Honoring the Past and Engaging the Future

Author: Kristina Clark

Penn’s Association of Alumnae is proud to announce that 2012 marks their 100th Anniversary.

Founded in 1912, the Association of Alumnae works to strengthen the relationship between the University and its alumnae and to promote the interests and welfare of the University in areas of concern to women. They will kick off their 100th Anniversary celebration during Homecoming Weekend (October 27, 2012) with a tree dedication ceremony and reception at the Sweeten Alumni House. More information about these events will be forthcoming.

Sue Czarnecki is the Association of Alumnae Historian, and as part of their year-long celebration Sue will be bringing us some interesting stories about the Association and its alumnae.  Enjoy . .  .

The first officers of the Association of Alumnae were Pauline Wolcott Spencer, Sarah Pleis Miller, Jennie Ritner Beale, Zeta Berenice Cundey, Eleanor Fulton Karsner, and Elizabeth N. Woolman Pennock.  Of the six officers two were biologists, Sarah Miller and Eleanor Krasner, and one a chemist, Elizabeth Woolman Pennock. 

The Association of Alumnae held its first annual meeting on June 19, 1912, Commencement Day, at 3:00 PM in the Botanical Gardens.  The women graduates of the Class of 1912, Provost Dr. Edgar F. Smith, the Vice Provost, Deans and their families attended.  A Japanese comedy was presented and was followed by an informal reception.

On Wednesday, June 19, 2012 at 3:00 pm, Association of Alumnae officers and board members gathered at the Bio Pond — the same date, time and place as Penn alumnae gathered 100 years before them.  A wonderful way to kick off this momentous year-long celebration!

Association of Alumnae Officers and Board Members
Back Row (L-R): Linda Whaley, Susan Croll, Vivian Loewenstern, Janice Gian-Grasso, Nicole Maloy, Binnie Donald, Sue Czarnecki, Barbara Kardon, Debby Wolff.
Front Row (L-R): Tammy Khiew, Julie Diana Hench, Stephanie Yee, Mae Pasquariello

Bio Pond
University Archives, Calendar 1911