College President Carol Jean Vale, SSJ, Ph.D.

On Center Stage: Ask the President
Reunion Luncheon is a party, as we all know, but incorporated into this once-every-five-year-assembly is an update on the College, its growth, and its goals as presented by the College president. This year, we’re departing from the traditional presentation format for a Q & A session prompted by recent conversations with several alumnae. We would like to extend an invitation to you to suggest your own top two or three questions in advance of the June luncheon. This will give Sister Carol a sense of what’s high on the majority of reunion minds as well as a framework for covering as many points as possible in the luncheon time available to her. Sister Carol will, of course, continue the tradition of responding to questions from the floor. We invite you to send your questions to canningp@chc.edu by May 14.

Act Today: Early Bird Discount, Prize Incentives End on May 5
Only one week remains to take advantage of the three attractive online registration incentives announced in "ReunionNews" #2 (April 14). The drawing for the  three prizes will take place during Reunion Luncheon on June 5.


The Process Matters . . . Really
Our online registration process is structured to capture only single reservations --- or, so we thought, until we noticed that some resourceful alumnae registered their pals, most likely suitemates, as "guests." We're glad to welcome everyone, but we ask for individual registrations only for alums so that our event management and alumni files are accurate. If, however, you're registering a spouse, significant other, travel companion, or guest --- all non-alums --- please continue to do so.

Backstage at Reunion of the Stars 2010 
It's definitely party time, but our alumnae are equally eager to meet today's faculty and enjoy a selection of five 75-minute education-enrichment sessions on Friday afternoon. The only hitch? These offerings appear to be posing quite a dilemma, as alumnae are calling to ask if one or more can be repeated at other times throughout the weekend. It seems there's some difficulty in choosing only one from among the five appealing choices, and that's music to our ears.

In the case of Father Rick Malloy, for example --- cultural anthropologist and assistant chaplain --- today's headlines are sure to surface in his "Catholicism Through Hollywood Eyes" session. Father Rick's ready and willing to comment, as he did on Monday for more than four minutes on the student-run TV channel.  

Haven't chosen your session, yet? You can't go wrong, as there's something for everyone. Check your reunion invitation booklet, or click for the faculty profiles and links to the Weekend Schedule, then scroll to the Friday afternoon sessions. Your online registration form will record your choice.


You Ask, We Oblige
A Florida alumna called last Monday to ask if we plan to take up the rugs in the Social Room for Saturday night's "Starring You!" festivities. Her specific question related to the live musical entertainment provided by Minas Jazz Trio. Must admit we hadn't thought about dancing but, hey, what a terrific suggestion.

So we're pickin' up the rugs ... kickin' up our heels. It won't exactly scream Bandstand --- for those who relate to this reference nugget --- as the number of dance partners might be limited, plus the Jobim, Gilberto, Getz bossa nova sounds offer a feast geared more for the ears than for the feet, but let's go with the flow. CHC graduates are resourceful, so it's sure to work. Thank you, Florida alumna, who wishes to remain anonymous.  
 
Last year's reunion class officers requested live music, jazz in particular, and Minas --- which grows from a trio to a quintet, septet and larger, depending on the venue and event --- proved to be just the ticket. This ensemble is invited again and again for casual reunions, formal cocktail receptions, and other gatherings by Penn Law, Bryn Mawr, Haverford, Brown, and other college and university alumni organizations. They're also much in demand at major public gatherings as well as in concert throughout the tri-state area. In a word, they're hot!


A Sneak Peak at Saturday Night's Artists & Authors Exhibit
If the first art submissions are any measure, Saturday night's "Starring You" exhibit should be a winner. Certainly Tara Funk Grim '70 had the sounds of Minas Jazz Trio in mind because the word lush characterizes not only their smooth bossa nova sound but also the images she captures in her two paintings previewed here. Tara is a Bethany Beach/Rehoboth Beach gallery owner and winner of many juried exhibits throughout the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Delaware area. You can meet Tara throughout the weekend and enjoy her work on Saturday night in the Fournier Social Room. 

Haven't contacted us yet about the art or publications that you would like to display? The deadline is May 18 to contact Jessica Hannan at hannanj@chc.edu or 215.753.3666 for exhibit space details and arrangements.
 

Two Additions Join SATURDAY SPECIAL Suggestions
As each biweekly "ReunionNews" continues to roll out, additional recommendations for Saturday afternoon off-campus activities for spouses, significant others, travel companions, and guests will be noted. This edition's new two:

Hit the Links at Centre Square Golf Club — an 18-hole public course located only seven miles northeast of the College on Skippack Pike (Rte. 73) in Worcester; tee times can be reserved by calling 610.584.5700, ext. 3; www.centresquaregolfclub.com

The Barnes Foundation --- you've read about the museum's planned move to Center City Philadelphia, as well as the years of legal challenges ... you’ve heard about the man who built this world-class collection … maybe you’ve viewed the saga in the current film The Art of the Steal. See what all the fuss is about — the art, exhibited the way Dr. Albert Barnes intended for you to see it. Reservations required; limited entry per day. Call ASAP if interested at 610.667.0290, press 5 at prompt; www.barnesfoundation.org