The Book Award program was developed to recognize
outstanding high school juniors, boys and girls who exemplify
the characteristics of Benjamin Franklin, the founder of the University.
The purpose of the award is two-fold: to heighten the profile
of the University within secondary schools, and to introduce the
exemplary student to the University. The awards are sponsored
either by the Association of Alumnae, the regional alumni clubs,
or may be privately underwritten by interested alumni.
By Laws
This committee serves to monitor and rewrite the
rules that govern the Association of Alumnae.
Coffee Hour
The women of the 50th reunion class are honored by
the Association on Saturday morning of Alumni Weekend. Each woman
receives a corsage and a certificate recognizing her 50th. Refreshments
are served, a program and entertainment are provided. This is
a unique opportunity for the women of the reunion class to have
their special time to reunite with their women classmates and
reminisce about their years at Penn and beyond.
Finance
This committee, chaired by the treasurer, handles
the accounting for the Association.
Fundraising
This committee identifies specific events each year for the Association to sponsor in order to raise funds for our projects. At present, the proceeds of the annual fundraiser helps support the Fisher-Bennett Hall renovation project as well as offers ongoing support to the endowment fund of the Rosemary
D. Mazzatenta Scholars Award as well as other programs of
the Association.
Membership
Nominating
This committee is usually, but not necessarily,
chaired by the immediate past president of the Association. Members
are appointed from among those Directors whose terms have expired.
The function of this committee is to present an annual slate of
officers and directors to the Board for their approval and to
identify future leaders of the Association of Alumnae.
Programs
This committee identifies,
invites, and introduces the dinner speakers for our Board meetings. Speakers are usually University-related and cover topics in their area(s) of expertise. Past speakers have included Al Filreis, Professor of English and Faculty Director of Kelly Writers House; Dr. Janice Fanning Madden, Director of Women's Studies at the Alice Paul Center for Research on Women and Gender, and a Professor of Regional Science, Sociology, Urban Studies and Real Estate; Dr. Robert F. Giegengack, Professor of Earth and Environmental Science and the Davidson Kennedy Professor; Elise Betz, Director of Penn Alumni and Penn Traditions; and photojournalist and author, Sharon Wohlmuth. Also Dr. Afaf Meleis, Dean of the School of Nursing, Carton Rogers, Vice Provost of Libraries, Maureen Rush, Vice President of Public Safety. In March 2007, the Association welcomed Claire Lomax, Esq., C'84, a newly elected Trustee and Co-Chair of the James Brister Society for an informal discussion about becoming a trustee. Claire also presented the video "Towards Inclusion: Diversity at Penn", an historical documentary which presents the story of diversity at Penn.
Public Relations
This committee serves to increase public awareness
of the Association and its activities.
The Association submits nominations annually for
the the Alumni
Award of Merit, presented by the Penn
Alumni, and the Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania Medal,
among others. Recent Association of Alumnae nominees who have
been selected include:
The Association also presents three special awards each Spring:
the Fathers'
Trophy, given to an outstanding senior woman student/athlete
selected by the Athletic Department coaches; the Continuing
Education Award selected by the Dean's Committee of the College
of General Studies; and the Rosemary
D. Mazzatenta Scholars Award, a monetary gift presented to
qualified sophomore or junior women.
