Greetings from campus!
The Countdown is On! And we are looking forward to all the traditions that signify the end of the academic year. With Commencement one month away and Reunion not long after, we are looking forward to welcoming so many of you back to campus to celebrate together. Scroll down to find out about new administrative appointments, upcoming alumni events, and our plans to cap off our 50th year of co-education. Read all the way to the end to find out how you can help us celebrate the retirement of two faculty who've had a huge influence on our community for the past 40 years!
Jill Stern, Director of Alumni Engagement
Notes from Campus
Congratulations to Kim Evelti Polin, recently named as Academic Dean. Polin will take over for Greg Tuleja, who has held the post since 1990, upon his retirement in July. The months-long selection process attracted scores of applicants from around the nation. Polin, who began at Williston in 2007 and has held the position of Director of Curriculum since 2016, stood out for her comprehensive knowledge of not just Williston’s academic program but of the broader educational landscape in which we operate. Read more about her work here.
Why Not Speak Day, our annual program devoted to celebrating the diversity of our community kicked off on the evening of April 11 with Asian Market Night outside Reed (see photos of all the fun), and a screening of the Oscar-winning film CODA. The day started with community connection activities by class and assembly with speaker Eboné Bell, who, following her talk, led discussions with each advisory. The day ended with an all-community outdoor celebration.
Read all about it! The Willistonian reporters have been busy this semester, filing stories on the latest news from on-campus and the world. Catch up online.
Spotlight on: Stephen O'Connor '85 and Tom Waidlich '05
Frequent flyers on American Airlines, if you catch a glimpse of your pilot—you might just see a Wildcat! Last summer, two American Airlines pilots met at the gate at Newark International Airport, just as they were about to board a two-day flight together. What ensued was one of the best "small world" stories we've heard in a while!
Spotlight on: 50 for the next 50
Help us identify exceptional women for “50 for the Next 50”
As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of co-education at Williston Northampton, we reflect on many ways in which alumnae of Northampton School for Girls and Williston Northampton School have supported and strengthened today’s school. We are proud of their achievements, and grateful for their loyalty. Our upcoming “50 for the Next 50” initiative will recognize 50 women who continue to build on the success and momentum of the first five decades of women to graduate from Williston Northampton School. Please help us to recognize noteworthy women by submitting your nominations to the selection committee co-chaired by Assistant Head of School Ann Pickrell and Dean of Faculty Corie Fogg ’99.
Alumni Events
Class of 2020: the faculty and the alumni office are excited to welcome you back to campus on Sunday June 4! From exclusive shopping hours in the campus store, to a lunch time feast with a special faculty speaker, to plenty of time to hang out in the Adirondack chairs, play spikeball, and enjoy some Mt. Tom's ice cream— you won't want to miss this day dedicated to you! See who's coming and register here.
We are counting down the weeks! Reunion 2022 is less than 8 weeks away and we've added new information to the schedule! Join us in celebrating the classes of the 2s and 7s, and the first co-ed class to graduate from the Williston Northampton School. Check out who has already registered, see who will be honored at our Alumni Awards and inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame, and register online—all at the Reunion website.
It was an epic road trip! From Scottsdale to Tucson to Santa Monica to DC. The alumni office and staff were on the road and delighted to have a chance to meet with so many alumni. Before we welcome you all back here to campus, there's one more chance to gather in San Francisco. Join alumni and friends at Arion Press in the Presidio for a tour of the current exhibit hosted by curator Tamsin Smith '84, P'22. Register online at the Alumni Events page.
Wondering how the Williston Northampton professional network works? Read this story of a Wildcat connection with career-enhancing results. Next, search our alumni LinkedIn or join WillistonConnects to find alumni who share your professional and personal interests. On WillistonConnects, members of the community are ready and willing to offer advice and perspective no matter where you are in your career journey. And with over 1000 members and growing, the Williston Alumni and Alumni of Color LinkedIn Groups are your go-to resources for professional contacts. Tap into the power of your Wildcat Networks!
Honoring Ann Pickrell and Greg Tuleja
Help us celebrate!!
This June, after 79 years of combined service to Williston, Ann Pickrell will retire as Assistant Head of School, and Greg Tuleja as Academic Dean. Together, they have served as advisors, coaches, dorm parents, ambassadors, and mentors, and have committed their lives to the mission of the school. On this web page, you’ll find ways to celebrate their contributions; share your stories or send a message of congratulations, join us for an event on campus, and make a gift in Ann or Greg’s honor.