Currently, 224 local alums are active members of WCAB. Yet like any club with membership dues, WCAB has at times been faced with the question of utility: how much bang will I get for my buck?
It’s a fair question. Allow us to suggest an easy answer! For the bargain price of $40, or $25 in annual dues for alumnae of the past ten years, WCAB offers plenty of opportunities for meeting, greeting and intellectual challenge.

Group Specific Programming: By emphasizing mentorship and active leadership, WCAB caters to a variety of professional, social and academic needs. Workshops and events for recent graduates, alana alumnae, Davis Scholars, mothers, and area lawyers are just a few
offered throughout the year.

Financial Support: At the end of the last fiscal year, half the club’s $21,262 in revenue came from membership dues. Those funds pay for newsletter mailings, subsidize the cost of wcab events, and support scholarship donations. At WCAB’s Oct. 1 reception, the Club donated $5,000 towards financial aid.

Networking and Connections: WCAB events allow alums to create strong local connections and explore area social events and cultural venues. There are opportunities to get back on campus, too. Just a sampling include Saturday campus interviews for prospective students, lecture events with local authors and Wellesley professors, the annual holiday and spring receptions, and Day to Make A Difference community service.

Of course, WCAB activities are open to all alumnae, whether you’re a member or not. But with all that we do already, think of the added possibilities as more of us get involved. As a member, you’ll be “in the loop,” get discounts on events, and perhaps most importantly, you’ll know that you’re supporting one of the best causes there is: Wellesley women! We hope you will consider joining WCAB—please do so via the enclosed envelope or visit www.wellesleyboston.org/wcabmembership.
Want to know the top ten Boston-area communities with the most alums? Check out the About WCAB webpage.

Ethos Alumnae, Students Talk Careers  by Aonya McCruiston ’10

    

For black students getting ready to take on fall finals, the Ethos Alumnae Panel and Networking Event, moderated by trustee and Home of Little Wanderers CEO Joan Wallace Benjamin ’75, was just what they needed for inspiration. During the panel, ten Boston-area alumnae shared their stories of difficulty, triumph, and perseverance with a packed Harambee House.
    With class years ranging from 1955 to 2005, the graduates held diverse perspectives of life at Wellesley. Lawyer Ruth Arlene Wood Howe ’55 said she was excited by how many black students now attend.
    “There’s so many more of you today,” said Wood. “There were never more than ten of us…. I’m encouraged that you have something like Harambee, that you have something like Ethos…. Relationships are built here.”
    The alums offered advice for getting through Wellesley and the years immediately after. They encouraged Ethos members to network and build relationships with professors. They also stressed the importance of taking time to relax and allowing yourself to study what you love.

    “I really value that I studied what I wanted to study. You never know when you’ll draw on the many different things that you study here,” said Harvard Business School student Charlotte Newman ’04. “What is important is striking a balance, not letting your pride and your ego get in the way of growing and learning” added attorney Azizah Yasin ’94.
    Some on the panel advised taking time off before pursuing higher degrees. “I think [law school] would’ve been so much better if I had had work experience and life experience,” said estate attorney Debra Drew DeVaughn ’74. Many assured students that being a Wellesley alum really does open doors to employment. Some explained how fellow alums helped them or secure positions. Callie Crossley ’73 attended the event and said she got her first job because of skills she learned at Wellesley.
    Ethos members seemed empowered by the testimonies. Many of approximately 30 who attended mustered up courage to network with the accomplished alumnae and ask more questions. Victoria Allison ’10 said, “From the moment I walked in the room I could feel the intense love of Ethos among the women and us. As a senior I am still deeply inspired by what they say and I can always use the advice they give.”

WCAB Oct. 1st Fall Reception - Kim Bottomly Thank You Letter to WCAB

Dear Boston-Area Alumna,

I understand you had a lovely reception on October 1st. Although I could not attend, I was pleased to open my home for this event. I received the beautiful plant you sent that now graces the piano. Thank you so much.

I also want to personally express my gratitude to you for the enthusiasm and dedication that you and your fellow club members extend to Wellesley. Your countless volunteer hours greatly impact our recruiting and admission efforts, and I appreciate your willingness to act as an ambassador for Wellesley. We are lucky to have you in our “backyard”! And with your generous donation to the WCAB scholarship fund, you continue to support our students.

Thank you for all you do to ensure Wellesley’s continuing excellence in preparing young women to make their way in the world.

With best wishes,
Kim