1998 Alumnae Award recipients named

Lenore Elman Asher, Wells Class of 1949, is a recipient of the annual award for her leadership of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) of Greater Boston and for her volunteer efforts on behalf of CJP's large and comprehensive network of social services.

In 1994, she assumed the position of president of the board of Jewish Vocational Services, a CJP agency. She is the first woman to serve in this position and through it has been instrumental in helping immigrants to the United States acquire needed job skills.

Currently, she sits on the National Women's Campaign Board of United Jewish Appeal and works to involve more women in the Lion of Judah Endowment Fund, a group of women who are honored for their significant contributions to CJP. She has also helped to secure an endowed center for Holocaust Studies at Clark University.

Ann Skerratt Richardson, a member of the Wells Class of 1949, is being honored for her outstanding career in art education and administration. She has been a leading art educator in the state of Maryland for more than 25 years.

She coordinated the nationally known Interrelated Arts Program in the Montgomery County public school system now integrated system-wide. Using all styles of creative and performing arts and drawing upon multicultural themes, the team developed seminars and workshops for use throughout Maryland. The program was cited as a model for discipline-based arts education by the Getty Center for Education in the Arts.

Richardson also has responsibility for high school drama and art education programs in Montgomery County public schools, whose students are regularly represented among those winning top art awards and scholarships.

She has held executive roles in the Maryland Alliance for Art Education and the Maryland Art Association and is the recipient of the award for Maryland Outstanding Arts Educator.

Ms. Asher and Ms. Richardson will be honored at a campus ceremony on Saturday, May 30, 1998, that will be attended by alumnae from across the nation.

The Alumnae Award was established in 1968 by the Wells College Alumnae Association in honor of the Centennial of the college. The award honors those alumnae who have given outstanding service to their alma mater, either directly or by service and accomplishment in a field of endeavor that reflects distinction on Wells College.

January, 1998

Women's education network names new board chair

PLEN is a consortium of women's colleges with headquarters in Washington, D.C., working together to prepare women for public leadership. Through the organization, students study the policy process with women leaders in seminars held in Washington and abroad.

Seminar speakers include congress-women; and students observe sessions of the House and Senate, attend committee hearings, and learn about interest groups that lobby Congress. They explore public policy careers through internships and mentoring sessions.

PLEN was created in 1978 by Frances Tarlton "Sissy" Farenthold who was then serving as Wells' president. She was also the first woman to have her name placed in nomination for vice president of the United States.

"President Ryerson brings vision, energy, and enthusiasm to her new position," says Alexander. "As we begin celebrating PLEN's 20th anniversary, I am pleased our board chair also represents our founding college."

Presidents of member colleges sit on the PLEN board including representatives from Agnes Scott College, Chatham College, Douglass College, Hood College, and Sweet Briar College, among others.

On the campuses of PLEN colleges, students learn and practice leadership in the classroom, public leadership forums, student government, and community service projects.

January, 1998

Leadership Week at Wells: Gaining through giving

Leadership Week emphasizes career and life skills training. Workshops are offered that teach resume writing, public speaking, personal finance management, how to successfully apply to graduate school, and computer skills (including the Internet).

Alumnae involvement is a part of the Leadership Week tradition. Wells women working in many different fields return to campus to participate in panel discussions and meet with students. 

Leadership Week is also a community-building activity. On Saturday, January 24, students will volunteer for various projects in Auburn, New York. 

January, 1998