Hello, dear fellow alums!
I am still buzzing from the excitement and energy of Reunion Weekend! More than 1,200 of you joined us on campus, traveling from 44 states and 16 countries. The campus had never looked better, the weather was glorious, and each of you and your loved ones provided the beauty and joy that we all shared. Being back at Vassar is transporting in the best ways. My Board colleague, Keith St. John ’81, captured this spirit magnificently by saying, “Vassar allows me to be my true self.”
Thank you for joining us in the celebrations; and for all of you who were unable to make the trip, know that we were thinking of you and celebrating on your behalf!
Two weeks earlier at Commencement Weekend, we welcomed the graduating class of 2023 to our ranks—which are now over 41,000 strong! I am so very proud to be a part of this extraordinary community of alums. Together we create such a diverse and fascinating tapestry of interests, achievements, and backgrounds, and as we are reminded at Reunion, we not only love being together, but we also continue to learn from each other.
And learning is very much on my mind as we consider the applications and implications of AI. The ability of ChatGPT to provide cogent responses to the broadest array of questions is startling, and I am relieved that my position does not require me to verify whether work is the result of independent effort. AI is a remarkable tool, and as we embrace its potential, we must also collaborate across sectors and disciplines to manage and guide its development. I have no doubt that many of you will be part of the vanguard in addressing this challenge, and am eager to learn more.
Have a wonderful rest of the summer!
Monica Vachher ’77aavcpresident@vassar.edu
Alumnae House161 College Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603vassar.edu/alums
2023–2024 AAVC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Monica Vachher ’77, Illinois President and A AVC Trustee
Brian Farkas ’10, New York Vice President and A AVC Trustee
Tyrone Forman ’92, Illinois Vice President and A AVC Trustee
Anne Green ’93, New Jersey Nominating and Governance Committee Chair
Katrine “Cage” Ames ’69, New York
Gail Becker ’64, New Jersey
Maybelle Taylor Bennett ’70, Washington, DC
Alexandria Dempsey ’09, California Class Engagement Committee Chair
Patrick DeYoung ’18, California AAVC Trustee
AC Dumlao ’13, New York
James Estrada ’13, Michigan Alumnae House Committee Chair
Arthur Seiji Hayashi ’91, Maryland AAVC Trustee
Justin Hergianto ’04, New York
Communications Advisory Committee Chair
Delia Cheung Hom ’00, MassachusettsAAVC TrusteeDiversity, Equity, and InclusionAd Hoc Committee Chair
Peggy Ann Nagae ’73, Oregon
Katherine “Kat” Mills Polys ’93, VirginiaVassar Fund Committee Chair
Amy Pullman ’71, VirginiaAlumnae/i Recognition Committee Chair
Chip Reid ’77, Washington, DC
Sheryl Smikle ’81, Georgia
Andrew Solum ’89, United KingdomClubs Committee Chair
Keith St. John ’81, New York
Carlos Hernandez Tellez ’14, BrazilCareer Networking Committee Chair
Ellie Winter ’18, Rhode IslandStudent and Young Alumnae/i EngagementAd Hoc Committee Chair
Lisa TesslerAssociate Vice President and Executive Director of the A AVC
Patricia LamarkProgram Associate, Alumnae/i Engagement