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Mills Quarterly Spring 2015 LIFE IN THE LIBRARY ALL ABOUT ELVIS ALUMNA TRUSTEE ELECTIONS

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Page 1: Mills Quarterly Spring 2015

Mills QuarterlySpring 2015

l i f e i n t h e l i b r a r y a l l a b o u t e l v i S a l u m n a t r u S t e e e l e c t i o n S

Page 2: Mills Quarterly Spring 2015

Studying at Mills gave me the

academic and emotional grit to

take on challenges and to work

toward my goals. “Strength” is

what being a Mills alumna means

to me. I give to the annual

fund to help women find new

strengths within themselves

through Mills’ empowering and

challenging environment.

behindevery gift there is a story

Each gift to the College has a story—about a life-path

discovered at Mills and followed into the world, about

lifelong friendships and inspiring mentors, about a voice found

or strengthened. These are the stories you make possible for

future generations when you give to Mills. Each gift really

does count: college assessors, including U.S. News & World

Report, consider graduates’ giving an important measure of a

learning community’s excellence. Your gifts to Mills are a vote

of confidence in the College’s future.

Give to the Mills College Annual Fund by calling 510.430.2366, picking up the phone when a student calls you, visiting alumnae.mills.edu/give, or returning the enclosed envelope.

Amber Nash ’10

061402 Mills AnnualFundAd#3_final.indd 1 2/4/15 5:28 PM

Page 3: Mills Quarterly Spring 2015

2 TheimportanceofdialogueThe ability to engage in productive discourse on difficult issues is a key element of a well-educated mind. As serious social topics make headlines across the nation, Mills students and alumnae use this skill to make positive, thoughtful change.

6 Checkingoutthelibrarian by Linda SchmidtWith unparalleled dedication to his profession and enthusiasm for the people he serves, Michael Beller makes the library a valuable, vital heart of campus.

10 ExaminingElvisby Sarah Stevenson, MFA ’04 Not content with casual fandom, two alumnae elevate their interest in the rock’n’roll icon to become internationally recognized experts on his lasting cultural influence.

12 AlumnatrusteeelectionVote for your representative on the Mills College Board of Trustees and the AAMC Board of Governors. See your ballot on the inside back cover.

Departments

3 MillsMatters

14 ClassNotes

23 InMemoriam

6 10 14 Mills Quarterly

contents Spring 2015

On the cover: Mills Librarian Michael Beller strikes a pose near the reference stacks. Beller was honored in December with this year’s Carnegie Corporation of New York/New York Times I Love My Librarian Award for demonstrating the critical role librarians play in transforming lives and communities through education and lifelong learning. Photo by Dana Davis.

Page 4: Mills Quarterly Spring 2015

Join Us for CommenCementmay 16, 9:45 am, Holmgren meadow

Keynote address by oakland mayor Libby schaaf

AAmC annual meeting following the President’s reception, reinhardt Alumnae House

The importance of dialogueA Message from the President of Mills College

By Alecia A. DeCoudreaux

At Mills, we are deeply involved in the ongoing work of developing a curricu-lum now that will prepare our graduates for the demands of the workplace and of civic life in the future. We are also con-tinually strengthening our commitment to inclusion and social justice.

Recent events have brought powerful reminders that these are not abstract issues, and our College does not exist in isolation. Mills students care deeply about what is going on in the world, in the local community, and on our cam-pus. National movements such as Black Lives Matter have brought into our pub-lic dialogue questions about how far we still have to go before African Americans, particularly African American men, will be embraced as full citizens of US society, with all of the rights and responsibilities that go with that. The murder of Muslim students in North Carolina was a horrify-ing example of how intolerance and vio-lence go hand in hand.

Our students are concerned about themselves and with their own experi-ences, and they also feel great empa-thy—and even outrage—regarding the experiences of friends, family members, and others around the country and around the world who are facing rac-ism and other injustices. They are strug-gling to find appropriate and effective responses to such events.

As a result, members of our campus community have been engaged in con-

versations, protests, and vigils to express these concerns and demonstrate their support. Some members of the commu-nity are actively involved in these activi-ties, while others support them as allies, and still others feel excluded or uncer-tain as they consider the implications of these serious issues. In a world filled with unrest and intolerance for diversity or varying opinion, Mills can and should be a model for how to engage in dia-logue with forethought, compassion, and knowledge.

Each of us brings a unique perspec-tive to the issues that have prompted these movements around the country, and each of us can gain valuable insights from one another. By bringing our differ-ent perspectives together and engaging in rich, robust dialogue, we can address injustice in all environments. The willing-ness to listen and learn are vital in imple-menting social change. We acknowledge that we have black students at Mills who experience racism, transgender stu-dents who feel disrespected, and Muslim students who are fearful because their Muslim brothers and sisters are threat-ened around the world. There are others, no doubt, who have also felt isolated and intimidated due to their identity.

Yet, we can and should be a source of strength for one another; we should enlighten and support one another. We need to engage in the dialogue to get us there.

As our mission states, Mills educates students to think critically, to commu-nicate responsibly and effectively, and to acquire the knowledge and skills nec-essary to effect thoughtful change in a global, multicultural society. Throughout our strong liberal arts curriculum are programs that promote an inclusive approach and recognize the value of cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity. I am confident that this broad view of the world serves our students well as they engage in society and become leaders who will make a positive difference.

And I see this put into effect in the lives of alumnae, who carry the lessons of Mills with them into their ongoing roles as leaders in business, politics, technology, arts, and education. They have learned to make a statement in advocating for issues of importance. Their Mills educa-tion, which equally values understand-ing, tolerance, and inclusivity, enlightens students and alumnae alike as they enter into thoughtful dialogue which will bring about truly meaningful change.

2  M i l l s Q u a r t e r ly

Page 5: Mills Quarterly Spring 2015

S P R I N G 2 0 1 5 3

Mills Matters

S P R I N G 2 0 1 5 3

Just a few months after last May’s Commencement, Mills College contacted its newest alumnae to find out how well their degrees are serving them. Encouragingly, the vast majority have found gainful employment or are pursuing continuing education.

New vice president to enhance student lifeChicora Martin is the new vice president for student life and dean of students.

Martin most recently served as assistant dean of students and director of LGBT education and support services at the University of Oregon. In addition to her experience in staff leadership, budget oversight, and strategic planning, she excels in working collaboratively and fostering important relationships. At Oregon, she built partnerships with campus colleagues to address needs for recruitment, retention, and engagement of students of color; she also advanced the creation of gender-inclusive housing and ensured the inclusion of gender identity and gender expression in the university’s nondiscrimination clause. Her efforts were recognized with the university’s Faculty/Staff Award for enhancing the lives of students as well as the Martin Luther King Jr. Award for promoting cultural diversity and racial justice.

Martin holds a PhD in educational leadership from Colorado State University and an MS in higher education from Florida State University. She has previously held positions at Tallahassee Community College, Georgia Institute of Technology, Florida State University, and East Carolina University.

“Chicora’s commitment to ensuring a dynamic campus culture and an exceptional student experience will serve her well as she assumes her new role,” said President Alecia DeCoudreaux. Martin joined the campus com-munity on February 23.

Volume CIII Number 3 Spring 2015

President:Alecia A. DeCoudreaux

ChiefofStaffandVicePresidentforCommunicationsandExternalRelations:Renée Jadushlever

Editor:Linda Schmidt

DesignandArtDirection:Nancy Siller Wilson

ContributingWriters:Sarah Stevenson, MFA ’04

EditorialAssistance:Russell Schoch

The Mills Quarterly (USPS 349-900) is published quarterly by Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 94613. Periodicals postage paid at Oakland, California, and at additional mailing office(s). Postmaster: Send address changes to the Office of Institutional Advancement, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 94613.

Copyright © 2015, Mills College

Address correspondence to Mills Quarterly, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 94613. Email: [email protected] Phone: 510.430.3312

Printed on recycled paper containing 10 percent post-consumer waste.

(Please use outline)

Mills College Class of 2014: Where are they noW?

87% are employed or pursuing further education

Employed 64%Further education 23%Still working on it 6%Taking time off 4%Other 3%

Private business 36%Nonprofit organization 40%Federal, state, or local 14% government Other 10%

54% took jobs in nonprofit organizations or government

64% of those in school are seeking master’s or doctoral degrees

Master’s degree program 56%Doctoral degree program 8%Post-baccalaureate 20% certificate programOther program/second 16% bachelor’s degree

Page 6: Mills Quarterly Spring 2015

College trustees appoint two expert membersTwo new members of the Mills College Board of Trustees have been approved, each for a three-year term that began in February 2015.

Yolanda Gonzalez, vice president of human resources at Matson Navigation Company since 2004, has a broad and diverse knowledge of human resource management gained through more than 35 years’ HR experience in high-tech, start-up, and corporate environments. She holds a BA in psychology from Occidental College and an MA in higher and adult education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Gonzalez serves on the contributions committee of the Matson Foundation and is an advi-sory board member for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Oakland and the University of Hawaii’s Master in Human Resources Management. She also is a member of the board of directors of the Hawaii Theater Center in Honolulu and chairs their Education Committee.

Bob Thompson holds a bachelors degree in economics and an MBA from Stanford University. He has worked in institutional fixed income sales for Salomon Brothers, Lehman Brothers, and Drexel Burnham Lambert and currently serves as a vice president at Dodge & Cox, where his focus is on fixed income securities management. In his commitment to give back to the communities where he lives and works, he currently chairs the Investment Committee of the Girl Scouts of Northern California as well as the Financial Advisory Committee for the city of Orinda, is on the board and finance committee of the United Way of the Bay Area, and serves on the investment committees for several local churches.

Mills College gratefully acknowledges the following gifts, grants, and pledges of $50,000 or more received between July 1 and December 31, 2014.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation made a grant to support school-wide lesson study under the direction of Catherine Lewis, distinguished research scholar at the School of Education. This project will help enact the ambitious instructional vision of the Common Core Standards Initiative. School-wide lesson study will begin with a network of ele-mentary and middle schools in Oakland, San Francisco, and Chicago; it will later expand to include additional partners.

The Walter and Elise Haas Fund and the Stuart Foundation both renewed their support of the School of Education’s Mills Teacher Scholars Program through new grants. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation provided a grant to enable Mills to strengthen the College’s humanities curriculum through language study. The Louis L. Borick Foundation, the family founda-

tion of Linda Borick ’74, made a gift to support the Dance Department.

Trustee Barbara Ahmajan Wolfe ’65 directed a gift to support Mills market-ing initiatives to help increase enroll-ment. Another member of Mills’ Board of Trustees, Mei Kwong ’70, and her husband, Laurence Franklin, made a contribution through the Morris S. Smith Foundation that will be directed to vari-ous funds in the Lorry I. Lokey Graduate School of Business as well as to Mills’ Greatest Need.

March Fong Eu, MA ’47, opened a charitable gift annuity that will one day support Mills’ Public Policy Program. An anonymous donor added to a fund to enhance the study of Chinese lan-guage at the College. Joyce Root Barnier ’46 created the Joyce Root Barnier Scholarship for students in the Division of Natural Sciences. The late Alba Witkin contributed to the Mills College Children’s School Scholarship Fund as well as the Children’s School Preschool and Infant Care Program Assistantship.

Peter Aron made a gift through the J. Aron Charitable Foundation in memory of his mother, Jane Baerwald Aron ’37, who would have celebrated her 100th birthday last year. This gift will enable the Mills College Art Museum to improve its painting storage facilities.

Shortly before she passed away in January, Jacklyn Davidson Burchill ’44 contributed to Mills’ Greatest Need. Additional gifts to this fund were designated by Betty and Gordon Moore as well as by Anne Baker ’78 and Chris Rowen.

Susan Penick ’71 made a matching gift challenge pledge to increase giving to the Mills College Annual Fund at the Cyrus and Susan Mills Society level. Cristina Campbell ’70 created the Margarita Larrabure Campbell Scholarship, named for her mother, with a pledge. Martha Fuller Clark ’64 pledged her support of the Class of 1964 Fund for Continuing Students.

The College added a distribution from the estate of Robert A. Dhaemers and Grace “Ty” Searing Dhaemers ’62 to the Robert A. Dhaemers Scholarship Fund.

Foundation grants and individual giving build College resources

4  M i l l s Q u a r t e r ly

Page 7: Mills Quarterly Spring 2015

Campus kudos A selection of recent achievements by faculty, staff, and students

MillsMusicNowApril 3–4 X Sound Festival April 18 Mills Performing Group: Music by Rozalie Hirs All events start at 8:00 pm (unless otherwise noted) in the Littlefield Concert Hall. $15 general, $10 senior and non-Mills students, free to alumnae with AAMC card. See musicnow.mills.edu or contact Steed Cowart at 510.430.2334 or [email protected].

SonglinesSeries

April 6 Mark Applebaum: The Stanford composer presents recent works on the fringe of musical ontology. All events start at 7:30 pm in the Ensemble Room. Admission is free. For information see musicnow.mills.edu or contact John Bischoff at 510.430.2332 or [email protected].

Calendar MillsCollegeArtMuseumMarch 31–April 19 Senior Thesis Exhibition May 3–31 MFA Thesis Exhibition For more information, see mcam.mills.edu or contact 510.430.2164 or [email protected]. The museum is open 11:00 am–4:00 pm Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 am–7:30 pm Wednesday, and is closed Monday. Admission is free.

SavethedateforReunion2015

September 24–27, Convocation on September 25

Celebrating alumnae from class years ending in 0 or 5, including the Golden Alumnae of 1965. All alumnae are welcome.

A Reunion schedule and registration form will be mailed in early summer to alumnae in reunioning classes. For further information, contact the Mills College Office of Alumnae Relations: alumnae- [email protected] or 510.430.2123.

S P R I N G 2 0 1 5 5

Carlota Caulfield, professor and head of Spanish and Spanish American Studies, has received a visiting fellow-ship at the University of Barcelona for her work on Catalan topics. During the month-long fellowship she will speak at the University, lead a student workshop, and have access to resources at different Barcelona institutions. Caulfield is the co-editor of Barcelona: Visual Culture, Space and Power (University of Wales Press, 2012), a fully illustrated volume providing fresh insights into the changing urban space of Barcelona. She also is an award-winning author of 11 books of poems.

Susan Marchant, MA ’79, professor and student supervisor in child life at the School of Education, has been awarded the Distinguished Service Award for 2015 by the Child Life Council in recog-nition of her outstanding contributions to the field. Prior to teaching at Mills, Marchant spent 28 years in a series of clinical and management positions at Children’s Hospital and Research Center Oakland, where she was the key driver in opening the hospital’s first Family Resource Center.

Professor of Geochemistry and Environmental Geology Kristina Faul is featured in Women in Oceanography: A Decade Later, the Oceanography Society’s recent report on the progress women have made in the field over the last 10 years. Faul gives one of 200 auto-biographical sketches providing an overview of oceanographic research, the rewards and challenges of her career, and how she balances work and personal life. She notes that her role over the course of her career has changed “from aspiring researcher to teacher and mentor of a new genera-tion of women and other under- represented groups in science.”

J. Chinyere Oparah, professor and head of the Ethnic Studies department, has been appointed scholar-in-residence at UC Berkeley’s Beatrice Bain Research Group, which supports research on gender in its intersections with various identities. She also has been invited to serve on the National Working Group of the Critical Ethnic Studies Association.

Professor of English Cynthia Scheinberg published the essay, “‘And we are not what they have been’: Anglo-Jewish Woman Poets, 1839-1923,” in the new volume Jewish Women Writers in Britain (Wayne State University Press, 2014).

A sculptural seating design created by Assistant Professor of Studio Art Yulia Pinkusevich in collaboration with Sam Cuttriss will be installed as the center-piece of the lobby in the new McMurtry Art and Art History Building at Stanford University. Pinkusevich’s kinetic sculp-ture Polyscape is on view through April 19 as part of the “Everybody’s Ocean” exhibition at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art; this spring she is mounting a solo exhibition at Basement Gallery Oakland.

Fromleft:CarlotaCaulfield, KristinaFaul,

CynthiaScheinberg

Page 8: Mills Quarterly Spring 2015

6  M i l l s Q u a r t e r ly

MichaelBellerhasbeenhonoredseveraltimesbystudentsasaninvitedguesttothePearlMdinner,theAthleticsAwardsBanquet,andtheEthnicStudieslunch.HewasmadeanhonorarymemberoftheClassof2009andgivenaPearlMatthetime,oneofthehighesthonorsthatMillsstudentscanbestowonfacultyorstaff.Hewasalsotheyearbookadvisorforseveralyears,andcanbefoundinastudent-producedYouTubevideo,dancingwithafavoritebookinthelibrarystackstothePharrelltuneHappy.

InDecember,hewasoneof10librariansselectedfromamong1,000nomineesnationwidetoreceivethisyear’sCarnegieCorporationofNewYork/New York Times ILoveMyLibrarianAward.

Page 9: Mills Quarterly Spring 2015

S P R I N G 2 0 1 5 7

games that took advantage of the location, like tailing other patrons undetected or searching for the oldest book on the shelves. “That’s how I began to be really excited by libraries and to believe that there was magic coming from books,” says Beller. He counts The Phantom Tollbooth and From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler among the books that influ-enced his young mind—books that hinge on the adventure of learning.

When he reached college, another book changed the course of his life. As a history major at the University of Oregon, Beller acquired a 1603 edition of the Survey of London, written by John Stow and first printed in 1598. The book describes the capital city’s people, buildings, social conditions, and customs in detail and with humor. “I had never held something that old in my life! It was an incredible moment when, all of a sudden, history came alive,” says Beller. “I just fell in love with that book!”

To learn more about the proper care of the ancient volume, Beller met with the university’s head of special collections—and then spent the rest of his undergraduate years volunteering in the library. He went on to earn a library degree at San Jose State University and worked in the library system at Stanford University for eight years before becoming reference librarian at Mills in 2002. “I found my home,” he says with glee, “and have refused to leave since then.”

His genuine excitement is evident in his daily interactions with students and faculty.

“No topic seems too obscure for him to quickly recommend an effective research strategy,” says Mark Henderson, professor of public policy. “Michael has an infectious enthusiasm for every student’s research topic. I have studied and taught at other insti-tutions with some of the world’s largest library collections, but

Michael Beller is a man who wears many hats—or many ties, as anyone who has entered the Olin Library at Mills in the past decade knows. The head refer-ence librarian, he assists faculty members seeking resources to support their coursework, students

learning to navigate their way through research databases, and anyone who needs a good book recommendation.

He’s equally well known for his notable fashion sense. Owner of more than 50 bow ties, Beller describes his style as a loose fusion of Oscar Wilde, classic vintage, and ’80s New Wave. “I am a big fan of not being bored by my clothes. Any sort of way I can fancify or put on something that makes me smile is going to put me into a better mood,” he says. “And it also lets people know I don’t take myself all that seriously!”

That good-natured approachability is an essential part of his effectiveness. “Michael’s always very kind and generous with his time and advice,” says Hai Thom Tran Sota ’07, who held a work-study position in the library while majoring in art history at Mills. “He’s so gracious and always smiling, and I think that’s a major reason he has such great rapport with students and faculty.”

“A lot of people coming to Mills may have used libraries but not librarians,” Beller notes. “Part of my job is to make people comfortable with the idea of librarians—to know that we don’t bite or judge people. I want everybody to come in to the library and feel welcome.”

Beller’s life in the library began early on. As a child, he and his sister spent countless hours in the main library at UC Berkeley, where their mother was doing research as a graduate student in art history. The siblings wandered the stacks and made up

A teacher, mentor, and friend to students and faculty, Michael Beller enriches campus life both academically and socially By Linda Schmidt Photos by Dana Davis

the Checking out

librarian

Page 10: Mills Quarterly Spring 2015

my students are better off at Mills with Michael as their guide to the wide world of information.”

In his work behind the reference desk, Beller is the primary guide for students learning to do research and utilize resources. He can point to overlooked but valuable databases and explain the value in physically scanning the stacks. He also teaches Library Resources and Methods, a course that intro-duces students to the basics of library research, and is a frequent classroom speaker, tailoring presenta-tions to the specific needs of a class.

“All of us in the library want to be as integrated as possible in the academic process,” Beller says. “There needs to be a seamless connection between people and their resources.”

“He employs creative and unforgettable examples to demonstrate research con-cepts,” says Acting Provost Dave Donahue. “While he’s explaining how to use the library’s subscription data-bases to examine the history of polka dots, for example, students’ attention might be enhanced by the fact that he happens to be wearing a polka dot shirt and tie.”

While Beller is passionate about connecting schol-ars with the most appropriate resources, he’s also adamant about the need to critically evaluate sources of information. “Information is always going to be flawed because the people who create it are flawed,” he says. Cultivating a discerning atti-tude towards that information is paramount, he adds, whether one is gathering data to inform a class thesis or determining how to vote in an election.

He points to Stow’s Survey of London to illustrate the point. While the author paints an incredible picture of what was going on in Elizabethan London, he explains, John Stow was not a working-class man, and his social status gives rise to cer-tain biases. “There’s a lot of bias out there,” Beller says, “on the Internet, on television, in journals—in any sort of environment, even an academic environment.”

Beller has been deeply involved with efforts to assess and improve the effectiveness of campus-wide approaches to devel-oping students’ information literacy, and has spent much of the last academic year investigating new curriculum for the College’s introductory course for new students. As a result of his findings, the faculty also are increasingly embedding information literacy concepts into upper-level courses.

“Information literacy means understanding information in all of its stages,” he says, “from who is producing it, how it is being

8  M i l l s Q u a r t e r ly

gathered and manipulated, to who is using it and how they are using it. It comes down to being an aware and responsible infor-mation producer, and being an aware and responsible informa-tion consumer.”

For many of today’s students, who have grown up with Google and, seemingly, the entire world of information at their finger-tips, learning how to interpret and use information is a neces-sary life skill. “Internet searches are not completely objective,” Beller says. Search results are influenced by a user’s previous his-tory, choice of search terms, and personal expectations. “If you already have an idea about the way the world is, you’re going to find a lot of people on a lot of message boards that feel exactly the way you do; you’re not going to be exposed to exploring other ideas. It’s an echo chamber.”

Beller counsels students to gather as wide a range of informa-tion as possible, then look for clues that reveal how a source may be weak, inappropriate, outdated, or emotionally charged. The ability to adjust one’s opinions and beliefs is equally important.

“I’ve seen people come in to do research and get exposed to a new idea, a new concept, or a new context for their subject that has more weight and strength and truth to it than what they started with. Any time you do a search, that’s the experience you should hope for,” he says. “Even if you’re on the right track,

“Information is always going to be flawed because the people who create it are flawed. There’s a lot of bias out there.”

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S P R I N G 2 0 1 5 9

you’re never at the end point. There’s always something more that can bring you closer to truth.”

Information literacy and academic excellence are serious and weighty topics, but they are only half of the story. Much of Michael Beller’s effectiveness comes not only from his unfail-ing good humor, enthusiasm, and accessibility, but also from his strong commitment to the mission and diversity of the College.

“The wide variety of people who come through Mills—from Bent Twigs to first-generation college students—and the different ways of thinking that come from their varied experiences make my job challenging and also a lot of fun,” he says. “People here are strong thinkers, very independent and creative. They want to affect the world in positive ways. It’s important to me to see our students succeed academically, and then to see them go out and really affect change, to bring about good things in their commu-nities. At Mills, we know we’re making a difference in the world, and that makes every day meaningful.”

Hai Thom Tran Sota, one of several former work study stu-dents now working as a library professional, can attest to the multiplying effect of Beller’s influence. She pieced together part-time jobs at three different libraries after graduation and,

eventually, Beller’s encouragement convinced her to pursue her master’s degree in library science. Last year, she was named director of the library at Samuel Merritt University, which partners with the Mills nursing program. She echoes Beller’s thoughts on the rewards of librarianship: “I find my work in the library is a way to pay it forward, especially to student populations that didn’t grow up with libraries as part of their everyday experience. It’s grati-fying to help those students who may feel a little lost,” says Sota. “In addition, I don’t have a biology degree, but I know that my behind-the-scenes work with our nursing students will, in turn, provide better care for a patient down the line.”

And Beller envisions the library as the lively heart of campus, where people come for entertainment, social interaction, and relaxation. He’s been instrumental in converting the rarely-used former microfiche room into small-group study spaces and developing a student lounge to expand the uses of the building, though he’s quick to share his accolades: “The entire library staff is involved in a lot of the things I’m credited for. Everyone here contributes an awful lot.”

“Michael and the staff always tried to balance the library as a place for study and research as well as a place to have a good time,” says Sota. “The library was critical to my success as an undergrad, but it’s also a great place to meet friends, find great fiction or cookbooks or DVDs, or just decompress from being a student.”

Beller values the qualities of an enjoyable novel and the plea-sures of popular culture, so he is as likely to recommend a per-fect book for recreational reading as to direct students to the most appropriate database. And he reminds alumnae in the area that they still have library privileges and can check out books or videos, or are welcome to bring their kids in to use the library.

“The library can really be a lifestyle,” he says. “One aspect of information literacy is the idea of being a lifelong learner, always adding to your knowledge,” he says. “The library is a part of that.” ◆

“It’s important to me to see our students succeed academically, and then to see them go out and really effect change.”

Page 12: Mills Quarterly Spring 2015

10  M i l l s Q u a r t e r ly

Examining

by Sarah Stevenson, MFA ’04

Two alumnae are experts on the “king of rock’n’roll”—and aficionados of the people who adore him

Elvis

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S P R I N G 2 0 1 5 11

They are a fascinating and diverse group of people who defy any attempt to cat-egorize them.”

Elvis, she says, provides something for everyone, and that’s part of his enduring appeal.

“Elvis is alive and well in academia and is being used as a gateway for studying American culture, race, class, sex, reli-gion, and life. He was a catalyst for change,” says Wilkinson. “Elvis had a huge impact on music, of course, but he also influenced so many other aspects of our lives, more so than any other musi-cian. You don’t know what kind of sand-wich Frank Sinatra liked or what Roy Orbison’s house was named or what kind of car Mick Jagger drives, do you?”

After Presley died in 1977, at the young age of 42, it became even easier to mythologize him. By now, he has per-vaded the American consciousness to such an extent that well over a thousand books have been written about him. In order to document the breadth of his influence, Hinds herself authored Infinite Elvis, an annotated bibliography that includes doctoral dissertations, classroom curricula, and even novels in which Elvis is a fictional character.

A historian by training—she majored in American civilization at Mills—Hinds has long been interested in the idea of how and why Elvis became such an icon. “The thesis of my book is that you can measure the influence of a celebrity on a culture by looking at what was written about him,” she says. When you look at the myriad of areas Presley influenced, she says, you begin to understand why he was so famous.

Of course, to truly document the Elvis phenomenon, one must go beyond the tal-ent and down-to-earth charm of the man himself and touch on the deeper cultural and sociological roots of his popularity.

In other words, studying the impact of Elvis also means getting to know his fans.

“We have met the head of the Law School at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, the director of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture, a professor at the University of Iowa who taught a course on Elvis (and was formerly the Finance Minister for Ugandan President Idi Amin), several professors who teach American

studies in Japan, the religion correspon-dent for the BBC, the last person to make it over the Berlin Wall who had been jailed by the Stasi for his love of Elvis, a professor in Finland who translated Elvis songs into Latin, Condoleezza Rice’s press secretary…and Prince Mongo of the Planet Zambodia, who actually used to play racquetball with Elvis and who runs (alas unsuccessfully) for mayor of Memphis in every election,” Wilkinson says.

Not only has Elvis scholarship facilitated some unexpected friendships for Hinds and Wilkinson, it has brought them into the limelight as Elvis experts: they have been featured in news stories, documen-taries, and conferences, and have served as Elvis consultants for news outlets rang-ing from NBC to the BBC as well as to the Smithsonian Institution.

Ultimately, though, Elvis Presley’s appeal is more than just academic.

“He was a crossover figure for bringing African American music into the main-stream,” Hinds points out. “He brought young people of all races together without even realizing the importance of what he was doing. And he became one of the first truly American pop icons in an era of pro-found change.

“He was like a bridge, and we crossed it.” ◆

Is there such a thing as the “average Elvis fan”? Is it Paul MacLeod, who filled his two-story antebellum home in Holly Springs, Misssissippi, with a hoard of Elvis Presley memorabilia

and dubbed it “Graceland Too”? Perhaps it’s Phyllis Presley, who changed her name in the King’s honor and receives regular visits from the ghost of Elvis—a ghost who leaves the toilet seat up.

M’Liz Hancock Hinds ’67 and Marjorie Montgomery Wilkinson ’67 have met countless Elvis fans of every stripe in their 20 years attending the annual Elvis Week gathering and celebration at Elvis’ mansion in Memphis, Tennessee. As it turns out, the “average fan” might be as elusive as the ghost of the King himself.

Hinds admits to falling for Elvis when she was 11 years old, “on a Sunday night in September” when he appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show. When she met Wilkinson, they were undergraduates liv-ing in Olney Hall. They both loved rock and roll, but they didn’t indulge their mutual Elvis fandom until much later.

By 1993, Hinds was communications director for a member of Congress (she is currently retired from the Los Angeles Unified School District), and Wilkinson was a probate and estate planning para-legal—“really serious jobs,” Hinds recalls. Making the pilgrimage to Graceland for Elvis Week, the friends decided, would be fun and different; something they could both check off their bucket list.

That one-time fling turned into a life-long affection for Elvis—and for his fans, a diverse group that includes academics and celebrities as well as eccentrics and outsider artists.

“We just fell in love with the Elvis world,” Hinds says.

Wilkinson agrees. “August in Memphis is like a family reunion for us,” she says. It also provides her with the chance to bring home a little piece of the Elvis mystique: over time, she has amassed a collection of handmade, heartfelt Elvis tributes by untrained artists, including a three-dimensional needlepoint of Elvis and Priscilla’s wedding cake.

“People’s first words upon entering my home are usually, ‘Oh, you are an Elvis fan?’” Wilkinson says. Surprisingly, the answer is no. “I’m really a fan of Elvis fans.

M’LizHancockHindsandMarjorieMontgomeryWilkinsonatthe2014candlelightVigilCeremonyheldatGracelandonthenightbeforetheanniversaryofElvis’death.Theyhavecarriedthesamedecoratedcandleholderseachyearsince1993.

Opposite:Afolkartquilt,oneofthehundredsofElvis-inspiredworksinWilkinson’scollection.

Page 14: Mills Quarterly Spring 2015

one of the three women described on these pages will be your next alumna trustee. Help determine who it will be by taking part in this important election to ensure that alumnae continue to provide a strong voice in the leadership of the College.

Serving for three years (July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2018) as a full member of both the Mills College Board of Trustees and the Board of Governors of the AAMC, this alumna trustee will help ensure that alumnae are well represented in the leadership of the College by conveying the views of the AAMC board to the College board. She will join continuing alumnae trustees Melissa Stevenson Diaz ’91 and Judith James ’74. We also offer our thanks to Molly Fannon Williams ’75, who is concluding her 2013–15 term.

Note: We now offer two ways to vote—by paper ballot or online at the Mills College online Alumnae Community (a simple registration is required if you are not already a member of the online Alumnae Community). See detailed instructions on how to cast your vote on the inside back cover of this magazine!

Whether you vote online or by paper ballot, only one vote per alumna will be accepted. Any alumna casting multiple votes will invalidate all of their votes.

All voting must be completed and received at Reinhardt Alumnae House by 5:00 pm (PST) on Friday, May 8.

Alumna Trustee

elect your

SusanArdisson’77Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania

Education: BA in government, Mills College, 1977; JD, University of San Francisco School of Law, 1983; Fellow, Katz School of Business, University of Pittsburgh Entrepreneurial Fellows Program, 2013.

Employment: Founder and CEO of bit-x-bit, LLC, a computer forensic, e-discovery, and incident response consulting company.

Volunteerexperience: Mentor, Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship, Chatham University, 2013–present; Allegheny County Bar Association, co-chair Technology and E-Discovery Committee, 2010–present; Court Appointed Special Advocate for Abused and Neglected Children, 2006–2007; multiple volunteer positions (fundraising and administrative) related to my now-adult children’s education and activities.

HowhasMillsaffectedyourlife? Although it’s been 38 years since graduation, I continue to appreciate the remarkable impact of a Mills education on my life. Many of the capabilities and strengths that I use every day in my personal and work lives derive from the foundation of a Mills education. At Mills, I learned that I could do anything that I set out to accomplish. I found my way to Mills in 1973 from a farm in Pennsylvania, leaving home for the third time to stay with family for the sum-mer in Berkeley. Nearing the end of the summer, I realized that I didn’t want to return home and attend the University of West Virginia—the only school I had applied to for college. My aunt, a teacher, would only allow me to stay if I could enroll in a “good” college. Fortunately, Mills accepted me. After declaring myself independent from my parents (who divorced my first semester at Mills), I received two full academic scholarships, work study assistance, and graduated with honor in government. I know that my story is not unique among Mills students.

HowdoyouviewthefutureofAlumnaeAssociationanditsrelationshipwiththeCollege?Strong and unique institutions like Mills have sustaining and vital relationships with alumnae. To develop and institute dynamic strategic planning initia-tives, we need to understand the College’s past and what our students face as they seek careers and professions. The AAMC is the perfect foundation for this purpose as its members rep-resent the past, present, and the future. Mills’ strategic plan—Preparation of Students for the 21st Century—will be successful with the commitment and dedication of the AAMC.

WhatareyourhopesandexpectationsforthefutureofMillsCollege? My hope is that Mills will continue to excel as a women’s college, develop future leaders, and provide educa-tional and scholarship opportunities for students in need. The ability to lead in the now-global educational arena will set Mills apart nationally and internationally. Mills has always been at the forefront of the needs of its students with the commitment of strong and diverse alumnae. I would welcome the opportu-nity to be a part of Mills’ 21st-century leadership.

12  M i l l s Q u a r t e r ly

Page 15: Mills Quarterly Spring 2015

S P R I N G 2 0 1 5 13

ElizabethKelley’86Spokane,Washington/NewYork,NewYork

Education: BA in English/French, Mills College, 1986; MA, University of Chicago; JD, Case Western Reserve University School of Law.

Employment: Criminal defense attorney specializing in repre-senting people with disabilities.

Volunteerexperience: National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers: board member, 2006–present; chair, Membership and Mental Health Committees; President’s Leadership Awards, 2012 and 2013; named to NACDL–United Nations legal training mission to Liberia, 2009 and 2014. Museum of Arts and Culture, Spokane, Washington: board member and co-chair of Development Committee, present. Past board service: Center for Mental Retardation, Hopewell, and Cleveland Playhouse in Cleveland, Ohio.

AAMC/MillsCollegeinvolvement: Mills class secretary, 2011– present; ASMC president, 1985–1986.

HowhasMillsaffectedyourlife? Every single day, in ways large and small, I remember who I am and what I represent. Because of an outstanding liberal arts education plus the leadership opportunities offered on a human-scale campus, I gained the skills and confidence to succeed in a predomi-nately male-dominated profession.

HowdoyouviewthefutureofAlumnaeAssociationanditsrelationshipwiththeCollege? The value of our Mills diplo-mas is directly proportional to the strength of the current student body—and vice versa. Therefore, it is vital that the AAMC work with the administration to ensure that the College remains on long-term, stable financial footing in order to recruit and retain a strong, diverse student body. Moreover, the AAMC and, in particular, the alumna trustees, can do a good deal by regularly and frequently communi-cating with the alumnae body. This should be done through a variety of media, including individual, in-person contact. Wherever we live and work, we all want to help our alma mater, not only through contributions, and our input should be sought.

WhatareyourhopesandexpectationsforthefutureofMillsCollege? That future generations of Mills women love the College as much as I do, and that they will realize that the power of a Mills education is that it truly begins once we graduate.

SamiraKirmiz’98Sunnyvale,California

Education: BA in biochemistry and molecular biology, Mills College, 1998; MD, University of California, San Diego, 2003; Endocrinology fellowship, University of California, Los Angeles–West LA VA, 2009.

Employment: Endocrinologist, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Mountain View, California.

Volunteerexperience: RotaCare clinic in Mountain View, California, providing care to patients without insurance; advisory capacity on care of endocrine patients to improve patient quality. Member, PAMF Communication Committee. Site lead for quality metrics in Endocrine Department for Gould Medical Group.

AAMCinvolvement: Mills ambassador 1995–1998; Alumna speaking at Mills to current students about medical school; Member, Palo Alto Area Mills College Club.

HowhasMillsaffectedyourlife? I owe everything to Mills College. As the daughter of a shoe repairman and homemaker, my attending college was a family dream, fueled by the love of learning instilled by my parents. Through Mills’ generous financial aid program, I had an amazing opportunity to attend Mills. I benefitted not only from an amazing education, which helped fulfill my dream of becoming a physician, but also made friendships for life.

HowdoyouviewthefutureoftheAAMCanditsrelationshipwiththeCollege? The only constant in life is change, and I view the role of the AAMC as one which is based on a strong relationship with the College as key to a successful future for both entities. The AAMC brings together the resources of the alumnae to provide for the success of current Mills students and the College, and through this we all benefit.

WhatareyourhopesandexpectationsforthefutureofMillsCollege? The small classes and supportive professors at Mills College enabled me to achieve my dreams. I want to ensure that this environment continues to inspire and fulfill the dreams of future Mills students. I owe everything to the opportunities provided by Mills. I would be honored to be able to give back to the College as an alumna trustee.

Page 16: Mills Quarterly Spring 2015

Class Notes do not appear in the online edition of Mills Quarterly.

Alumnae are invited to share

their news with classmates in the Mills College alumnae community. To submit notes for publication in the next available Quarterly, send your update to [email protected].

Class Notes do not appear in the

online edition of the Mills Quarterly.

Alumnae are invited to share their

news with classmates in the Mills

College Alumnae Community,

alumnae.mills.edu. To submit notes

for publication in the next available

Quarterly, send your update to

[email protected].

Page 17: Mills Quarterly Spring 2015

AlumnaeHelenGilmanHurlbutRutherford’38, February 26, 2014, in Fountain Hills, Arizona. She raised her family in New York, where she taught the girls’ confirmation class at the Bronxville Reformed Church for nearly 20 years, led a Brownie troop, took art classes, and loved working in the garden. She is survived by three children and 10 grandchildren.

PeggyLutgensGannon’40, November 3, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A longtime resident of Sonoma County, she had a passion for ocean travel and writing; she authored a book based on an 1850s family diary detailing a journey to Hawaii. She is survived by two sons, five grandchildren, and her niece, Judith Nurse Schaeffer ’63.

LouiseShumwayMuhler’41, November 20, in Oakland, California. She was an ESL teacher for adults, a member of Montclair Presbyterian Church, a docent in the natural history wing of the Oakland Museum, and active with the Alumni Association of Mills College. She is survived by four children and five grandchildren, including Tamara Muhler ’97.

MargaretPorterMacKenzie’42, March 7, 2013, in Volcano, Hawaii. She was a homemaker and member of Noe Noe Golf Club. She is survived by three children and eight grandchildren.

IrinaObolianinoffPrischepenko’42, May 16, in Brooklyn, New York. Born in Russia and raised in China, she served as director of Parson’s Nursery School in Flushing, New York; a Head Start program in Harlem; and the East Manhattan School for Bright and Gifted Children. She is survived by her daughter and a granddaughter.

MarnelleFilippiniCripe’43, December 16, in Micanopy, Florida. She was a lifelong volunteer promoting children’s health, students, and literacy efforts and, in 2010, earned the Museum Service Award of the State of Florida for her work with the Micanopy Historical Museum. Her husband of 71 years, Wyland, died December 28; she is survived by five daughters, including Kirsti Cripe Rauser ’74, and four grandchildren.

BarbaraStreeterO’Shaughnessy’44, September 20, in Midland, Texas. She was active with St. Ann’s Church and School and the Midland Community Theatre, and served on the boards of several charitable foundations. She is survived by six children and 18 grandchildren.

AnnetteBercutLust’45, February 20, 2013, in San Francisco. She was a professor of French at Dominican College, author of From the Greek Mimes to Marcel Marceau and Beyond, and founder of the Fringe of Marin theater festival.

MargaretGarlieppSideroff’46, September 29, in San Rafael, California. She was a nurse and teacher in Hawaii before returning to the mainland in 1953. She continued to work at convalescent hospitals until 1987 and enjoyed bridge and gambling. She is survived by her husband, Bob; three children; and a grandson.

BettyStineEckerson’47, March 3, 2013, in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is survived by two children and five grandchildren.

MarilynSteinmetzLynch’47, October 6, in Portland, Oregon. She was a master gardener and a devoted supporter of Dogs for the Deaf, which gifted her with her beloved dog, Tanner. She is survived by her daughters Susan Lynch ’72 and Sandy Lynch McQueen’74, MA ’80, as well as a son and a grandson.

MarjorieDuffyFairlee’47, November 20, in Fort Bragg, California. She was a member of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, the American Legion Auxiliary, and past president of the Sorosis Club. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Bryan; three children; and six grandchildren.

NoticesofdeathreceivedbeforeDecember12,2014

Tosubmitlistings,[email protected]

Sarah“Redi”ElliottLeake’48, December 5, in Granby, Connecticut. She started her career as an early childhood educator at the American School for the Blind and attended South Congregational Church, where she taught Sunday School and served as a deacon. She leaves five children and 14 grandchildren.

CarolEllenFingerothRoth’48, June 21, 2012, in San Mateo, California.

BarbaraFankhauserButzbach’50,MA’93, December 3, in Lafayette, California. Survivors include her husband, Harold.

Joan“Josie”RosenthalBlock’51, October 8, in Fremont, California. She was a devoted mother and volunteer with Candle Lighters, Beta Sigma Phi, and Temple Beth Torah Sisterhood. She leaves four children and 10 grandchildren.

JanisBottsCamper’51, November 26, in Lodi, California. She taught PE at Alameda High School and established Earth Shelter Developers and California Paver companies with her husband. She is survived by three children and four grandchildren.

AnnMcDougalCarey’51, December 17, in Philadelphia. She was a teacher with an interest in children with reading difficulties and was instrumental in opening the Trinity Cooperative Day Nursery and the local A Better Chance house. She is survived by her husband, William; three daughters; and three grandchildren.

Harriet“Bunny”MillikinChafee’51, June 22, 2014, in Providence, Rhode Island. A longtime resident of Barrington and Little Compton, she was a member of the Agawam Hunt and Sakonnet Golf Clubs as well as the RI Women’s Golf Association. She leaves two sons and two grandchildren.

MeredithMorrillNeill’51, September 17, in Weed, California. She played piano at the local convalescence hospital, was active in the Weed Bridge Club, and was an avid fan of the Giants and ’49ers. She is survived by four sons and five grandchildren.

DianneLaffertyCarle’53, September 19, in Palm Springs, California. She had a 36-year elementary school teaching career in the South Bay area and Santa Rosa, acquiring Spanish language skills to communicate with her bilingual students and their families. In retirement, she and her husband became charter members of the Russian River Valley Winegrower’s Association. She is survived by two sons, two grandsons, two step-grandchildren, and her sister, Colene Lafferty Ingraham ’56.

EllenWechslerWiest’53, October 1, in Santa Monica, California. An accomplished potter, she taught ceramics at the McBurney Westside School and the United Nations International School in New York. She is survived by her husband, Gil; three sons; and three grandchildren.

InMemoriamVivianStephenson, chair of the Mills College Board of Trustees from 2000–2009, November 14, in San Francisco. Born in Havana, Cuba, Stephenson graduated from New York University and earned an MBA from the University of Havana. She worked as chief operating officer for Williams Sonoma Inc. and as executive vice president and chief information officer for Target Corporation; she served the community through her efforts as chair of the board of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and on the Pangea Global AIDS Foundation. A sculptor, photographer, and opera lover, she also served on the board of the San Francisco Opera Association and was awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from Mills College in 2005. She is survived by her wife, Margarita Gandia, and many family members.

S P R I N G 2 0 1 5 23

Page 18: Mills Quarterly Spring 2015

FacultyandStaffJenniferFuller, Mills College registrar, December 2, in Oakland, California. A resident of Fremont, she held an MBA from DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management. Survivors include her son and her fiancé, Matthew Viera.

AllanWendt, professor of English from 1956 to 1983, died at his home in Sonoma, California, on December 24. He was 96. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, he seerved in the Army Air Force in the US and England. He earned a BA and MA in English and creative writing in the Wallace Stegner program at Stanford, and his PhD in 18th-century British literature at Indiana University. He published poems and novels as well as serving as an editor of journals and literary editions of British novels and biography. He and his surviving wife, Betty, took several academic tour groups to England, and later published their course notes as a travel book, Historic Walks in London, Bath, Oxford, and Edinburgh. He also is survived by four children and three grandchildren.

ReceivedSeptember1–November30,2014

AnnisAiyarby Stefanie Moreno ’04

JoanDreyerAllen’62 by Meg Patten Eaton ‘62, Christine Ibach Holly ’62, P ’91, P ’95, Teresa Urrutia ’62

AnnDoubiletAlves’64 by Eleanor Sims ’64

KayMalloryApley’45 by Marian McCormack Wilkie ’45, P ’78

RobertAshleyby Kazuko “Koko” Tsunematsu Tajima ’69, MA ’71

KatherineAtwood’64by Laura “Lolly” McKeon Scholtz ’62

JeanneAurel-Schneider’51,P’74, by Evelyn Zwierlein Fox ’51

JacquelyneWeitzenhofferBranch’48 by Ann Jacobus Folz ’50

Marion“Muffie”PhillipsCampbell’50 by Jennie Yee Lau ’46, Betty Chu Wo ’46

CaroleFisherChantal’55 by Anne Mayberry Parachini ’55

ElizabethAbreuCravalho’60 by Betty Anne Mathewson Mahoney ’60

WendyEngebretson’62 by William Beadie

JayeEvans,MFA’68, by her partner, William Barham

MarieFabre-Rajotte’22 by Jane Edwards Kenyon ’47

EleanorArmstrongGray’54,P’80,P’83, by the George and Zan Edmiston Family

ElizabethAgeeHancock’40,P’71,P’67, by Susan Stern Fineman ’68, Katherine Zelinsky Westheimer ’42

KatherineJefferson, daughter of Elizabeth Elston ’57, by Deborah Beck Rosenberg ’57

MaryAnnChildersKinkead’63 by Karen Kaufman Panting ’63, Jo Ann Schneider, MFA ’87

GraceHoferKliewer’45 by Jeannine Sova Jones ’57

SusanRoeLathrop’69 by Kazuko “Koko” Tsunematsu Tajima ’69, MA ’71

MarvinLocke by his sister, Ellen Locke Crumb ’59, P ’94

SandraCowanLong’61 by Ann Truax ’63

ChristinaMiller’71 by her sister, Kathleen Miller Janes ’69

LouiseShumwayMuhler’41by Litheia Wong Hall ’41

CarolNockold’77by Melissa Howden ’79

VivianStephenson by Muffy McKinstry Thorne ’48

P=parent; For information about making a tribute gift, contact 510.430.2097 or [email protected].

EleanorDougallHall’55, October 5, in Tucson, Arizona. She earned her RN degree at Children’s Hospital in San Francisco and lived in several countries before moving to Tucson. She enjoyed church, theater, sports, animals, and photography. She is survived by her husband, Neel; five children; and three grandchildren.

Antonia“Toni”CozzoneAstor’56, October 12, in Santa Ana, California. She appeared as a dancer in films including The King and I and The Pajama Game, as well as on TV and in night clubs. Survivors include her husband, Art; three children; and nine grandchildren.

PhyllisRawlinsDrayton’58, December 12, in Newport Beach, California. She was a tireless community volunteer, member of the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, and longtime supporter of Mills. Survivors include her husband, George.

GretchenBosseLeffler’59, October 6, in Pacific Grove, California. An arts supporter and jazz groupie, she was passionate about historic preservation and worked with the Heritage Society of Pacific Grove. She leaves her husband, Brooks; two children; and four grandchildren.

JoanDreyerAllen’62, November 3, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She served as director of development for The New Mexico Symphony Orchestra for over 20 years and was dedicated to enhancing the arts and education throughout the state. Survivors include three sons, eight grandchildren, and her sister, Nancy Dreyer Blaugrund ’68.

JanetBlair’68, October 23, in Oakland, California. A talented flutist, she ran a youth summer camp for the arts in the East Bay for many years. In 1997, she established East Bay School of the Arts Middle School in Berkeley. She is survived by her partner, David Wasley, and a daughter.

ElayneRossi’69, March 21, 2014, in Aspen, Colorado.

LotusIngerPedersen’70, October 26, 2012, in Oakland, California. She was a gifted writer, artist, and gardener who dedicated herself to the Buddhist path. Survivors include two granddaughters, a stepson, and three step-grandchildren.

DianaWalker’72, July 24, in Leesburg, Virginia.

LaurelKarabian’75, October 19, in Los Angeles. She worked to support the San Francisco Symphony and Los Angeles Philharmonic, and served on the California Arts Council and the Los Angeles County Arts Commission. She was also a leader of the Armenian Library and Museum of America and the Armenian International Women’s Association. She is survived by her husband, Walter; a daughter; and a stepson.

SpousesandFamilyKirbyOverton, husband of Roxanne Jones Overton ’73, October 31, in High Bridge, New Jersey.

RogerGohrband, husband of Virginia Harmon Gohrband ’51, August 10, in Brentwood, Tennessee.

EricVonDerAhe, husband of Mary Good ’75, October 19, in San Pedro, California.

JohnRoyBadgley, husband of Jan Badgley, MFA ’93, November 5, in Laguna Woods, California.

RanelSpenceMD, husband of Sue Wood Spence ’56, March 10, 2014, in Florence, Alabama.

CarlMichels, husband of Heidi Aarts Michels ’81, November 23, in Windsor, California.

EdwardDoyle, husband of Barbara Lewis ’56, January 2, 2010, in South Jordan, Utah.

24  M i l l s Q u a r t e r ly

GiftsinMemoryof

Page 19: Mills Quarterly Spring 2015

Alumna Trustee BallotNominee statements for the 2014–17 alumna trustee are printed on page 14.

Wenowoffertwowaystovote—onlineandbypaperballot!

Tovoteonline:• Go to the Mills College Alumnae Community,

http://alumnae.mills.edu/alumna-trustee-ballot

• Alumnae must be registered with the online community in order to cast their vote online.

• Registration is free and easy! Visit http://alumnae.mills.edu/alumna-trustee-ballot to register and to vote. Your alumna ID is required to register and can be found at the top of your Quarterly mailing label.

• Online voting will end at 5:00 pm (PST) on Friday, May 8.

Tovoteonpaper:• Use this printed ballot and

indicate your choice below:

  Susan Ardisson ’77   Elizabeth Kelley ’86   Samira Kirmiz ’98

• Please mail ballot in a private envelope to: Chair, AAMC Nominating Committee, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd, MB #86, Oakland, CA 94613

• Paper ballots must include the mailing label on the reverse side. To maintain confidentiality, voter names will be inked out before passing ballots on to the Nominating Committee chair.

• No faxed ballots or call-ins will be accepted.

• Ballots must be received at Reinhardt Alumnae House by 5:00 pm (PST) on Friday, May 8.

NOTE: Whether you vote online or by paper ballot, only one vote per alumna will be accepted. Any alumna casting multiple votes will invalidate all of her votes.

Upon request, the Alumnae Association of Mills College will send a spring Quarterly to replace the one from which you have removed this ballot.

Call 510.430.2110 or email [email protected].

2016 destinations will be announced soon!Check the AAMC website or the (e)ucalyptus newsletter.

ChinaandtheYangtzeRiver September 2–16, 2015 The famous Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City are just a few of the wonders you’ll discover in this fascinating nation. Marvel at the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xi’an and cruise the Yangtze River.

SouthwestParks September 25–October 5, 2015 See the breathtaking Grand Canyon and Arches National Park, explore Lake Powell and Monument Valley, and get to know the culture and traditions of the Navajo people.

AlumnAe trAvel 2015

See the AAMC travel website at aamc.mills.edu for full itineraries of these and other upcoming trips. For reservations or additional information, call the Alumnae Association of Mills College at 510.430.2110 or email [email protected].

Vote online or on

paper by May 8

Page 20: Mills Quarterly Spring 2015

Dr. Inez Fung has been studying climate change and the carbon cycle for the last 30 years. She is a principal architect of large-scale mathematical

modeling approaches to represent the geographic and temporal variations of sources and sinks of CO2, dust, and other trace substances around the globe.

A professor of atmospheric science at the University of California, Berkeley, and founding director of the Berkeley Atmospheric Sciences Center, Fung is the US lead of the 2014 report, “Climate Change: Evidence and Causes,” published jointly by the Royal Society and the National Academy of Sciences. She holds a bachelor’s and doctoral degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is featured on IWasWondering.org, a website encouraging young women to study math and science.

The Russell Women in Science Lecture is made possible thanks to the generous support of Trustee Emerita Cristine Russell ’71

Mills QuarterlyMills College 5000 MacArthur Blvd. Oakland, CA 94613-1301

510.430.3312 [email protected] www.mills.edu

Address service requested

Periodicals postage paid at Oakland, CA, and at additional mailing office(s)

TheRussellWomeninScienceLecture

Women,Water,andtheWorld:HowWomenCanSolvetheEarth’sWaterCrisisApril 13, 9:45 am, Littlefield Concert Hall, Mills College RSVP at alumnae.mills.edu/wpspinstitute

Join us for the opening ceremony of the Women in Public Service Project Institute at Mills College, featuring addresses on developing women’s leadership in the international arena, the opportunities available through media and technology, and the power of building effective networks. Speakers include:

• Gemma Bulos, executive director, Global Women’s Water Initiative

• Daljit Bains ’99, chief compliance officer, Peace Corps

• Farah Pandith, fellow at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics

• Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist

For more information and delegate biographies, see mills.edu/wpsp.

TheWomeninPublicServiceProject

WPSP Director Rangita de Silva de Alwis and Farah Pandith with a delegate to an institute at Smith College.

The WPSP Institute at Mills will offer training to women delegates selected from around the globe who are working to ensure equitable and sustain-able access to clean water and sanitation. The institute is presented in partnership with the US State Department and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Founded in 2011 by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the WPSP’s goal is to have 50% of public service leadership positions around the world held by women by the year 2050.

Plants,Waters,andClimate:ClimaticConsequencesofAfforestationApril 16, 5:30 pm, Littlefield Concert Hall, Mills College RSVP at alumnae.mills.edu/womeninscience

Pre-lecture reception, 4:30 pm, Lokey Graduate School of Business Atrium

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