Maret Alumni Association

Wednesay, October 28, 2020

Dear Fellow Maret Alumni,

I hope this message finds you and your families safe and well; I write to share a few updates on the Maret community and current happenings on campus.
Maret began the school year delivering its academic program in its Continuity of Learning at Home model. Maret faculty worked hard throughout the summer and fall to implement a virtual learning program that is setting the standard amongst peer schools with a focus on excellence and connection with students. During this period, many students have also gathered on campus for community building and some athletic activities. As the School continues to assess the present situation daily and evaluate possible adjustments, it is rolling out its Hybrid model with all divisions back on campus by November 9. In preparation for onsite and virtual learning, the School has invested heavily to implement health and safety measures on campus, expand technology, and add additional staff. As Maret moves into its hybrid mode, comprehensive baseline testing of all faculty and students and ongoing safety measures will continue to be implemented.

The Alumni Council has also been busy. We had our first meeting of the 2020-21 year on Wednesday, September 30. We are excited to launch a new committee structure to determine and carry out the Council’s unique priorities this year. Our 2020-21 Alumni Committees are: Black Alumni Connections; Activities and Events; Career Connections; and Fundraising. The purpose of these committees is to further the mission of the Alumni Council by better engaging each member in the creation, planning and execution of Council goals and activities. The Council and its committees are here for you and we want your input! Though we are apart and will not have our traditional gatherings at this time, we will be brainstorming and planning other means of connecting. Please reach out to me, other Council members, or Dana Tignor, dtignor@maret.org, if you have any suggestions, ideas or relevant information for members of a specific committee.

Leading the way in building community during these unusual times, I am pleased to share that Maret Black Alumni invite Black identifying alumni and their families to a Zoom event to create space for Black alums, current students, and families to have fun and reconnect on Saturday, October 31st, 2020 at 3pm EST. Dress up for the Halloween costume contest or come in comfy clothes and enjoy an afternoon of fun and camaraderie. You can RSVP for this event by clicking here.

Another wonderful opportunity to connect is Leonard King’s popular evening film class now being offered virtually. Zoom in on Tuesday, November 17 to discuss Persona (1966) directed by Ingmar Bergman.

You should have recently received an email from Maret’s Anti-Racism Task Force updating you on their work to make Maret a more equitable and anti-racist community. Many recent alumni are lending their voice to this process which is key for the ARTF’s understanding of and decisions for our School community. We expect findings of the Task Force’s work to be shared this year. The report will be transparent in revealing its truths and our community’s plans to eradicate racism at Maret.

As you have likely found in your own life, Maret faculty, students, and alumni remain busy as ever even in a predominately virtual world. As always, I encourage you to stay in touch with Maret, with your fellow alumni, and with the Alumni Council and its members. We are here for you as a source of information, support, and camaraderie.
Your interest and engagement are valued. I am confident that by standing together, we will keep our very special community connected and forward moving no matter what the circumstance.

Sincerely,
Shooter Starr ‘99
Alumni Council President