Reunion Weekend | The Ellis School

Ellis Reunion Weekend October 11–13

Join us as we celebrate classes ending in 4’s and 9’s at Reunion Weekend on October 11–13, 2019. We'll have three fun-filled days of activities and events that will bring together classmates of all decades to celebrate friendships and the place where those friendships began––Ellis! Learn what The Ellis School is up to now as you explore campus, reconnect with faculty, interact with current students, and more!

Events will include long-standing Ellis traditions like the presentation of the Sara Frazer Ellis Award and newer traditions like the Alumnae Career Panel. All alumnae, from all class years, are invited to come “home” to their beloved alma mater, Oh Ellis School, Fair Ellis, for Reunion Weekend 2019.

ALL ALUMNAE ARE WELCOME

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 7 items.

Can I attend if it’s not a milestone year?

Yes, all alumnae are welcome and invited to attend!
Is there a room block available for out-of-town guests?

A block of rooms has been reserved at Springhill Suites, Bakery Square for Thursday, October 10 to Sunday, October 13 at a discounted rate. Make your reservation online or call 412-362-8600 to reserve your room. When booking, please note that you are part of The Ellis School for a discounted rate.
Can I bring my significant other/family to events?

Yes, you are more than welcome to bring a guest. On Friday, events are targeted to alumnae but alumnae should feel free to bring a friend or significant other. All Saturday daytime events are family friendly and Saturday evening, alumnae are more than welcome to bring an adult guest to the evening reception. Please be sure to register guests for all events so we can keep an accurate headcount.
Do I need to register for the weekend or for individual events?

Alumnae should register for each event they plan to attend over Reunion Weekend as there is limited space for certain events.
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.
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, Social, Spoon, Urban Tap, Noodlehead, Casbah, Mad Mex, Pizza Taglio, Dinette, and Pino’s. If you’re willing to venture outside of the East End, check out Ellis alumna Sarah CURTIS Hooper’s ‘95 restaurants: Legume , Butterjoint, and Pie for Breakfast!
How do I find out about individual class events?

Please contact your class representative for information about Friday night events.

Award Recipients

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Sara Frazer Ellis Award

Sally RIAL Phelps ’58

Sally RIAL Phelps graduated from Ellis in 1958 and from Wellesley College in 1962, majoring in Biblical History. Her first career was teaching, at Fox Chapel Country Day School in Pittsburgh, The Meadowbrook School in Massachusetts, and, as part of a government grant, at Bucknell University. Her second career was banking in New York City. From 1973 to 2000, she was a lender with three banks: Chase Manhattan Bank (1973–1983 and 1989–1995), Citibank (1983–1989), and ABN AMRO (1995–2000). In 1980, Sally was one of the early women to be promoted to Vice President at Chase. In 2000, Sally married Richard “Dick” Phelps and retired from banking. Together, Dick and Sally have five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Sally has been an Ellis Class Representative from 2007 to date and was on The National Board of Alumnae Visitors from 2009 to 2013. She organized her Ellis class's 50th Reunion in 2008 and did the same for her Wellesley 50th Reunion in 2012. In her retirement years, Sally has learned how to play golf and paint pictures.
Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees

Jordan ZAPPALA ’99

Jordan played field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse during her four years at Ellis, eventually rising to the position of captain and taking the reigns as president of the Ellis Athletic Association. Thanks to camaraderie on the field and the leadership of her beloved coaches and fellow teammates, she found her happy place and learned how impactful physical activity is to her mental wellbeing. After a PCL tear during a lacrosse tournament in her senior year at Ellis, Jordan had to shift away from more high-impact athletics, but physical activity has always remained an integral part of her daily life. She picked up yoga in college and began professionally teaching in Washington D.C. in 2011. She also admits to joining the Peloton cult more recently, riding at least several times a week while home with her kiddos. Jordan looks forward to showing her own children how valuable physical activity is to their lives, as well as how impactful team sports can be to their budding psyches.

Rebekah HUGHEY ’94

During her time at Ellis, Rebekah played a sport every season starting in grade 7. She played field hockey, lacrosse, basketball, and softball over the course of six years. She made the varsity basketball team freshman year and served as softball team captain. Rebekah also served as treasurer of the Ellis Athletic Association and received the Sportsmanship Award. Rebekah went on to attend Spelman College, where she played intramural basketball and played on their first soccer team (albeit not that well, as it was also her first-ever soccer team!) She did a teaching fellowship at Ellis upon graduation, and she helped coach the JV basketball team. Rebekah still enjoys staying active. She has played co-ed softball for years, and she participated in the Pittsburgh Triathlon three times (2013, 2015, and 2016). Her newest sport is rowing, which she did for the first time last summer, and she enjoys running, swimming, and biking.

Alumnae Career Panelists

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Abigail BAYLES Wiebenson '59

Biography coming soon!
Brooke Nicole GENERETT '99

Brooke GENERETT ’99 is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over fifteen years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families. Brooke started her counseling practice, Generett Counseling Services, LLC at the end of 2012 with the primary goal of assisting individuals (i.e. adolescents, adults, and the elderly) in developing the life skills necessary for problem solving in a challenging environment. In using the strengths-based approach for improving mental health, she emphasizes each client’s strengths and assists them in identifying barriers to achieving personal success and in developing and implementing strategies which create positive outcomes.

Brooke is a native of Pittsburgh and a 1999 graduate of The Ellis School. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Hampton University and a master's degree in Social Work, with an emphasis in mental health, from the University of Pittsburgh. Brooke has held full-time positions at Gwen’s Girls, working as their therapist for three years, and Communities in Schools of Pittsburgh-Allegheny County, working as their Therapeutic Licensed Counselor for four and a half years. She has also provided contracted mental health services at various agencies in the region.

Brooke continues to provide free mental health services to many in the community through her private practice. Currently 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, including the Beverly Jewel Wall Lovelace Out-of-School Time Program (BJWL), the largest out-of-school time program in Allegheny County, and the Hill District Center for Nurturing Families, one of 28 Family Support Centers in Allegheny County.
CAPT Anne MAGNUSSEN Lockhart '79

A native of Lincoln, Nebraska, CAPT Anne MAGNUSSEN Lockhart graduated from The Ellis School in 1979. She received her B.A. degree, magna cum laude, from The American University in 1983. She holds two M.A. degrees from The George Washington University and an M.A. degree from the Naval War College, where she completed Joint Professional Military Education Phases I and II and participated in the prestigious Mahan Scholars Program.

After beginning her career as a civilian analyst for the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), CAPT Lockhart received a direct commission as a Navy Reserve officer in 1993.

CAPT Lockhart is currently assigned to Naval Reserve Unit (NR) Office of the Secretary of Defense Technology Transfer 0166, Washington D.C., where she serves as a senior trade analyst.

In addition, CAPT Lockhart is currently on long-term orders at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Supreme Allied Command Transformation, responsible for maritime command and control. From May 2017 to May 2018, she was on one-year mobilization orders to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where she served as the J2 (Intelligence) Director of Joint Task Force Guantanamo, supervising over 170 personnel.

CAPT Lockhart has served as a commanding officer or executive officer five times, including twice on active duty. When she commanded NR Defense Intelligence Agency Headquarters 1006, she was ranked second of five commanding officers by Major General Robert M. Haire, U.S. Air Force, and the unit was ranked first out of ten peer reserve units.

CAPT Lockhart’s personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), the Joint Achievement Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. She resides in Norfolk, Virginia, with her husband and daughter.
Hallie BENNETT '09

Hallie BENNETT ’09 is a traveling physical therapist with AMN Healthcare. She works as a contracted PT in a variety of healthcare settings such as nursing homes, hospitals, and home health. Hallie received both her Bachelor’s of Science in Clinical Health Studies and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Ithaca College. Currently, she is licensed through the American Board of Physical Therapy in Virginia, Colorado, and Hawaii. At present, she is working towards a specialist certification in neurology from the American Physical Therapy Association. Hallie helps companies bridge a gap of three to six months while facilities are understaffed or experiencing heavy demand. Her career is atypical in the sense that without a permanent contract with a single company, she has flexibility in her work life, allowing her to move between cities or even states. Her interests in healthcare and healing stem from many hours in the Ellis athletic trainer’s room before competitions many years ago. This initial spark continues to feed Hallie’s desire to improve her patients, peers, and herself, as well as the field of physical therapy.
Indea HERNDON '04

Indea HERNDON ’04 is the Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement Manager for the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. She partners with community leaders to establish a place for all people to openly celebrate and gain greater understanding of the African American experience and art of the African Diaspora. Indea holds a bachelor’s degree in Cultural Studies and Broadcast Journalism from Chatham University. Her love of culture, community, and social change led her to work with the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh first as a Board Member for the Thelma Lovette YMCA, then as the Membership Director and Drug and Alcohol Prevention Director for the Allegheny and Homewood locations. During her tenure at the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, Indea was also selected to become a national trainer for the Dimensions of Diversity course, teaching staff the importance of diversity and inclusion. Indea is an active board member and is honored to serve her community as Vice President on the board of Pittsburgh Cares. Indea is also a proud member of the Urban League Young Professionals and the long-standing Aurora Reading Club, one of the nation’s oldest African American book groups.
Katrina “Kitty” HOWARD Cook '89

Biography coming soon!

Class Representatives

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Class of 1954

Judy COHEN Calloman
Class of 1959

Polly FOSTER Mullins
Penny PORTER Meyer
Ellen Jane McCASLIN Srode
Class of 1964

Susan SCHEINMAN Leonard
Class of 1969

Judy ROTHENBERG
Class of 1974

Meg PROPST Bernard
Class of 1979

Laurin EDSON Moore
Class of 1989
Class of 1999

Jordan ZAPPALA
Molly QUINLIN O'Brien
Liz KELLER
Class of 2004

Lorrie KIGER
Class of 2009

Jennifer HEINAUER
Class of 2014

Elizabeth KYSEL

Accomodations

A block of rooms has been reserved at Springhill Suites, Bakery Square for Thursday, October 11 to Sunday, October 14 at a discounted rate.

Make your reservation online or call 412-362-8600 to reserve your room. When booking, please note that you are part of The Ellis School for a discounted rate.

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!

Ellis Alumnae

Susan SLATER Ellenberg ’83, Member of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors

When Susan SLATER Ellenberg ’83 feels that something is unjust, she speaks up. As a current member of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, Susan advocates for everything from affordable housing to environmental conservation, and has even spoken publicly—and inspiringly—about her own experience with depression. She not only credits her Ellis education with playing a part in her choice to run for office, but with teaching her to work hard and believe in the power of her own voice.
Emma GILMORE Kieran ’96, Nonprofit Consultant

Emma GILMORE Kieran ’96, an Ellis lifer, knows how important it is for women to develop strong, confident voices—especially because she has used her own voice to further the mission of over 100 different nonprofits. Her experience at Ellis, along with her time as an educator, frontline fundraiser, and in-house firm consultant, instilled in her the perseverance necessary to seek out new opportunities and open her own business.
Alice CURTIS Cline ’02, Midwife

As a certified nurse midwife, Alice CURTIS Cline ’02 is a steadfast advocate and champion for women and their families during pregnancy and birth. Her commitment to helping—and empowering—others, particularly women, began at The Ellis School and evolved during her time studying nursing at Georgetown University. An Ellis lifer, Alice reflects on how her education at Ellis built her foundation, framed her worldview, and established her belief in herself.
Dara HALL Mendez, Ph.D. ’98, Epidemiologist

An Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh, Dara HALL Mendez, Ph.D ’98 is a social and perinatal epidemiologist, researcher, and advocate for women’s, maternal, and infant health. With a focus on approaches to achieve health equity, Dara explores the complex intersections between stress, racism, neighborhoods, and contexts to better understand racial and ethnic inequities in pregnancy, birth, and women’s health. Her work has been funded by the Aetna Foundation, the Kellogg Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health. In addition to her research, Dara serves on Pennsylvania’s newly formed Maternal Mortality Review Committee and is an executive member and research lead of the Infant Mortality Collaborative for Allegheny County and Advisory Board Member for Women Engaged. A champion for women’s reproductive health and well-being, Dara shares more about her work, her time in the Upper School, and how The Ellis School influenced her career path.
Ginnae HARLEY '88, Public Education

A self-starter who has followed her passions throughout her decades of experience, Ginnae HARLEY '88 has worked in government service, program development, corporate product and brand development, and public education throughout her career. Through the many twists and turns, Ginnae discovered that her most rewarding experiences have come from helping other people realize their goals and dreams. Now dedicated to bettering public education, she works for the State of Tennessee in the Office of School Improvement where she creates transformational opportunities for all students, regardless of their zip code or background, to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life.
Kate Schuler-WALSH '08, Antiquities Analyst

Ever since she was a student at The Ellis School, Kate Schuler-WALSH '08 knew she wanted an internationally-focused career. So she wasted no time after graduation and made the leap across the pond to study at the University of St Andrews. After receiving her diploma in Social Anthropology and Arabic, Kate moved to Amman, Jordan, to work with Syrian refugees at a non-governmental organization focused on community empowerment and sustainable economic growth. Fast forward a few years and Kate was back in the States receiving her master's degree in Security Studies from Georgetown University where she concentrated on terrorism and sub-state violence. Her global experience and expanding expertise then took her to a technology firm in Washington, D.C. where she developed analytical approaches for identifying illicit activity on the deep web. Now located in Manhattan, NY, Kate works at the New York County District Attorney’s Office where she investigates antiquities trafficking and works to repatriate stolen and looted artifacts to their rightful owners.
Katerina ISTOMIN '03, Musician & Counselor

A professional violist who has played with orchestras all over the world, Katerina ISTOMIN '03 is in the midst of shifting her career path from music to psychology as she pursues her Doctorate of Counseling Psychology at Carlow University. A graduate of the Juilliard School, Katerina has worked as a fellow with the Music Advancement and Gluck Community Service programs at the Juilliard School and as a teaching artist in Medellin, Colombia, with the New World Symphony. With a passionate belief that music and psychology are interlinked, Katerina calls upon her past experiences to better understand human behavior and motivate her in her new journey of becoming a licensed psychologist. Dedicated to holistic wellness on and off the stage, Katerina shares more about switching her professional focus, her all-girls education, and the influence Ellis had on her after graduation.
Susan HIGINBOTHAM Holcombe, Ph.D. '58, Humanitarian

Susan HIGINBOTHAM Holcombe, Ph.D. ’58 has had a long and illustrious career in international affairs and sustainable development. A former program director for Oxfam America, Susan served in program management positions with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Fiji, Sudan, and China as well as in the New York headquarters. She has also participated in or led field evaluations and assessments for the Ford Foundation, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNFPA, UNICEF, UNDP, World Bank, and the University of the South Pacific. A professor emerita at Brandeis University, Susan taught a range of courses in The Heller School for Policy and Management and is currently working on a book, tentatively titled Practicing Development for Sustainable Change. A global changemaker who traveled the world to improve people’s health, education, and opportunities, Susan reflects on her work overseas, her time at Ellis, and shares advice for current students.
Brittany ELLIS ’15, Student

Brittany ELLIS ’15 is a senior at Harvard University pursuing a joint degree in Archaeology and Social Anthropology. Passionate about the intersection of history, places, and living communities, Brittany’s initial interest in social anthropology was sparked at Ellis—namely by her teachers Dr. Bedell, Ms. Sturdevant, and Dr. Jordan. With plans to pursue her Ph.D., Brittany is currently furthering her pedigree with a summer abroad in Jordan where she is conducting research for her senior thesis. Active in her own collegiate community, Brittany serves as a news executive at The Harvard Crimson and also served as president of Harvard’s oldest feminist organization, the Radcliffe Union of Students.
Claire RICHARDS ’12, Ph.D. Student

After studying abroad in Paris as an undergraduate student at Cornell University, Claire RICHARDS ’12 couldn’t deny the charm of the City of Lights and chose to move to Paris to complete her Masters degree at École Nationale Supérieure de la Création - Les Ateliers (ENSCI). Claire is now pursuing her doctorate degree in France and continuing her study of hearing and haptics design with hopes of improving the lives of people living with sensory, physical, cognitive, or social disabilities. A passionate design researcher whose work is inspired by her own hearing disability, Claire reflects on life as an expat, her time at Ellis, and what’s next for her.
Jordan ZAPPALA ’99, Stay-At-Home Mom

A Class of 1999 alumna, Jordan ZAPPALA spent her high school years in the Ellis Upper School before graduating from Notre Dame University and receiving her master’s in print journalism from Boston University in 2009. As she entered the workforce, digital content creation was taking off and traditional print journalism was declining fast, so Jordan made the decision to apply her writing background to a different career. She became a Grant Writer at the National Archives Foundation (NAF) and from there worked her way up to become the Director of Institutional Giving. An expert at switching gears with grace, Jordan recently made the decision to take a step back from her career at the NAF to focus on her newborn son and two-year-old daughter. Now a full-time Mom and part-time freelancer in the D.C. area, Jordan reflects on Ellis, motherhood, and the importance of all-girls education.
Amanda KING ’07, Artist & Activist

A dedicated youth activist, artist, and entrepreneur, Amanda KING ’07 is the founder and creative director of Shooting Without Bullets, a youth advocacy program that focuses on identity development in black and brown teens through the arts in Cleveland. Committed to stimulating change in the Cleveland youth community, Amanda uses her creative background to inform, impact, and empower teens on complex social justice issues directly impacting their lives today. Through photography, candid conversations, and expressive arts, she confronts issues like racial injustice and police brutality head on to influence and effect reform in Cleveland at Shooting Without Bullets. A steadfast advocate and changemaker in her community, Amanda has also served as the youth advocate for the Cleveland Community Police Commision and as the producer of UNDEREXPOSED, a documentary that followed Shooting Without Bullets artists in their own journey of self-discovery.
Ramita RAVI ’13, Dancer

Ramita RAVI ’13 lived the Ellis motto, Esse Quam Videri, full tilt when she took a chance and auditioned for the FOX competition show, So You Think You Can Dance, earlier this year. Her hard work, perseverance, and talent paid off as she was awarded a spot on the show and subsequently won the hearts of viewers across the nation with her unique Indian Contemporary style. While Ramita didn’t make it to the finals, her desire to represent herself and her heritage on the stage ignited her drive to pursue dance full-time. From the Ellis Auditorium to the bright lights of Hollywood to the Big Apple’s concrete jungle, Ramita reflects on her time on one of the biggest reality shows on TV and shares how The Ellis School shaped her into the person she is today.
Lucy CRELLI ’13, Artist

Lucy CRELLI ’13 is a recent graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design who put her Apparel Design degree to the ultimate test when she presented her thesis collection at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) in September. Committed to creating garments that spark a conversation and shape a narrative, Lucy’s “The American Dream Collection” was her own personal political statement on the 2016 presidential election, combining bold colors, ethereal fabrics, and constricting, sculptural pieces on the runway. Not just an artist, but an activist and change agent on her college campus, Lucy served as president of the Global Initiative at RISD, a student-run organization dedicated to increasing engagement, collaboration, and community within the student body. Now back in Pittsburgh and searching for a job, Lucy shares what the NYFW experience was like and how Ellis inspired her higher education experience.
Jamie Beth COHEN Schindler ’93, Writer

A storyteller who has had her byline in The Washington Post, the Baltimore Sun, and Teen Vogue, Jamie Beth COHEN Schindler ’93 is an Ellis lifer, political activist, and writer in the process of penning her first Young Adult novel, WASTED PRETTY. This past year, Jamie co-founded the Lancaster Action Now Coalition (LANC) to support, protect, and empower marginalized communities following the 2016 election. Propelled into action like a true Ellis girl, Jamie’s desire to stand up, speak out, and get involved has led to educational opportunities and meaningful conversations across communities, class levels, and party lines in rural Pennsylvania. When she’s not planning her next LANC event or working on her upcoming book, Jamie is a dedicated mother of two and works in higher education admissions.
Joyce Fu, International Business Development

Joyce Fu has spent her post-collegiate career living and breathing the world of professional sports. A dedicated young athlete who excelled on the field and in the pool, Joyce’s path into the fast-paced world of multi-million dollar contracts, collective bargaining agreements, and front page headlines began with an internship with the Pittsburgh Steelers and has taken her all the way to the big leagues as part of the International Business Development team at Major League Baseball (MLB) headquarters. When she’s not promoting events for the MLB across the globe, Joyce is navigating motherhood in the Big Apple and journeying back to Pittsburgh to visit family and friends. An Ellis girl from kindergarten to grade 8, Joyce shares how she got started in professional sports, what it’s like working behind the scenes, and her favorite Steel City team.
Lauren BYRNE Connelly ’02, Economic Development

Lauren BYRNE Connelly ’02 has dedicated her professional life to building better communities in her hometown of Pittsburgh. As the Business Development Manager at Allegheny County Department of Economic Development, Lauren oversees grant programs, community development programs, and works with local businesses to assist with training, financing, and real estate decisions. Prior to working for the county, Lauren was the Executive Director of Lawrenceville United where she worked with residents through the neighborhood’s resurgence to ensure they were empowered as stakeholders in the midst of heightened growth and development. As she celebrates her fifteenth reunion, Lauren shares how she lives the Ellis motto, Esse Quam Videri, to this day and offers advice to the next generation of Ellis girls.
Marsha BROWN, Ph.D. ’97, Psychologist

Marsha BROWN, Ph.D. ’97 is a licensed psychologist with specializations in forensic and clinical psychology in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. An avid reader of true crime novels since she was nine years old, Marsha’s interest in human behavior and how it is related to crime began young and grew with age. After receiving a theater degree from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Marsha dabbled in different fields before deciding to attend graduate school and eventually pursue her Ph.D. in psychology. In her work as a forensic psychologist, Marsha conducts psychological evaluations to assess, address, and diagnose mental disorders in clinical and forensic settings. A proud Ellis alumna celebrating her twentieth reunion this year, Marsha shares lessons she’s learned from her career, her best Ellis memories, and her advice for young women entering the workplace.
Marina LORENZINI ’12, International Affairs

After graduating from Ellis, Marina LORENZINI ’12 carried her passions and her suitcases across the Atlantic to attend college in Lugano, Switzerland. Marina was inspired by Ellis’ art history programming and global focus so much that she chose to study Modern and Contemporary Visual Art, Ancient and Medieval Mediterranean History, International Antiquities Law, and four languages: Italian, Latin, Arabic, and German at Franklin University Switzerland. After receiving her degree, Marina moved to Morocco to work for Al Akhawayn University where she prepared the university for American institutional accreditation. Now that she’s back in the States, Marina is working at the American Middle East Institute in Pittsburgh to develop international trade and development relations between the U.S. and the Middle East and North African Region. Committed to causes in Pittsburgh and across the globe, Marina shares more about her time overseas and her time at Ellis.
Julie STRICKLAND-Gilliard ’02, Global Development

A dedicated change agent in the city of Pittsburgh, Julie STRICKLAND-Gilliard ’02 is a community program manager at Global Links, a medical relief and development organization committed to supporting health initiatives and environmental stewardship in Pittsburgh and within the healthcare system. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Proud Haven, a nonprofit that provides support for homeless LGBTQ+ youth, and Pittsburgh Cares, a nonprofit that promotes volunteerism via flexible service projects in the region. A busy mom of four who works tirelessly to better her community and those around her, Julie shares how Ellis alumnae have supported her throughout the years, her best Ellis memory, and her advice to young women in the workplace.

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Alumnae In The News

Becca SUFRIN '10
Food Heroes Podcast | July 15, 2019
Brittany ELLIS '15
The Harvard Gazette | May 19, 2019
Jamie Beth COHEN Schindler ’93
Lancaster Online | May 5, 2019

Time \| Location	Invitees	Event \| Description
9:30–11:00 a.m. Fred C. Babcock Library	Open to all classes	Welcome Reception Join fellow alumnae and Head of School Macon Finley in Ellis’ new multi-purpose library space for coffee and breakfast (or shall we call it snack…) to start your day!
10:00–11:00 a.m. Meet in Fred C. Babcock Library	Open to all classes	Welcome Back Campus Tour Find out what has changed, and what has stayed the same, since graduation as you walk through the halls of your alma mater. Led by a Touring Tiger (current Ellis Student), hear firsthand what it’s like to be an Ellis girl circa 2019!
10:30–11:00 a.m. Fred C. Babcock Library	Open to all classes	Ellis on the Move: A Strategic Vision for the Future of The Ellis School The Ellis School has evolved in dynamic ways over the past 100 years, but we have maintained our fierce focus on being a place for girls. Join Head of School Macon Finley as she shares how the School's strategic visioning process has deepened the School's commitment to its existing values and inspired a dynamic, ambitious, and clear directive for the coming years.
10:00–10:45 a.m. Lower School, Room 103	Open to all classes, limited to 12 alumnae	Grade 1 Interviews Bridge the gap between the past and present for the next generation by joining grade 1 for alumnae interviews. Share what Ellis was like during your years in the uniform as you flip through yearbooks and old photos with grade 1 students!
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Auditorium	Open to all classes	Career Panel Featuring Ellis Alumnae Watch as alumnae share their professional experiences, answer questions from current Upper and Middle School students, and reflect on how Ellis influenced their career paths.
12:00–1:45 p.m. Location TBD	Open to all classes	All Alumnae Lunch All alumnae are invited to join us for lunch. Enjoy a performance by the Glee Club and the presentation of the 2019 Sara Frazer Ellis Award to Sally RIAL Phelps ’58.
2:00–2:30 p.m. Courtyard	Open to all classes	Class Photos Transport yourself back to Picture Day—this time, sans braces—and pose for a group photo with your classmates. Cheese! (Please note, the 50th Reunion photo will take place earlier so they can meet with their Grade 4 Pen Pals).
2:00–2:45 p.m. Lower School, Room 201	Class of 1969 only	Grade 4 Pen Pals What’s it like to be an Ellis girl today vs. an Ellis girl five decades ago? The Class of 1969 will find out when they meet their rambunctious, spirited, and silly pen pals from the Class of 2028!
2:30–3:15 p.m Fine Arts Building	Open to all classes	Discover The Foundry What’s the buzz around makerspaces and what is Ellis doing to grow our programming? Come learn all about The Foundry, our modern workshop devoted to Maker Education and STEAM––science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. It is the only all-girls, student-run digital fabrication classroom in the region. Ellis faculty will demonstrate some of the fantastic tools available in The Foundry and discuss how they implement them in their courses.
2:30–3:15 p.m. Meet in Benjamin R. Fisher Gallery	Open to all classes	Welcome Back Campus Tour Find out what has changed, and what has stayed the same, since graduation as you walk through the halls of your alma mater. Led by a Touring Tiger (current Ellis Student), hear firsthand what it’s like to be an Ellis girl circa 2019!
3:30–5:00 pm Auditorium	Open to all classes	Lecture on Pittsburgh’s Historic Bridges Embrace your love of learning with this educational and entertaining lecture on Pittsburgh’s first bridges with Richard Wertheimer, Ed.D. He will cover the first three bridges in Pittsburgh: 6th Street, Smithfield, and the PA Canal Aqueduct. With a fascinating story for each bridge, we’ll learn how they were integral to the growth of Pittsburgh, especially during the Industrial Revolution.
Evening	All classes	Individual Activities Please contact your Class Reunion Representative for more information. Please reference the Reunion webpage for a list of Reunion Representatives.

Time \| Location	Invitees	Event \| Description
9:30–11:00 a.m. Fred C. Babcock Library	Open to all classes and their families	Coffee and Pastries It’s a family-friendly Saturday at Ellis! Join us for coffee and pastries Saturday morning after you walk Mellon Park or stroll the streets of Shadyside.
10:30–11:00 Fred C. Babcock Library	Open to all classes	Ellis on the Move: A Strategic Vision for the Future of The Ellis School The Ellis School has evolved in dynamic ways over the past 100 years, but we have maintained our fierce focus on being a place for girls. Join Head of School Macon Finley as she shares how the School's strategic visioning process has deepened the School's commitment to its existing values and inspired a dynamic, ambitious, and clear directive for the coming years.
10:00–12:00 p.m. Fine Art Buildings	Open to all classes and their families	Art Workshops with Fine Arts Faculty and Middle School Students Revisit your days in the Fine Arts Studios and reawaken your creative side during Art Workshops (including painting on silk scarves and bookbinding) led by Fine Arts faculty and Middle School students. Create and make alongside your family and friends as you reminisce about your days on campus.
12:00–2:00 p.m. Ellis Athletic Field	Open to all classes and their families	Tailgate Lunch Grab a burger or hot dog and enjoy lunch outside before the Tigers take the field. Family-friendly activities will be available in the area around the field.
12:00–1:00 p.m. Arbuthnot House	Open to all classes and their families	Welcome Back Campus Tour Is your 1999 cast photo from the Upper School musical still hanging on the wall outside the Auditorium? Does the Oedipus statue have a new home? Find out on our last campus tour of the weekend.
1:00 p.m. Ellis Athletic Field	Open to all classes and their families	Ellis Field Hockey Game Come cheer on the fantastic Ellis Field Hockey Team as they battle it out on the field against Peters Township!
6:00–8:30 p.m. Alumnae Hall	Open to all classes and a guest	Alumnae Reception Toast to a fabulous Reunion Weekend alongside fellow Ellis women, faculty members, and trustees at our Alumnae Reception on Saturday night. Heavy appetizers and drinks will be served, and alumnae are welcome to bring a guest.

Time \| Location	Invitees	Event \| Description
1:00–3:00 p.m. Carnegie Museum of Art 4400 Forbes Avenue	Open to all classes and a guest	Tour the Carnegie Museum of Art with Ellis Students Join Performing Arts Department Chair and Visual Arts Teacher Sara Sturdevant as she leads alumnae on a tour of the Carnegie Museum of Art alongside current Ellis students. A limited number of complimentary tickets will be provided, registration required.

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Reunion

Ellis Reunion Weekend October 11–13

Friday, October 11, 2019

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Saturday, October 12, 2019

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Sunday, October 13, 2019

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Reunion Information

Frequently Asked Questions

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Award Recipients

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Alumnae Career Panelists

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Class Representatives

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