Manager in Wealth Management.

’84

Caroline Canfield Sinkler’s frame shop is headed into its 20th year of business.

’85

Laura Ansley Yarbrough moved to Atlanta after her junior year at Ashley Hall and graduated form the Lovett School. She and her husband, Chuck, have two children, Trice and Merritt, and live in Chattanooga, TN.

’89

Melissa Moise McLeod is enjoying working close to home as a college administrator and playing with her two girls, Margaret (6) and Sarah Elizabeth (2).

’91

Sarah Bell Danser and her husband Ted live in Charlotte, NC with their three children, Taylor (6), Madison (4) and Luke (10 months).

’96

Dana M. Friedman recently earned a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from the School of Drama at Carnegie Mellon University.

Kelley Lahr Waldrop graduated from Clemson in 2003 with a B.A. in Design and from North Carolina State University in 2007 with a Masters degree in Architecture.

’00

Jacki K. Dixon completed her law clerkship with Judge Mullen in Beaufort last year and is currently an Assistant Solicitor in Berkeley County.

’06

Mary Domenica Geronimo is attending Saint Louis University. She is studying abroad in Capetown, South Africa where she volunteers on a refugee camp and in an orphanage for children with AIDS.

’08

Jennie L. Engel has just finished her freshman year at Indiana University and is transferring to the College of Charleston.

’01

Amy Ezell Robeson and her family are moving back to Charleston after four wonderful years in Columbia. She is excited to be coming home and working in her father’s business.

’04

Drew E. McKnight graduated from the University of Alabama with a BS in nursing in May and begins the nursing internship program at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN in July. Caroline Howell ’08

’05

Carrie B. Hecker graduated from Vassar College in May. She hopes to attend veterinary school next fall in the UK.

44 Summer 2009 PERSPECTIVES

Caroline Howell represented her class at Reunion Weekend. She will be attending the College of Charleston this fall, majoring in Early Childhood Education.


( Wedding Announcements ’43

Lilly Palmer Biscoe married James H. Torrey on June 8, 2008. They reside in Hartford, CT.

’72

Ann Welch married Pat Collins on June 14, 2008, at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Mount Pleasant. Many friends from the class of 1972 attended and gave the bridal shower including Sharon Pearce Wilson, Betsy Bamberg Grant, Ann Ford, Anne Marie Kaiser Forsberg, and Betsy Walker Caswell.

’97

Laura Campbell Dingledine married David Hopkins Rembert III on January 31, 2009, at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Charleston. A reception followed at The Carolina Yacht Club. Laura is a graduate of the College of Charleston. Molly Dingledine ’00 was maid of honor.

’98

Mary Elizabeth Tinkler married John Robert Burgess III on November 1, 2008, at the Legare Waring House on the grounds of Charles Towne Landing in Charleston, where a reception followed. Mary is a graduate of Rhodes College in Memphis, TN, where she earned a degree in Art History and Spanish. She is currently studying for a Masters in Business Administration at Auburn University. Before returning to school, she worked at the Corcoran Gallery of Art and College of Art and Design in Washington, DC. John works for the Fellowship House in Birmingham, AL. The couple honeymooned in Ireland and resides in Alabama.

’99

Kelley Frei Lahr married J. Matthew Waldrop on March 14, 2008, in Charleston, SC.

’00

Laura Ashton Booras married Eric Cyrus Mohseni on March 7, 2009, on Kiawah Is-

ALUMNAE

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land, SC, where a reception followed at the Kiawah Island Sand Castle. Laura earned a a degree in International Studies & Romance Languages from UNC at Chapel Hill. She is General Manager of Riverbench Vineyards & Winery. Eric is Head Winemaker at Zaca Mesa Winery. The couple honeymooned in France and reside in Orcutt, CA.

’01

Laura Kathleen Corless married Jason Michael Przybylski on March 28, 2009, at The Legare-Waring House in Charleston, SC, where a reception followed. Laura graduated from The University of Richmond where she earned a BA in Studio Art and Theater. She is employed with Penguin Group (U.S.A.). Jason is employed with Cambridge University Press. Christine Elizabeth Corless was maid of honor. Bride’s attendants were Helen Marie Corless ’06, Victoria Quinn Corless ’09, Laura Sonnet Davis and Lindsay Jean Kurlak. The couple honeymooned in Scotland and Ireland and reside in New York. Katherine Louise Bennett married Daniel Renchard Freer of Charleston on May 30, 2009, at St. Michael’s Church in Charleston. A reception followed at Two Ropemakers Lane. Katie earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Davidson College. Sallie Bennett Robinson ’00 was matron of honor. Bride’s attendants were Maria Christine Beery, Kimberly Newton Boggs, Debbie Schneider Freer, Lilla Ann Lane ’01, Ashleigh Freer Parr and Kimberly Freer Woodard. The couple honeymooned in the Bahamas and Naples, FL and resides in Charleston. Sarah Leland Bridges married Kevin George Hales on February 7, 2009 at Grace Episcopal Church in Charleston. A reception followed at Hibernian Society Hall. Sarah earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of the South at Sewanee and recently earned a Masters degree in Social Work at the University of South Carolina. Included in the wedding party were Tiffin Dowling Lamoreaux ’01 and Courtney Kennedy ’01. The couple honeymooned in Antigua and reside in Charleston.

45 Summer 2009 PERSPECTIVES

’02

Lynn Geronimo Cruz married Lee Cruz on January 17, 2009. Lynn works in Tampa, FL as a veternarian assistant. Lee is a member of the Chicago White Sox baseball team. Lynn and Lee met in art class while students at the University of Tampa. Ann Estelle Rice married Richard Tucker Ervin on May 23, 2009, at Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church. A reception followed at Boone Hall Plantation. Ann E. graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2006 with a BS in Biology. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina, School of Law in May 2009. Her husband, Tucker, is employed with the Private Bank of J.P. Morgan in New York, NY. Maids of honor were Sarah Richrath Sheldon ’02 and Crystal Michelle Adams ’02. Bridesmaids were Megan Carroll Dion; Jamie Clark Edwards; Lauren Nicholson Edwards; Elizabeth Thompson Ervin, sister of the groom; Sara Campbell Merritt; Leslie Forester Tanenbaum ’02; and Susan Sherard Stone. Honorary bridesmaids were Mary Alice Vickery Hughes, Ashlie Marie Nelson, Elizabeth Schlaeppi Johrendt and Carrie Amelia Prescott ’02. The couple is making their home in New York, NY.

Death Announcements ’34

Madelin Lang Biddle passed away on January 7, 2009, in Fairfax, Virginia. Mrs. Biddle is survived by three daughters, Susan Biddle of Silver Spring, MD; Harmon Biddle of Chevy Chase, MD; and Christina Biddle Maher of Denver; as well as five grandchildren, two great grandchildren, three nieces and three nephews. Jerry P. Harris of New York passed away on December 1, 2008

’36

Martha Lynch Humphreys passed away on April 3, 2009, in Mount Pleasant, S.C. She is survived by her husband, William W. Humphreys and three daughters, Katherine


ALUMNAE

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( H. Guckenberger ‘64, Margaret W. Humphreys ‘67 and Josephine H. Hutcheson ‘63.

Boca Raton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stuart Edgerly, and brother, Jacob Estey.

’40

’45

Dot Mahony Small of Charleston passed away on March 30, 2009. She is survived by her husband, O. Johnson Small; two daughters, Dorothy S. Hefner ‘75 and her husband Frank of Charleston, S.C., and Louise S. Griffen ‘78 and her husband Penn of Charleston, S.C.; two sisters, Mary Mahony Smith ‘37 and Sarah Mahony Rijswijk ‘50 both of Charleston, S.C.; two brothers, Robert D. Mahony of Augusta, Georgia, and William B. Mahony of Charleston, S.C.; and three grandchildren, Will and Weezie Hefner ’10 and Gray Griffen ’19. She is predeceased by her sister, Gloria Mahony Baugham, and her brothers, Jack A. Mahony, Jr., Carlisle E. Mahony, John R. Mahony, and Hilliard M. Mahony. Elephare Dwelle Zimmerman passed away on November 28, 2008. She was predeceased by her husband, Edgar Rowe Zimmerman. She is survived by two daughters Elizabeth Seymour Zimmerman of Chapel Hill, NC and Margaret Z. Kelley of Sarasota, FL; one son: Edgar Rowe Zimmerman of Bowie, MD; a brother, John Myers Dwelle of Charlotte, NC; four grandchildren: Ashley Zimmerman, Mary Kelley, Kathryn Kelley and Robert M. Kelley; and three great grandchildren.

’42

Alice McRitchie Swanson of Charleston passed away on January 12, 2009. She is survived by her husband, Arthur M. Swanson; four sons, Stephen E. Swanson of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Arthur P. Swanson of Johns Island, SC, Robert A. Swanson of Columbia, SC, and David M. Swanson of Charleston, SC; and ten grandchildren.

’43

Susan Estey Edgerly passed away on December 20, 2008. Survivors include her daughter, Carol Cochrane of Clifton Park, N.Y.; and a son, Robert Estey Cochrane of

Ellen Bennett Anderson passed away on September 22, 2006.

’53

Tootie Atkinson Allen passed away on September 19, 2008 in Loris, SC. Surviving are her two sons, Frank Coughlin and wife, Shan, of Myrtle Beach, and Terry Coughlin of Morristown, Tenn.; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Mrs. Allen was predeceased by her brother, Samuel Atkinson Jr.

’54

Sally Scurry Mizelle passed away July 2, 2008. She is survived by her husband, Charles Wesley Mizelle, Jr.; three children, Wes and Theresa Mizelle, William Scurry Mizelle and Mary Wallace and Dan Warren; three grandchildren; and a sister and brother in law, Ruth and Eddie Laws.

’55

Jennifer Graham Gorman passed away on July 13, 2008 in Beaufort. She is survived by two sons, Graham Gorman of Beaufort, S.C. and Doyle Gorman of Atlanta, Ga.; one daughter, Jennifer Gorman of Scottsdale, Arizona; and one sister, Leslie Kammerer of New Canaan, CT.

’66

Lisa Rivers Gantt passed away on November 19, 2008, in Charleston. She was the wife of John Mackall Gantt, Sr. She is survived by her husband; her daughter, Augusta Shea Porcher Kuhn ‘85; son-in-law, Senator John R. Kuhn of Charleston; her son, Charles Rucker Hipp, III, of Charleston; three grandchildren, Madeline Kuhn, Philip Kuhn and Louisa Kuhn; her sister, Louisa Rivers Robb ‘62, brother-in-law, General Nathanial H. Robb, Jr., of Sullivan’s Island, and two nieces and a nephew.

46 Summer 2009 PERSPECTIVES

’80

Eleanor Cain Stutler of Woodstock, Georgia passed away on November 23, 2008. She is survived by her parents, William H. Cain and Eleanor Read Cain Rice Burns ‘55; her husband, James B. Stutler; two daughters, Emily Mikell Stutler and Suzanna Macbeth Naysmith Stutler; her sisters, Parham Cain ‘76 and Susalee Cain Spruill ‘83; her step mother, Julia Cain; and her step father, Kenneth Burns. She was predeceased by her step father, Carew Rice III.

’05

Megan Powell of Hollywood passed away on January 7, 2009 . She is survived by her parents, Dr. Stephen R. Powell and Mrs. Donna Whisnant Powell; her brother, Adam W. Powell and his wife Katherine; aunts and uncles, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson C. Whisnant, Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Chapman, and Mike Powell; cousins and friends. Megan was preceded in death by her sister, Rebecca Powell in 2000.

Non-alumnae/Friends Henrietta F. Gaillard passed away on February 20, 2009. She was the wife of John Palmer Gaillard, III. She is survived by her son John Palmer Gaillard, IV, MD and his wife Lori, of Pfafftown, N.C.; her daughter Emmie Foster Gaillard Hershey ’92 and her husband Clay, of Charleston, S.C.; and four grandchildren, Alston Mitchell Gaillard, Parker James Gaillard, Clay Wallace Hershey, Jr., Thomas Gaillard Hershey. Henrietta is also survived by her sisters Frances Glover Beringer of Richmond, VA and Sara Ellen Munnerlyn of Bennettsville, S.C. Henrietta served as Director of Development at Ashley Hall.

Birth Announcements ’93

Heather L. F. Lyman is proud to announce the birth of her second son, Hayes Whitfield Lyman, on February 3, 2009. Big brother Hutchinson is teaching him the ropes!


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