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Living the Words of Wellesley Many of the individuals who have been celebrated as "Person of the Week" have been recognized for lives that exemplified the Wellesley motto, Non Ministrari, sed Ministrare, "not to be ministered unto, but to minister". The "Person of the Week" this week is no exception. She was born between the end of the American Civil War and the late 1970s. She is, or was, a teacher, mother, doctor, lawyer, author, artist, community activist, politician, graduate student, journalist, musician, researcher, environmentalist, museum curator, peace activist, small business owner, and corporate CEO, among other things. At some point she attended her 60th Reunion - or she may still have the echoes of her recent commencement speech ringing in her ears. She, of course, is not a single individual, but rather a group - in particular, that group of alumnae who give of their time and energy for the benefit of Wellesley College. Alumnae support the College in many valuable ways. Many provide incredibly generous financial support to the institution - support that enables the construction of new facilities, the maintenance and expansion of the financial-aid program, the purchase of new scientific instrumentation, and the continued ability to offer an education that costs far more than any student pays - while others, those being recognized this week, give of that other invaluable commodity, their time. This gift of time takes many forms. Some individuals and groups provide students with career counseling and an "old (and young) girls network" for professional connections. Others provide internship opportunities in a variety of fields. Of particular importance to the continuing strength of the College is the role that alumnae play in the admissions process. Members of Wellesley clubs around the world are active in helping the College identify and recruit outstanding students. They participate in local college fairs, open their homes to prospective students and their families, and conduct interviews with students who may or may not have the opportunity to visit the campus. They work with school counselors to identify highly qualified students and greatly contribute to the College's effort to diversify the student body. In many cases these alumnae are the first point of contact between a prospective student and the College. They frequently provide interested - or at least curious - students with the first answer to the question, "What is it like to go to a women's college?" Participation in admissions activities is just one way that an impressive number of alumnae maintain long-term connections with the College. Many find ways, whether in the scope of formal programs or personal relationships, to strengthen the links among fellow alumnae and between individuals and the College. A new ongoing volunteer opportunity, the Alumnae Association's annual "Day to Make a Difference," provides a way for alumnae groups to consistently connect their own community service to the College motto and the College. Wellesley College is a stronger place, and has an even more distinguished future as a result of the lasting involvement of her alumnae. We salute them collectively as the final Person of the Week. Written by Flick Coleman
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