Meet the Team – Alumnae/i Relations

The Alumnae/i Relations staff works diligently to provide myriad opportunities to connect alumnae/i to the College and each other. Director Millie Bond ’05 and her creative team - made up of Gabrielle Gary, Taylor Manferdini, Tracy Ryan, and Cynthia Washington - are the faces and creative spirit behind Bryn Mawr events and activities offered around the world. In this time of uncertainty and social distance, they make community between Mawrters accessible, engaging, and fun.

By the time state emergency orders required most staff to work remotely in March, Reunion Weekend 2020 was already many months into planning. Taylor, who oversees reunion programming, along with the rest of the team, deftly faced these new circumstances and created virtual events in only a few short weeks. Inspiration came from many places and people, including from Magda Pescenye ’94 who originated the Virtual Step Sing. Over 1,000 Mawrters attended the Virtual Step Sings during Reunion Weekend, fully illustrating the true meaning of community.

An unexpected positive outcome of the pandemic is that virtual events have opened the door for alumnae/i to join their friends and classmates across the U.S. and international regions. In addition to large-scale occasions such as Reunion, regional alumnae/i clubs are also enjoying increased participation. Cynthia notes that alumnae/i who typically live too far to attend gatherings are stopping by on Zoom to introduce themselves and catch up with old friends.

Most attendees in these events have expressed interest in remaining connected. In response, Millie and Gabrielle have launched the new Bryn Mawr College Pen Pals program to match interested individuals with each other to foster friendships and build new connections.

Thanks to the notable work of the Alumnae/i Relations team, Mawrters remain linked to the College and each other. Remember to reach out to Tracy or your Class Editor when you have news to share with your classmates!