98 Years of Our Mission in Motion
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The month of March is designated nationally as “Women’s History Month.” This year’s theme is the “Valiant Women of the Vote.” It is a time when we reflect more broadly upon some five million women whose unending efforts over the course of 72 years led to victory and to the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, thereby giving the right for all American women to vote. The theme honors “the brave women who fought to win suffrage rights for women, and for the women who continue to fight for the voting rights of others.” Since 1920, countless more women made a difference and have continued to fight for women’s rights.
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At the Associate Alumnae of Douglass College we look to our 39,000 Douglass alumnae and honor the countless ways our collective alumnae contribute to the history of women. Each makes an impact in the times in which they live, in their eras in history. Each contributes in their communities, in their businesses and educational institutions and at home.
We also remember the contributions of notable women like our alumnae leaders who have served as AADC Presidents. Their leadership is at the heart of our great organization, driving the AADC to higher levels of engagement and success. These volunteer leaders exemplify the spirit of the AADC’s
mission in motion
through our nearly 98-year history. They have given of their time, talents and treasures and have shaped this organization since its inception in 1922, beginning with the late Alicia Hemler ’22 through the current leadership of Acting President Helen Galt ’79, pictured.
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Our volunteer leaders have worked closely with staff members under the direction of AADC Executive Directors. Valerie L. Anderson ’81, MBA, pictured, has served in the professional position of AADC Executive Director since 2011, and is the first African-American alumna to hold this leadership position. Past Executive Directors are: Rachel E. Ingber ’83 (2002-2010); Linda M. Hennessey ’82 (1994-2002); and the late Adelaide Marcus Zagoren ’40, the longest-serving executive director (1968-1994).
The AADC has proudly been an independent and self-supporting organization, funded by contributions from alumnae and friends, since its inception. The AADC’s rich history of connecting alumnae and encouraging engagement and participation is rooted in our programs and events.
We encourage you to take time during Women’s History Month to reflect upon and honor the women in your lives. The national theme for this month is in recognition of the centennial of the 19th Amendment marked this year as we begin a new decade. It honors women from the original suffrage movement, as well as 20th and 21st century women who have continued the struggle, fighting more contemporary forms of voter suppression to ensure voting rights for all.
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AADC Presidents Through the Decades
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Living Alumnae who have served as past Presidents of the AADC Board of Directors through our nearly 98-year history are, from left: Jeanne M. Fox ’75, (2014-18); Tina B. Gordon ’72 (2010-14); Marie E. Arnold ’87 (2008-10); Mary Zimmerman Chyb ’71 (1995-2000); Carol McClure Sanzalone ’69 (1987-92); Flora Buchbinder Cowen ’59 (1980-86); Carol Hansmann Hamlin ’61 (1977-80); and Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt ’42 (1966-67). Inset photos, from left:
Lisa Mizrahi Kaado (2018-19);
Rose A. Cipriano ’49 (1972-77); and Sheila Kelly Hampton ’70 (2004-08). Deceased alumnae who served as President are: Alicia Hemler ’22, Esther Cooper Poneck ’22, Marion Walker Kraeuter ’23, Hazel Coddington Gosling ’22, Margaret Denton Wagner ’24, Eunice DeClark Davidson ’31, Muriel Gaertner ’30, Alice Toberson Turnbull ’24, Ouida K. Wallace ’30, Dorothy Quackenboss Cost ’29, Marjory Walls Bonynge Fielding ’32, Adrienne Schotchbrook Anderson ’45, Jean Wilson Sidar ’43, Evelyn Sermons Field ’49, and Dottie Parson Frank ‘69.
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All AADC events and programs are supported by the generosity of alumnae and friends like you. Contributing to the AADC Annual Appeal supports alumnae initiatives to advance our diverse and talented alumnae community
forward together
so we are
better together.
The Annual Appeal is not on behalf of NJC, DRC, Douglass, or Rutgers. The Annual Appeal supports programs and services for our alumnae sisterhood, advancing the AADC's mission.
www.douglassalumnae.org/MakeAGift
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