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Monday, December 14, 2009
DECEMBER ALUMNI & ALUMNAE E-NEWSLETTER
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"My wife, Ellen, and I are so excited to be joining you in the Academies community. We have both been faithful attendees at five-year reunions for many decades, so we are no strangers to Albany Academy for Girls & The Albany Academy.
But of course, becoming Head of School is special. I will be officially taking office this week. I look forward most of all to talking with you, learning from you and sharing with you.
The Albany Academies have a long tradition of distinctive educators and distinctive graduates. Together, we can move that illustrious past into a continuing illustrious future." -- Dr. Douglas M. North '58, Head of School |
Wassail -- December 17
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The annual Wassail celebration has long been an AAG tradition featuring singing, dancing and special performances from our talented students.
If you are in the area, please join us for either the morning or evening performances of this year's Wassail celebration on Thursday, December 17 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. or 7-9:30 p.m. in the AAG Auditorium.
The morning Wassail performance will include girls in Pre-K through Grade 6 and the evening performance will include girls in Grades 7-12.
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Young Alumni/ae Holiday Gathering -- December 29
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Celebrate the holidays with other young alumni/ae from throughout the Capital Region on Tuesday, December 29 from 6-8 p.m. at the Pump Station in Albany.
The event will be co-hosted by Naomi Krakower '03, Jillian LeFevre '07, Elite Williams '09, Tom Barletta '01, Marcus Hart '09 & Brandon LeFevre '05.
This will be a great opportunity to meet our Head of School Dr. Douglas M. North '58 as well as reminisce with former classmates and faculty members. The event is geared towards our younger alumni/ae but all are welcome to attend. There is no charge for this event. Light refreshments will be provided and there will be a cash bar. |
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LIST OF ATTENDEES AS OF DECEMBER 14.
Please RSVP by December 17 to Allison Collins-Schroeder at (518) 429-2432 or
collins-schroedera@albanyacademies.org.
Annual Fund goal set at $1 million
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Head of School Dr. Douglas M. North '58 has set the bar high and this year's Annual Fund goal is $1 million. Dr. North is passionate about making that goal a reality. Why? It's simple really... outside of tuition, our Annual Fund is the largest and most significant source of revenue for the Academies.
The Annual Fund provides the unrestricted resources necessary to support all that is special and unique about an Academies education -- a commitment to the virtues of single-gender education; the Arts & Athletics; an individualized educational program that celebrates and embraces the gifts of each student; and a curriculum that prepares students to thrive in today's global marketplace.
Tuition cannot and does not cover the total cost of an Academies education. |
"We ask that you consider making a gift to this year's Annual Fund. A gift to the Annual Fund is the most effective way to show your support and appreciation for our school; to continue the Academy tradition of alumni/ae helping those students who come after them; and to be a part of making an Academies education the best that it can be for today's students. Your gift makes a real and lasting difference for our community by creating opportunities and changing lives." -- Kimberly Verstandig, Director of Institutional Advancement
We cannot reach our goal without your support.
CLICK HERE TO MAKE A GIFT ONLINE.
Pace Setters Club
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All graduates of the past 5 to 15 years are invited to become part of a special group of young alumnae and alumni called the Pace Setters Club (PSC). Chaired by Sara Strope '96, Heather Stein '05, John LaBoda '98 & Brian Lasky '03, this important and influential group is seeking to make stronger connections with other alumni/ae and set the pace for giving at the Academies.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION. |
Young alumna inspires students
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Kauthar Umar '95 shared her Academy experience and discussed her new award-winning documentary to Upper School students on December 4 in Caird Chapel as part of the Alumni/ae Speaker Series.
Ms. Umar is a co-producer of the new PBS Documentary New Muslim Cool, which illustrates a contemporary face of Muslim youth culture across the United States. Upper School students viewed part of the movie in anticipation of her visit, and she presented a slideshow of photos during her visit that are going to be used in the companion book to the movie. |
Ms. Umar served a crucial role at the Academies throughout the day as she also worked with Ms. Tomson's 6th grade History classes, which are studying the three monotheistic religions.
Pictured (left to right) are Ruxana Saifi P'05, '06, '14, Ms. Umar & World Languages Chair Donna Keegan in Caird Chapel.
Alumna shares her courageous story
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Lynda Goldstein Shrager '75 joined us on November 13 in the AAG Auditorium to share her AAG memories and recollections with Upper School students as part of the Alumni/ae Speaker Series.
In addition to her role as an Occupational Therapist, Ms. Shrager is an accomplished author. During her own courageous battle with breast cancer, she found that there was no literature to help people going through the process to keep track of their medical history in an easy to use format.
During her time with us, she provided attendees with an important document that outlines questions to ask family members as well as yourself during this type of situation. |
Ms. Shrager's energy and enthusiasm were contagious and we were delighted to have her join us! She was joined by several of her fellow alumnae at the event.
Pictured (left to right) are Pam Morgan Marvin '59, Pat Aronowitz Rubenstein '53, Sharon Krimmer Mitchel '75, Ms. Shrager & Louise Copeland Marks '60.
Alumni participate in turkey day tradition
Pictured (left to right) are David Picotte '01; the Alston family cheering on the runners; and Sam Barrett '07 (in front) & Mike Barrett '04 (with blue hat on backwards).
The 2009 Troy Turkey Trot held on Thanksgiving Day was the largest field in the 62-year history of the event. A number of alumni were seen running in the race and making room for turkey later in the day.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS
Mid-Winter Dinner -- January 20
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The Albany Academy Alumni Association will present its Mid-Winter Dinner on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 6 p.m. at Jack's Oyster House in Albany.
M. Christian Bender '78, Executive Director for the Brighter Choice Foundation, will serve as the guest speaker at the event. The Brighter Choice Foundation is a support organization for charter schools in the City of Albany. |
All proceeds from the Mid-Winter Dinner will go towards The Albany Academy Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship.
Please RSVP by January 8.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MID-WINTER DINNER INVITATION.
For more information, contact the Office of Alumni/ae Relations at (518) 429-2432 or collins-schroedera@albanyacademies.org.
Alumni Hockey Game
Sharpen your skates and join us on the ice for the Annual Alumni Hockey Game on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at Robison Family Hockey Arena in the AA Field House. The event will begin with lunch at noon followed by the game at 1:30 p.m. We hope that you will stay to support the AA Varsity Hockey Team as they take on Pomfret at 4 p.m.
This year's game will also honor Frank O'Brien III '84 as the AA Alumni Association is naming this game in his honor. We hope that many of Frank's teammates will be able to play this year to help honor Frank in a very special way.
Please RSVP by January 15 to the Office of Alumni/ae Relations at (518) 429-2432 or collins-schroedera@albanyacademies.org. We would be happy to provide equipment if needed; please let us know.
Spring Gathering 2010 -- April 17
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We encourage you to make plans to attend the annual Spring Gathering auction & gala set for Saturday, April 17, 2010 from 6-10 p.m. at The Franklin Plaza in Troy.
The event will feature a Silent & Live Auction. Proceeds from Spring Gathering go towards the scholarship and financial aid programs at the Academies. |
Reunion 2010 -- May 21 & 22
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We encourage you to save the date now for Reunion 2010 set for May 21-22! For all classes ending in a 5 or 0, this is a special year for you.
Plans for Reunion 2010 are well underway as the hotels have been reserved and the schedule is set... the only missing ingredient is you! |
"As a Class Agent, I've maintained contact with most of our class, but it was especially meaningful to have so many of us together again for our 20th reunion, see each other all grown up (but mostly looking the same!) and to meet each others' loved ones. I joined Facebook just last year and it helped us get back in touch and plan scheduled events and casual get-togethers. I really enjoyed getting back in touch with many classmates that were with us for years in Lower & Middle School but moved elsewhere before graduation. I encourage future reunion classes to keep these people in mind and invite them to come along." -- Sarah McLaughlin '89
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
AAG Athletic Hall of Fame
The Albany Academy for Girls Alumnae Association is excited to announce the formation of the Athletic Hall of Fame to recognize the athletic accomplishments of AAG graduates.
The AAG Alumnae Association understands the importance of recognizing the outstanding achievements and contributions of our alumnae to the AAG athletic program. The Hall of Fame will highlight character, sportsmanship, athletic achievements and enthusiasm and provide a positive link between past athletes and today’s students.
Nominations are now being accepted until June 1, 2010 for the inaugural class that will be inducted during Homecoming 2010.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AAG ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME NOMINATION FORM.
If you have any questions, contact the Office of Alumni/ae Relations at (518) 429-2425 or reddingm@albanyacademies.org.
AA Athletic Hall of Fame
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Do you have a friend or colleague who was a remarkable AA athlete and is deserving of becoming a member of the AA Athletic Hall of Fame? If so, then now is the time to nominate him!
We are currently seeking nominations for the 2010 Hall of Fame. All nominations are due by December 17. |
CLICK HERE FOR THE NOMINATION FORM.
Please contact Director of Alumni/ae Relations Marna Redding at reddingm@albanyacademies.org to have a form emailed directly to you.
Distinguished Alumnae & Alumni
It's that time of year when we call for nominations for the Distinguished Alumnae and Distinguished Alumni Awards. All AAG nominations are due by February 1, 2010. All AA nominations are due by February 19, 2010.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AAG DISTINGUISHED ALUMNAE AWARD NOMINATION FORM.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AA DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD NOMINATION FORM.
If you would like a nomination form emailed to you, contact the Office of Alumni/ae Relations at (518) 429-2425 or reddingm@albanyacademies.org.
Stay in touch with the Academies community
Now is the time to register for our Online Community & Facebook! Stay connected with the community and learn about upcoming programs, events and more!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE ONLINE COMMUNITY.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.
Have a happy holiday season and best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year!
If you have any questions or comments about this electronic newsletter, please contact Ann Wendth, Director of External Relations, at (518) 429-2385 or wendtha@albanyacademies.org, or Adam Doling, Communications Associate, at (518) 429-2344 or dolinga@albanyacademies.org.
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2010-2011 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
SPRING/SUMMER 2010 ISSUE OF A2 ACADEMIES MAGAZINE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Stay up to date with our Online Calendar
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