Washington College Magazine
Council Leader Encourages Alumni To Remain Close To Alma Mater
As Assistant Head at Garrison Forest School in Baltimore, Lorraine Polvinale '69 encourages students to consider Washington College.
As the College administration works to develop its long-range strategic plan, Lorraine Polvinale '69, president of the Alumni Council, is central to discussions concerning alumni programming. Here, she shares her thoughts about the College, its leadership and its relationships with alumni.
You give quite a bit of time to the College. How did you first get involved, and why do you volunteer?
My interest in Washington College never waned. Over the years I faithfully followed news about my classmates, campus improvements and the administration. The bond grew deeper when my daughter, Cristina '98, attended and graduated from WC. [Then Director of Alumni Relations] Trams Hollingsworth '75, noticing how happy I was to be back on campus, asked me to serve as a Decade member on the Alumni Council. I believe that volunteering is something everyone should do and that giving time and energy is just as important as writing a check. As a former scholarship student at WC, I want to show my appreciation for all that the College gave me.
What exactly is the Alumni Council?
The Alumni Council is the governing body of the Alumni Association—which automatically includes all graduates as well as those who have completed at least 32 credits at WC. The Council consists of the Executive Officers (the President, Vice-President and Secretary-Treasurer); Alumni Chapter Presidents; one member from each decade; seven Members at Large; Emeritus members; and one alumnus representative from the Board of Visitors and Governors. We meet four times a year. The Annual Alumni Association Meeting—open to all alumni of Washington College—is held on the Saturday morning of Reunion Weekend (May 20, 2006).
We fulfill two important roles: we recognize exemplary service and distinguished careers, and we nominate outstanding alumni for election to the Board of Visitors and Governors. (By charter, one-third of the Board is made up of alumni, and we help to build that talent pool.)
You've been a member of the Alumni Council since 2000. How has the Council changed in that time, and what is your vision for this board?
I think I may have changed as much as the Council has. At first my membership was a bit superficial. I attended meetings but didn't really understand the importance of our work. Sometime along the way, I began to listen more keenly and think more deeply about ways we could improve the College's relationship with its alumni. Valarie Sheppard '86 honored me with the vice presidency and I became Council President in 2004. Since 2000, we have had three Directors of Alumni Relations, each with her own style. Council Presidents serve for two years so we have also had multiple presidents. Susan Stobbart Shapiro '91 and Valarie Sheppard '86 were strong leaders, excellent role models for me.
Baird Tipson's inauguration as President gave me a sense of new possibilities for the College and the Council. How fortunate for the alumni—and for me as Council President—that he soon appointed Beth Herman as Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations. Beth understands the importance and needs of alumni; she is committed to helping us bring more graduates into meaningful work with each other and with students, faculty and staff. Our new leaders know that we need not only financial support from our graduates—but also their informed advocacy and involvement.
As recommended by the Strategic Plan, the College is evaluating existing alumni programs and surveying its graduates with an eye to designing an alumni relations program for the future. Can you tell me what you hope to get out of the review?
The Strategic Planning Committee deserves kudos for tireless and productive work. I am delighted that the College quickly responded to the Plan's recommendation that we survey our alumni and evaluate current alumni programs. We need to know what our 9,000 alumni want and expect from their alma mater. The College is our common thread. How can it nurture our lifelong relationships and help us continue to learn and grow throughout our lives? And how can we work together to make it ever stronger in a competitive marketplace?
Traditions are important to every College's identity. What are some College traditions you remember with fondness? Is there a tradition you would like to see re-established or a new tradition you'd like to start?
Working in a high school, I've learned that "traditions" can be things the school has done for 50 years—or just one. Any meaningful event can quickly become a "tradition" as long as it is repeated. Most of the traditions that I remember from Washington College are social events, and most of them no longer exist. However, one "tradition" that remains constant and is important to who we are—one I think we must continue to observe—is our celebration of George Washington, who gave us our identity and makes us unique. I am glad that we still have the Birthday Ball (though it is a very different event from when I was a student!) and that we as alumni honor George Washington with toast events around the country. Anything we can do to honor George Washington is a tradition worth preserving.
What are the most important ways that alumni can remain involved with and support the College, its students and faculty?
We're all unique people, and we live all over the world. Each of us has to decide how to connect to the College. Our alumni chapters are offering interesting events, and I'd like to see more alumni turn out for them. Reunion is our most important event each year, and I encourage all alumni to attend even when it is not your anniversary year. It's a great way to reconnect with the campus and with the people you knew way back when.
The best way to support the College, its students and faculty is to give to The Washington Fund. The cost of a college education is increasing. Tuition covers only a portion of the cost, and this was true when we attended the College, too. If we want our college to continue to be strong in academics, athletics and the arts, we must continue to support it financially. Some of us can afford to give more than others. Any gift is greatly appreciated and will go to good use. Wouldn't it be great to see 100% participation from Washington College alums? That would make some headlines!
We have new alumni every year who are just starting out. How can they remain involved with Washington College when they may not have a surplus of resources?
We have all been there. However, if it weren't for Washington College, we would not have the means that helped us get that first job. What is most important is that we give to Washington College every year—whatever amount we can spare. The percentage of alumni who give to their college is an important indicator of its quality. Just giving, whatever you can, says you believe in your school and want to see it continue to succeed in its mission to educate young people.
We always talk about what alumni can do for Washington College, but what can Washington College do for its alumni?
That's a good question and one that we hope our survey will help to answer. I personally believe that Washington College through its alumni chapters can offer educational, informational and fun events that give us the opportunity to meet other alums in our area, to reconnect with the College and to learn something new.
Why do you think alumni are important to WC?
Alumni ARE the College. We have one thing in common—we all used to be students at Washington College.
We will always be a part of the College—that never goes away—and it is my hope the College will be a part of our lives. The alumni are the best ambassadors the College can have.
From your perspective, what do you see as the single greatest challenge to WC over the next three years?
Meeting the recommendations of the Strategic Plan will be the greatest challenge.
Baird Tipson is a visionary leader; it will take all of us to help the College succeed in its quest to move from stability to true eminence. This is no small task. Even those of us who graduated only a few years ago can see how quickly technology is changing, how quickly the needs of students are changing, how quickly the world is changing.
Washington College will be challenged to keep up with the changing needs of students in the 21st century.
How important was your college experience to your career choice and personal life today?
I often thank Washington College for the liberal arts education it provided me. My four years at WC opened my eyes to the world of literature, history, philosophy, foreign language, science and music—things I never knew existed. I am Assistant Head of Garrison Forest School—an independent college preparatory school for girls—and Head of its Upper School. My career in education is based on the fact that I had a liberal arts background.
I never considered myself to be a smart person, but I do consider myself to be well-educated.
What advice do you give prospective students when they ask about the possibility of attending Washington College?
If you want to attend a college where the professors know you, care about you and teach you—if you want to get an education that will prepare you to thrive in the 21st century—go to Washington College.
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