News & Events
The Return of the Social Tea
Speakers Bureau Faculty Tea
By Shoshana Walter ’07
Last month alums joined professors on campus for one of the college’s most time-honored traditions – a tea. The event was part of Alumnae Council 2006, a weekend-long training for alumnae actively involved in clubs and class groups. The conference began Friday evening, October 13, in the Willits-Hallowell Center. There, over cups of tea and cookies, MHC faculty members, staff, and alumnae speakers—all participants of the Alumnae Association’s Speakers Bureau Program—mingled with students of years past.
The Speakers Bureau Program sends alumnae and faculty speakers to clubs and class mini-reunions nationwide. Over 100 speakers are available, although alumnae clubs hosted only 17 events last year. “It’s a program we want to continue to grow,” said Krysia L. Villón ’96, assistant director of clubs. “We want to get more speakers out there. We hosted this tea to introduce alumnae volunteers to members of the Speakers Bureau with whom they may not yet be familiar,” she said.
The Willits-Hallowell center’s cozy living room provided an excellent site for alumnae and faculty to sip tea, connect, and even in some cases, reminisce.
Claire Burgoyne Brouwer ’57 remembers a particularly funny visit from a professor. About ten years ago, religion professor John Grayson traveled to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, where Brouwer currently lives, to speak to nearly 100 alumnae from all over Europe. The attendees were excited, said Brouwer. “It was a new computer video lecture he was trying out on us,” she said. “Beautifully done.”
Grayson insisted he run the presentation on his computer, even though the European outlets were not compatible.
“We warned him that it wouldn’t work,” Brouwer recalled, but Grayson insisted. As soon as he plugged in, the room went completely dark. “We blew a fuse and the lights went out,” said Brouwer with a laugh. It seemed Grayson, not just the students, had something to learn. Luckily, the eager alumnae quickly found another room and the lecture was saved.
Grayson is one of many members of the Speakers Bureau, speaking on a variety of subjects including the arts and literature, the sciences, college matters, and even current events. “The range of topics varies so much,” said Villón. “Every department is somehow represented.”
“It’s a great way to keep track of current events,” said Lily Klebanoff Blake ’64, chair of the Clubs Committee of the Alumnae Association. Klebanoff said she understands the challenges of putting together club events. “A lot of clubs are concerned about living in small towns. But faculty are willing to travel even if there are only five to ten people there,” she said. “We want clubs and alums to stay connected to the college.”
English professor Leah Glasser said she has enjoyed staying connected with alums through the Speakers Bureau program. “I’ve now been at MHC so long, there is a chance someone will be there that I taught,” said Glasser, who received her first invitation in 1986. “I love doing it. I enjoy visiting different places and staying connected with alums. Alums get into the material for their own sake. The conversations that follow lectures are so special.” Glasser has visited clubs in Florida, Arizona, Maryland, and many other states.
Last year Mary Dethloff Dryselius ’66 of Houston, Texas hosted geology professor Darby Dyar and several of Dyar’s student researchers. “It was fascinating,” said Dryselius. “The students got to present findings about Mars rock. I cannot believe Mount Holyoke has undergraduates doing this.” Dryselius’ alumnae club has also hosted art history professor Paul Staiti, history professor Joe Ellis, and several other professors on book tours. “People turn out for it like you wouldn’t believe,” she said.
The Alumnae Association covers speakers’ travel expenses and clubs are responsible for accommodations. For more information on the Speakers Bureau Program, please visit the Alumnae Association Web site or contact Krysia L. Villón ’96, assistant director of clubs, at 413-538-2738.
