First-Ever TWC Alumnae Reunion!
The first-ever Alumnae Association reunion was held at the Chambers Center on Saturday, July 30, 2005.
What a great day!! Just listen to some of the day's comments:
- "The Archive Committee did a tremendous job of collecting tons of information and then breaking it down into a timeline and other displays. Fantastic!"
- "I enjoyed the sessions. It was fun to learn about the things going on at TWC and the new direction."
- "It was such a delightful event in the evening to end the delightful day."
- "This event far, far, far exceeded any expectations I had formed based on other's experiences."
- "I am so proud to be a graduate of TWC. I feel honored to be part of a community that I can always come home to. Like a fine wine, we just keep getting better with age!"
The afternoon-into-evening program was packed with:
- Discovery sessions:
- The Golden Ratio - Presented by Dean Michele (Mike) Bloom; Amy Boersema; & Ray Boersema
- TWC Today & Tomorrow - Presented by Debi Faust and Lorni Sharrow
- Beautiful Carillon Concert, by Todd Fair
- An Alumnae Retrospect, including academic memorabilia, a walk through TWC's history, and a fond look back at Hutch Hall
- Photography sessions, compliments of The Denver News Agency
- Walking tours of the DU campus
- A reception/cocktail hour with entertainment by The Heritage String Quartet
- A fantastic buffet dinner; and
- The Alumnae Association Reunion Program, "A Walk Down Memory Lane"
This great day could not have happened without the generous sponsors, contributors, and volunteers who gave to TWC-AA. We cannot say it enough: Thank You.
Award Presentations
The evening program began by recognizing the contributions of two very special people:
- Dean Michele (Mike) Bloom for her foresight, her passion, her myriad contributions to the evolution of The Women's College and for the profound effects that her vision has had on the hundreds of women who have passed through this community known as The Women's College.
She was presented with a framed copy of the Reunion Memory Book with the following inscription:
Michele A. Bloom, Dean
Thank you for The Women's College - Susie Pearce-our previous Alumnae Association liaison-for helping to build the Association into what it is today and for helping to pave the way for the first Reunion. She is also our first "honorary Alumnae Association member."
She was also presented with a framed copy of the Reunion Memory Book with the following inscription:
Susie Pearce
Thank you for The Alumnae Association
During the program we also recognized the accomplishments and contributions of several exceptional alumnae who have taken myriad paths and have blazed trails to make a difference in their communities both personally and professionally. We hope that these unique alumnae association awards become a tradition for all future Reunions. In addition, we also recognized TWC's special connection with the Colorado Women's College (CWC). On behalf of CWC, our special guest- Gloria Watson Kemp, President of CWC's Alumnae Association-accepted the citation on behalf of CWC.
The selection of recipients for our first Reunion Awards was based on the responses to our Registration questionnaire. Following are the six specific awards and the four special citations that were awarded:
- Distinguished Service Award
Recipient: Debi Faust, 1994 graduate and current Director of Enrollment Management for TWC
This award is presented to an alumna who-through her unselfish devotion to The Women's College-has made an outstanding contribution to the school community.
Debi was not only an adviser for TWC after graduation; she now has the responsibility for the overall management of new and continuing student enrollment. Congratulations Deb!
- Distinguished Alumna Award
Recipient: Kristene Elmore, 1991 graduate
This award is given to an alumna who has made a contribution to her community and/or society in general through excellence in her field of interest and/or in service.
After graduating from TWC, Kristene obtained a Master's in Counseling Psychology and now has a private counseling practice where she specializes in working with people who have experienced traumatic events. Congratulations Kristene! - Service Or Social Change Award
Recipient: Shirley Seitz, 1996 graduate
This award is given to an alumna who has been of service to a particular community in either a volunteer or professional role.
Shirley has been very active in the political arena-she has helped extensively on major campaigns. She is definitely working to make a difference. Congratulations Shirley!
- Dedicated Service Award
Recipient: Mary Lou VanHorn, TWC Housemother
This award is presented to a non-alumna who has contributed to the character of The Women's College community and its students through dedicated service.
All who knew Mary Lou can understand why she was chosen for this recognition. Mary Lou was unable to attend the reunion, but Bobbie Wright accepted on her behalf and relayed a special message from Mary Lou. Congratulations Mary Lou!
- Outstanding Alumna Achievement Award
Recipient: Mary Claire Friesma Tucker, 1999 graduate
This award is presented to an alumna whose professional accomplishments and achievements are exceptionally noteworthy and distinctive in her profession.
Mary Claire has started several businesses and has received several honors from her local business community. Congratulations Mary Claire!
- Recent Graduate Award
Recipient: Elizabeth "Liz" Withers, 2002 graduate
This award is presented to an alumna-a graduate within the last three years-whose professional accomplishments, service to her alma mater and/or "self-less" and caring work to benefit society are distinctive."
Liz is not only active in the Alumnae Association; she also goes by the name, "Mrs. Community Activity." Congratulations Liz!
- Special Citations
Recipients: Brenda Robbins, 1995 graduate, Laurel Bruns, 1997 graduate, and Karen Mauler, 1997 graduate
These special awards were presented to alumnae volunteers who continuously-throughout the years-supported and served the Alumnae Association and its activities.
Without the continual support and perseverance of Brenda, Laurel, and Karen, we would not have the TWC-Alumnae Association that we have today. We owe them a big Thank You! Congratulations Brenda, Laurel, and Karen! - Special Citation
Recipient: Colorado Women's College
The Women's College Alumnae Association presented the Colorado Women's College Alumnae Association with a citation as TWC's "Family-of-Origin."
The legacies of the Colorado Women's College have past from student-to-student, school-to-school, and alumnae association-to-alumnae association, and to quote a verse from TWC's Hanging of the Greens song:
Thank You CWC sisters!Though memories might fade
Out traditions must not die.
We'll save this legacy
As a gift from years gone by
"To Add to Our Memories"
Gloria Watson Kemp
CWC, Class of 1953, Executive Committee President
On August 4th, Gloria Kemp-President of our sister alumnae association: CWC-had a heart attack and during corrective surgery, she passed away. We were so honored to have spent time with her at our reunion where she spoke of the bond between the two schools and of the endowed scholarship fund. The university community will truly miss this special woman.
"The bond between students and The Women's College continues long after graduation. "Reunion is a special occasion-truly a celebration to remember.""
