Alumni News
A round-up of fall initiatives and events from the College Advancement and Alumni Relations Office.
Talbot County Alumni Olive Oil Tasting Event
On December 7, 2023, Talbot County alumni enjoyed an exclusive olive oil tasting event at Out of the Fire in Easton, Maryland, while tasting Albanian olive oils imported by Bianti Danaj ’24 in a private room. Bianti was excited to share his knowledge about his product and company, Donika Olive Oils.
Alumni Relations Creates Mentorship Program
This past fall, Director of Alumni Relations Heidi Pearce launched an alumni mentorship program piloted by the swimming and lacrosse teams. Alumni of the programs and current student-athletes are grouped together into pods that meet virtually once a month. A mentor-mentee relationship can be a transformative bond that transcends generations and offers students an important professional and personal connection throughout their college experience and beyond.
This relationship can enrich both parties, as John Warrington ’86 P’16 has found in his experience this fall. John is mentoring three first-year students: Patrick Rodgers, Colin Gray, and Jake Bryson. He is passionate about reflecting on his own experiences at Washington College as he relates to today’s students—good habits on the field translate to good habits off the field, and vice versa. He hopes to instill confidence through accountability.
Pearce plans to extend the program to all teams at the College and scale it to appeal to other student organizations, like the Student Government Association and the Elm. If you’re interested in getting involved, reach out to Pearce at hpearce2FREEwashcoll.
Spotlight on The 1782 Society
Washington College alumni and members of The 1782 Society celebrated the holidays with President Sosulski and Dr. Crane on Thursday, December 14. They were joined by 1782 Society Co-Chairs Thad and Renée Bench P’18.
The 1782 Society is the College’s premier giving recognition society—a community of thoughtful individuals who demonstrate their strong belief in what Washington represents through philanthropic impact, event attendance, and engagement.
"When you’re a part of The 1782 Society at Washington College, you’re part of a very special group,” said Fannie Hobba Shenk ’84, senior development officer and 1782 society liaison. “You’ve not only shown the College your love and support, but you’ve also let us know how much this place means to you.”
For Co-Chairs Thad and Renée Bench P’18, being a part of The 1782 Society is a great way to stay connected to the College, a place that they came to know and love when their daughter was an undergraduate student. Now full-time residents of Chestertown, they made the move to the town in part because of the College.
“Washington College brings a cultural vibrancy to this community, adding a whole new dimension to an already charming Eastern Shore town,” said Thad.
Members of The 1782 Society enjoy unique benefits that reflect their generous support of the College, including complimentary use of the campus athletic facilities and Miller Library, parking permits, reserved or preferred seating at select campus events, and invitations to select lectures, receptions, and programs.
Donors of $1,500 or more are welcomed into The 1782 Society. For recent grads, membership is scaled so that graduates from 2020-2023 become members with a $100 gift, those 5 to 9 years out become members at $500, and a gift of $1,000 qualifies 2014 grads. Outside of the tangible benefits, the opportunity to connect across generations and a deepened sense of community make The 1782 Society a remarkable opportunity.
To learn more, contact Fannie Hobba Shenk ’84 at 410-810-5764 or fshenk2FREEwashcoll.
Lit House Internship Program Launched
The Washington College Rose O’Neill Literary House has launched a new paid internship program inspired by Lit House Founding Director Robert A. Day, who had a knack for placing students on literary paths. The Light of Day program, named in his honor, pairs qualified Washington College students with high-profile organizations—from literary journals and publishing houses to arts nonprofits nationwide.
Light of Day builds on the successful history of Lit House in placing interns with organizations like C-SPAN, BookTV, Copper Canyon Press, Provincetown Fine Arts Work Center, National Geographic, and countless other places—all of which have led to employment offers. Last year, the pilot Light of Day intern, Sophie Kerr Prize winner Eylie Sasajima ’23, signed on with Alan Squire Publishing in Washington, D.C.—where she is working before going on to graduate school. This spring, Eylie will train Vee Sharp ’24, who is following in her footsteps at ASP. The Light of Day internship program gives Washington College students a clear edge over other college graduates.
Generous donors have already given half of what will be required to endow the Light of Day, and all donations between now and June 30, 2024, will be matched dollar for dollar up to $25,000, which will be enough to permanently endow Bob Day’s legacy at Washington College. Visit washcoll.edu/lightofday to support students with your donation now.