Reunion Weekend | The Ellis School

Ellis Reunion Weekend October 12–14

Join us as we celebrate classes ending in 3’s and 8’s at Reunion Weekend on October 12–14, 2018. This year, we’re changing things up with three fun-filled days of activities and events that include longstanding Ellis traditions like the presentation of the Sara Frazer Ellis award and new 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 2018.

ALL ALUMNAE ARE WELCOME

Frequently Asked Questions

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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 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.
Can I bring my significant other/family to events?

On Friday, alumnae are welcome to bring a guest to the evening reception. All Saturday events except for the Book Club Discussion are open to alumnae families. Sunday on-campus events are for alumnae and a guest.
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, Kelly’s, 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!
Are there any other events going on around Pittsburgh this weekend?

TBA

How do I find out about individual class events?

Please contact your class representative for Saturday night events.

Class of 1958:	Sally RIAL Phelps Susan HIGINBOTHAM Holcombe
Class of 1968:	Carly REED Carstens '02
Class of 1973:	Peggy MATHIESON Conver
Class of 1978:	Andrea MCCLUNG Davison
Class of 1983:	Lauren A. THOMPSON
Class of 1988:	Morgen KELLY
Class of 1993:	Emma COAX Gil
Class of 1998:	Moira MCGINLEY Whitney OKONAK Sunday Abby WILSON
Class of 2003:	Julie CUTRUZZULA Beil
Class of 2008:	Alessandra HARTKOPF Molly SCHNEIDER
Class of 2013:	Anna THOMAS

For questions about your class representative's contact information, contact Carly REED Carstens '02 at reedc@theellisschool.org.

Award Recipients

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Athletics Hall of Fame

Julianne CUTRUZZULA Beil '03

Julianne was a four-year varsity lacrosse player, four-year basketball player, and three-year field hockey player. Julianne served as Captain of the lacrosse team her junior & senior years and was a member of the first-ever Ellis basketball team to reach the playoffs.

After graduating from Ellis, Julianne attended Franklin and Marshall College where she was a member of the Women's Lacrosse Team which won the 2007 NCAA National Championship. Her junior year, she volunteered to serve as the backup goalie for the team and helped the team earn a crucial victory against a ranked team, helping to position the team for a high seed in the NCAA tournament where it advanced to the elite eight round. Her senior year she received the team sportsmanship award for her dedication to the team and the sport.

In addition to her time on the field as a player, Julianne coached lacrosse at Lancaster Country Day School in Lancaster, PA and at Flint Hill School in Oakton, Virginia.

Dorothy (Didi) WITHEROW Dean '78

Didi’s love of sports has always been a part of her life. When her three children were young, you could expect Didi to always volunteer as coach, whether it was softball, baseball, lacrosse, field hockey or basketball. Didi’s love of coaching started with her husband, when they coached their son’s youth baseball team together. She was a member of the youth athletic board in her area for years, part of a committee that started a field hockey program for her CYO, and a guiding force in starting the lacrosse program at her daughter’s high school. A true success, the lacrosse program began as a club team and quickly evolved into a varsity sport offering. Today, the program is thriving. Mrs. Vasser and Ellis fostered Didi’s love for sports and coaching. Didi was a member of the varsity field hockey, varsity basketball, and the first lacrosse team at Ellis remembering fondly only playing one other lacrosse team—Sewickley. She retired from coaching in January 2018 after coaching high school lacrosse and field hockey in the Cheltenham School District for 13 years.
Sara Frazer Ellis Award

Peggy MATHIESON Conver ’73

A graduate of the Class of 1973, Peggy MATHIESON Conver is the Chief Financial Officer at Fresh Artists and recently served as the Interim Director of Finance & Operations at The Ellis School for part of the 2016–2017 school year. Before that, Peggy served as a CPA and as the Business Manager at the Chestnut Hill Academy, a prominent K-12 independent school for boys in Philadelphia. She is also a former Ellis trustee and served on the Board from 2009 to 2016. Peggy has a B.S. in Business Administration from Bucknell University and is a stalwart supporter of single-sex education. Peggy is married to David W. Conver, a lawyer with Dischell Bartle Dooley law offices, and together they have an adult daughter, Caroline “C.C.” Conver.

Alumnae Career Panelists

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Jamie Beth COHEN '93

Jamie Beth Cohen is a writer, storyteller, and community organizer who works in higher education. She writes about difficult things, but her friends think she’s funny. Her writing has appeared in TeenVogue.com, The Washington Post/On Parenting, Salon, and several other outlets. Her debut novel, WASTED PRETTY, a coming-of-age story about what happens when a girl who is used to blending in, starts to stick out, will be published by Black Rose Writing in April 2019.
Dr. Dara HALL Mendez '98

Dr. Dara HALL Mendez ‘98 is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Epidemiology and Behavioral and Community Health Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. She is a social and perinatal epidemiologist who applies a variety of methods and approaches in her research related to the complex intersections between stress, racism, neighborhoods and contexts as key in understanding racial/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 , she serves as an executive member and research lead of the Infant Mortality Collaborative for Allegheny County and Advisory Board Member for Women Engaged, an organization dedicated to improving women’s health and advancing reproductive justice. Dara received her Ph.D. and M.P.H. in Maternal and Child Health and Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill and her B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology pre-med from Spelman College. She has three creative and busy children, Cairen, Adrah, and Leilani, and her partner is Dr. Jason C. Mendez, artist-scholar who conducts work in education equity.
Ginnae HARLEY '88
Susan HIGINBOTHAM Holcombe '58

Susan HIGINBOTHAM Holcombe ‘58 is a professor emerita at Brandeis University. She taught a range of courses in the MA Program in Sustainable International Development at the Heller School at Brandeis. She is a former program director for Oxfam America and has served in program management positions with UNFPA, UNIFEM, and UNICEF in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Fiji, Sudan and China as well as in the New York headquarters. She is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College, earned a Master’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh and a Ph.D. at New York University. She has published Managing to Empower about the management of Grameen Bank and Endogenous Development in Africa. She is co-editor of a forthcoming book that argues for new approaches to international development and sustainability.
Katerina ISTOMIN '03

Lauded for her “special artistry,” Russian-American violist Katerina Istomin continues to establish herself as an international performer and educator. As principal of the Juilliard orchestra and the New World Symphony, Katerina has performed under notable conductors such as Michael Tilson-Thomas, Manfred Honeck, and John Adams. As a soloist and ensemble musician, Ms. Istomin has toured throughout North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Recognized for her powerful effect on young musicians, Ms. Istomin has developed a commitment to bringing music to underserved areas through music education and community outreach. She 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. Katerina earned her Bachelor’s of Music degree from The Juilliard School and her Master of Music degree from the University of Montreal and the Hochschule fur Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Vienna, Austria. Katerina is currently pursuing a Doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology at Carlow University with an emphasis on Pediatric Neuropsychology and Family Therapy. Dedicated to holistic wellness on and off the stage, Katerina is also a certified yoga instructor.
Kate Schüler-WALSH '08

Kate Schüler-WALSH’s (08) interests and experience lie at the nexus between national security and cultural affairs. After graduating Ellis in 2008, Kate attended undergrad at the University of St Andrews in Scotland where she obtained dual degrees in Social Anthropology and Arabic. She then moved to Amman, Jordan, where volunteered with Syrian refugees and worked at an NGO focused on community empowerment and sustainable economic growth. Prior to attending graduate school, Kate worked as a researcher on Middle Eastern security issues at a DC-based think tank and supported the implementation of USG programming in conflict zones. Kate received a Masters Degree in Security Studies (with honors) from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service where she concentrated in terrorism and sub-state violence. After receiving her MA, Kate worked at a technology firm where she developed analytical approaches for identifying illicit activity on the deep web. Currently, 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.

Class Representatives

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Class of 1958

Sally RIAL Phelps

Susan HIGINBOTHAM Holcombe
Class of 1968

Carly REED Carstens '02
Class of 1973

Peggy MATHIESON Conver
Class of 1978

Andrea MCCLUNG Davison
Class of 1983

Lauren A. THOMPSON
Class of 1988

Morgen KELLY
Class of 1993

Emma COAX Gil
Class of 1998

Moira MCGINLEY

Whitney OKONAK Sunday

Abby WILSON
Class of 2003

Julie CUTRUZZULA Beil
Class of 2008

Alessandra HARTKOPF

Molly SCHNEIDER
Class of 2013

Anna THOMAS

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 say 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

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.
Jennifer L. CARTER, Psy.D. ’92, Psychologist

Jennifer L. CARTER, Psy.D. ’92 is a licensed clinical psychologist who knew from the time she was in the fourth grade that she wanted to work with people. With plans to become a psychiatrist, Jennifer majored in pre-med at The College of William & Mary before ultimately realizing that psychiatric care was not the career for her. So she switched gears and pursued graduate and doctorate degrees in psychology. Dedicated to helping people through their mental, emotional, and behavioral issues, Jennifer spends her days talking to people, listening to their stories, and understanding their lives at her private practice in Frederick, Maryland. Attending Ellis for her Upper School years, Jennifer shares her advice for young women in the workplace and reflects on how Ellis shaped her path.
Ann CANCILLA Gaudino, Ed.D. ’85, Professor

An Ellis lifer, Ann CANCILLA Gaudino, Ed.D. ’85 is the true definition of a lifelong learner. After graduation, Ann received her doctorate degree in Education Administration and Policy Studies from the University of Pittsburgh, a Specialist degree in Education Administration from Wayne State University, and Master and Bachelor degrees in Music from the University of Michigan. Currently an associate professor at Millersville University, Ann teaches graduate and doctoral courses in education and education leadership to the next generation of teachers and administrators. When she’s not in the classroom, Ann is the founder and editor of the Excellence in Education Journal, an online journal that promotes and circulates scholarly educational writings in a public forum with no fee. Dedicated to supporting teachers and students across the world, Ann’s commitment to transforming lives through education is inspiring, and for her—it all began at Ellis.
Bonnie WEST ’09, Artist

Bonnie WEST ’09 lives her life in technicolor. A dedicated painter and self-proclaimed life artist, Bonnie studied studio art, art history, and museum studies at Chatham University, where she was part of the last all-girls cohort in the school’s history. Armed with a vision and a paintbrush, Bonnie interprets her life experiences via colors on canvas. Her dedication to art is evident, as she works to juggle the creative and business sides of her craft, with her job as the Assistant Curator at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg, PA. With a go-getter attitude and signature Ellis girl hustle, Bonnie reflects on her art, her future, and how they’re both a work in progress.
Jo LANG Kim, Ph.D. ’90, Perinatal Health Director

Dr. Jo LANG Kim ’90 has been a champion, advocate, and an ally for pregnant and postpartum women’s mental health for nearly 15 years. Determined to destigmatize mood disorders and prevent women from suffering in silence, Jo leads the nation’s only professionally-staffed 24/7 crisis line for perinatal and postpartum women at NorthShore University HealthSystem in Evanston, Illinois. She also oversees a perinatal depression screening program, sits on the board of a non-profit, Beyond the Baby Blues, which provides access to free support groups for struggling women, teaches medical students at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, and partners with leaders in the field to research and identify new ways to treat perinatal mood disorders. An Ellis alumna from the Class of 1990, Jo reflects on her commitment to helping women through their darkest hours and offers advice for the next generation of Ellis girls.
Colleen DAILY Simonds '95, Interior Designer

Colleen DAILY Simonds is a Class of 1995 alumna and Ellis Board of Trustees member who recently moved back to the Steel City after thirteen years in the Big Apple. Following graduation from Duke University, Colleen pursued a career in merchandising which led her to positions at retail powerhouses, Gap Inc. and J.Crew. After seven years at J.Crew where she ultimately ended up running their wedding and womenswear divisions, she took a leap of faith and started her own interior design business. Now that she’s back in Pittsburgh for good, Colleen is figuring out what’s next for her business, while juggling life with two kids and overseeing the renovations and design of her family’s new Shadyside home.
Sage LINCOLN '12, Student

Whether she’s fighting for fossil fuel divestment, completing community-based research for the Honor’s College, or overhauling housing recycling programs, Sage LINCOLN ‘12 is a changemaker and trailblazer at the University of Pittsburgh. A fifth-year student triple-majoring in Ecology and Evolution, Environmental Geology, and Urban Studies, Sage’s involvement in environmental activism on and off campus is highly impressive and noteworthy to everyone around her. She has received multiple scholarships during her academic career, including Ellis’ own Arbuthnot Award, the prestigious Udall Undergraduate Scholarship, and the Vira I. Heinz Scholarship. Motivated and driven by the connection between environmental and social issues, Sage shares how Ellis prepared her to succeed and explore her passions in college and beyond.
Heidi HOLZAPFEL '97, Entrepreneur

For as long as she can remember, Heidi HOLZAPFEL ‘97 knew she wanted to someday be her own boss. The daughter of a local business owner and an Ellis girl through Middle and Upper School, Heidi’s entrepreneurial spark was ignited at Ellis, propelled her forward to get an M.B.A., and most recently, motivated her to open her own business. Fusing together her love of dogs and her passion for entrepreneurship, Heidi opened the Soggy Doggy Shop, a pet self-wash and grooming boutique, this past December in Wexford, PA. With hopes to create partnerships with local animal rescues and someday open a second location, Heidi is determined to grow her business and be an advocate for animal rescue in the Pittsburgh area.

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Alumnae In The News

Time \| Location	Invitees	Event \| Description
9:30–11:00 a.m. Arbuthnot House	Open to all classes	Meet and Greet with Head of School Macon Finley Join fellow alumnae and Head of School Macon Finley in Arbuthnot House for coffee and breakfast (or shall we call it snack…) to start your day! Skip the Starbucks line and stop in to catch up with old classmates and mingle with Macon before you explore your old stomping grounds.
10:00–11:00 a.m. Meet in Lobby of Arbuthnot House	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 an Upper School student, hear firsthand what it’s like to be an Ellis girl circa 2018 and learn more about the latest programs and happenings at Ellis!
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 students, and reflect on how Ellis informed their career paths.
12:00–1:25 p.m. Alumnae Hall	Open to all classes	All Alumnae Lunch All alumnae are invited to join us for lunch, enjoy a performance by the Glee Club, and watch the presentation of the 2018 Sara Frazier Ellis award to Peggy MATHIESON Conver '73.
1:30–2:00 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!
2:00–2:45 p.m. Lower School, Room 201	Class of 1968 only	Grade 4 Grade Pen Pals What’s it like to be an Ellis girl today vs. an Ellis girl five decades ago? The Class of 1968 will find out when they meet their rambunctious, spirited, and silly pen pals from the Class of 2027!
2:00–2:45 p.m Lower School, Room 103	Open to all classes Limited to 12 people	Grade 1 Interviews One of the many things that makes Ellis such a special place is the sisterhood that forms between Ellisians across generations. Help bridge the gap between the past and present for the next generation by joining the first grade for alumnae interviews. Share what Ellis was like during your years in the plaid as you flip through yearbooks and old photos with grade 1!
2:00–3:00 p.m TBD	Open to all classes Limited to 20 people	Computer Science 101 with Michele Lombardi Did you know that Ellis girls are programming robots, building their own iOS apps, and joining the national Girls Who Code movement on campus today? Learn more about our innovative STEM curriculum from Computer Science Teacher Michele Lombardi’s very own, alumnae-centered crash course, Computer Science 101!
3:00–4:00 p.m. Meet in Benjamin R. Fisher Gallery	Open to all classes	Welcome Back Campus Tour Led by Director of Development and Alumnae Engagement Carly REED Carstens '02, get the inside scoop on all things Ellis today from this lifer turned staffer! (And the answer is yes, she does sometimes partake in teacher snack!)
5:30–8:00 p.m. Alumnae Hall	Open to all classes	Alumnae Reception Toast to a fabulous Reunion Weekend alongside fellow Ellis women, faculty members, and trustees at our Alumnae Reception on Friday night. Heavy appetizers and drinks will be served and alumnae are welcome to bring a guest.

Time \| Location	Invitees	Event \| Description
9:30–11:00 a.m. Benjamin R. Fisher Gallery	Open to all classes and their families	Coffee and Pastries It’s a family-friendly Saturday at Ellis! Join us for coffee & pastries Saturday morning after you walk Mellon Park or stroll the streets of Shadyside.
10:00–12:00 p.m. Fine Art Buildings	Open to all classes and their families	Art Workshop with Fine Arts Faculty Revisit your days in the studio and reawaken your creative side during the Art Workshop led by Fine Arts faculty. Create and make alongside your family as your reminisce about your days on campus.
12:00–1:30 p.m. Athletic Field Parking Lot	Open to all classes and their families	Tailgate Lunch Order up! Enjoy lunch outside before the Tigers take the field.
12:00–1:00 p.m. Arbuthnot House	Open to all classes and their families	Welcome Back Campus Tour Is your 1998 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	Field Hockey Game Come cheer on the reigning WPIAL champs, the Ellis Field Hockey Team, as they battle it out on the field. The Tigers are on the prowl as they pursue their fifth consecutive WPIAL championship!
3:00–4:00 p.m. Fred C. Babcock Library	Open to all classes	Alumnae Book Club Discussion Dr. Anna Redcay, Head of the English Department, will lead a discussion on Swing Time by Zadie Smith, a new addition to the senior required reading list. Alumnae are invited to read the book ahead of Reunion Weekend in preparation for the new Alumnae Book Club!
Evening		Individual Activities Please contact your Class Reunion Representative for more information.

Time \| Location	Invitees	Event \| Description
9:00–11:00 a.m. Outside the Paw Shop	Open to all classes	Coffee and Pastries Fuel up for the day ahead and have a cuppa on us before you check-out.
10:00–11:00 a.m. Janet’s Gym	Open to all classes Adults-only	Yoga Find your zen and stretch it out at Sunday morning yoga. Bring your own mat if possible, a limited number will be available. Namaste!
1:00–3:00 p.m. Carnegie Museum of Art	Open to all classes	Carnegie International 57th Edition Exhibit Tour Join Performing Arts Department Chair & Visual Arts Teacher Sara Sturdevant as she leads alumnae on a tour of the Carnegie International 57th exhibit alongside a current Ellis student. A limited number of complimentary tickets will be provided, registration required. For more information, click here.

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Ellis Reunion Weekend October 12–14

Friday, October 12, 2018

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Saturday, October 13, 2018

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Sunday, October 14, 2018

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Reunion Information

Frequently Asked Questions

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Alumnae Career Panelists

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Class Representatives

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