Letter from the President

Since my arrival last October, I’ve been impressed by the breadth and depth of our community’s interests, expertise, and talents. It’s been especially rewarding to discover all the ways our faculty, staff, alumni, and students contribute to the world.

One recurring theme is social justice. Since the college’s founding, students, faculty, and staff have been engaged and dedicated to making communities near and far more just and equitable.

A few great examples are in this publication. Associate Professor of New Media Steven Lambert and alumnus Stephen Duncombe ’88 (sociology) have been working diligently to tackle many of our greatest challenges, including ensuring that the COVID-19 vaccine is distributed for free to those who need it most. Read their story on pages 10-12.

Janette Yarwood ’96 (anthropology), profiled on pages 14-15, shares how her Purchase education has inspired her to act globally. She is currently serving as senior advisor in the Bureau of African Affairs in the new presidential administration. Yarwood will be recognized with the President’s Award for Distinguished Alumni at this year’s commencement ceremony.

Another highlight of this issue is a profile of Daphne Geismar ’83 (graphic design), profiled on pages 8-9. She has used her talents and experience in designing museum exhibition catalogues to share her family’s powerful story of survival during the Holocaust.

And we’re very grateful to those who are making a profound difference in the lives of our students. This issue honors members of Company 4, a group of acting alumni from 1979, who have created a memorial scholarship in honor of their beloved classmate, Christopher Gorman ’79. Read about this remarkable gift and the inaugural recipient on pages 16-17.

Many wonderful memories have been made on campus under the Elephant Tree. Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to this beautiful campus icon. However, we will be working toward finding a fitting way of using the tree’s wood to create something new for future generations of Purchase community members to enjoy. Learn more on pages 4-7 and stay tuned for ways to get involved.

As you may be aware, we are limiting in-person visits right now due to public safety restrictions. While we may be physically apart, it’s a great time to stay connected or to reconnect. I’d like to extend a special invitation for our Virtual Alumni Weekend, April 30 through May 1. I look forward to getting to know many more members of our community in the coming months, and gathering together in person once it is safe to do so.

Sincerely,

Milagros Peña President