For Alumnae
Reunion
Ellis Reunion Weekend: October 4 & 5, 2024
Come experience the renewed energy on our campus during this year’s Reunion Weekend events! All alumnae are welcome with a special emphasis on celebrating milestone years ending in 4 and 9. Join us back on campus to reconnect with old friends, relive fond memories, and commemorate your shared experiences.
ALL ALUMNAE ARE WELCOME
Alumnae Cup Giving Challenge
We are thrilled to kick off the reimagined Alumnae Cup Giving Challenge!
This exciting challenge invites each reunion class to showcase their camaraderie and philanthropy by coming together to make a collective gift to the Ellis Fund with a touch of friendly competition! Last year, in celebration of their 50th Reunion, the Class of 1973 made Ellis history by raising the most money from a single class.
For many alumnae, milestone reunions are a time to increase their usual annual contributions, while for others, it's an opportunity to make their first gift to Ellis. The primary goal of reunion giving is participation, offering the entire class a chance to give back in honor of their special celebration.
Rally your class and demonstrate your Ellis pride by participating in the 2024 Alumnae Cup Giving Challenge. We can't wait to see which class will show the most school spirit and make a lasting difference for current and future Ellisians with their donations. Will it be the class of '74, '09, or another milestone class ending in 4 or 9?
This exciting challenge invites each reunion class to showcase their camaraderie and philanthropy by coming together to make a collective gift to the Ellis Fund with a touch of friendly competition! Last year, in celebration of their 50th Reunion, the Class of 1973 made Ellis history by raising the most money from a single class.
For many alumnae, milestone reunions are a time to increase their usual annual contributions, while for others, it's an opportunity to make their first gift to Ellis. The primary goal of reunion giving is participation, offering the entire class a chance to give back in honor of their special celebration.
Rally your class and demonstrate your Ellis pride by participating in the 2024 Alumnae Cup Giving Challenge. We can't wait to see which class will show the most school spirit and make a lasting difference for current and future Ellisians with their donations. Will it be the class of '74, '09, or another milestone class ending in 4 or 9?
Schedule of Events
Friday, October 4, 2024
|
Date & Time | Location
|
Invitees
|
Event | Description
|
|
8:30–9:30 a.m
BENJAMIN R. FISHER GALLERY |
Open to all classes
|
Welcome Back Coffee
Start your morning by enjoying coffee and pastries with Head of School Tambi L. Tyler.
|
|
9:30–10:30 a.m.
BENJAMIN R. FISHER GALLERY |
Open to all classes
|
5 Essentials with Head of School Tambi L. Tyler
Get to know Ms. Tyler and discover what she can’t live without, what she needs to thrive, and what inspires her as she begins her journey at The Ellis School.
|
|
10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
AUDITORIUM |
Open to all classes
|
Decades Apart, Bonded Forever: Alumnae Sisters
An exploratory panel featuring Ellis alumnae sisters. Meet Ellis sisters through the decades as they support, empower, and inspire each other. |
|
12:00–2:00 p.m.
ALUMNAE HALL |
Open to all classes
$15 per person |
Reunion Luncheon
Recognition of the Sara Frazer Ellis Awardee, Lucy FATO ’84, and induction of Athletic Hall of Fame Awardees Liz FAY Deegan ’89 and Sara HANEY Stroud ’04. Class photos will be taken at this time by Jenny Stein Photography. |
|
2:00–3:00 p.m.
MEET IN BENJAMIN R. FISHER GALLERY |
Open to all classes |
Tour of Campus
Find out what has changed, has stayed the same, and may be in the works since you graduated as you walk through the halls of your alma mater. Led by a Touring Tiger (student ambassador), you’ll hear firsthand what it’s like to be an Ellis student circa 2024! |
|
3:00–4:00 p.m.
FRED C. BABCOCK LIBRARY |
Open to all classes
|
Empower Hour
Celebrating the evolution of The Ellis School experience for students of color and providing updates about future plans and space to share your experience. Co-led by Dr. Denise LaRosa, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Ellis, and Janessa BENN Dukes ’09. |
|
5:30–7:30 p.m.
CAMPUS-WIDE |
Open to all classes
|
Family Fall Festival
Pumpkins, bounce houses, face painting, food, and fun for the entire family. The Ellis Parent Association hosts this event, and it is open to the entire community. Admission and activities are free.
|
| Evening |
Open to all classes
|
Class Parties
Alumnae celebrating milestone years are invited to Class Parties*, while those not marking a milestone year are invited to join us for dinner at several restaurants throughout Pittsburgh. *Contact your Class Representative for more information on your Class Party. |
Saturday, October 5, 2024
|
Date & Time | Location
|
Invitees
|
Event | Description
|
|
10:00–11:00 a.m
ELLIS COURTYARD |
Open to all classes
|
Gentle Yoga Flow
Enjoy a fresh start to your morning in the Ellis courtyard with a rejuvenating yoga session.
|
|
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
BENJAMIN R. FISHER GALLERY |
Open to all classes
|
Where There's a Will, There's a Way
A luncheon focused on how legacy support can shape the future for generations of Ellis students. We will cover essential topics such as planned giving, bequests, estate planning, and life insurance gifts, along with various opportunities to support Ellis today.
|
|
1:00–3:00 p.m.
ART HISTORY ROOM |
Open to all classes
|
Exploring the World of Creativity
Delve into the fascinating world of art history with visual arts faculty member Sara Sturdevant. |
|
1:00–3:00 p.m.
ALUMNAE HALL |
Open to all classes |
Ellis Robotics Team Open House
Come and witness the Ellis Robotics Team in action coached by Upper School Physics Teacher, Samuel Rauhala. |
|
1:00–3:00 p.m.
FINE ARTS BUILDING |
Open to all classes |
Molding Magic
Stop by and put your hands to work creating a ceramic masterpiece with Visual Arts Department Chair Peter Barbor. |
|
2:00–3:00 p.m.
FRED C. BABCOCK LIBRARY |
Open to all classes
|
Alumnae Book Club
Come and enjoy an engaging discussion about The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride with English Department Chair Dr. Anna Redcay. |
|
7:00–9:30 p.m.
PORTAL ART GALLERY AT BAKERY SQUARE |
Open to all classes
$20 per person |
Cocktail Reception
The culminating event to celebrate all Ellisians. Heavy appetizers and drinks will be served. Alumnae are welcome to bring a guest. This is an adult-only event.
|
Reunion Weekend Information
Frequently Asked Questions
List of 4 items.
-
I’m coming in from out-of-town, where can I stay?
We recommend staying at Springhill Suites, Bakery Square which is right across the street from The Ellis School. Other hotels in the area include Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh, Hotel Indigo, The Inn on Negley, and the Hyatt House. We do recommend booking your room early as this weekend is also a Steelers home game. -
What is there to do within walking distance of Ellis?
Surrounded by six different neighborhoods, The Ellis School is in the heart of Pittsburgh’s East End. With museums, parks, restaurants, and coffee shops a short walk away from campus, there are plenty of family-friendly activities, places, and events to discover every day of the week—and they’re all just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Ellis campus!
We recommend checking out:- Mellon Park
- The Kelly Strayhorn Theater
- Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh-East Liberty
- East End Food Co-op
- Bakery Square
- The Frick
- Frick Park
- Walnut Street and South Highland Avenue in Shadyside and Forbes Avenue in Squirrel Hill for great restaurants and shopping!
-
Do you have any restaurant recommendations close to Ellis?
Of course we do—we love to eat! Some of our favorites in the neighborhood are: Point Brugge, Urban Tap, Noodlehead, Casbah, Mad Mex, Five Points Artisan Bakeshop, and Pino’s. There is also the City Kitchen food hall in Bakery Square, as well as täkō tôrtä and Alta Via Pizzeria. If you’re willing to venture a bit further, check out one of the hottest Pittsburgh restaurants in the Strip District, Balvanera, where Ellis alumna Ginger FISHER Baldwin ‘02 is the head pastry chef. -
How do I find out about Milestone Class Parties?
Please contact your Class Representative for more information on your Class Party. Alumnae not marking a milestone year are invited to join us for dinner at several restaurants throughout Pittsburgh and can register for these dinners on the registration page.
Award Recipients
List of 2 items.
-
Sara Frazer Ellis Awardee
Lucy FATO '84 is General Counsel & Corporate Secretary of Seaport Entertainment Group, currently a division of Howard Hughes Holdings. Previously, Lucy was Vice Chair of AIG from October 2023 until March 2024. Prior to that, she was AIG’s General Counsel and Global Head of Communications & Government Affairs since October 2017. Prior to AIG, Lucy was Head of the Americas and General Counsel of Nardello & Co., a global private investigative firm, where she remains a member of the Advisory Board. In 2014 and 2015, Lucy was General Counsel of McGraw-Hill Financial (now known as S&P Global) and for nine years prior to that she was Deputy General Counsel & Corporate Secretary at Marsh McLennan. Lucy began her legal career at Davis Polk & Wardwell where she spent fourteen years as a capital markets lawyer, including five as a Partner in the Corporate Department. Lucy serves on the Advisory Board of the Harvard Law School Center on the Legal Profession and on the Board of the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation.
Read More About Lucy Here -
Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
The Ellis School's 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees are Liz FAY Deegan ’89 and Sara HANEY Stroud ’04.
Liz FAY Deegan ’89, an Ellis Lifer who played field hockey and lacrosse, credits Ellis with instilling lessons of hard work and resilience that served her well throughout her time at the School and long afterward. After Ellis, Liz attended Miami University of Ohio where she played four years of club lacrosse and served as president of the club for two years. She earned a Masters in Education, and began coaching softball shortly after at Canfield High School. She later taught English and coached field hockey and lacrosse at Hudson High School. One of her proudest moments was assisting the varsity field hockey team to the state championships in 1998, where they came in second place.
After her time at Hudson High, Liz worked for an organization called Facing History and Ourselves, a human rights organization for educators. She later joined John Carroll University’s Center for Service and Social Action, where she ran educational programs called We the People and Carroll Reads, a program that connected college tutors with students in high poverty neighborhoods to work on reading or civics. She continued coaching a youth lacrosse program, bringing together kids from many different schools, races, and religions.
Her career also included a stint in publishing; in 2017, her husband published former NFL quarterback Bernie Kosar’s memoir Learning to Scramble and she handled Bernie’s public appearances and book signings around the Cleveland area. The following year, she took on the role of Executive Director of Advantage Cleveland Tennis and Education, providing opportunities for kids to learn the sport of tennis while being supported academically. She currently lives in University Heights, Ohio with her husband Greg and their children Kate (25), Sydney (23) and Sam (18).Sara HANEY Stroud ’04 began her Ellis athletic career in fifth grade, when she first played field hockey and fell in love with the sport. She continued playing field hockey throughout Middle and Upper School, helping to lead the Ellis field hockey team to win the WPIAL Championship twice. Sara was recruited to play field hockey at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, where she was a four-year starter and won their conference twice during her tenure. After college, Sara earned her master’s degree in accountancy at Rhodes College and worked as an accountant in Tennessee and Washington, D.C., before finally moving back to Pittsburgh with her husband Kelvin and daughters Millie (5) and Elizabeth (2) in 2022. She currently hasher own accounting practice and coaches Middle School field hockey at Ellis. Her daughter Millie is in the Lower School at Ellis, and Sara feels like her life has now come full circle being back at Ellis as a parent and coach.
Reunion Weekend Attendees and Class Representatives
Check out who’s registered for Reunion Weekend! This page will be updated each week on Friday afternoon. If you believe you have registered but do not see your name, please contact development@theellisschool.org .
If you don’t have a Reunion Representative for your class year and would like to be one, please contact alumnae@theellisschool.org to become one!
If you don’t have a Reunion Representative for your class year and would like to be one, please contact alumnae@theellisschool.org to become one!
List of 28 items.
-
Class of 1944
Class Representative:
Ruth SHAFFER Loughney-Mook -
Class of 1949
Class Representative:
Barbara MAYNARD Hattemer -
Class of 1954
Class Representative:
Betsy BOSHELL Potter -
Class of 1957
Attending Reunion 2024:
Hannah BRUSH VanHorn -
Class of 1959
Class Representative:
Ellen McCASLIN Srodes -
Class of 1964
Class Representative:
Susan SCHEINMAN Leonard
Attending Reunion 2024:
Susan SCHEINMAN Leonard
Martha ABRAMS Broderick
Margaret GARVIN Snyder
Michelle HERWALD
Maggie STECK JarboeEileen HALPERN LaneLaurie LONGENECKERSusan STEVICKPunky SCHAEFER Rogér
Sally FOWLER
Terry CHAPMAN -
Class of 1969
Representative Still Needed! -
Class of 1974
Class Representative:
Meg PROPST Bernard
Attending Reunion 2024:
Mildred GOLDSMITH Palley
Meg PROPST Bernard
Veronica ROCHER Schmerling
Kate STEPHENSON
Julie STARK
Peggy HILLIARD Martin
Ann SCULLY
Fleur FAIRMAN
Eve GORDON
Betsy DAVIS Banks
Meg PROPST Bernard
Carrington SCHACH North
Marnie WRIGHT
Jane MALTER O'Neill
Emma MCCAGG -
Class of 1979
Class Representative:
Annamaria FATO
Attending Reunion 2024:
Annamaria FATO
Anne MAGNUSSEN Lockhart
Jean THOMPSON Bird -
Class of 1981
Attending Reunion 2024:
Mary Lou FOLEY -
Class of 1984
Class Representative:
Lucy FATO
Attending Reunion 2024:
Karla VANHORN Mihm -
Class of 1987
Attending Reunion 2024:
Louise Kay CHILDS Woodside -
Class of 1989
Class Representative:
Stephanie MATTA Lambert
Attending Reunion 2024:
Diane MEGO
Liz FAY Deegan -
Class of 1994
Class Representative:
Rebekah HUGHEY
Attending Reunion 2024:
Rebekah HUGHEY -
Class of 1995
Attending Reunion 2024:
Colleen DAILY Simonds -
Class of 1999
Class Representative:
Alicia KACHMAR
Attending Reunion 2024:
Kate DAVIS Booker
Brooke GENERETT Ware
Regina WILSON
Sarah JORDAN Rosenson
Katherine FISHER Martinez
Jocelyn RICASA -
Class of 2000
Attending Reunion 2024:
Abby SADOWSKY Bolton -
Class of 2001
Attending Reunion 2024:
Corinne MCGINLEY Smith
Whitney PATROSS -
Class of 2003
Attending Reunion 2024:
Julianne CUTRUZZULA Beil -
Class of 2004
Class Representative:
Lorrie KIGER
Attending Reunion 2024:
Sara HANEY Stroud
Ilana VALINSKY
Meagan KRUMAN
Lorrie KIGER
Lizzy DEVITA
Yana CHUDNOVSKY Warshafsky
Emily SCHMIDLAPP
Whitney RUFFIN
Hannah SPIEGEL Krohner
Natalie CASTAGNERO
Adelaide BYRUM
Lizzy DEVITA
Tanya RYZIK Portny
Susan STALEY -
Class of 2005
Attending Reunion 2024:
Julie GEORGE
Jessica BOPP Dawson
Kristen WALTER Sobel -
Class of 2008
Attending Reunion 2024:
Alessandra HARTKOPF -
Class of 2009
Class Representative:
Jennifer HEINAUER
Attending Reunion 2024:
Sarah MISTICK
Bridget BYRNE Lewandowski
Margaret SCHERVISH
Anne HAZLETT Witherspoon
Bonnie WEST
Janessa BENN Dukes -
Class of 2011
Attending Reunion 2024:
Cheryl STEPHENS -
Class of 2012
Attending Reunion 2024:
Eleanora KALOYEROPOULOU -
Class of 2014
Class Representative:
Eliza JIMENEZ
Attending Reunion 2024:
Thalia CHRYSANTHISInori SAKAISarah WOLFE
Maura SAXON
Ashna SHOME
Rachel COOPER
Kamran HARPER
Olivia PARKS
Natalie SCHULHOF
Emily YARUSS Culley
Sarah MITCHELL
Elizabeth KYSEL
Eleni CONTIS
Kristin COBBS
Serena MANI -
Class of 2019
Class Representative:
Kat FERENCE
Attending Reunion 2024:
Helen LUFFY -
Class of 2020
Attending Reunion 2024:
Natalie GRAF
Stay Connected
Update your contact information to connect and communicate with Ellis all year long. From our alumnae newsletter, alumnae Instagram account, and private Alumnae Facebook group, to the Ellis Magazine, we want you to stay in the know on all things Ellis. We’re also posting and Instagramming campus life seven days a week, so give us a follow, like, or retweet next time you’re browsing your feeds!
See What Your Fellow Alumnae Are Up To
Ellis Alumnae
-
Heather BOSSERT Cunningham, Ph.D. ’89 Helps Teachers Focus on Cultural, Racial Awareness in the Classroom
From an early career experience as an English as a Second Language teacher, Heather BOSSERT Cunningham ’89, Ph.D. knew that education would be the focus of her professional work—and, more importantly, that it was her passion. -
Passion for Art a “Golden Thread” Through Beth HORN ’95’s Tech Industry Career
Beth HORN ’95’s career is as unique as her interests, perfectly threading her passion for music and the performing arts into roles where her sharp business mind and eye for innovative brand marketing shine. Working across an industry that’s known for rapid change, she’s seen her fair share of challenges and has helped her companies navigate them—thanks, in no small part, to the confidence and values instilled in her as an Ellis student. -
Ellis Pillars Propel Lauren SCHULTZ ’00 into McDonald’s Leadership
Lauren SCHULTZ ’00 didn’t think she’d ever work at McDonald’s, let alone make a career of it. But that was before she experienced the energy and values of the brand, and the scale and scope of the international corporation. She has now been with the company for 14 years, first with Ronald McDonald House Charities as Manager of Marketing and Communications, and then with McDonald’s USA. -
Amanda HOLLAND-MINKLEY, Ph.D. '91 Echoes Ellis Experience in Her Higher-Ed Classroom
From her days as an Ellis student who loved problem solving in math class to her current work as a college professor, Amanda HOLLAND-MINKLEY ’91 has been enthralled by the experience of learning. -
Sara NESS '09 and Her Revolution of Authenticity
When Sara NESS ’09 graduated from Ellis and began her freshman year at the University of Texas, she quickly learned a lesson many people encounter at that time in their lives: living with people is hard, especially in communal settings like college residence halls. But where most might see a housemate situation to tolerate, Sara saw an opportunity to learn from her peers—and to teach others how to do the same. -
Nell COX Yates ’02, Visual Arts Educator and Owner of Birdhouse Ceramics
It’s no exaggeration to say that Nell COX Yates ’02 sees art everywhere. A secondary art educator since 2009, Nell has spent the past 17 years working with students of all ages and sharing her love of ceramics and 3D design in a variety of studio settings. From serving as the Visual Arts Department Chair at Viewpoint School to owning and managing Birdhouse Ceramics, a small-batch pottery studio, out of her home in California, this lifer has made a colorful career out of a passion that was sparked in Ellis’ own art studios. -
Amy WOLF ’96, Asst. Director Digital Media & Marketing
As the Assistant Director for Digital Media and Marketing at The New York Community Trust, Amy WOLF ’96 thrives on finding creative and powerful ways to share the impact of New York City’s community foundation--one of the top funders of local nonprofits. Since joining The Trust in 2008, Amy has led a multitude of highly visible projects. From redesigning their website twice to producing advertising campaigns from soup to nuts to shaping The Trust’s e-marketing and social media presence, Amy is a master storyteller and creative leader who helps donors understand how their generosity can be turned into action. -
Lauren DRAKE '16, PhD Candidate
After completing her undergraduate degree in bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania in 2020, Lauren DRAKE ’16 chose to continue her studies and is now pursuing a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at Vanderbilt University. During her time at Penn, Lauren worked as an undergraduate researcher in the Shorter Lab, studying the biochemical mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and contributing to multiple projects and papers. In addition to these pursuits, she completed minors in creative writing and journalism and received Honors in English for her creative thesis. As a member of the Lippmann Lab at Vanderbilt, Lauren improves the complexity of brain organoids for use as a physiologically relevant neurodegenerative disease model. She was recently awarded a National Institutes of Health T32 Alzheimer’s Disease training grant. She is also a member of the executive board of the Diversity and Science Lecture Series at Vanderbilt. -
Lauren INDOVINA '01, Director
Lauren INDOVINA ’01 is an Emmy Award-winning Director and Visual Artist based in Los Angeles. She is best known for her ethereal visuals and multifaceted approach to art, design, film techniques, and branding. With a background in fine art and fifteen years in advertising, she has created original art and directed for internationally acclaimed design, animation, VFX studios, and agencies. Her work is included in the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent motion collection, her sculptures have been exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, she has directed Super Bowl ads, and her art has been on display on Rodeo Drive, at Radio City Music Hall, and in Times Square. Most recently, Lauren earned credits as the concept designer for Beyoncé's film Black Is King and the animation director for Amazon's Utopia series. She is currently directing and designing scripts for animated feature content and developing artificial intelligence and virtual reality characters and narratives. -
Marsha RUCKER '86, Attorney
As the regional attorney for the Birmingham District of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Marsha RUCKER ’86 manages and litigates cases to further the eradication of unlawful employment discrimination. Marsha began her career with the EEOC as a trial attorney in the Birmingham District Office in 2008 and became the District’s regional attorney in December 2016. Prior to coming to the EEOC, Marsha was in-house counsel for two large public housing authorities. Early in her career, Marsha was a staff attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. In this capacity, she represented more than 500 clients in various courts and tribunals in matters involving federal and state housing law, contract law, and public benefits. In 2019, Marsha’s work was recognized with the EEOC’s Chair’s Organizational Performance Award, the highest honor conferred within the organization. Marsha received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Duke University and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law where she was a Patricia Roberts Harris National Fellow. -
Nancy HAYES Kilgore '65, Writer
While at Ellis, Nancy HAYES Kilgore ’65 fell in love with the books assigned to her in English class and realized she wanted to become a novelist. Her dream came true, and today Nancy is preparing to publish her third novel, Bitter Magic, later this summer. Now, along with being a writer, she works as a pastoral psychotherapist in Burlington, Vermont, and leads writing workshops for people to write and reflect on their own lives in a safe and welcoming space. -
Sarah ZIMMERMAN Tuthill '87, Founder and Owner of ezpz gatherings
Sarah ZIMMERMAN Tuthill ’87 had always dreamed of opening her own business. So, with a love of all things food, wine, and design, she opened Gathering Boards by ezpz gatherings in 2020 as a way to bring people together.Throughout the pandemic, she offered charcuterie boxes to go and now, having just opened a brick and mortar store in Aspinwall, is offering beautifully constructed boards to the Pittsburgh area. Want to learn to make your own charcuterie board? Join us on June 15, 2021 for Ellis After Fifth Ave: Building the Perfect Charcuterie Board with Sarah ZIMMERMAN Tuthill ’87 from 6:00–7:30 p.m. -
Colleen DAILY Simonds '95, Interior Designer
An interior designer based in Pittsburgh, Colleen DAILY Simonds ’95 is known for her ability to mix playful patterns and vibrant colors to create beautiful, bold spaces for her clients. A former merchandiser with Gap and J.Crew, Colleen chose to switch career paths, leave New York City, and pursue a creative career back in her hometown.
Check out Colleen's After Fifth Ave. session, Taking the Creative Road, to hear her talk about pursuing a creative career, starting her own business, and all things interior design! -
Lila BALISTRIERI '18, Student
Lila BALISTRIERI ’18 is exploring her passions surrounding accessibility, public health, and the financial world at the University of Rochester. A Handler Scholar, she is triple majoring in English, Anthropology, and Medical Innovation and is also a research assistant at the university. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lila interned with ApiJect Systems America, Inc., a corporation that focuses on developing safer ways to deliver injectable medication to communities worldwide. Learn more about Lila and how she’s bringing her many interests to the table to make an impact at Rochester and beyond. -
Jamie Beth COHEN '93, Storyteller
Jamie Beth COHEN '93 is a storyteller, in many ways. From her Young Adult novel WASTED PRETTY to her pieces published in major news outlets, Jamie has mastered the art of the story—and is helping others do the same. She has been featured in storytelling events across Pennsylvania and in New York City and has worked with storytellers of all experience levels to perfect their own craft. Watch her Ellis After Fifth Ave session, Telling Your Own Story, to perfect your own storytelling practices. -
Beth HAMMER Genter '77, Financial Planner and Manager
A financial advisor and planner, Beth HAMMER Genter ’77 is the President and founder of Schenley Capital Inc., a registered investment firm in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. After spending six years working for Merrill Lynch, Beth decided to start her own firm and hasn’t looked back since. With over 31 years of experience in the financial world, Beth is committed to growing her client’s portfolios and ensuring that those in her sphere, especially women, know how to best manage their finances. You can watch her Ellis After Fifth Ave. session, Investing in Yourself, here for tips and tricks about how to budget and invest for your own success. -
Kristen HAUSER '10, Automotive Engineer
After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, Kristen HAUSER ’10 relocated to southeast Michigan to join the Ford Motor Company College Graduate Program. Throughout the program, she completed rotations in the areas of software development, program management, and product launch to deliver products, including the Lincoln Continental and F-150 Raptor. Now a Powertrain Fuel Economy Integration Engineer at the company, Kristen’s team is responsible for designing and implementing software that controls the electromechanical systems which allow gas engines and automatic transmissions to comply with federal emissions and fuel economy standards, as well as deliver optimal performance to customers. In her role, Kristen uses analytical tools and lab testing to find fuel economy opportunities within these control systems and collaborates with North American, European, and Chinese teams to implement the changes and ensure future regulatory compliance. -
Nicole F. VÉLEZ, M.D. ’00, Dermatologist
Dr. Nicole F. VÉLEZ ’00 is a dermatologist who specializes in skin cancer, particularly Mohs micrographic surgery. Nicole graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Cum Laude from Carnegie Mellon University and with honors from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, before completing a combined internal medicine and dermatology residency at Harvard Medical School. Committed to teaching and staying on top of new advancements in her field, she has published over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles and lectured both nationally and internationally on skin cancer. In 2019, she opened her private practice, Pittsburgh Skin, in Cranberry Township, north of the city. -
Michelle GIRTS '70, Environmental Scientist
A dedicated environmental scientist who has worked in both corporate and research settings, Michelle GIRTS ’70 has been building successful businesses around technology and talent for 35 years. Prior to her retirement, Michelle worked for the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Portland Water Bureau as an environmental science technical specialist collecting samples for water quality lab testing, programming data analysis, and reviewing and reporting the status of water quality throughout the system and the impacts of activities in the watershed. She then moved on to work as an environmental scientist for engineering company, CH2M Hill, where she developed and commercialized the innovative, low-cost treatment technology of engineered wetlands. Since her retirement, Michelle has been named to the Clark County Clean Water Commission, is an active volunteer in her local community, a master gardener, and flies a Cirrus single-engine airplane with her husband in her spare time. -
Blaine DINKIN '13, Administrative Fellow
Blaine DINKIN ’13 was in her first rotation as an administrative fellow at Forbes Hospital when COVID-19 hit. As a member of Allegheny Health Network’s fellowship program, Blaine is exploring the operational, clinical, and strategic side of the healthcare system after receiving her master’s degree in health care policy and management. When the pandemic began in March, Blaine’s role changed and she put all of her energy into producing and assembling test kits. To date, Blaine and her team have assembled close to 150,000 COVID-19 testing kits for Pittsburghers—and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
1/20
Alumnae In The News
-
Dr. Dara D. Méndez '98, Dr. Mehret Birru Talabi '98, and Dr. Tamar Krishnamurti '98
School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh | October 2024
-
Dr. Dara D. Méndez '98, Dr. Mehret Birru Talabi '98, and Dr. Tamar Krishnamurti '98
Courier Newsroom | October 2024
-
Elizabeth Shackney '13
Penn Carey Law, University of Pennsylvania, 2023-24 Stewardship Report | October 2024
