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April 15, 2008

Hood Highlights | Alumnae/i Events | Career Opportunities | Campus Events | Make a Gift

A Message from the President
Spring is in full bloom and there is no more beautiful—-or busier—-time at Hood College than the present. I would like to take this opportunity to personally invite you to campus to participate in some of our upcoming events.

The success of Hood’s daily activities hinges on its students, faculty and staff, whom we will honor at our traditional Honors Convocation April 22 at 1 p.m. in Coffman Chapel. At this event, we will celebrate the intellectual life of the College, recognize those who have achieved academic excellence and thank our benefactors who make these prizes possible. I am pleased to invite you to join us on this special occasion.

As we prepare to welcome the Class of 2008 to join our thousands of distinguished Hood College alumnae and alumni, I invite you to also join us in the chapel for Baccalaureate services Friday, May 16 at 6 p.m. and on the residential quadrangle for Commencement Saturday, May 17. In order to accommodate the largest graduating class in Hood’s history, we will convene two separate ceremonies: the undergraduate Commencement ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and a separate ceremony for graduate students will be at 4 p.m. The keynote speaker for this year’s undergraduate Commencement ceremony will be Marcia Coyle ’73, Washington bureau chief for the National Law Review. Eileen Dickey, president of Hodson Services, LLC, will be recognized for her years of service and support to Hood. The Graduate School Commencement speaker will be Manuel Casiano, M.D., M.B.A. ’03. These three individuals will receive an honorary doctoral degree.

Shortly after Commencement, we will celebrate Reunion Weekend from May 30 to June 1. Alumnae and alumni from 14 reunion classes—including the classes of 1958 and 1983, who will commemorate their 50th and 25th reunions, respectively—will reunite on campus. At the annual Alumnae and Alumni Luncheon on Saturday, May 31, we will honor them, along with the 2008 reunion award recipients. Harriet Fox Riehl ’66 and Dr. Susan Warshaw Stinson ’68 will receive distinguished alumnae awards; Louise Renninger Rittenhouse ’48 will be honored with the Excellence in Service Award; and Tina Wells ’02 will be named the Outstanding Recent Alumna. I invite alumnae and alumni from all classes to join me for what is sure to be a joyous weekend.

Lin, Stephanie and I look forward to seeing each one of you on campus soon!

Warmest regards,

Ronald J. Volpe, Ph.D.
President

Hood Highlights

New Board of Trustees Members Named
Hood recently named four new members to the board of trustees. Joining the 16-member board are Janet Hobbs Cotton ’59, vice president of The Maricopa Partnerships, Inc.; Margery Elfin, Ph.D., Virginia E. Lewis professor emerita of political science at Hood; Eva Teig Hardy ’65, executive vice president for public policy and corporate communications for Dominion Resources Services, Inc.; and Earlene Hairston Thornton, a former teacher and department chair for Frederick County Public Schools and the executive editor of a five-county bi-monthly newspaper. For more information, read the full news release.

Receptions in Florida
Clearwater-area alumnae and friends gathered at a reception March 12 to talk with President Volpe, and to hear updates about the College. President Volpe shared his vision for the future of Hood. Attendees included (pictured, left to right): President Volpe, Sally Foss Banwart ’52, Kathy Pires Lengyel ’81, Darlene DeMay ’72, Scarlett Kinley ’87, and Trina Clickner ’79. A similar reception was held March 10 in Naples, where more than 30 area alums and friends gathered to greet President Volpe. View our photo gallery for additional photos of alumnae and alumni events.

President Makes Special Visit
President Volpe recently visited with Vesta Hoffman Osler ’30 at her home in Palm Harbor, Fla. Vesta will celebrate her 100th birthday June 9. President Volpe presented Vesta with a Hood College throw to commemorate the occasion.

Alumna Named Outstanding Teacher
Congratulations to Nancy Thorpe Kelley ’82, M.A. ’85 who was recently named Frederick County Public Schools’ 2008 Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher. Nancy is a kindergarten teacher at Middletown Primary School in Middletown, Md. To find out more about Nancy’s award, read the full news story that recently appeared in the Frederick News-Post.

Management Association Visits New York Alumna
Members of Hood’s Student Management Association recently met with Laura Lee Miller ’73, president of licensing for Vera Wang in New York City. Laura Lee discussed marketing strategies with the students and guests, held an informative session on corporate management principles and offered career advice. Attending the session were (pictured, left to right): Anita Jose, Ph.D., associate professor of management and chair of the department; Judy Messina ’66, a member of Hood’s board of trustees; Jing Zhang ’08; Jessica Grant ’09; Candace Butler ’08; Laura Lee Miller '73; Ashlie Evans ’08; Karina Garrido ’08; Prima Brooks ’09; Justin Burall ’08; Emily Heys ’10; and Andrew Randall ’09.

Alumna Creates New Purse Design
Kathy Pires Lengyel ’81, creator of Significant Journey “purses with a purpose,” has introduced a new line of limited edition designer tote bags. Ten percent of the profits from the sale of each bag go to charity organizations. Visit Kathy's Web site for more information and to order a tote bag.

Alumna Appears in Essence Magazine
Tina Wells ’02 recently appeared in the March 2008 issue of Essence magazine in an article titled “Millionaires’ Success Secrets.” Tina is the founder and CEO of her own market research firm, Buzz Marketing Group, where she spots adolescent trends and passes that information on to interested companies. Tina will receive the Outstanding Recent Alumna Award at this year’s Alumnae and Alumni Luncheon during Reunion Weekend.

Athletics Hall of Fame Established
The College is proud to announce the establishment of the Hood College Athletic Hall of Fame! Do you remember an outstanding athlete, coach or administrator who made a positive impact on Hood athletics? Nomination forms and criteria are available on Hood’s Web site; by contacting Tammy Butler, director of major gifts and planned giving; or by calling (301) 696-3828. Be a part of a new tradition at Hood College!

New Planned Giving Web Site
Have you considered establishing a lasting legacy through gift planning? Gift planning can provide benefits for both you and Hood College. For more information on giving options, new tax laws and gift calculations, visit our updated planned giving Web site. If you would like to work confidentially with a Hood representative, please contact Tammy Butler, director of major gifts and planned giving, or call (301) 696-3828.

Alums Needed for College Fairs
Did you love your time at Hood? Want to share that story with the next generation of Hood students? Hood’s Office of Admissions is in need of volunteers to attend college fair programs to share information about Hood to prospective students and parents. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Adam Dickman, admissions counselor at Hood, or call (800) 922-1599 to find out about college fairs near you.

Do You Own Your Own Business?
Or do you work for a business that supports philanthropy? If so, consider making a corporate gift to Hood through the Businesses for Hood program. Hundreds of businesses and foundations across the region and the nation give their philanthropic support to Hood to help provide an innovative learning environment and experiential opportunities that prepare students for lives of leadership and service. For more information on the Businesses for Hood program, contact the office of institutional advancement at (301) 696-3700 or visit the Businesses for Hood Web page.

Alumnae and Alumni Events

R.S.V.P. for Events
To R.S.V.P. or get information on upcoming events, e-mail us at alumoffice@hood.edu, or call (800) 707-5280, option 2, or (301) 696-3900. Please continue to check the alumnae and alumni relations Web page for updates on future events.

A Reception in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Sunday, April 20, 3-5 p.m., Washington Square Gallery, 221 Chestnut St., Suite 100, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Join Denise DeLaurentis ’79, president and owner of Washington Square Gallery, who will share her passion for antique prints and art, and her knowledge of antique printmaking. Denise, who was featured in the latest issue of Hood Magazine, will also give tours of her collection. A wine and cheese reception will follow. For more information and to R.S.V.P., please contact the office of alumnae and alumni relations or call (800) 707-5280, option 2, or (301) 696-3900. The deadline to register is April 16.

Reunion 2008 is Right Around the Corner
Don’t miss the chance to reconnect and reunite with classmates at Reunion Weekend, May 30-June 1. Please join the classes of 1928, 1933, 1938, 1943, 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1983, 1988, 1993 and 2003 for this year’s reunion. Alums celebrating a reunion year should have already receive a registration brochure in the mail. You can also visit our Web site to access the complete reunion brochure and to register online! All alumnae and alumni are welcome. The registration deadline is Wednesday, May 21.

Gallery Tour and Reception
Thursday, July 17, 5-7 p.m., Laura Hickman Fine Arts Studio & Gallery, 10 Central Ave., Ocean View, DE 19970. Join Laura Lee Hickman ’75, working artist and owner of her own studio and art gallery who was featured in the latest issue of Hood Magazine, for tours of her gallery and a reception. More details will follow.

Career Opportunities

Hood College Career Services
Take advantage of free lifetime services. We can help you with your résumé, give you advice on your job search and talk to you about career options and much more. Contact us by phone at (301) 696-3583 or by e-mail at careers@hood.edu to schedule an appointment.

Reunion Weekend Hours
The Career Center will be open during Reunion Weekend for alumnae and alumni to drop in or schedule appointments. On Friday, May 30, drop-in hours will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with scheduled appointments available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Drop-in hours for Saturday, May 31 will be from 3 to 5 p.m.

Campus Events

"The Homeless Home Movie"
The Service Squad at Hood will show “The Homeless Home Movie,” a documentary that shares the story of five homeless individuals over the course of a year, Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m. in Hood’s Whitaker Campus Center Commons. Jan Samet O’Leary, director of the Hood’s library and member of the board of directors for Advocates for Homeless Families, will provide opening remarks before the film. Donations of any household products, such as paper products, toiletries or cleaning supplies, to benefit Advocates for Homeless Families will be accepted. For more information, please contact Annie Cumberland '08.

Dance Ensemble Hosts Spring Concerts
Members of the Hood College Dance Ensemble will perform in the ensemble’s spring concerts at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 18 and 19 in Hood’s Hodson Auditorium in Rosenstock Hall. Under the direction of Fran Marsili, the shows will feature exciting new choreography in jazz, ballet, modern and lyrical, as well as guest artists from Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. For more information on the concerts, please contact Fran Marsili or call (301) 696-3492.

Spring Music Concerts
Several Hood music ensembles and groups will be performing spring concerts in April and May. Come support the students and the music department at the following events. For more information, please contact Noel Lester, D.M.A., concert pianist, professor of music and chair of the music department, or call (301) 696-3429.

The Early Music Ensemble, under the direction of William Simms, adjunct instructor of guitar, will present its spring concert Sunday, April 20 at 3 p.m. in Brodbeck Music Hall. Brodbeck is not handicapped accessible.

The String Ensemble, under the direction of RoseAnn Markow Lester, and the Wind Ensemble, directed by Brian Hinkley, will join forces for an end-of-semester concert Wednesday, April 30 at 8 p.m. in Hood’s Coffman Chapel. The program will include Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with David Conway ’08, a piano performance major, as soloist.

The Jazz Ensemble, directed by J. Kevin Lewis, will present its spring concert Friday, May 2 at 8 p.m. in Hood’s Coffman Chapel.

Students in Hood’s applied music course will present a spring recital Monday, May 5 at 8 p.m. in Hood’s Brodbeck Music Hall. Brodbeck is not handicapped accessible.

Acclaimed Sarod Player Performs Concert
Internationally acclaimed sarod player Aditya Verma will present a concert of classical Indian music, accompanied by tabla, Friday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. in Hood’s Coffman Chapel. The event is co-sponsored by the department of music, the dean’s office, the office of multicultural affairs and the Honors Program. For more information about the artist, visit Aditya's Web site. For information about the concert, contact Noel Lester or call (301) 696-3429.

American Society Training and Development Workshop
The American Society for Training and Development will host a workshop, titled “Speed with Purpose: Living the Integrated Life,” Monday, April 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Hood’s Whitaker Campus Center Commons. The workshop, led by Jeff Irby, founder and CEO of Speed with Purpose, is designed to help explore ways in which individuals can perform at their personal best. Visit the ASTD Web site to register for the event. For more information, contact Dottie Van Steinburg '96 or call (301) 834-7162.

Chamber Singers Spring Concert
The Hood College Chamber Singers, directed by Brenda Weiser, director of choral activities, will present its spring concert, titled “Themes of Love That Move to Peace,” Monday, April 28 at 8 p.m. in Brodbeck Music Hall. For more information about the concert, please contact Noel Lester or call (301) 696-3429. Brodbeck is not handicapped accessible.

Gazing At the Stars
Hood is offering everyone the chance to get up close and personal with the stars. The Williams Observatory will be open free of charge from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. each Wednesday until April 30 for the exclusive use of the observatory and portable telescopes. Ken Howard, lecturer in astronomy at Hood, will be available each evening to answer questions. For more information about the observatory, read the full story.

Athletics News

Women's Lacrosse (3-11, 0-7 CAC)

Last Week
April 9 Defeated Lancaster Bible College 9-3
April 12 Defeated Ferrum College 11-10

This Week
April 15 at Trinity University (D.C.) 4 p.m.
April 20 at Salisbury University (CAC Tournament) TBA

Before bidding farewell to seniors Arielle John (above) and Lauren Lieb, Hood won back-to-back games, first downing Lancaster Bible, 9-3, on Wednesday. Sarah Balukoff scored her 20th goal of the season in the win, while Kelsey Blackwell, Jen Graham, Britney Colandreo and Lauren Perzan all had two goals apiece. On Saturday, the Blazers held off nonconference opponent Ferrum College, 11-10, making for an especially memorable senior day. Blackwell tallied five goals for Hood and Lieb made 14 saves in her final home game in goal. Jayme Frost and Brandy Noel each had two goals, and Colandreo and Balukoff both had one.

Men's Lacrosse (0-16, 0-7 CAC)

Last Week
April 11 Lost to No. 10 Villa Julie College 6-30
April 14 Lost to No. 1 Salisbury University (CAC Tournament) 3-29

This Week
No games scheduled

The Blazers had a tough week playing against two nationally ranked teams. On Friday, Hood lost 30-6 to No. 10 Villa Julie at home. Sophomore Sofiane Lazar scored two goals and senior Sam Hofmann (above) made 15 saves. The Blazers entered the first round of the Capital Athletic Conference yesterday, but fell to the top-seeded and No. 1 team in the nation, Salisbury University, 29-3. Hofmann had 11 more saves for Hood and as a result, moved into the top 20 all-time in NCAA Division III history in career saves (662). Hood's final contest of the spring will be Tuesday April 25 against McDaniel College at Thomas Athletic Field.

Men's Golf

Last Week
April 14 at Bent Creek Invitational (Hosted by Franklin & Marshall College) 17th place

This Week
April 17 at Susquehanna University Invitational 1 p.m.

Hood’s men’s golf team finished 17th overall in its first match of the 2008 spring season Monday in the Bent Creek Invitational hosted by Franklin & Marshall College. Andrew Alger led the Blazers with a nine-over 80 on the par 71 course. Following Alger were Evan Chaney (93), Daniel Reid (101), and Aaron Prescott (above) (107).

Softball (15-11, 5-7 CAC)

Last Week
April 10 Lost to York College (Pa.) 2-6
April 10 Lost to York College (Pa.) 0-10 (6 innings)
April 13 Lost to Salisbury University 0-8 (5 innings)
April 13 Lost to Salisbury University 2-8

This Week
April 15 vs. Wesley College (CAC Tournament) 4:15 p.m.
April 17 vs. TBA (CAC Tournament at Salisbury University 4:15 p.m.
April 19 vs. TBA (CAC Tournament at Salisbury University TBA
April 20 vs. TBA (CAC Tournament at Salisbury University TBA

Hood was swept twice at home this past week, first falling to the top two teams in the Capital Athletic Conference (York College (Pa.) and Salisbury University). Sam Smith and Jen Willison each had hits for the Blazers in the first game of the doubleheader and Sara Wastler recorded singled in the nightcap. Hood celebrated senior day for Kate Hassell and Alecia Weddle Sunday. Jamie Gardner (above) hit a two-run homer – her sixth blast of the season – to put the Blazers on the board in game two. The fourth-seeded Blazers host Wesley College Tuesday in a CAC tournament first round contest.

Men's Tennis (2-10, 0-6 CAC)

Last Week
April 7 Lost to Lincoln University 4-5
April 8 Lost to No. 11 University of Mary Washington 3-6
April 11 Defeated Lincoln University 7-0
April 12 Lost to Villa Julie College 3-5
April 13 Lost to No. 11 University of Mary Washington (CAC Tournament) 0-9

This Week
Season complete

The Blazers’ men’s tennis team wrapped up its season, playing five matches in seven days. Hood traveled to Lincoln University Monday where the Blazers were edged out, 5-4. Abou Camara and Garrett Loomer each won their singles matches, while Mike Hardman and Camara, and Kenny Smith and Loomer earned doubles victories. After the Blazers fell 6-3 the following day against No. 11 Mary Washington, Hood turned around and blanked Lincoln, 7-0, on Friday. Camara and David Blowe (above) both won singles matches in straight sets. Blowe was a double winner for Hood in the Blazers’ 5-3 loss to CAC opponent Villa Julie on Saturday, claiming victories at the No. 3 singles spot and the No. 2 doubles spot with Loomer. Finally, Hood was ousted from the CAC Tournament on Sunday, falling 9-0 against Mary Washington.

Women's Tennis (6-6, 2-4 CAC)

Last Week
April 8 at Trinity University (D.C.) Postponed
April 10 Defeated Villa Julie College 5-4
April 11 Lost to York College (Pa.) 4-5
April 11 Defeated Wilson College 8-1
April 13 Lost to No. 7 University of Mary Washington 0-9
April 14 Lost to York College (Pa.) (CAC Tournament) 3-6

This Week
Season complete

Hood won two of five matches this week, finishing the 2007-08 season at 6-6 overall and 2-4 in the CAC. The Blazers squeezed by Villa Julie, 5-4, Thursday as junior Caitlin Erickson won the deciding No. 5 singles match in straight sets. Christine Ocampos-Barry and Stephanie Garrett also won in straight sets at the first and second singles spots, respectively. In doubles competition, Larisa Buriak and Ocampos-Barry won 8-4 at the No. 1 slot, while Garrett and Erickson also won 8-4 at No. 2 doubles. The next day, Hood split, defeating Wilson College 8-1, and losing to York (Pa.) College 4-5. On Sunday, the Blazers dropped a 0-9 decision at Mary Washington before heading into Monday’s CAC tournament at York, Pa. Despite winning three singles matches by Garrett, Erickson, and Laura Wanner (above), Hood fell 6-3 to York to bring the season to a close.

Men's Track & Field

Last Week
April 12 at West Chester University Invitational Individual Results

This Week
April 19 at Capital Athletic Converence Championship (hosted by York College, Pa.) 10 a.m.

The Blazers traveled to West Chester, Pa., Saturday to compete in the West Chester Invitational at West Chester University, where seven school records fell. Ola Komolafe set school marks in the 200 meters (23.04) and the 400 meters (51.81), while Blair Ames’ 1:59.29 sixth-place finish in the 800 meters was also a new record. William Andrews lowered the steeplechase record to 10:23.39 in this third place finish and Mattia Mabellini (above) set a new mark in the 110-meter hurdles (19.74). In field competition, Matt Haynes surpassed the school record in the hammer throw (119’ ¼’’) and Justin Everett had set the top mark in the triple jump (41’1 ¾’’).

Women's Track & Field

Last Week
April 12 at West Chester University Invitational Individual Results

This Week
April 19 at Capital Athletic Converence Championship (hosted by York College, Pa.) 10 a.m.

Six school records went down as Hood competed in Saturday’s West Chester Invitational in West Chester, Pa. Jessica Parrish set two new marks, one in her third place finish in the 200 meters (25.79), and another in the triple jump (32’ 6’’). Danielle Sgro lowered the record in the 3000 meters (11:15.76) in her third place finish, while Lauren Smith set the mark for the steeplechase (12:37.12), also taking third place. Katie Thomas (above) clocked in at a time of 1:12.93 in the 400-meter hurdles and Kayla Murphy threw the hammer 89’ 4’’ for new records.

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Why I Give

Office of Alumnae and Alumni Relations | Hood College
401 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, Maryland 21701
(301) 696-3900 | (800) 707-5280 | alumoffice@hood.edu

Tammy McElroy, Associate Director of Alumni Relations
Linda Hoffman, Director of Alumni Relations
Adrienne Gonzales, Sports Information Director