Reunion Weekend | The Ellis School

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Ellis Reunion Weekend: October 6 & 7, 2023

Come experience the renewed energy on our campus during this year’s Reunion Weekend events! We will be celebrating milestone years ending in 3 and 8. Join us back on campus to reconnect with old friends, relive fond memories, and commemorate your shared experiences.

ALL ALUMNAE ARE WELCOME

Reunion Class Giving Challenge

Reunion giving is an Ellis tradition. We invite you to participate in the Reunion Class Giving Challenge to support current and future Ellis students' exceptional educational and co-curricular opportunities. Your contribution will make a meaningful difference in the lives of future leaders. Any gift made in honor of your reunion is considered a "reunion gift."

The classes with the highest participation rate and largest combined gift will be announced and celebrated during the Reunion Weekend Cocktail Reception. We are excited to see which class will demonstrate the most school spirit and make the most significant impact with their donations. Will it be the class of '73, '98, or another milestone class ending in 3 or 8?

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October 6–7, 2023

Date & Time \| Location	Invitees	Event \| Description
Friday, October 6 9:00–9:45 a.m GALLERY	Open to all classes	Welcome Back Coffee Start your morning by enjoying coffee and pastries with Head of School Macon Finley.
Friday, October 6 10:00–10:45 a.m. MEET IN GALLERY	Open to all classes	Tour of Campus Find out what has changed, has stayed the same, and may be in the works since you graduated as you walk through the halls of your alma mater. Led by a Touring Tiger (student ambassador), you’ll hear firsthand what it’s like to be an Ellis student circa 2023!
Friday, October 6 10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. AUDITORIUM	Open to all classes	Author Visit Join us for a conversation with New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict. Marie's novels focus on the untold stories of women throughout history.
Friday, October 6 12:00–2:00 p.m. ALUMNAE HALL	Open to all classes $15 per person	Reunion Luncheon Please join us for a sit-down luncheon in Alumnae Hall as we recognize and celebrate the Sara Frazer Ellis awardee.
Friday, October 6 5:30–7:30 p.m. CAMPUS-WIDE	Open to all classes and their families	Fall Festival Pumpkins, a bounce house, face painting, food, and fun for the entire family! The Ellis Parent Association hosts this event, and it is open to the entire community. Admission is free.
Friday, October 6 Evening	All classes	Individual Class Activity Contact your Class Reunion Representative for more details.
Saturday, October 7 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. ATHLETIC FIELD	Open to all classes and their families	Tailgate Lunch Ellis varsity soccer game. The 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame induction will take place at halftime.
Saturday, October 7 1:00–2:00 p.m. FINE ARTS BUILDING	Open to all classes	Creative Like Cassatt Our art rooms will be available to create and converse about art. Hosted by the Ellis Visual Arts Department. Limited space available.
Saturday, October 7 7:00–9:30 p.m. ALUMNAE HALL	Open to all classes $20 per person	Cocktail Reception The culminating event to celebrate all Ellisians. Heavy appetizers and drinks will be served. Alumnae are welcome to bring a guest. This is an adult-only event.

Reunion Weekend Information

Frequently Asked Questions

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Is there a room block available for out-of-town guests?

A block of rooms has been reserved at Springhill Suites, Bakery Square for Friday, October 6 to Sunday, October 8 at a discounted rate. Please call 412-362-8600 to reserve your room. When booking, please note that you are part of The Ellis School for a discounted rate.

Other hotels in the area include Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh, Hotel Indigo, The Inn on Negley, and the Hyatt House.
What is there to do within walking distance of Ellis?
Surrounded by six different neighborhoods, The Ellis School is in the heart of Pittsburgh’s East End. With museums, parks, restaurants, and coffee shops a short walk away from campus, there are plenty of family-friendly activities, places, and events to discover every day of the week—and they’re all just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Ellis campus!

We recommend checking out:
- Mellon Park
- The Kelly Strayhorn Theater
- Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh-East Liberty
- East End Food Co-op
- Bakery Square
- The Frick
- Frick Park
- Walnut Street and South Highland Avenue in Shadyside and Forbes Avenue in Squirrel Hill for great restaurants and shopping!
Do you have any restaurant recommendations close to Ellis?

Of course we do—we love to eat! Some of our favorites in the neighborhood are: Point Brugge, Urban Tap, Noodlehead, Casbah, Mad Mex, Five Points Artisan Bakeshop, and Pino’s. There is also the new City Kitchen food hall in Bakery Square, as well as täkō tôrtä and Alta Via Pizzeria. If you’re willing to venture a bit further, check out Ellis alumna Sarah CURTIS Hooper’s ’95 Oakland restaurant Butterjoint.
How do I find out about individual class events?

Please see the website and contact your class representative for Friday night events.

Award Recipients

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Sara Frazer Ellis Awardee

Shanan GUINN '93 has traveled the world since graduating but has always stayed connected to The Ellis School. Shanan is currently working with the Office of the Chief of Protocol for Major Events on the media arrangements for the 2023 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Meetings hosted by the U.S. It is a bit of a homecoming, as the last project Shanan worked on for the U.S. Government was the 2011 APEC Leaders’ Week in Hawaii. She has also been working with The White House leading media arrangements for the President of the United States’ trips to Cambodia (ASEAN), Poland, Northern Ireland, and Lithuania (NATO).

Before rejoining the U.S. government, Shanan was Senior Vice President of Business Communications & Internal Campaigns at BP in London, where she was responsible for global internal communications (DE&I, HR, legal and finance) and all communications for BP’s business units (renewable energy, retail, exploration & production, and trading & shipping). She led a global team of more than 100 communications professionals during a tumultuous time—the COVID-19 pandemic and the largest full-company reorganization in BP’s 114-year history.

Her previous roles at BP included Vice President, Communications & External Affairs for BP North Africa, Chief of Staff to the Chairman & President of BP America in Houston, and Head of Strategy & Planning for U.S. Communications & External Affairs based in Washington, DC.

Shanan came to BP from the Department of Defense (DoD) where she worked in the Office of the Secretary establishing the first-ever Director of Travel Operations role and reorganizing the trips process for the Department. During her time at DoD, she was awarded the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service.

Prior to Shanan’s time at DoD, she had a variety of positions in and out of government working as Communications Director for the Congressional Oversight Panel on T.A.R.P, Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Nancy Boyda of Kansas, the John Kerry for President Campaign, and in account management for PR firm Jasculca/Terman and Associates. Shanan got her start working in press advance for the Clinton Administration.

A graduate of George Washington University with a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh, Shanan is a member of the bar in Kansas and Washington, D.C. She currently resides in Washington, D.C.

Shanan has served on the Board of Trustees of The Ellis School since 2017 and remains an active and proud Ellis alumna. Shanan’s unwavering commitment to the betterment of an all-girls education and her remarkable contributions to Ellis make her a truly deserving recipient of this year’s Sara Frazer Ellis Award.
Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee

Courtney KRESS McGrory '93, an Ellis lifer, is known for her commitment to athletics, academics, and the Ellis community. She was named the Augustus K. Oliver Cup recipient as a graduating senior for her achievements in these areas. She played field hockey and lacrosse throughout her Middle and Upper School years and was a varsity member for each sport. Unofficially, Courtney even moonlighted as a borrowed goalkeeper for the budding University of Pittsburgh women's club lacrosse team long before its NCAA Division 1 debut in 2021. Courtney still laughs that her father negotiated this arrangement and remains grateful for all the practices and games where her dad was ever present and cheering. Courtney continued with athletics in college at Harvard University as a member of the women's field hockey team and Mather House crew team.

Since graduating, Courtney has built a career as a marketing and communications leader in New York City, holding various roles, from Speechwriter to Head of Content, in the financial services, publishing, and academic sectors. She lives in Pelham, NY, with her husband and three children and belongs to the New York Athletic Club. You can find her running, playing competitive USTA singles tennis, practicing yoga daily, or playing pickleball with her 12-year-old son.

Courtney fondly remembers Coach Kozusko's impact on her time at Ellis; Coach K still comes up in family stories and sightings around Pittsburgh. These fond memories and her entire athletic experience rooted at The Ellis School are among the most meaningful parts of Courtney's physical, social, and emotional DNA.

Thank you, Courtney, for your longtime commitment to the School, Ellis students, and the athletic program.

Reunion Weekend Attendees and Class Representatives

Check out who’s registered for Reunion Weekend! This page will be updated each week on Friday afternoon. If you believe you have registered but do not see your name, please contact development@theellisschool.org.

If you don’t have a Reunion Representative for your class year and would like to be one, please contact alumnae@theellisschool.org to become one!

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Class of 1953

Representative still needed!
Class of 1958

Class Representative:
Sally RIAL Phelps

Attending Reunion 2023:
Susan HIGINBOTHAM Holcombe
Class of 1959

Attending Reunion 2023:
Pauline "Polly" FOSTER Mullins
Ellen MCCASLIN Srodes
Class of 1963

Representative still needed!

Attending Reunion 2023:
Corinne "Rin" MARSHALL Babson
Class of 1968

Representative still needed!

Attending Reunion 2023:
Janet ANTI
Dr. Margaret "Peggy" COHEN Voss
Class of 1973

Class Representative:
Carol OSTROW

Attending Reunion 2023:
Margaret "Peggy" MATHIESON Conver
Carol OSTROW
Carol ROBINSON
Blythe JONES Lyons
Madeline DEBOR
Bette BLUMBERGER Saltzman
Class of 1978

Representative still needed!
Class of 1979

Attending Reunion 2023:
Dr. Melissa MICHAELS
Class of 1983

Class Representative:
Lauren THOMPSON

Attending Reunion 2023:
Anne ALTER
Class of 1988

Class Representative:
Kristen SIEFERS Savely

Attending Reunion 2023:
Dr. Morgen KELLY
Alicia ANGEMEER
Class of 1993

Class Representative:
Heather HILLIARD

Attending Reunion 2023:
Shanan GUINN
Heather HILLIARD
Catherine "Cathy" RESCHER
Kathryn BABSON Brewer
Class of 1995

Attending Reunion 2023:
Colleen SIMONDS
Class of 1998

Class Representative:
Kathryn POLACHEK Ciarimboli

Attending Reunion 2023:
Brooke SANSOSTI
Annie COLVIN Bolton
Abby WILSON
Sadaf TOOR
Class of 2001

Attending Reunion 2023:
Corinne MCGINLEY Smith
Class of 2003

Class Representative:
Elizabeth CRYAN

Attending Reunion 2023:
Donna MOLYLES DeMauro
Class of 2005

Attending Reunion 2023:
Kristen WALTER Sobel
Class of 2008

Class Representative:
Alessandra HARTKOPF

Attending Reunion 2023:
Courtney LESOON
Class of 2013

Class Representative:
Eleanor THOMAS

Attending Reunion 2023:
Hannah MELLOR
Emily OBLAK
Class of 2018

Attending Reunion 2023:
Olivia SIMON
Laurel CONOVER

Connect & Communicate With Us

Update your contact information to connect and communicate with Ellis all year long. From our alumnae newsletter and private Alumnae Facebook group, to the Ellis Magazine and Ellis Alumnae Connect, we want you to stay in the know on all things Ellis. We’re also posting, tweeting, and Instagramming campus life seven days a week, so give us a follow, like, or retweet next time you’re browsing your feeds!

See What Your Fellow Alumnae Are Up To

Ellis Alumnae

Amanda HOLLAND-MINKLEY, Ph.D. '91 Echoes Ellis Experience in Her Higher-Ed Classroom

From her days as an Ellis student who loved problem solving in math class to her current work as a college professor, Amanda HOLLAND-MINKLEY ’91 has been enthralled by the experience of learning.
Sara NESS '09 and Her Revolution of Authenticity

When Sara NESS ’09 graduated from Ellis and began her freshman year at the University of Texas, she quickly learned a lesson many people encounter at that time in their lives: living with people is hard, especially in communal settings like college residence halls. But where most might see a housemate situation to tolerate, Sara saw an opportunity to learn from her peers—and to teach others how to do the same.
Nell COX Yates ’02, Visual Arts Educator and Owner of Birdhouse Ceramics

It’s no exaggeration to say that Nell COX Yates ’02 sees art everywhere. A secondary art educator since 2009, Nell has spent the past 17 years working with students of all ages and sharing her love of ceramics and 3D design in a variety of studio settings. From serving as the Visual Arts Department Chair at Viewpoint School to owning and managing Birdhouse Ceramics, a small-batch pottery studio, out of her home in California, this lifer has made a colorful career out of a passion that was sparked in Ellis’ own art studios.
Amy WOLF ’96, Asst. Director Digital Media & Marketing

As the Assistant Director for Digital Media and Marketing at The New York Community Trust, Amy WOLF ’96 thrives on finding creative and powerful ways to share the impact of New York City’s community foundation--one of the top funders of local nonprofits. Since joining The Trust in 2008, Amy has led a multitude of highly visible projects. From redesigning their website twice to producing advertising campaigns from soup to nuts to shaping The Trust’s e-marketing and social media presence, Amy is a master storyteller and creative leader who helps donors understand how their generosity can be turned into action.
Lauren DRAKE '16, PhD Candidate

After completing her undergraduate degree in bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania in 2020, Lauren DRAKE ’16 chose to continue her studies and is now pursuing a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at Vanderbilt University. During her time at Penn, Lauren worked as an undergraduate researcher in the Shorter Lab, studying the biochemical mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and contributing to multiple projects and papers. In addition to these pursuits, she completed minors in creative writing and journalism and received Honors in English for her creative thesis. As a member of the Lippmann Lab at Vanderbilt, Lauren improves the complexity of brain organoids for use as a physiologically relevant neurodegenerative disease model. She was recently awarded a National Institutes of Health T32 Alzheimer’s Disease training grant. She is also a member of the executive board of the Diversity and Science Lecture Series at Vanderbilt.
Lauren INDOVINA '01, Director

Lauren INDOVINA ’01 is an Emmy Award-winning Director and Visual Artist based in Los Angeles. She is best known for her ethereal visuals and multifaceted approach to art, design, film techniques, and branding. With a background in fine art and fifteen years in advertising, she has created original art and directed for internationally acclaimed design, animation, VFX studios, and agencies. Her work is included in the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent motion collection, her sculptures have been exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, she has directed Super Bowl ads, and her art has been on display on Rodeo Drive, at Radio City Music Hall, and in Times Square. Most recently, Lauren earned credits as the concept designer for Beyoncé's film Black Is King and the animation director for Amazon's Utopia series. She is currently directing and designing scripts for animated feature content and developing artificial intelligence and virtual reality characters and narratives.
Marsha RUCKER '86, Attorney

As the regional attorney for the Birmingham District of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Marsha RUCKER ’86 manages and litigates cases to further the eradication of unlawful employment discrimination. Marsha began her career with the EEOC as a trial attorney in the Birmingham District Office in 2008 and became the District’s regional attorney in December 2016. Prior to coming to the EEOC, Marsha was in-house counsel for two large public housing authorities. Early in her career, Marsha was a staff attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. In this capacity, she represented more than 500 clients in various courts and tribunals in matters involving federal and state housing law, contract law, and public benefits. In 2019, Marsha’s work was recognized with the EEOC’s Chair’s Organizational Performance Award, the highest honor conferred within the organization. Marsha received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Duke University and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law where she was a Patricia Roberts Harris National Fellow.
Nancy HAYES Kilgore '65, Writer

While at Ellis, Nancy HAYES Kilgore ’65 fell in love with the books assigned to her in English class and realized she wanted to become a novelist. Her dream came true, and today Nancy is preparing to publish her third novel, Bitter Magic, later this summer. Now, along with being a writer, she works as a pastoral psychotherapist in Burlington, Vermont, and leads writing workshops for people to write and reflect on their own lives in a safe and welcoming space.
Sarah ZIMMERMAN Tuthill '87, Founder and Owner of ezpz gatherings

Sarah ZIMMERMAN Tuthill ’87 had always dreamed of opening her own business. So, with a love of all things food, wine, and design, she opened Gathering Boards by ezpz gatherings in 2020 as a way to bring people together.Throughout the pandemic, she offered charcuterie boxes to go and now, having just opened a brick and mortar store in Aspinwall, is offering beautifully constructed boards to the Pittsburgh area. Want to learn to make your own charcuterie board? Join us on June 15, 2021 for Ellis After Fifth Ave: Building the Perfect Charcuterie Board with Sarah ZIMMERMAN Tuthill ’87 from 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Colleen DAILY Simonds '95, Interior Designer

An interior designer based in Pittsburgh, Colleen DAILY Simonds ’95 is known for her ability to mix playful patterns and vibrant colors to create beautiful, bold spaces for her clients. A former merchandiser with Gap and J.Crew, Colleen chose to switch career paths, leave New York City, and pursue a creative career back in her hometown.

Check out Colleen's After Fifth Ave. session, Taking the Creative Road, to hear her talk about pursuing a creative career, starting her own business, and all things interior design!
Lila BALISTRIERI '18, Student

Lila BALISTRIERI ’18 is exploring her passions surrounding accessibility, public health, and the financial world at the University of Rochester. A Handler Scholar, she is triple majoring in English, Anthropology, and Medical Innovation and is also a research assistant at the university. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lila interned with ApiJect Systems America, Inc., a corporation that focuses on developing safer ways to deliver injectable medication to communities worldwide. Learn more about Lila and how she’s bringing her many interests to the table to make an impact at Rochester and beyond.
Jamie Beth COHEN '93, Storyteller

Jamie Beth COHEN '93 is a storyteller, in many ways. From her Young Adult novel WASTED PRETTY to her pieces published in major news outlets, Jamie has mastered the art of the story—and is helping others do the same. She has been featured in storytelling events across Pennsylvania and in New York City and has worked with storytellers of all experience levels to perfect their own craft. Watch her Ellis After Fifth Ave session, Telling Your Own Story, to perfect your own storytelling practices.
Beth HAMMER Genter '77, Financial Planner and Manager

A financial advisor and planner, Beth HAMMER Genter ’77 is the President and founder of Schenley Capital Inc., a registered investment firm in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. After spending six years working for Merrill Lynch, Beth decided to start her own firm and hasn’t looked back since. With over 31 years of experience in the financial world, Beth is committed to growing her client’s portfolios and ensuring that those in her sphere, especially women, know how to best manage their finances. You can watch her Ellis After Fifth Ave. session, Investing in Yourself, here for tips and tricks about how to budget and invest for your own success.
Kristen HAUSER '10, Automotive Engineer

After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, Kristen HAUSER ’10 relocated to southeast Michigan to join the Ford Motor Company College Graduate Program. Throughout the program, she completed rotations in the areas of software development, program management, and product launch to deliver products, including the Lincoln Continental and F-150 Raptor. Now a Powertrain Fuel Economy Integration Engineer at the company, Kristen’s team is responsible for designing and implementing software that controls the electromechanical systems which allow gas engines and automatic transmissions to comply with federal emissions and fuel economy standards, as well as deliver optimal performance to customers. In her role, Kristen uses analytical tools and lab testing to find fuel economy opportunities within these control systems and collaborates with North American, European, and Chinese teams to implement the changes and ensure future regulatory compliance.
Nicole F. VÉLEZ, M.D. ’00, Dermatologist

Dr. Nicole F. VÉLEZ ’00 is a dermatologist who specializes in skin cancer, particularly Mohs micrographic surgery. Nicole graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Cum Laude from Carnegie Mellon University and with honors from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, before completing a combined internal medicine and dermatology residency at Harvard Medical School. Committed to teaching and staying on top of new advancements in her field, she has published over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles and lectured both nationally and internationally on skin cancer. In 2019, she opened her private practice, Pittsburgh Skin, in Cranberry Township, north of the city.
Michelle GIRTS '70, Environmental Scientist

A dedicated environmental scientist who has worked in both corporate and research settings, Michelle GIRTS ’70 has been building successful businesses around technology and talent for 35 years. Prior to her retirement, Michelle worked for the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Portland Water Bureau as an environmental science technical specialist collecting samples for water quality lab testing, programming data analysis, and reviewing and reporting the status of water quality throughout the system and the impacts of activities in the watershed. She then moved on to work as an environmental scientist for engineering company, CH2M Hill, where she developed and commercialized the innovative, low-cost treatment technology of engineered wetlands. Since her retirement, Michelle has been named to the Clark County Clean Water Commission, is an active volunteer in her local community, a master gardener, and flies a Cirrus single-engine airplane with her husband in her spare time.
Blaine DINKIN '13, Administrative Fellow

Blaine DINKIN ’13 was in her first rotation as an administrative fellow at Forbes Hospital when COVID-19 hit. As a member of Allegheny Health Network’s fellowship program, Blaine is exploring the operational, clinical, and strategic side of the healthcare system after receiving her master’s degree in health care policy and management. When the pandemic began in March, Blaine’s role changed and she put all of her energy into producing and assembling test kits. To date, Blaine and her team have assembled close to 150,000 COVID-19 testing kits for Pittsburghers—and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
Lorrie KIGER '04 MD, Pediatrician

A pediatrician at Children’s Community Pediatrics in Pittsburgh, Lorrie KIGER '04 is seeing firsthand the effects COVID-19 has on children and families. From telemedicine to parking lot exams, pediatric care is evolving every day, and Lorrie is giving us a peek into this changing landscape while sharing helpful tips for parents.
Kitty COOK ’89, Vice President of Strategic Insight

As Vice President of Strategic Insight at a full-service market research firm, Kitty COOK ’89 designs, manages, and executes custom research projects for a variety of clients and major brands. From working on Former President Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign to teaming up with the Harlem Globetrotters, Kitty continuously works to streamline and improve processes and productivity for her clients. Celebrating her 30th reunion this year, Kitty shares more about her post-graduation path, her career, and her time at Ellis.
Brooke GENERETT ’99, Social Worker

Brooke GENERETT ’99 is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over fifteen years of experience working with children, adolescents and their families. In 2012, Brooke started her own counseling practice, Generett Counseling Services, LLC, with the primary goal of assisting individuals in developing the life skills necessary for problem-solving in a challenging environment. In addition to running her own private practice, she is the Director of Prevention Services at Family Resources, a child abuse prevention agency in the Pittsburgh region, where she oversees four prevention programs. Prior to her current roles, Brooke held full-time positions at Gwen’s Girls and Communities in Schools of Pittsburgh-Allegheny County.