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From visiting alumnae across the country to celebrating Reunion Weekend, the Development and Alumnae Office had a busy year. Alumnae laughed and learned together as they made ramen noodles at an event in San Francisco. Past and present trustees gathered in the renovated flexible library space to hear more about Ellis’ new strategic plan. Former parents came together to stuff Valentine’s Day boxes that were then sent to recent graduates. Whether it was on campus or off, Ellis community members showed their support for the School and for one another at events and get-togethers throughout the year.
London Alumnae Event
June 15, 2019
Alumnae gathered across the pond at Kew Gardens to explore the gardens together before enjoying an afternoon tea hosted by Shanan GUINN ‘93 for lunch at The Botanical.
June 15, 2019
Alumnae gathered across the pond at Kew Gardens to explore the gardens together before enjoying an afternoon tea hosted by Shanan GUINN ‘93 for lunch at The Botanical.
College Send-off Celebration
July 25, 2019
The Classes of 2018, 2019, and 2020, along with their parents/guardians, returned to their alma mater for a final farewell bash before heading to college.
July 25, 2019
The Classes of 2018, 2019, and 2020, along with their parents/guardians, returned to their alma mater for a final farewell bash before heading to college.
Past and Present Trustee Party
September 12, 2019
Current and former trustees of The Ellis School gathered in the library to hear a presentation about the new Strategic Plan from Head of School Macon Finley.
September 12, 2019
Current and former trustees of The Ellis School gathered in the library to hear a presentation about the new Strategic Plan from Head of School Macon Finley.
San Francisco Alumnae Event
October 19, 2019
Alumnae from the San Francisco area joined host Barbara AARON Rosston ’80 at The Story of Ramen where they learned to make their own ramen noodle while catching up with former friends and classmates.
October 19, 2019
Alumnae from the San Francisco area joined host Barbara AARON Rosston ’80 at The Story of Ramen where they learned to make their own ramen noodle while catching up with former friends and classmates.
Longwood at Oakmont Event
November 1, 2019
Members of the Longwood community, a retirement home in Oakmont, joined Head of School Macon Finley and Carly REED Carstens ’02, Director of Development and Alumnae Engagement, for wine and cheese and conversation.
November 1, 2019
Members of the Longwood community, a retirement home in Oakmont, joined Head of School Macon Finley and Carly REED Carstens ’02, Director of Development and Alumnae Engagement, for wine and cheese and conversation.
Thanksgiving Social
November 27, 2019
The night before Thanksgiving alumnae gathered at The Urban Tap in Shadyside to reconnect with classmates and fellow alumnae over snacks and drinks.
November 27, 2019
The night before Thanksgiving alumnae gathered at The Urban Tap in Shadyside to reconnect with classmates and fellow alumnae over snacks and drinks.
Young Alumnae Winter Social
December 18, 2019
Recent Ellis graduates returned to campus while they were home for winter break to give the scoop on all things college to current juniors and seniors.
December 18, 2019
Recent Ellis graduates returned to campus while they were home for winter break to give the scoop on all things college to current juniors and seniors.
Parent of Alumnae Valentine Stuffing
February 3, 2020
Parents of alumnae from the Classes of 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 were invited back to campus to fill Valentine’s Day boxes that were sent to recent graduates at their respective colleges.
February 3, 2020
Parents of alumnae from the Classes of 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 were invited back to campus to fill Valentine’s Day boxes that were sent to recent graduates at their respective colleges.
Mummies of the World Tour with Dr. Ellen Bedell
March 7, 2020
Former Ellis teacher Dr. Ellen Bedell led a tour of the Mummies of the World exhibit at the Carnegie Science Center for alumnae. Following the tour, alumnae enjoyed lunch together at The Foundry in the North Shore.
March 7, 2020
Former Ellis teacher Dr. Ellen Bedell led a tour of the Mummies of the World exhibit at the Carnegie Science Center for alumnae. Following the tour, alumnae enjoyed lunch together at The Foundry in the North Shore.
Reunion Weekend
Ellis alumnae were welcomed back to campus on October 11–13 for Reunion Weekend 2019. A record number of alumnae joined the festivities, with classes ending in 4’s and 9’s celebrating their milestone years. From a thought-provoking Alumnae Career Panel that had current students pounding the back of the auditorium pews in delight to a fine arts workshop where alumnae painted silk scarves, a dynamic schedule of events Friday through Sunday kept Ellisians busy throughout the weekend.
Festivities kicked off on Friday with a welcome breakfast, campus tours, and the Alumnae Career Panel. Abigail BAYLES Wiebenson '59, Captain Anne MAGNUSSEN Lockhart '79, Kitty COOK '89, Brooke GENERETT '99, Indea HERNDON '04, and Hallie BENNETT '09 shared stories about their biggest influencers and mentors, how they’ve overcome obstacles in their personal and professional lives, and what it means to them to work on a team in their respective fields.
Saturday started off with a discussion about Ellis’ new Strategic Plan and a fine arts workshop led by Middle School art teacher Linda Tonetti Dugan. Following the workshop, everyone gathered in the gym for a tailgate lunch and to cheer on the Varsity Field Hockey Team as they took home a win against Peters Township. The Saturday evening reception was filled with reminiscing about the good times spent at Ellis and getting to know alumnae from other class years.
Sally RIAL Phelps ’58 Honored With Sara Frazer Ellis Award
In recognition of her steadfast commitment to all-girls education, philanthropy, and service, and her remarkable professional developments, Ellis was proud to name Sally RIAL Phelps ’58 as the recipient of the 2019 Sara Frazer Ellis Award. The Sara Frazer Ellis Award is given annually to an alumna whose achievements represent the Ellis experience and who continue to support the Ellis mission.
Rebekah HUGHEY ’94 and Jordan ZAPPALA ’99 Inducted Into Athletic Hall of FameRebekah HUGHEY ’94 and Jordan ZAPPALA ’99 were inducted into the Ellis Athletic Hall of Fame at Reunion Weekend 2019. Jordan played field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse, eventually rising to the position of captain and taking the reigns as president of the Ellis Athletic Association. Rebekah HUGHEY ’94 played a sport every season including field hockey, lacrosse, basketball, and softball. She made the Varsity Basketball Team her freshman year and served as softball team captain.
Give Back, Pay It Forward
Community support of the Ellis Fund in 2019-2020 provided a myriad of experiences and opportunities for current and future Ellis students. This year alone, gifts to the Ellis Fund were able to support student scholarships, new equipment in the auditorium, and more.
Alumna’s Memory Honored With Endowed Faculty Chair
he Ellis School was honored to establish the Mary Thibadeau Endowed Faculty Chair in Science in memory of Mary THIBADEAU ’02, a beloved alumna, daughter, sister, wife, and friend. Made possible by funds raised from family and friends in memory of Mary, the honor of professional distinction has been bestowed upon Middle School Science Teacher Diane Reckless.Class of 1979 Creates Fund in Honor of Rosenthal Brothers
Following the attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue, the Class of 1979 wanted to find a way to honor Diane ROSENTHAL ’79 and Michele ROSENTHAL ’87 who lost their brothers, Cecil and David, that day. After seeing the Rosenthal family paid tribute by launching a “Love Like the Boys” campaign in Pittsburgh, the Class of 1979 decided to honor their memories by creating The Love Like the Boys for the Girls Fund.The Love Like the Boys for the Girls Fund will support extracurricular initiatives at Ellis by providing discretionary funds to help cover the cost of experiences and activities as well as student needs outside of the classroom.
2019-2020 Gifts Also Supported:
- Financial aid and student scholarships
- New lighting system in the auditorium
- Renovations to Joy’s Gym
- Sending students to the Student Diversity Leadership Conference
- Pre-kindergarten classroom expansion
- Amazing field trips to places like The Frick Environmental Center, Cleveland Museum of Art, and Microsoft
- Refurbished patio space and furniture outside the library
- Renovated flexible library learning space
Envision Her at Ellis
If you're interested in exploring Ellis for your daughter, let's connect! Request information about enrollment, attend one of our upcoming events, or hear about Ellis from those who know it best: our students.
