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Summer Newsletter 2023
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In this issue:
New ACL Board members and executive committee • ACL Annual Meeting • ACL award nominations • Reunion recap • Class leader resources
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Dear Class Leaders,
Reunion Weekend 2023 has come and gone! The weekend weather was perfect, giving new graduates, alumni, families, faculty, and staff the opportunity to celebrate, reconnect, and cheer each other on.
I was also thrilled to be on campus in April for the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s 100-year celebration where my undergraduate brothers were recognized as the New England Chapter of the Year. Also in April, the annual ACL in-person board meeting featured a workshop led by Mary Ward, senior director of alumni belonging programs, reflecting on what it means to be a part of the Brown University alumni community. Following was the annual meeting and reception that included current Class Coordinating Board officers from 2023 and 2024. They joined our first-ever cornhole tournament, proving that the Brown Open Curriculum develops a mastery of many skills. Incoming ACL President Sarah Hurwit Gomel ’06 and I challenged two members from the Class of 2024 to a round of cornhole, losing, but it was loads of fun.
As I reflect upon the great work that we have been able to accomplish during the past three years that I have been president of the ACL Board of Advisors, the aspect that I have enjoyed the most has been engaging with alumni across the years. Serving on the ACL Board is a lot of fun. It is my great honor to pass on the ACL leadership to Sarah.
I hope to see you in Providence on campus, online at an ACL training webinar, or at the Connect/Learn Volunteer Summit in San Francisco on March 9, 2023.
Ever true,
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Harry Holt ’84, P’16
ACL President
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ACL Executive Committee 2023–2026
The ACL has a new leadership team!
Sarah H. Gomel ’06, President
Haru Okuda ’94, Vice President
Petros Perselis ’10, Treasurer
Terri Denning Sevilla ’82, Secretary
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ACL Board members at the annual meeting
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A fond farewell
As we transition into the 2023–2024 academic and fiscal year, it is time to say goodbye to some of our ACL Board members who are transitioning off of the board:
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Steve Owens ’78, P’17
Steve has served on the ACL since 2014 as both treasurer and president. He is the current Class of 1978 president. Steve’s leadership was key to the diversification of the ACL Board and he has provided valuable insights into effective class leadership. Steve will continue his volunteer service to Brown as the Brown Alumni Association treasurer.
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Jim Moody ’58 ScM’65, P’97
Jim is finishing his second term on the ACL Board, having also served from 2009 to 2015. Jim has the perspective of a long-time Brunonian and a great sense of humor. Jim, who also serves on the Engineering Advisory Council, has been a class leader since 1974.
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Barbara Langworthy ’63
Barbara, a Pembroke woman, has been the ACL secretary for the past three years and is, without a doubt, an extraordinary scribe. She is so good that she is serving as secretary for many organizations. She is transitioning from her role as the Class of 1963 president to the class secretary. Barbara has been on the ACL since 2014 and has enjoyed it as much as we have enjoyed her. The ACL Board will miss Barbara’s energy and enthusiasm for all things Brunonian.
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Joshua Spector ’96
Josh joined the ACL Board in 2020, helping us navigate the pandemic with his terrific attitude and advice. Josh served on the DE&I committee and was a key contributor to the Inclusive Calendar. His Brown volunteer service includes serving as president of the Brown Club of Miami, as a Brown Annual Fund volunteer, and as president of the Class of 1996.
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Welcome new ACL Board members
This year, the ACL Board is welcoming seven new members who range in class years from 2018 to 1964 and reside all over the globe—from Spain to Singapore! We are excited for this dynamic group to join us as we continue the ACL Board’s mission to engage and train alumni class leaders.
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Erin Mancuso Hobey ’95
Erin is the Class of 1995 communications co-chair and co-president of the Brown Club of Spain. She also volunteers on the Brown Annual Fund Leadership Committee and as a Women’s Launch Pad mentor. Prior to her current roles, Erin enjoyed serving as an area co-chair/alumni interviewer for 25 years. Erin writes about the global tech, fintech, insurtech, and blockchain sectors. She lives in Barcelona with her family.
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Aliza Knox ’81, P’19
A dedicated alumni volunteer, Aliza is member-at-large for her class, ran the alumni interviewing program in Singapore for years, actively contributes to keeping alumni connections going in Singapore and Sydney, and mentors a current Brown student seeking asylum from Afghanistan. Residing part time in Singapore and part time in Sydney, Aliza is a non-executive director on a number of boards, a senior advisor to the Boston Consulting Group, and the author of “Don't Quit Your Day Job.”
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Lawrence A. Kerson ’64, P’00
Larry has played multiple volunteer roles for Brown. Currently he is co-vice president of his class for its 60th Reunion in 2024. He is a former president of the Brown Club of Philadelphia and is currently on its board. Larry also held area chair and regional director positions for the Alumni Interviewing program. He is a semi-retired neurologist and an associate professor of clinical neurology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
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Melba Melton ’06
Melba currently serves as the communications co-chair for her class, which is already gearing up for its 20th Reunion. Melba is an enthusiastic Brown volunteer, and prior to her role as a class leader, she served in a variety of volunteer positions for Brown: from conducting alumni interviews to holding leadership positions in regional Brown Clubs, and establishing the Brown Club of San Antonio in 2018. Now residing in the Washington, D.C. area with her husband and their two dogs, Melba works as an attorney for the federal government practicing government ethics.
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Joan Winter Skerritt ’84 MA’85, P’09
Joan is the vice president of communications for the class of 1984. Known as the Brown alumni trivia master, Joan researched and ran regular Brown trivia games over Zoom for the class of ’84 (and other Brown groups) during the COVID-19 pandemic and presented at the 2022 Volunteer Summit's ACL class engagement training session. She has over 30 years of experience as a proposal writer, editor, and reviewer in the performing arts, education, and substance abuse prevention fields. Joan served as the executive director of Voce Chamber Singers for 14 years and credits Professor Bill Ermey and the Brown University Chorus with igniting her passion for choral music.
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Donald Stanford ’72 ScM ’77
Don serves as president of the Class of 1972. He previously served on the Brown President's Advisory Board and the Advisory Board for the School of Engineering. Don retired from GTECH / IGT Global after 40 years as the CTO. At Brown, Don is an adjunct professor in computer science and in the School of Engineering, and an instructor in the School of Professional Studies. He is the recipient of many awards, including the Black Engineer of the Year Award for Professional Achievement, the Honorable Thurgood Marshall Award for Community Service from the NAACP, the Brown Graduate School’s Distinguished Graduate award, and the R.I. Professional Engineer’s award for Community Service. Don also serves on several boards including YearUp Providence, Spectra Systems, and the Slater Technology Fund. He and his wife Jane live in Pawtucket, R.I. and St. Thomas, USVI.
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Katerina Tori ’18
Katerina is originally from Thessaloniki, Greece, spent the last four years in Wisconsin, and is starting the next chapter of her life as an ophthalmology resident at Indiana University. She has remained true to Brown throughout this time, finding ways to stay connected through class leadership and local alumni groups and is thrilled to be joining our ACL board. She is especially eager to find ways to bring more of her classmates back to Brunonia for all their voices to be heard.
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ACL award nominations for 2023: Due July 28
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The ACL is seeking nominations for two ACL awards: the ACL Class of the Year and the ACL Nan Tracy ’46 Award. It is the ACL’s honor to recognize class leaders for excellence in alumni class engagement and service to Brown University.
See lists of past ACL Class of the Year and Nan Tracy ’46 award recipients.
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ACL Class of the Year Award nominations
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Since 1979, the Association of Class Leaders (ACL) has given the annual Class of the Year Award to classes that have done an exceptional job engaging their classmates in alumni and class activities. The criteria for the Class of the Year Award are quality, variety, and creativity in class communications; the type and range of class activities; and strong class leadership. The winner(s) of the award are selected each year by a committee composed of ACL Board members and Alumni Relations staff.
The deadline for nominations is July 28, 2023.
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Nan Tracy ’46 Award nominations
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Given annually, the Nan Tracy ’46 Award recognizes a class leader who has provided distinguished service to their class, the Association of Class Leaders, and the University. The award was established in 1990 in honor of Nan Tracy ’46, the former Alumni Relations Reunion coordinator.
The deadline for nominations is July 28, 2023.
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ACL Annual Meeting recap
The ACL Annual Meeting and reception were held on Saturday, April 22 on campus at the Faculty Club. We were joined by Vice President for Alumni Relations Zack Langway ’09, who provided an update on some exciting changes over the past year. We were also joined by Paul Muite, assistant vice president for development. ACL award winners were recognized, the class of 1972 received the Class of the Year Award, and Liza Boyajian ’86 received the Nan Tracy ’46 Award. We welcomed the new Executive Board of the ACL and the seven new board members, who will begin in August.
That’s a wrap! ACL committee reports: 2022–2023
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee had a successful year. We merged the Communications and Engagement committees, broadening our focus. We published three newsletters and provided valuable resources for all class leaders. We actively shared information on Facebook and have plans to enhance our social media presence. We are excited about expanding our communication channels in the upcoming year.
DEI Committee
DEI Elections*: Our committee’s goal is to promote diversity in class leadership committees and to leverage and support affinity groups to identify talented, active, and diverse alumni. In doing so, we encourage leaders to consider DE&I during elections and help ensure a diverse slate of candidates. We hope to tap into diverse alumni within each class and use Alumni Relations to assist, foster community and belonging, and plan for inclusion and awareness by honoring the rich variety of diverse backgrounds among our alumni communities.
ACL Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Calendar: This is an essential tool for knowing the historical, cultural, and religious events celebrated by our community. We hope that it increases awareness among volunteers who are planning communications and events (avoid religious holidays when scheduling events/highlight special days in communications and social media posts), aids in planning for inclusion and awareness by honoring the rich variety of cultural and religious holidays celebrated by our alumni communities, and allows for the sharing of culture, bonding, and inclusiveness.
DEI Resources: We are in the process of creating and amending DE&I resources to support the work of class leaders and serve as a resource for alumni.
*Future plans include: Working with the Brown Alumni Association and Multicultural Alumni Committee to connect and collaborate about future plans within DE&I at a University-wide level, plus planning a workshop regarding DE&I at the Alumni Volunteer Summit in March of 2024.
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Reunion 2023
Another spectacular Reunion Weekend is in the books! Alumni from across the generations met up with old friends, met new classmates, and celebrated as only Brunonians can.
What was it like to attend the 50th, 15th, and 10th Reunions? Read on for a firsthand account from the perspective of three attendees.
50th Reunion: Marie Stoeckel ’73
What makes the 50th Reunion so special?
The Class of 1973 had many shared experiences. We were the first group to experience the “New Curriculum.” On December 1, 1969, the United States held its first draft lottery. It was the Vietnam War era and the class voted to strike in protest. Pembroke College was totally merged with Brown after our sophomore year. The Watergate scandal broke in 1972. There were so many changes occurring politically and culturally. My classmates brought the impacts of those college experiences to our Reunion by sharing their life experiences since that time.
What was the best part of the Reunion?
As I wrote to a classmate previously unknown to me at Brown: “I fully expected to connect with old friends, but the Reunion gave me the opportunity to meet new friends, including you.” Whether I engaged in a conversation with classmates at one of our class functions or with someone I met at the Brown/RISD Catholic Center celebrating her 70th Reunion or with recent graduates at Campus Dance, we had a bond because of our relationship with Brown.
15th Reunion: Marco Martinez ’08
How was your Reunion?
It was such an amazing time! Being able to reunite, rejoice, and reminisce with friends that I hadn’t seen since our last Reunion was glorious. It’s like we didn’t skip a beat. The energy at all of our class events was off the charts! I am truly elated that Brown has fostered such lifelong connections and friendships.
What was the best part of the Reunion?
Two of my favorite moments were the dancing and the energy from our class dinner on Saturday night. It was an electric night! Everyone in attendance at one point was dancing, it was glorious. Another favorite memory was the Procession on Sunday. Again, the Class of 2008 brought joyful banter and a loud ruckus chanting “Oh…..eight. Oh…..eight. Oh…..eight” non-stop the way we did when we were freshmen! It was just absolutely spectacular.
What makes the 15th Reunion so special?
Being able to pick up with friends where we left off is special. Brown did a great job at fostering an environment where relationships with our classmates were part of the Brown experience. No one is a stranger at Reunion. Bumping into classmates that we may have never met is a moment to make a new friend, hugging your freshman-year roommate is just as special, or even sparking a conversation with the only individual in attendance from the Class of 1948 was like we had been friends our whole life. Brown is magical like that.
10th Reunion: Stephanie Vasquez ’13
How was your Reunion?
Reunion was absolutely fantastic! It was a joyous occasion filled with laughter, reconnecting with old friends, and reminiscing about our time at Brown. The vibrant atmosphere and the palpable sense of nostalgia made the event truly memorable.
What was the best part of the Reunion?
Firstly, it's the participation and engagement of a diverse group of alumni, representing various class years, concentrations, and backgrounds. Secondly, the planning and organization by the Reunion committee, ensuring a well-curated program of activities and events. Lastly, the overall atmosphere of warmth, inclusivity, and shared experiences, creating an environment that fosters connections and meaningful conversations.
What makes the 10th Reunion so special?
The 10th Reunion holds a special place in our hearts because it marks a significant milestone in our post-graduation lives. It's a time when we have had a chance to explore various paths, embark on new adventures, and establish ourselves in our chosen careers. The 10th Reunion provides an opportunity to reflect on our personal and professional growth, while also reconnecting with classmates who have similarly evolved. It's a moment to celebrate our achievements and share our experiences from the past decade.
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Attention, classes ending in 4 and 9!
Reunion 2024 | Save the date: May 24–May 26, 2024
The Alumni Relations class and Reunion teams will be reaching out in the early fall to take you through the planning process and share some of the helpful resources that have been developed over the past two years.
In the meantime, housing during Reunion and Commencement Weekend is at a premium. Many alumni and parents are reserving hotel rooms and other accommodations now!*
*Note that on-campus housing reservations are not available until Reunion registration opens in April 2024, so if you want a guaranteed place to stay, now would be a good time to start planning!
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Class leader communications and engagement resources
ACL TRAINING LIBRARY
Are you a new class leader looking for guidance or an experienced class leader in need of inspiration? The ACL Board has built a digital library of virtual training events for class leaders. We have covered everything from Class Leadership Basics to DE&I As a Tool for Class Engagement to Tools and Best Practices for Class Leaders. Check out the recordings of expert class leaders on the Brown Alumni and Friends ACL page.
ACL DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION CALENDAR
Developed by the ACL’s DEI (Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion) Committee, this calendar provides information about cultural, religious, and secular holidays and events across diverse groups. We hope this information will be a useful resource for class leaders as they plan activities and events throughout the year to engage their classmates. View detailed instructions for how to subscribe to the DEI Calendar (PDF).
ACL SOCIAL MEDIA
The ACL utilizes its Facebook and Instagram accounts to share important information and current events for class leaders to share. Please join us and keep an eye out for class leader tips and upcoming Brown and ACL-sponsored events that may interest your classmates.
ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
Did you miss the June issue of the alumni newsletter? Take a look at news from across Brown’s alumni communities.
CLASS LEADER ENGAGEMENT
Looking for Brown-related news to share in your class newsletter or social media? Brown Alumni & Friends is an excellent resource! There are alumni stories, news items about what’s happening on campus, and a host of resources for Brunonians (career resources, free access to Rosetta Stone, and more).
BROWN ALUMNI MAGAZINE CLASS NEWS SUBMISSIONS
Did you know that you can submit your news directly to The Classes section of the BAM? Just follow the link to send a class note and give your classmates an update on your life! Submission deadlines for the print editions are:
- July 21, 2023 for the November/December 2023 edition
- September 23, 2023 for the January/February/March 2024 edition
BROWN-RELATED SOCIAL CHANNELS
Are you looking for content to share on your Instagram and Facebook pages? Be sure to check out Brown-related accounts and search for other content on each platform. Here are a few Instagram accounts to get you started:
BROWN TRAVELERS PROGRAM
The Brown Travelers Program offers alumni the opportunity to connect with fellow Brunonians while experiencing and learning about incredible destinations around the world. You will be accompanied on these amazing journeys by Brown faculty, who offer up their unique insight and knowledge, providing travelers with a more complete understanding of context and place. Here are a couple of upcoming trips to pique your interest:
Machu Picchu to the Galapagos
September 26–October 11, 2023
Encounter two of South America’s greatest treasures on this small group tour (no more than 20 passengers), exploring Machu Picchu’s enigmatic ruins and witnessing the fascinating Galapagos Islands’ wonders. Brown faculty member Caroline Karp, Senior Lecturer Emerita in Environmental Studies and International and Public Affairs, will provide insights throughout.
Moroccan Discovery – From the imperial cities to the Sahara
September 29–October 12, 2023
Explore Morocco on this small group tour (maximum of 24 passengers), from seaside Rabat to desert Erfoud and Ouarzazate. Watch the sun set over the dunes on camelback, traverse the snow-topped High Atlas Mountains and discover Fez, Marrakech, and Casablanca.
Learn more about all of the Brown Travelers upcoming trips on the Alumni & Friends website.
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News from Brown
Search-friendly database boosts access to more than 7,000 artworks at Brown’s Bell Gallery
Brown continues its streak as one of the nation’s top producers of Fulbright winners
Division of Athletics and Recreation launches ethos video
After leading federal COVID-19 response, Dr. Ashish Jha to resume role as dean of Brown’s School of Public Health
Video: Celebrating 50 Years of Medicine at Brown
NASA chief visits Brown to tour planetary research that contributes to the U.S. space program
About the ACL
If you’re one of Brown’s 600+ elected or appointed class leaders, you’re automatically a member of the Association of Class Leaders (ACL). The ACL Board of Advisors is here to help by recruiting, engaging, training, and supporting class volunteers, so feel free to reach out to classleaders@brown.edu with questions or suggestions.
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Connect with other class leaders on:
Facebook and Instagram
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