AADC March 2021
Enews & Douglass Alumnae Highlights
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Honoring Executive Director Valerie Anderson '81 for Ten Years of Service and Leadership |
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As the AADC continues to recognize the annual celebration of National Women’s History Month and women's contributions to history, culture and society, we celebrate each and every alumna.
During this special time and all through the year, we reflect upon the strength our AADC alumnae community and the many women who have driven our success for nearly 100 years.
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We pay tribute today to one of our key leaders, whose tireless work, advocacy and innovative leadership over the last decade helps ensure our success. During this special time, AADC Executive Director Valerie L. Anderson '81 celebrates her 10th service anniversary of providing outstanding leadership to our alumnae community. She was selected for the position and began serving on March 7, 2011. |
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Valerie has the distinction of being the first African-American alumna to serve as executive director. In addition, she is now the second, longest-serving executive director. She truly helps keep our mission in motion!
"She is a trailblazer in countless ways," says AADC President Jeanne Fox '75, "and has led us brilliantly, including through an unprecedented time."
Through her leadership with our Board of Directors, committees and volunteers, the AADC continues to increase alumnae participation through new virtual opportunities. Our alumnae community benefits from innovative and diverse programs and events, as well as timely initiatives.
We will soon celebrate our “Proud Past to Bright Future” as we count down to our 100th anniversary in June 2022.
"The AADC is blessed to have Valerie's spirit and leadership as we create excitement for this celebration," says Jeanne.
Valerie continues to be recognized for her many achievements in our community and at Rutgers. She received the 2017 AADC Medal and the New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs of GFWC Women of Achievement Award and the Sojourner Truth Phenomenal Woman Award from Rutgers Student Affairs in 2018. She was also inducted into the Rutgers African-American Alumni Alliance (RAAA), Inc. Hall of Fame in 2018.
Every alumna has a story to tell and gifts to share. We hope that alumnae will honor the women in their lives and the many meaningful connections in our alumnae community. We are better together as we move forward together.
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Reunion 2021 is coming to YOU: Register today! |
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The AADC knows the many ways alumnae cherish and look forward to reuniting, reconnecting and reminiscing with classmates for Reunion. We are looking forward to a special virtual AADC Alumnae Reunion Weekend on Friday, June 4, and Saturday, June 5.
It's going to be double the connections and double the classes as we commemorate milestone class reunions from both class years ending in 0s and 5s, as well as 1s and 6s. The Class of 1970 and the Class of 1971 will join together to mark their Vanguard 50th Reunions.
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Nominate Class Officers Via Convenient Online Form:
Deadline is Today, March 29
The AADC encourages all Reunion Milestone Classes to take advantage of our online form to nominate classmates to serve as Class Officers for the 2021-2026 term. Class Officer leaders are a vital part of helping keep the AADC’s mission in motion. Class Officers serve as ambassadors by keeping their classmates informed, connected and engaged with each other and the AADC. Service to the AADC is always appreciated. Click HERE to enter your nominations today!
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Alumna Highlight: Symposium Committee Welcomes New Chair Mallorie Medley '08 |
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Mallorie Medley ’08 was recently named Chair of the AADC's Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt ’42 Workplace and Professional Development Symposium (VDS) Committee. The Committee hosted its first virtual Career Guided Journaling event this month with Mallorie leading the way for the successful event that drew many alumnae. She hopes to bring fresh ideas and experience into the virtual aspects of the Symposium, now in its sixth year.
“It is a chance for new ideas and new perspectives while still connecting with the values and ideals of the Symposium,” says Mallorie.
She has served on the VDS committee and began volunteering because she wanted to get involved in “something outside of work.” Before joining the committee as a member, Mallorie found an almost instant connection at events, such as an AADC Regional Connection Group event hosted in Philadelphia. She considers organization as her niche and brings it to this new role.
Mallorie lives in New Jersey and brings her experience as an account manager in Medical Device Solutions at TransPerfect Translations, where she has been employed for the last 10 years. She graduated with a degree in Spanish Linguistics and a minor in music and went on to earn a master of arts in Spanish-English Translation from the Graduate School at Rutgers in 2011.
“I am looking forward to seeing where we can take VDS and the chance to broaden our diversify and outreach,” says Mallorie.
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Connect and engage this spring |
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Monday, April 12
AADC Reunion Weekend 2021 Planning Committee Meeting
All alumnae are welcome to participate in our Reunion Meeting hosted virtually from 6:00 to 7:00 pm EDT. Register.
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Saturday, April 17, 11:00 EDT
Virtual 2021 Spring Alumnae Council
New time!
Register to attend our virtual 2021 Spring Alumnae Council. Meetings of the Council are held at least twice each fiscal year and are open to Alumnae Council Representatives and all active members of the Association. Alumnae who have contributed a minimum of $40 to the AADC are considered “active members” in the fiscal year in which the contribution is made and for the following fiscal year, as defined in the AADC Bylaws.
During the meeting, we will share updates from the AADC, hear from a mentor pair and fellowship recipient and hold elections for the AADC Board of Directors and Nominating Committee. Please note that only Alumnae Council representatives who have signed a confidentiality agreement and are "active members" of the AADC are eligible to vote at the business meeting.
Please see registration for additional information. Hosted via Zoom. Note that the open session meeting will begin promptly at 11:05 AM EDT and the virtual "door" will close at 11:05 am. A call-in option will also be available. Registration requested by Wednesday, April 14.
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Thursday, April 22
Virtual Evening Honoring AADC Benefactors
We will honor AADC benefactors at this virtual gathering and hear from AADC leaders, Douglass Residential College Dean Jacquelyn Litt, benefactors and recipients of support. This event is by invitation only.
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Sunday, April 25
AADC Celebrates Founders Day and AADC Awards Ceremony
Join us as we celebrate Founders Day and honor our distinguished 2021 AADC Alumnae Award recipients during this special event, hosted virtually this year. Linda Naselli '81 will emcee our festivities with our theme, "Sharing Nearly 100 Years of Alumnae with Wisdom & Vision." AADC President Jeanne Fox '75 will welcome alumnae and friends as we connect and commemorate this occasion.
New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs of GFWC President Jan Hanson will deliver remarks, sharing an historical perspective from the founding of New Jersey College for Women to the present day and the impact on generations of women.
We will honor this year's honorees, who exemplify the strength and impact of our vibrant AADC community. Please congratulate them on their accomplishments and contributions to our community. Each will be honored at the awards ceremony during our celebration. Register to join us.
2021 AADC Alumnae Awards Honorees
Corwin Award: Dolores Ijames Bryant ’84
Alumnae Recognition Award: Linda Caldwell Epps ‘73,
Susan Goldfine ‘63 and Karen Lynch ‘79
Young Alumna Award: Candace Gaddy-Kates ‘14
AADC Medal: Arthur Rubinstein
Vanguard Service Award: Sheila Kelly Hampton ‘70
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Virtual AADC Sisterhood Book Club Discussion
Saturday, May 8
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm EDT
All alumnae and friends are invited to join our discussion of Angie Thomas's debut novel, "The Hate U Give." The book is both a statement that Black lives matter and the story of a 16-year-old girl, Starr Carter, with her own life and problems, who is thrust into the spotlight when she accepts a ride home from a party with childhood friend Khalil only to watch police stop the car and shoot him before her eyes. Register.
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AADC Black Alumnae Network General Body Meeting Followed by a FIlm Discussion
Saturday, May 22
1:00 pm EDT
Save the date for the next AADC Black Alumnae Network General Body Meeting followed by a special Film Discussion. More information and registration will be available soon.
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Friday, June 25
Nomination Deadline for 2021 AADC Society of Excellence
Do you know an alumna or friend of the AADC deserving of recognition? Visit our website to submit nominations for the 2021 AADC Society of Excellence.
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AADC Alumnae Travel
Morocco: Land of Enchantment, November 12-21, 2021, click here
Egypt: Legends of the Nile, January 25-February 5, 2022, click here
Spain & Portugal: June 22-July 3, 2022 - Marks AADC 100th Anniversary, more information available soon.
Please note, due to the unprecedented pandemic, alumnae travel may be disrupted or rescheduled in accordance with our vendor, AHI Travel.
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Important Note Regarding AADC Events & Programs
We hope you will consider connecting and engaging through our virtual events and programs. As the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic continues, our primary focus is on the health and safety of our AADC alumnae community and AADC staff.
Decisions about the hosting of AADC Alumnae Reunion Weekend 2021 have been made according to the guidelines issued by the CDC, State of New Jersey, Rutgers University and the AADC Board of Directors. The AADC Reunion Committee is informed and actively involved in all reunion decisions.
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Watch Video of Inspiring 2021 Zagoren Lecture |
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We are pleased to share video of the inspiring 2021 Zagoren Lecture hosted by the AADC on March 6 via zoom, click on the image to launch the video.
This year's lecture was presented by sociologist, professor and AADC Society of Excellence 2020 inductee Phoebe Godfrey ’88, Ph.D. She explores social and environmental justice, and food insecurity in her talk, “Community Organizing, Intellectual Activism & Food Justice."
The annual lecture honors the legacy of its benefactor Adelaide Marcus Zagoren ’40, who served as former AADC Executive Director for nearly 30 years and remained close to our community until her death in 2014.
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AADC 100th: Proud History to Bright Future
Planning Underway to Celebrate June 2022 Milestone
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The AADC announced the official formation of our 100th Anniversary Committee in October 2020 to plan and execute the joyous celebration of the AADC’s first 100 years of our mission in motion and making alumnae connections. Ikecia Lenese Mapp ‘01 and Debbie Lynch ’79 will serve as co-chairs of the committee, aided by a host of volunteers and members of the AADC Board of Directors as well as the AADC staff.
“We are looking forward to conducting special events and programs to celebrate our heritage as we march into the future,” said Ikecia. “100 years is a huge milestone for the AADC and alumnae are already talking about another chance to celebrate!”
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“We will be building on the excitement of our wonderful 95th anniversary by planning another fabulous Gala for our alumnae. We will be celebrating big-time!” declared Debbie. The official anniversary is June 10, 2022, but there will be numerous activities leading up to that date.
Volunteer and Get Involved in All Phases
“We would love for alumnae to get involved in all phases of this celebration,” said AADC President Jeanne Fox ’75. “This is a once-in-a lifetime moment!”
It takes many hearts, minds and hands to plan our memorable celebrations as we build up to this exciting milestone. We need you! Volunteer to serve on subcommittees, including Marketing and Communications, Development, Alumnae Relations and Memorabilia. Alumnae interested in volunteering for the 100th Anniversary Committee or contributing to this historic event may reach out to us at the AADC at douglassalumnae@douglassalumnae.org.
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Put the AADC Mission in Motion While You Shop |
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It sounds like a rhetorical question, but do you shop online at Amazon? With more online shopping than ever during the pandemic, many people have upped their online shopping game. But did you know that every time you buy something, a small donation from that purchase can be sent to the AADC? AmazonSmile is a simple way to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you.
Start – or continue – shopping on Amazon and let the dollars mount up for the AADC! Please note that AmazonSmile donations to the AADC do not benefit NJC, DRC, Douglass or Rutgers. They benefit the AADC and help keep our mission in motion. Thank you.
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Receive Periodic & Important Updates from the AADC by Text Message |
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It's simple. Here’s how:
1. On your phone, start a new text message
2. In the phone number field, enter 56512
3. In the message field, enter AADC
4. Then press the SEND button
Please note: You will receive a return text message from us confirming that you have opted to receive text messages from the Associate Alumnae of Douglass College (AADC).
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Make New Friends and Stay In Touch with Us |
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Make New Friends & Connect as a Volunteer
The AADC welcomes all alumnae! To get involved as a volunteer, please email the AADC or call (732) 246-1600.
Stay In Touch with the AADC
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