HOOD COLLEGE CAREER CENTER HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: Is your New Year's resolution to find a new job? Hood's career center is just the place for alums to start. How you present yourself to a prospective employer through your cover letter and résumé will, more often than not, determine if will get to that first step of being called for an interview. The career center offers many opportunities, guidance and services for students and alums including an array of number of online resources to assist you in putting your best foot forward. Alums are welcome to make appointments with career center counselors to discuss career plans, review résumés and cover letters, talk about interviewing skills, investigate career options and much more. The career center is also a great place for alums to become mentors. If you are an alum or community member who is willing to share your professional experiences with current students or alumnae and alumni of the College, contact the career center for additional information.

Appointments for services are available year round. Call (301) 696-3583 to schedule an appointment or to inquire about the services available. Phone consultations are available for alums, prospective students and others who do not live in the Frederick area. Career center counselors also welcome questions via e-mail and can be reached at careers@hood.edu.

KUDOS: The Hood Dance Ensemble performed a variety of dance styles, including jazz, lyrical, modern and step dance, at their recent fall recital. Polly M. Thibodeau '97, who recently performed in Washington, D.C., at the city's annual Improvisational Festival, acted as a guest choreographer for the group and arranged a piece to Sigur Ros' song "Just the Slightest." For more information on upcoming Hood Dance Ensemble events, contact Fran Marsili, director of Hood Dance Ensemble, by phone at (301) 696-3492 or by e-mail at fran.marsili@usa.net.

ARE YOU A HOOD ALUM ENTREPRENEUR: The office of alumnae and alumni programs is looking for stories of aspiring alums who have started their own businesses to pursue their personal career dreams. Send your stories to Linda Hoffman, associate director of alumnae and alumni programs, at hoffmanl@hood.edu. We look forward to hearing from you.

HOOD FACULTY MEMBER IS PUBLISHED: Congratulations to Hood faculty member Hoda Zaki, professor of political science, director of the African-American Studies Program and co-chair of the Honors Program, whose book, "Civil Rights and Politics at Hampton Institute: The Legacy of Alonzo T. Moron," was recently published by the University of Illinois Press. The book focuses on one of the preeminent private institutions of black higher education and how it came to play an important role in the struggle for full racial equality in the mid-20th century. Zaki will hold a book-signing Wednesday, March 7 from 5:15-6:15 p.m. in the Marx Center. For additional information on how to purchase the book or on the book-signing, contact Zaki at (301) 696-3697 or e-mail her at hzaki@hood.edu.

REUNION 2007 IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER: Don't miss this chance to reconnect and reunite with classmates at Reunion Weekend June 1-3. You can make your reunion gift at www.hood.edu/giving. Remember that corporate gifts made through your own business or your employer's matching gift program count toward your class' gift total. For information, contact the office of institutional advancement at (301) 696-3700 or send an e-mail to pergola@hood.edu.

DOES YOUR HOOD CLASS RING NEED A MAKEOVER? Need to order a new or replacement Hood College ring? Does your ring need repair or resizing? The Office of Alumnae and Alumni Programs handles ring orders and repairs. To obtain a ring order form, call the office at (800) 707-5280, option 2, send an e-mail to alumoffice@hood.edu or visit www.hood.edu/rings to view the Balfour Web site. For repairs on rings from current or previous vendors, call the office to have a ring repair form mailed to you or to get information about repairs.

WHAT ARE THEY DOING NOW?  If there are retired faculty or staff members you would like to see profiled in our "What are they doing now?" series, send her or his name to Linda Hoffman at hoffmanl@hood.edu.

To R.S.V.P. or for information on upcoming events, e-mail us at alumoffice@hood.edu, or call (800) 707-5280, option 2, or (301) 696-3900.

HOOD ALUM HAPPY HOUR SERIES: Tuesday, Feb. 13, 6-8:30 p.m., La Palapa Cocina Mexicana Restaurant, West Village, 356 Sixth Ave., New York City, www.lapalapa.com. Enjoy a casual gathering, catch up with old friends, network and make new connections at our Hood Happy Hour. Don't miss the fun! For more information, or to respond, send an e-mail to alumoffice@hood.edu or call (800) 707-5280, option 2, or (301) 696-3900.  Please R.S.V.P. by Feb. 9.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, (please note earlier date) Friday, Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m., Alaska potlatch dinner. Please join area alums for this time-honored tradition at the home of Bob and LaVonne Blattenbeger Vogt '69, 2139 Sorbus Way, Anchorage. Bring a dish to share; spouses, partners and friends are welcome. R.S.V.P. to LaVonne at (907) 258-5058 or lavonne@alaska.net. 

EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE TOUR OF SENATE LIBRARY: Wednesday, Feb. 28, 4 p.m., Russell Senate Building. Join fellow alums on an exclusive tour of the U.S. Senate Library in the Russell Senate Office Building. The event will be hosted by Melanie Jacobs '99, legislative validation clerk, U.S. Senate Library. See your government at work with this exciting opportunity for Hood alums. Space is limited for this event. Following the tour, mix and mingle and make new connections at our Hood Happy Hour and Reception from 6-8:30 p.m. at The Dubliner Irish Pub, 502 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, D.C., www.dublinerdc.com. The Dubliner is accessible from the Union Station Metro stop and parking is available at the Union Station Metro stop parking garage. For more information, or to respond, send an e-mail to alumoffice@hood.edu or call (800) 707-5280, option 2, or (301) 696-3900. Please R.S.V.P. by Feb. 19.

BRADENTON AND SARASOTA, Fla., Saturday, March 10, 11:30 a.m., luncheon at the Bradenton Country Club. Please join area alums and welcome President Volpe for lunch and conversation. Jeanne Zimmerman Gearey '52 will host the event. The cost of the luncheon is $20. For more information, or to respond, send an e-mail to alumoffice@hood.edu or call (800) 707-5280, option 2, or (301) 696-3900. Please R.S.V.P. by March 2.

TAMPA AND CLEARWATER, Fla., Sunday, March 11, 12:30 p.m., luncheon at the The Belleview Biltmore Resort. Please join area alums and welcome President Volpe for lunch and conversation. The cost of the luncheon is $22. For more information or to respond, send an e-mail to alumoffice@hood.edu or call (800) 707-5280, option 2, or (301) 696-3900. Please R.S.V.P. by March 2.

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Wednesday, March 14, 5:30 p.m., Casablanca Café, 3049 Alhambra St, (A1A-on beach) Ft. Lauderdale, www.casablancacafeonline.com. Enjoy a casual gathering, catch up with old friends, network and make new connections at our Hood Happy Hour. The evening will include a cash bar and appetizers provided by the office of alumnae and alumni programs. For more information, or to respond, send an e-mail to alumoffice@hood.edu or call (800) 707-5280, option 2, or (301) 696-3900. Please R.S.V.P. by March 5.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Thursday, March 15, 11:30 a.m., luncheon at the National Croquet Center. Please join area alums and welcome President Volpe for lunch and and conversation. The cost of the luncheon is $22.  For more information, or to respond, send an e-mail to alumoffice@hood.edu or call (800) 707-5280, option 2, or (301) 696-3900. Please R.S.V.P. by March 5.

FABULOUS WOMEN PANEL: Thursday, March 22, 1 p.m., Whitaker Campus Commons. Come celebrate Women's History Month and learn from the experiences and advice of Hood alums as they share their career pathways and their suggestions for women who are following in their footsteps.

WASHINGTON, D.C.,Wednesday, April 11, 12:30 p.m., brown bag lunch at Amgen, Inc., 555 13th Street, NW, Suite 600 West, Washington, D.C. Please join area alums for an informal lunch get-together. The event is hosted by Jewel Smith '96. R.S.V.P. to Jewel Smith at (202) 585-9625 or jewels@amgen.com.

Save The Date events are scheduled, and we will continue to keep you updated as plans become firm. If you have any questions about the upcoming events, e-mail us at alumoffice@hood.edu or call (800) 707-5280, option 2, or (301) 696-3900.

HOOD COLLEGE DAY AT BREWER’S ALLEY AND G. HUNTER'S: Tuesday, March 6, Brewer's Alley Restaurant and Brewery, 124 N. Market St., and G. Hunter's Restaurant and Raw Bar, 5903 Old National Pike, both in Frederick. Dine anytime on March 6 at these two restaurants and a portion of the proceeds will go toward the College's annual fund. Thank you to Phil Bowers '83, president and brew master, for his generous and continued support. Have a meal at Brewer's Alley or G. Hunter's and support Hood. More details to follow.

LIBERATION OF THE BLACK MIND WEEKEND 2007: Friday-Sunday, March 23-25, 2007. The weekend's activities will include programs in The Black Family, Reconstructing the African-American Image and Keeping the Faith. For more information, contact the office of student activities at (301) 696-3575.

HOOD COLLEGE JOB FAIR 2007: Wednesday, March 28, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Whitaker Campus Commons. Numerous recruiters, who are actively seeking candidates and are ready to hire you for jobs and internships, will be on hand. Professional attire is requested. Bring your résumé and references and be prepared to meet potential employers. Your professionalism and polished appearance will pay off, so if you need help preparing, contact the career center today! For more information click here.

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. Sunday, April 15, 1- 4 p.m., pot luck luncheon and business meeting at Crosslands Farmhouse, Kennett Square, Pa.  Please join area alums and welcome Robert Funk, Provost, for lunch and conversation.  Ruth Ridgway Vaurio '40 will host the event. More details will follow.

HOOD COLLEGE CAREER SERVICES: Take advantage of free lifetime services. We can help you with your résumé, give you advice on your job search, 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.

JOB FAIRS: Where Employers Want to Talk with You!: Wednesday, Feb. 7, 8-9 p.m., Catherine Filene Shouse Career Center.  Attend this program to get the inside information on what job fairs are about, how to prepare for them and how to come out a winner!

C.V.C. JOB FAIR: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2007, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Eisenhower Conference Center, Gettysburg, Pa. Mark your calendar today for the 23rd Annual Cumberland Valley Consortium (C.V.C.) Job and Internship Fair!  Don't miss this opportunity to meet with employers in person.

MINORITY TEACHER CANDIDATES' DAY FOR CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Friday, Feb. 23,
9 a.m.-1:45 p.m., 1305 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, MD. Explore teaching opportunities, learn about the process of obtaining a teaching position and talk to instructional supervisors. For more information, call (410) 535-7223.

WE NEED YOUR HELP: Recently the Hood College Career Center and Office of Service Learning switched to a new service provider for its online mentor program.  The new provider, Opportunities Network (OpNet), allows students and alums to interact with increased flexibility. Please update your account soon. Click here to update your information or to register for a new account. Thank you!

HODSON GALLERY DISPLAY: Jan. 26-Mar. 9, Hodson Gallery, Tatem Arts Center. Stop by the Gallery to see artist H.I. Gates' display "Eastern Icons," and join us for the opening reception Jan. 31 from 6-8 p.m. Click here for more information about the artist and his works.

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 8:30-9:30 p.m. each Wednesday through May 2 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 click here.

FILM AND LECTURE ON GENETIC ENGINEERING: Wednesday, Feb. 7, 6:30 p.m., Whitaker Campus Commons. Hood will show the 1997 science fiction thriller "Gattaca." Immediately following the film, Michael Dean, chief of the human genetics section of the laboratory of genomic diversity at the National Cancer Institute-Frederick, will give a brief talk about the movie and the issues it addresses. The event is free and open to the public. For more information about the event, please contact Kathy Falkenstein at (301) 696-3663 or e-mail her at falkenstein@hood.edu.

PEABODY CONSERVATORY 150TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT: Wednesday, Feb. 7, 8-9:30 p.m., Brodbeck Music Hall Auditorium. Four music department faculty members, who are graduates of the Peabody Conservatory, will present a concert in celebration of Peabody's 150th anniversary. For more information, contact Noel Lester at nlester@hood.edu.

AWARD WINNING PLAY COMES TO HOOD: Friday, Feb. 9, 8 p.m., Rosenstock Hall Auditorium. Eve Ensler's award winning play, "The Vagina Monologues," will be performed to benefit Heartly House, Inc., of Frederick. Admission is $5 for Hood students, $7 for other students and senior citizens and $10 for the general public. Tickets will be available beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the day of the performance. Only cash or checks will be accepted. A sellout is expected! For further information, please contact Jennifer Plants, assistant professor of theater and Hood College Theatre program director, at (301) 696-3720, or click here.

INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED STRING QUARTET TO PERFORM AT HOOD: Friday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m., Brodbeck Music Hall. The Calder Quartet, which is in residence at The Julliard School of Music as well as The Colburn School in Los Angeles, will perform on campus. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information about the concert, please contact Noel Lester at (301) 696-3429 or by e-mail at nlester@hood.edu, or click here.

STOP SMOKING CLASSES AVAILABLE: Hood will be offering free Stop Smoking Now classes beginning in February. These sessions will be brown bag lunches from 1-2 p.m., with the location to be announced. The sessions will take place for five consecutive Thursdays from Feb. 15-March 15. For more information or to register, contact Sharon Smith in Hood’s human resources office, by phone at (301) 696-3592 or by e-mail at smithsk@hood.edu.

FACULTY RECITAL: Sunday, March 25, 3-4:30 p.m., Coffman Chapel Wayne L. Wold, associate professor of music and College organist, will present his annual recital. For additional information, contact Noel Lester at nlester@hood.edu.

ALUM SCHOLAR SPEAKS AT HOOD: Monday, April 16, Marx Center. Leslee Michelsen '97, a former art history major and Honors Program scholar, will conduct a seminar entitled "Figural Imagery in Early Islamic Central Asia." Michelsen has spent months working in Kabul, Afghanistan, as a consultant for the Turquoise Mountain Foundation to preserve Afghanistan's cultural heritage. This event is co-sponsored by the Honors Program and the department of art and archaeology. For more information, please contact Anne Derbes, professor of art and co-director of the Honors Program at Hood, at derbes@hood.edu.

MEN'S BASKETBALL (16-5, 9-3 CAC): Despite dropping back-to-back games for the first time all season, the Hood men remain in first place in the Capital Athletic Conference, holding a one-game lead over Catholic University and York College (Pa.). Last week the Blazers bowed to St. Mary's College on the road and Catholic University at home, suffering their first loss at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School this season. Hood also saw its program-record nine-game winning streak come to an end Wednesday against the Seahawks. Junior Jesse Gutekunst became the second Hood men's basketball player to reach the 1,000-point plateau after scoring a game-high 27 points at St. Mary's. Senior Sean Robine netted a career-high 25 points in the losing cause. Then against the defending conference champion Cardinals, Gutekunst registered his 14th double-double of the season with 24 points and 12 boards. Hood hits the road this week for a pair of CAC games against Marymount Tuesday and Goucher Thursday.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL (3-15, 2-4 AWCC): Hood split a pair of Atlantic Women's Colleges Conference contests last week. The Blazers ousted Wilson College, 64-45, in Chambersburg before dropping a hard-fought 81-71 decision to Mary Baldwin College in Staunton. Hood is currently in fifth place in the AWCC standings, a half-game behind fourth-place Trinity University. Hood won its 13th straight matchup against Wilson last week using a solid second-half effort. Freshman Jennifer Willison led all scorers with 20 points and 14 rebounds for her sixth double-double of the season. In fact, all nine Blazers got into the scoring column for the first time this year. Hood also held the Phoenix to just 45 points, the fewest Hood has surrendered this season. Senior Dana Shook matched her season-high with 20 points to lead four players in double figures in the loss to Mary Baldwin. Hood notched a season-high by connecting on 12 three-point baskets, six of which came from Shook. The Blazers return home Tuesday hosting the College of Notre Dame (Md.), currently in first place in the AWCC, before entertaining Wilson College on Sunday at 3 p.m.

MEN'S SWIMMING (5-6, 2-6 CAC): Hood was idle last week but is set to close out the 2006-07 season at the Capital Athletic Conference championships at St. Mary's College (Md.) this weekend. Click here for a complete schedule of events and results as well as a list of admission prices and parking information.

WOMEN'S SWIMMING (7-9, 1-2 AWCC/2-6 CAC): Hood crowned three individual champions and took home the title in the 400 free relay at the 2007 Atlantic Women's Colleges Conference championship at Chatham College. The Blazers, who placed third in the championship meet, set several season bests on the weekend. Junior Katie Hitchens defended her title in the 50 free, winning the event in 25.95, her season best. She has now won this event three consecutive years. The native of West Chester, Pa., also captured the 100 free title in a season-low time of 58.83. In addition, Hitchens anchored the triumphant 400 free relay squad which set an AWCC record with a time of 3:56.23. Joining Hitchens on that relay squad were freshman Erica Hamor and juniors Amy Kaufman and Ashley Garyn. Kaufman was Hood's other individual champion, capturing the 200 butterfly in 2:30.33. The Blazer women will conclude the 2006-07 season this weekend when they join the Hood men's team at the 2007 Capital Athletic Conference championship at St. Mary's College (Md.) Feb. 9-11. Click here for a complete schedule of events and results as well as a list of admission prices and parking information.

To read all the Hood College Athletic news and events, please visit the athletics Web site.

Have you moved? Changed jobs? Gotten married? Had kids? We want to know! Click here to update your information!

Want to tell your classmates what's new with you? Click here to share your news in the next issue of Hood Magazine!

Inter(net)actions, Feb. 6, 2007: This edition of Inter(net)actions is also available on the Hood College Web site. Click here to view Inter(net)actions on the Web.