AAMC Modified Office Hours

August 30, 2023

Dear Alumnae Community,

While AAMC’s fulltime employee is on leave, we will have reduced office hours. Modified office hours are Tuesday - Thursday 9 am - 4pm.

If you have any questions, needs or communications to AAMC, please email info@aamc-mills.org. Our office number is 510-430-2110.

Some work and communication will be delayed, but is expected to resume in October. A plan is in place to fill the coverage gaps. Thank you!

Volunteer Thank You Lunch, CCMCA Breakfast, Book Club

May 25, 2023 (to AAMC-owned e-mail list)

Join us for three spectacular events in June!

Dear Alumnae Community,

Summer is upon us, and we hope you will join us for these upcoming events on campus and beyond! Please save the date for the Annual Meeting, which will take place virtually on Saturday, June 24 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Pacific. Zoom information and full details will be communicated in the coming weeks.

ContinuiTEA: A Volunteer Thank You Luncheon

The AAMC Hospitality Committee and the Volunteer Development Committee cordially invite you to celebrate the achievements of this past year at a Volunteer Thank You Luncheon. If you volunteered for the AAMC in any way shape or form this past year, please JOIN US for our Volunteer Gratitude Luncheon on June 10th from , so we can celebrate you, and us! Please RSVP by June 5.

Contra Costa Mills College Alumnae Breakfast in Walnut Creek

The warmer weather has arrived! So, let’s get together to see old friends and make new ones. The Contra Costa Mills Alumnae Club invites you to a breakfast gathering on Saturday, June 17 at 10:00 AM at Walnut Creek Civic Park (1375 Civic Drive at N. Broadway). There will be pastries, fruit, coffee, and tea. And enjoy a Mills memorabilia to take with you. This event is co-sponsored by the AAMC Branches and Clubs Committee. Please RSVP by June 7 to contracostamillscollegealums@gmail.com. We hope to see you there!

June Meeting of the Lynda Campfield Book Club

On June 25, The Lynda Campfield Book Club will read and discuss Confliction by Amanda Green, a Mills alumna. “First Lady Aubrey Sampson leads a tranquil life in the sleepy suburb of Yorba Linda, California. When Aubrey’s husband of twenty-five years, Pastor Phillip Sampson, confesses that he fathered a son by a former church member, Aubrey’s world descends into chaos.” This event will be at Reinhardt Alumnae House AND via Zoom from 1:00 - 3:00 PM. Please RSVP by submitting this form.

We appreciate the hard work of our branches and clubs, committee leaders and members, and all of our volunteers who make events like this possible. Your continued devotion is the lifeline of the AAMC, and all that we stand for. Thank you!

Sincerely,

The Alumnae Association of Mills College

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Board of Governors Applications Now Open & May LiberTEA Event

April 21, 2023 (to AAMC-owned e-mail list)

Applications to Join the Board of Governors are Open!

We are happy to announce that you can now download the application for next year’s AAMC Board of Governors. The application is a fillable PDF with an option to print and scan/mail your handwritten responses. We hope you will consider applying! More details can be found in our FAQ below. Please email nomcom@aamc-mills.org with any questions. 

Why apply to be a Governor?

Serving on the Board of Governors is a great way to have an impact by supporting fellow alumnae, students, and the Mills legacy, and shaping the future of the organization during a critical time of transition and decision-making. 

What are the expectations of Governors?

General expectations of Governors include, but are not limited to the following:

• Actively serve on, and preferably Chair, at least one committee;

• Attend all regularly scheduled board meetings (Traditionally, there have been 4-6 meetings per year. Moving forward, we expect them to be as frequent as monthly);

• Attend retreats, workshops, or other Board development activities, when scheduled; and

• Attend AAMC-sponsored events as much as possible.

Who can serve on the AAMC Board of Governors, and for how long?

Anyone who has completed at least one semester at Mills College can apply to serve on the AAMC Board of Governors. This term will begin in July and last for three years. 

How do I express interest in being an AAMC Officer (President, Vice President, or Treasurer/Corporate Secretary)?

Alums may indicate on their application if they want to serve as an AAMC officer. Current Governors must submit or update their application to indicate they want to be considered for an officer position. For 2023-2024, we are accepting applications for Vice President and Treasurer/Corporate Secretary.

Will there be an election for the Board of Governors if there are more applicants than seats available? 

Per AAMC bylaws, it is up to the Nominating Committee whether to decide to hold an election or not. Historically, the AAMC has never held general elections for board seats, even when there have been more than one applicant per position. There were questions about this process last year, and it was requested that the AAMC seek a legal opinion about the compliance of the bylaws in last year’s selection of Governors by the Nominating Committee without an election. 

The AAMC, its Board and leadership, engaged the Mill Law Center to provide an assessment on AAMC’s current bylaws and nomination and election procedures, specifically whether AAMC’s bylaws are in compliance with California corporations’ law both in its written form and in application. It was determined that the AAMC was in compliance with California Corporations Law and the AAMC Nomination Committee followed AAMC bylaws for election of the current officers and governors, and no further action is needed.

Application Deadline and Decision Date

Applications must be submitted by Sunday, May 21, 2023. All applications submitted via email must be received by 11:59 PM Pacific to be considered. Applications sent via postal mail must be postmarked no later than May 21 and preferably arrive at the AAMC office no later than Monday, May 22, 2023.

The Nominating Committee’s selections will be announced at the Annual Meeting on Saturday, June 24, 2023.

We look forward to receiving your application!

LiberTEA on May 13: RSVP Now!

Don’t miss a presentation by alumna and Board member Catherine Ladnier ‘70 at next month’s CommuniTEA—with the theme of LiberTEA—held at Reinhardt Alumnae House on Saturday, May 13 from 2-4 PM.

Please RSVP by May 8.

Catherine will share the stories of Japanese American Mills College students who corresponded from internment camps with Mills College president Aurelia Henry Reinhardt during WWII. On the same day, Catherine will present at Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park.

Please email aamc.hospitality@gmail.com with any questions. 

Sincerely,

The Alumnae Association of Mills College

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Upcoming AAMC Events

March 9, 2023 (to AAMC-owned e-mail list)

Hello Alumnae,

We’re happy to announce several upcoming AAMC events, thanks to our committees and volunteers, whose hard work keeps our community connected. You can view all upcoming events on our website. For more information or to plan your own event with the AAMC, contact info@aamc-mills.org.

Saturday, March 11: Oral History Presentation + Tea

This month’s CommuniTEA, hosted by the Hospitality Committee, will be taking on the theme of ImmortaliTEA with a special itinerary honoring the history of Mills.

Join Suzette Lalime Davidson, MA ‘94 for a presentation about the project she co-founded, Fires of Wisdom: the Mills College Oral History Project, which captured the wisdom of decades of alumnae from as early as 1913. Following Suzette’s presentation, the group will have tea and visit with Susan and Cyrus Mills at Sunnyside Cemetery. 

The event will be from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at Reinhardt Alumnae House.

Saturday, March 18: Los Angeles Mills College Alums Hosts Paint and Plant Party

Come and paint a garden box and take it home fully planted. We will have an art instructor giving us step-by-step directions to create a Mills-inspired design featuring our beloved eucalyptus leaves.

No judgment on your artistic skills, just come have fun! Lunch provided. Kids and family are welcome, too.

Cost: $40 adults / $25 kids
Location: Julia Almanzan ‘92’s house in Pasadena (details upon payment/registration)

Please RSVP to lamillscollegealums@gmail.com. Be sure to include name, class year, and contact information when you RSVP. Please pay in advance via Venmo to @Julia-Almanzan or to arrange to pay via check by contacting lamillscollegealums@gmail.com.

Saturday, March 25: Make Soup with the Life Long Learning Committee

Let’s make soup! Join the Life Long Learning Committee (LLLC) to practice the art of soup making. You will need a knife and cutting board for chopping and a towel or two for wiping hands, aprons, etc. Bring to-go containers, too. You will receive recipes of everything we create.

This event is limited and will cap at 25 participants. To help with the supplies, the LLLC asks for a $20 donation. Pay in cash on the day of the event. (Please bring the exact amount), or contact connie.davidson10@gmail.com for more payment options. This event will be at Reinhardt Alumnae House from 12:00 - 4:00 PM.

Sunday, April 23: Lynda Campfield Book Club Meeting

This month, The Lynda Campfield Book Club will read and discuss All the Agents and Saints by Stephanie Elizondo Griest. This book is a documentary on the impact of borders on the lives of those who live near them, cross them, and politically leverage them.

“In All the Agents and Saints, Elizondo Griest weaves seven years of stories…on the existential impact of international borderlines by illuminating the spaces in between and the people who live there.” We will use the suggested book club questions to guide the discussion.

This event will be at Reinhardt Alumnae House and via Zoom from 1:00 - 3:00 PM. Please RSVP by submitting this form.

With care,
The Alumnae Association of Mills College

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Concert Fundraiser at Reinhardt Alumnae House & Happy New Year

December 29, 2022 (to AAMC-owned e-mail list)

A Message from the AAMC President

On behalf of the Board of Governors and the AAMC staff, we send warm and happy New Year greetings to you and yours for a special year ahead filled with lots of positive vibes in 2023. As President, I look forward to upcoming events with alumnae and Mills students through the AAMC lifelong learning committee, the Alumnae Student Relations committee, the branches, and the special event listed below.

Talks with Mills College at Northeastern University administrators are planned to further the legacy of Mills, the use of Reinhardt Alumnae House, and our support for the continuing Mills students. We plan to send frequent email updates using our AAMC database, recently enhanced by adding over 2500 alumnae contacts who opted into our database, sent from Mills College at Northeastern University Alumnae Relations. Spread the word to all alumnae you know to join the AAMC database if they have not already done so.

Stay in touch, share your concerns, ask questions, and stay connected! I look forward to a good year for the AAMC with your help and your support.

Debby Dittman ‘68
AAMC President

SAVE THE DATE: An Afternoon of Music at Reinhardt Alumnae House

On February 4, 2023, the AAMC will host a benefit concert featuring Melanie Phippard ‘83, MA ‘07, and the Rowan Brothers. Melanie studied music at Mills and around the world and has made her mark on the Bay Area music scene as a singer performing at local venues like the Freight & Salvage and the Sweetwater Music Hall. The Rowan Brothers have been playing country rock and folk music since the 1970s, recording with members of the Grateful Dead and David Grisman. 

This concert, the first in a series of AAMC events, will raise funds for the AAMC’s operations, including technological advancement, staffing, and the support of continuing Mills students through events and services. Tickets will be available in January, and more details will follow via email and social media.

Give to the AAMC

End the year by helping the AAMC grow and expand our technology, staffing, and event capacity. Your gift will support the AAMC’s core infrastructure and allow us to continue doing what we do best: supporting Mills students. Make a gift today—your support means so much to us. 

We appreciate your continued support of the AAMC and wish you a happy 2023.

The Alumnae Association of Mills College

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Join us in envisioning the future of the AAMC

October 14, 2022 (to shared College e-mail list)

Dear Alumnae Community,

Although this year saw the loss of our beloved alma mater, Mills College, as we knew it, we have an opportunity to maintain, celebrate and grow our community and what Mills has represented to us on a wider scale. We invite you to participate in envisioning what the AAMC can do, be a part of, and has a responsibility to do as an organization moving forward.

We have three options for the future of the AAMC:

Option 1: The AAMC remains an independent nonprofit with no relationship to Northeastern University

Option 2: The AAMC remains an independent nonprofit with a formalized relationship to Northeastern University

Option 3: The AAMC merges with Mills College at Northeastern Office of Alumnae Relations

In this chart, we have a framework that starts to paint a picture of what the AAMC could look like in each of these scenarios. The details of these options are not mutually exclusive; for example, there could be ways AAMC functions independently, while working with Northeastern in other ways. So while the chart is detailed, there is still much work to be done to bring any of these options to fruition. But a crucial question that must be answered is, “What relationship do alums want the AAMC to have with Northeastern?”

We are presenting these options to our alums and opening up a comment period for your feedback and recommendations until Friday, November 4, 2022. During this comment period, we will have two 90-minute Open Forum sessions on Zoom. In these Open Forum sessions, the Board of Governors will do a brief introduction and explanation of the options and then open the floor for comments. Each participant can raise their hand and will have up to 3 minutes to share their thoughts.

Open Forum #1:

Thursday, October 27, 2022
4:00-5:30 PM PT / 7:00-8:30 PM ET / Friday 10:00-11:30 AM AEDT

Open Forum #2:

Saturday, October 29, 2022
9:30-11:00 AM PT / 12:30-2:00 PM ET / 5:30-7:00 PM BST

You can register for these Open Forums at https://www.aamc-mills.org/mission-purpose-proposals.

Whether you participate in the Open Forums or not, we invite you to submit written comments and suggestions on the options. You can submit written comments in the following ways:

• Add a public comment on the web page https://www.aamc-mills.org/blog/mission-purpose-proposals-chart

• Send an e-mail to info@aamc-mills.org

• Mail a note/letter to:
  AAMC
  Mills College at Northeastern University
  5000 MacArthur Blvd. MB #86
  Oakland, CA 94613

At the end of the comment period, the Board of Governors will review all feedback and provide a summary and report to our membership.

AAMC Bylaws
Article II of the AAMC bylaws specifically state the association’s purpose, and it’s clear that in light of the acquisition, the bylaws will need to be changed. The Governance committee is in the process of engaging a lawyer to review and update the bylaws, including the need to restate our purpose. Further, any changes to the bylaws require a vote of the membership. Thus, the Board of Governors’ course of action after the comment period will be one of two paths:

•If there is overwhelming support for one option over the other two during the comment period, the Board of Governors will proceed with membership input to update the bylaws and then hold a formal vote on the new bylaws in the Spring of 2023.•If no option receives overwhelming support during the comment period, the Board of Governors will arrange for an advisory vote for the membership to give direction to the Board on the three options in December or January (with a 30-day formal notice issued before the vote) and a second, formal vote on the new bylaws in the Spring of 2023.

We hope you will engage with us to envision all that we can grow and become for future generations, and to multiply what Mills has meant to us in meaningful ways. On behalf of the AAMC, we thank you for your continued dedication and passion for our beloved alma mater, Mills. We look forward to your input.

Sincerely,
The AAMC Board of Governors

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Opt in to Alumnae Database, Mills Repaid $2M Loan to AAMC, AAMC Leadership, Next Steps to Update Mission

July 21, 2022 (to shared College e-mail list)

Dear Alumnae Community,

As anticipated, Mills College’s merger has been finalized as of July 1. We recognize this as an emotional time for our alumnae community, with a range of feelings from sadness to feelings of hope.

All of our passion for our Mills College spirit remains strong today, even now that it is Mills College at Northeastern. The AAMC wants to carry on the legacy of Mills College’s 170-year history—a place that has empowered women and given a voice to those pushed to the margins of society.

In our survey earlier this year, a call for healing and reconnection was made by numerous alumnae. No matter your views, we as an organization will serve you—and hope you will stand beside us as we craft our new path with your help, so a rediscovered shared purpose that preserves the spirit of Mills reunites us.

Opt in to the Alumnae Database

Currently, the Mills College at Northeastern’s Office of Alumnae Relations sends one email a month (like this email you are receiving today) to you on our behalf, and will likely continue to do so through the end of the calendar year.

As a reminder, you must opt in to be a part of the AAMC’s separate database going forward, as the college maintains all of the records of physical and email addresses. Please complete this opt-in form to share your Mills College contact record with the AAMC by this Friday, July 22nd. The Office of Alumnae Relations sent a reminder last week. Once we receive the contacts who’ve opted in to the AAMC database, we will begin to migrate our communications to that list. You may also review the AAMC privacy policy.

Mills College Has Repaid the $2M Loan in Full

We are happy to announce that the AAMC’s $2 million loan to Mills College, anticipated to be returned in August, was returned on June 30, 2022.

In December 2017, the AAMC Board of Governors had made a historic decision as a board and voted unanimously to extend a $2 million line of credit to the College to fund two important academic initiatives: MPOWER, the Mills signature undergraduate experience designed to enhance student recruitment and retention; and two new School of Education online graduate degree programs.

We are grateful for the loan’s return and for the support it will give our organization in this critical moment.

Meet the new AAMC Interim Executive Director, Pam Herman

The AAMC’s Interim Executive Director, Pam Herman, began working on June 6, 2022 and plans to work with the AAMC through the beginning of December. Pam has a 25 year history of working with nonprofits. She has a masters degree in Organizational Management, and has led community foundations, local nonprofits and national nonprofits.

Pam’s strengths include implementation of strong governance and policies, strategic planning, financial planning, managing endowments, and engaging in board development. With her leadership skills and partnership with the Board of Governors, we hope to restore a strong and vibrant AAMC that will serve all members for many years to come.

Debby Dittman Takes the Reins as AAMC President

We would also like to officially welcome the AAMC’s new president, Debby Campbell Dittman ’68. Debby has served on the Board Governors since 2019, where she has served on the travel committee and on the executive committee. She has been long engaged in 1968 class activities, having chaired their 50th reunion celebration with a strong committee from her class. Together, they raised over $4 million for the College. As President, she looks forward to helping craft the AAMC’s future alongside the Board of Governors, the branches and clubs, and with all alumnae.

Moving Forward

The Board of Governors is hard at work to establish proposals for criteria for AAMC membership and alumnae input for updates to our mission. We will also review our by-laws to ensure they are modified to reflect these changes. Additionally, a California Corporate Compliance attorney will review and clarify areas of the bylaws which may be unclear, before they’re put forward to the greater alumnae community for approval.

We look forward to sharing the resolution of issues raised this past year, and our hopes for the further evolution of the AAMC with you, our engaged alumnae.

In dedication to our Mills alumnae community,
The Board of Governors of the AAMC

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Approved Appointments for the 2022-2025 term for the Board of Governors

May 12, 2022

The Board of Governors voted to approve these appointments for Governors and Officers on May 11, 2022.

Interim appointment for the 2022-2023 Term

OFFICER: Pam Roper is the nominee for vice president.

Appointments for 2022-2025 Term

OFFICERS

• Deborah Dittman is the nominee for president.

• Kathy Roskos is the nominee for vice president.

• Christina Hannan is the nominee for treasurer.

GOVERNORS

After extensive consideration of future needs, the following slate is recommended to the Governors for approval:

• Melissa Berkay, ‘18 MBA ‘19

• Rachel Cefalu, ’14, MPP ‘15

• Angela DeMoss, MA ‘99

• Judy Jones, ‘60

• Kieran Turan, ‘90

• Karilee Wirthlin, ‘92

The motion to approve the slate of nominees for open governor and officer roles was made, seconded, and passed in a roll call vote.

There were 13 in favor:

• Debra Connick

• Debby Campbell Dittman

• Adrienne Foster

• Gwen Foster

• Myila Granberry

• Christina Hannan

• Ellen Hines

• Catherine Ladnier

• Courtney Long

• Claudia Mercado

• Ariadne Wolf

• Debi Wood

• Viji Nakka-Cammauf

There were 4 opposed:

• Alice Hewitt

• Mitra Lohrasb Michnik

• Pam Roper

• Cherlene Wright

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Annual Meeting Agenda, Commencement Day Activities

April 25, 2022 (to shared College e-mail list)

Dear Alumnae Community:

Our Annual Meeting will be held at 2:30 pm on May 14, 2022, in the garden area behind Reinhardt Alumnae House. We know interest is greater than ever before, so we have secured a mechanism to allow alumnae the world over to watch this meeting. Whether you will be attending in person or virtually, all alumnae who register will be able to vote securely. To ensure the smoothest possible experience, we require anyone attending in person or online to register at https://www.aamc-mills.org/annual-meeting-registration. Regardless of whether you attend in person or virtually, voting will only be allowed by those who have registered. Please register by May 12, 2022.

 The Annual Meeting is being held the same day as the 2022 Mills College Commencement.  Registration for walking in Commencement has closed; however, we hope many alumnae will join the audience to observe the ceremony and celebrate this legacy class or view a live stream of the ceremony.

Following the annual meeting, a celebration will be held at Reinhardt Alumnae House to honor the class of 2022 and all alumnae. This event is being sponsored by the AAMC, LA, and NY Mills clubs as well as some individual donors. If you plan to attend this celebration but not the annual meeting, please RSVP to aamc@mills.edu in place of the link above.  Masks are required indoors and during the Commencement ceremony. COVID mitigation strategies are continually changing.

Annual Meeting Agenda

• President’s Report: Updates on Database & RAH (10 minutes)

• Treasurer’s Report & Annual Budget (10 minutes)

• Branch/Club Report (10 minutes)

• Summit Report (10 minutes)

• Nominating Committee Report (10 minutes)

• Nominating Committee Nominations/Elections (20 minutes)

• Petitioners’ Remarks, details below (15 minutes)

• President’s Final Address (5 minutes)

A group of petitioners requested that the Open Letter to Congress be sent to all alumnae by USPS mail and received by May 1, and that the petitioners be granted 15 minutes on the Annual Meeting Agenda to provide contextual comments regarding this letter. Please note, you are being notified in this email, according to AAMC bylaws Article III, Section 4, that a special meeting must be held when a petition signed by a minimum of twenty-five members of the Association is received by the Treasurer/Corporate Secretary or President of the Board of Governors. By mutual agreement of the Board and the petitioners, petitioners will be heard during the Annual Meeting.

Two petitioners, who were also Board of Governors’ members, called for a vote on the distribution of this full hard copy letter by the Board of Governors. That roll call vote was held at a Special Board Meeting convened on April 10, 2022, and the Board declined to send the full letter out by mail. On April 12, 2022, the petition referenced above was sent to the Board of Governors.

Much has happened in the last year, and the AAMC is a dedicated source for keeping alumnae up to date on current events. We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting.

Regards,
The AAMC Board of Governors

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AAMC Town Hall and Summits Recaps; Apply for a BOG Seat; Annual Meeting

March 28, 2022 (to AAMC-owned e-mail list)

Dear Alumnae Community,

The beginning of this year has been a busy one, with many events both in-person and online as we work towards a strong future for the AAMC. In addition to alumnae-focused programs summarized below, the Alumnae of Color Committee and the Alumnae Student Relations Committee funded the distribution of the mid-semester care packages to students. To learn more about the various committees or to become involved, and to receive more regular updates from the AAMC, please sign up for our mailing list at aamc-mills.org.

We are excited to announce the Board of Governors’ approval of the search for and hiring of an Executive Director for the AAMC. More details will follow soon about this step to ensure AAMC will thrive long into the future.

At the original request of petitioners to end the AAMC’s lawsuit, a Special Town Hall was held on February 8th via Zoom. Participants heard from petitioners as well as BOG members and AAMC President Viji Nakka-Cammuaf regarding the lawsuit and the AAMC’s future. You can view some of the presentations and read post-meeting materials now available on the February 8th Town Hall page on aamc-mills.org.

Additional information will be posted there as it becomes available. There were 369 alumnae who responded to the petitioner’s poll, mailed out to all alumnae in January. Read the petitioner poll results.

Following the February 8th Town Hall, the AAMC sent a survey via email to more than 12,000 alumnae regarding the basics of AAMC’s future - the first of additional surveys in the coming months to gather more alumnae input. Questions covered its mission, membership, and future activities. A total of 731 alumnae completed this survey. Review the results (including a summary of the open-ended responses).

Also, to gather community input regarding AAMC’s future, two in-person Summits were recently held, the first on February 26th, and the second on March 12th. Both were held on campus. Conversations involved the AAMC’s future as well as Mills’ important legacy as an empowering space for women and for lifelong connections. Read a full summary of both Summits.

Applications for Board of Governor seats are now being taken! Download the Board of Governor Application and submit it to the AAMC no later than April 11th. If you have questions, please contact aamc@mills.edu.

You can still purchase classic AAMC and limited-edition For Generations Still merchandise. All proceeds benefit the future of the AAMC. Find shirts, hats, mugs, and more! 

The Board of Governors of the AAMC hopes you will join us for activities during Commencement weekend, including our Annual Meeting on May 14th at 2:30 p.m at Reinhardt Alumnae House, followed by a reception. We gather on what may be the very last Mills College graduation to welcome our newest class of alumnae. As we honor the students on their special day, board members and alumnae will let them know they have our support and will integrate them into the Alumnae Association and community.

If you’re unable to join us on campus, you will still be able to enjoy a live stream of the ceremony. For in-person attendance, proof of vaccination will be required, and registration for Commencement will be available soon. Look for additional details and more specific information regarding these and other activities planned that weekend on our website in the coming weeks. We look forward to celebrating our legacy class of 2022 with all of you from near and far.

With warm regards and well wishes,
The Board of Governors of the AAMC

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Special Meeting & Town Hall Reminder, AAMC Merchandise

February 4,2022 (to shared College e-mail list)

We hope you received our January 12, 2022, postal mailing, which included information about the February 8 Special Town Hall meeting of the Alumnae Association of Mills College (AAMC)—as originally requested by a group of petitioners seeking to end any lawsuits against Mills College. On the reverse of that letter was a poll; to participate in the poll, it must be postmarked by February 22, and include your “Mills ID”.

Please check your e-mail to get your Mills ID to complete the mail-in poll. If you did not get or cannot find the e-mail, please send a message to aamc@mills.edu.

This past year was an eventful one and the Board of Governors looks forward to providing you with a synopsis of all that has happened, and what to expect in the months ahead. Please refer to the bottom of this letter for registration information and what to expect at this Town Hall.

 As of January 11, both the AAMC and the College have mutually dismissed their respective lawsuits without prejudice. The Board of Governors as a body has not had any conversations regarding any further legal actions, nor is there any interest in engaging in any. Conversations with the College regarding outstanding issues, such as the database and Reinhardt Alumnae House are ongoing.

In the coming months, your input regarding the future of our organization—its mission, membership, and activities—will be more vital than ever. Our upcoming Summit, as well as a survey that will be sent to all, are the first steps in discussing our organization’s future. We look forward to working with alumnae to ensure a strong and healthy future for the AAMC.

AAMC Special Meeting and Town Hall
Time/Date: 5:30 pm PST, February 8, 2022
Location: Only online via Zoom
Register for the meeting at: tinyurl.com/feb-townhall

Special Town Hall Meeting Agenda

• Welcome and Introductions by the AAMC Board of Governors

• Petitioners’ Presentation

• Video from AAMC BOG on Litigation Inception, Evolution, Conclusion and Costs

• Questions for AAMC BOG (submitted in advance)

• Primer on AAMC purpose

• Restoring unity and working together to rebuild the AAMC

• Next steps: Upcoming survey which will be available on aamc-mills.org

• Information about the Summit

Merchandise
The long-awaited Mills College mugs are in! Please visit our online store at
www.aamc-mills.org/aamc-merchandise to purchase these and other popular Mills memorabilia, including limited edition Hung Liu scarves featuring Mills Hall.

If you have not yet done so, please join the AAMC-managed email list which will allow us to communicate more frequently with you: aamc-mills.org/subscribe.

Thank you for your engagement and your participation,
The Board of Governors of the AAMC

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Season’s Greetings, Call for Alum Entrepreneurs, Documentary to Watch, New Alumna Trustee

December 21, 2021 (to shared College e-mail list)

The Board of Governors wish you and yours a happy, healthy holiday season. After a tumultuous year involving an ongoing pandemic and change within our college, we want to acknowledge your commitment to our community of Mills alumnae—one that will be strong for years to come.

‘Tis the season to shop local! The AAMC is delighted to partner with the Center for Transformative Action (CTA) at Mills, which has put together a form to collect information on Mills entrepreneurs—alumnae, staff, faculty, and friends alike. Even those without consumer offerings are invited to fill out this 3-10 minute survey detailing their business and will be invited to participate in campus speaking opportunities, entrepreneur showcases, networking mixers, shopping guides, and more. We are grateful to the CTA for this chance to lift up our community.

Though it is the holiday season, those experiencing domestic violence are affected year-round—and statistically, the risk is heightened during this time of year. The Ariana Mae Hatami Foundation—named after a young woman who lost her life to domestic violence, and brought to our attention by an alumna—has produced a documentary to raise awareness and inspire viewers to take action and save lives. This film, titled “Message From Ariana” can be viewed at no cost at messagefromariana.com.

 This film is a good reminder to hold your loved ones close this holiday season, and always remember who you are and what you represent.

 The Board of Governors unanimously approved the nomination of Claudia Mercado, BA ’06, PLEA MA ’07, as Alumna Trustee to fill the vacancy left by Jacki Brown.

 The AAMC will always be grateful for your voice and your presence. Please check our website, aamc-mills.org to view new videos and content soon, and follow us on social media. May the New Year bring you special moments with family and friends, and new opportunities for our community to stand together stronger than ever.

 With warmest regards,
The AAMC Board of Governors

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Dr. Matt Hendricks’ Mills College Financial Health Analysis & Giving Tuesday

November 29, 2021 (to AAMC-owned e-mail list)

Financial Health Analysis

According to Dr. Matt Hendricks, Mills is financially sound, and is, in fact, one of the richest schools in the country for its size. The College does not have a wealth problem. It has a spending problem. 

“Mills doesn’t need to merge. It can operate sustainably on its own.”
- Dr. Matt Hendricks

Many alums tuned in recently for an illuminating zoom presentation by Professor Matt Hendricks of the University of Tulsa. His analysis and assessments are informative for anyone who wants to see how Mills' financial health stacks up in the world of higher education. This is his area of expertise and study, so when President Hillman first announced the closure of Mills College back in March, it caught Dr. Hendricks’ attention.  

We encourage all Mills alums to watch the video and see the data for yourselves.

Review Dr. Hendricks’ interactive IPEDS Dashboard for Mills College which he used in his presentation.

IPEDS stands for the "Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System," a system of interrelated surveys conducted annually by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics. Though the dashboard takes a bit of an investigator's mind to use—all the Econ and PLEA majors will be just fine!—the results can be illuminating. And the “Presentation Outline” gives a summary of his findings in an easy-to-read format, so the rest of us are covered. Dr. Hendricks has given us permission to share far and wide, and we encourage you to share with other alums and stakeholders you know. 

This report is further evidence as to WHY the AAMC is continuing to stand up for Mills College and for our shared future.

Support the AAMC this Giving Tuesday!

We are excited to be offering a great range of AAMC and For Generations Still merchandise (calendars, candles, stickers, and even Pearl M’s!) as gifts with donations made to the AAMC now through Giving Tuesday.

Donate to the AAMC today!

And to see all of the classic AAMC and limited-edition For Generations Still merchandise available, visit our website merchandise pages…you’ll find great holiday gifts for your Mills friends and family!
www.aamc-mills.org/aamc-merchandise

Note: In Monday’s version of the AAMC Update e-mail, the first paragraph should have read, “According to Dr. Matt Hendricks, Mills is financially sound, and is, in fact, one of the richest schools in the country for its size. The College does not have a wealth problem. It has a spending problem.” This web version has been updated with the text and a note about the change sent to the AAMC mailing list in the Tuesday, November 30th Giving Tuesday e-mail.

The AAMC shared Dr. Hendricks’ presentation and data so alums could review the information and draw their own conclusions about its findings, which aligns with the AAMC’s call for transparency and to explore all options since the College’s March 17th announcement.

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Financial Update
Board of Governors Update
Website & Communications
Pearl M’s

November 8, 2021 (to AAMC-owned e-mail list)

AAMC Financial Update

The AAMC has posted the following financial updates to aamc.mills.edu:

• A high-level financial update from the September 2021 AAMC meeting is available on the Minutes & Reports page under “Committee Reports, Finance.”

• The annual AAMC tax filings (also known as the “990s”) for the years 2018 (July 2018-June 2019) and 2019 (July 2019-June 2020) are available on the Minutes & Reports page under “Financials.”

The fiscal year 2021 (year ending June 30, 2021) high-level report, plus other financial information, was shared with the Board of Governors at the October 20, 2021 Board meeting. 

Upon the Board’s approval of minutes and financials at the next Board meeting on November 13, 2021, we will post additional financials on our website for all alums to access. It is important not to review the financials alone without the minutes for full context.

Board of Governors Update

The Governors have been in communication with representatives of the petitioners about when the special meeting they requested will be held. Due to the upcoming December holidays, they have requested a meeting in January, date to be determined. Once a date is set, all alums will receive notice of the meeting via US mail, along with instructions on how to register. 

AAMC Website & Communications

Since creating our new, independent website, www.aamc-mills.org, we have been working on migrating the content from the College-owned website, aamc.mills.edu. Although more slowly than we would like, this process continues, as we are still seeking to fill our open staff position.

Pearl M’s

We currently have a few Pearl M’s still in stock! If you would like to get these before the holidays, please order your Pearl M soon. Additionally, holiday ornaments of El Campanil, the Music Building, the Art Building, Eucalyptus Trees, and Mills Hall are still available. Visit the AAMC Merchandise page to see all of our available merchandise.

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AOCC Holiday Potluck
Alums Helping Students
Pearl Ms Have Arrived
Mills United Auction
Job Openings at AAMC

October 25, 2021 (to AAMC-owned e-mail list)

AOCC Holiday Potluck

The AOCC (Alumnae of Color Committee) will be hosting a Holiday Gathering Potluck Dinner for Mills students. This is an in-person event, co-sponsored by AOCC and the Mills Ethnic Studies Department:

Saturday, November 13, 2021
5:00 to 7:30 PM
Reinhardt Alumnae House

Alumnae can bring a dish, order something to be delivered to Reinhardt Alumnae House on November 13, or make a donation. Email questions to mills.aocc@gmail.com.

Alums Helping Students

Many of you generously participated in the spring by sending care packages to individual students. Well it’s time to do it again for this semester’s finals week! Alums Helping Students (an ad-hoc sub-committee of the AAMC Alumnae-Student Relations Committee) is coordinating this effort and we welcome all alums to help us by signing up to send a care package to a Mills student. Please complete the sign up form no later than this Saturday, October 30.

Full details about the student you’ve been assigned will be sent to you next week. Packages will need to be mailed the week of November 15, and no later than November 20, to ensure students receive them by finals week.

Also, if you are interested in being part of the AHS group throughout the year, we need more alums to sign up. We need help in the areas of financial assistance, local support (if you live in Oakland or the Bay Area), mentoring and career guidance, and much more! If you would like to get more involved, please sign up so we can grow our list of alums able to help.

Pearl M’s Have Arrived

We’ve received a new shipment of Pearl M’s! If you were already on the waiting list, you will be contacted directly and given the opportunity to get yours first. All remaining stock will be sold on a “first come first served” basis… available soon, so watch for them to become available on the AAMC online store.

MCAN Mills United Auction

MCAN (Mills College Artists Network) is currently planning their upcoming auction: Mills United. If you have artwork or other items/services you’d like to donate, please email auction@aamc-mills.org with the following information for each donation:

1. Your name, email, phone number, address

2. Mills Year, Major, Dorm

3. Description of Donation, Medium, Dimensions, Value

4. If a vacation house, please include # of days and any restrictions on dates

5. 2 or more photos of the item 

6. Your social media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Website, Gallery/Representation

7. Any facts about you/the item that will enhance the excitement of bidding

8. If a service or experience, are you willing to donate to the top 2 bidders?

If you have questions or need more information, please contact the organizers directly:

For services & experiences: Ann Kasper 512-865-7500 kasperann@gmail.com

For artists & art: Sissy Cutchen 703-283-1314 sissycutchen@yahoo.com

We’re Hiring! Job Openings at AAMC

We have two open part-time positions at the AAMC:

• Communications Coordinator

• Business & Development Coordinator

To apply, send e-mail to aamc@mills.edu. On the subject line of the e-mail, state the job position and applicant’s last name. Please refer to the job description for other materials to attach to the e-mail specific to the position.

Remind Your Friends to Sign Up with the AAMC

Please encourage your fellow alums to subscribe to the AAMC mailing list. Being able to email alums directly ourselves, rather than having to go through the College’s system, will allow us to reach alums more quickly and efficiently going forward. Thank you!

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AAMC update on how we’re addressing organizational & infrastructure challenges

October 7, 2021 (to AAMC-owned mailing list)
October 14, 2021 (to shared College mailing list)

Dear Alumnae,

The September AAMC meeting, for all of its difficulties, crystallized many of the inherent challenges this year has wrought while revealing critical infrastructure needs that we face as an organization. We want to share with you how we are addressing the most urgent of these issues.

Lack of Independent Infrastructure

Our lack of infrastructure independent from the college is more than problematic; it has become a threat to the proper function and essential role of the AAMC. We are aware of our significant technical challenges and limitations and are looking at tools and staffing to improve this rapidly and dramatically.

We also know that we need more administrative and communications support. In past years, Board of Governors members were expected to devote 8-20 hours a month to our duties. Since March, a number of Governors have averaged 40-60 hours a week. We recognize this is not a sustainable model.

Furthermore, Governors normally meet in person often throughout the year, and onboard new Governors at our annual weekend retreat. Since COVID, this process has been severely impacted and has been exacerbated by the numerous different announcements from the College since March. The Board of Governors recognizes we must institute Board training and formalize policies and procedures to become a more effective organization; we are working towards those efforts now.

Limited Access to Alumnae Contact Information

While we can send any and all communications through our own email system, which we created quickly in July, we have only approximately 4000 alumnae email addresses. In many cases, we are still able to communicate through the system owned by the College, which has approximately 12,000 email addresses. These messages may be limited to event and meeting invitations, general messages about AAMC programs, co-sponsored events with the College, or messages about supporting students. The College continues to provide mailing lists for approximately 21,000 alumnae to third-party vendors as needed for AAMC hard copy mailing purposes.

The Board of Governors has been working with College staff to create our own database, but it will take time to complete the process. The Board is also working with College staff to mitigate and manage communication issues to ensure alumnae receive information as timely as possible; nevertheless, these challenges have made direct and timely communications more difficult.

Please subscribe directly to the AAMC mailing list by visiting www.aamc-mills.org/subscribe and completing the subscription form. We also ask that you encourage your fellow alums to subscribe so we can build our own AAMC mailing list as quickly as possible.

Alumnae Community and Collaboration

Our goal is to communicate well and often. To that end, we will be setting up Zoom sessions with alumnae for collaborative problem-solving no later than November. In advance of that, we will share weekly updates—via email and on the AAMC website and social media pages—as we are diligently addressing our organizational and infrastructure needs.

This year has been tumultuous and challenging; we are, however, Mills alumnae. We must focus on our shared commitment to maintain the legacy our alma mater bestowed upon us. It is incumbent on each of us to be the custodians of both Mills’ history and AAMC’s duty to Mills students and alumnae. Amidst the challenges and changes, we must rise, like the phoenix from the ashes, to emerge stronger together in building our future.

In solidarity,
The Board of Governors of the Alumnae Association of Mills College

Note: The section on how/when the AAMC can communicate using the shared mailing list with Mills was updated for the October 14th e-mail.

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Read the petition for a meeting to recall Alumna Trustees

September 24, 2021

Dear Mills Alumnae,

On August 3, 2021 the Board of Governors (BOG) received a petition signed by 27 verified alumnae members of the AAMC requesting a meeting to vote to recall the AAMC's alumna trustees.

The BOG is obligated to fulfill the bylaws, which clearly state in Article III, Section 4:  

The Board of Governors or President shall call a special meeting of the members upon receipt by the Treasurer/Corporate Secretary or President of a petition signed by twenty-five (25) members of the Association.

Furthermore, as a nonprofit operating within the state of California, we are also bound by California law. California Corporations Code §5222(f)1 states that “any or all directors may be removed without cause” by a vote of our membership. Taken together with the bylaws, this means that, should a recall vote move forward during our annual meeting on September 25, it could result in none, one, two, or all three elected alumna trustees being removed.

Below is the full text of the petition, as well as its signatories. The petitioners published their rationale for the recall demand this afternoon. Click here to read it on our website, aamc-mills.org.

Regards,
The Board of Governors of the Alumnae Association of Mills College

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Register for AAMC’s Annual Meeting

September 20, 2021

Dear Mills Alumnae,

The AAMC is hard at work preparing for our Annual Meeting during Reunion, on September 25, from 9:30 am-10:50 am.

If you plan on attending in person, please fill out our information form by today, Monday, September 20 at 5pm PDT.

In an effort to ensure that all alumnae who want to can attend, we've extended the deadline for registering for the virtual meeting. Please register here by Friday, September 24 at 5pm PDT and fill out our information form.

To register for the Zoom meeting you will need to have an account with Zoom and be logged into it, so we can authenticate your identity.

In order to vote during the meeting, your name on the Zoom screen will need to match the name on your Mills student/alum record, and include your class year. If you have questions about this, please reach out to AAMC Communications Coordinator Kate Beckwith, MFA '13 at karobinson@mills.edu.

If you plan to attend this meeting in person, please be advised that all COVID protocols will be in place:

• Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours of the meeting

• Masks must be worn at all times

During this meeting, we will elect nominating committee members and discuss the status of the lawsuit with the College. Furthermore, the BOG has received a petition signed by more than 25 alumnae-at-large requesting a recall of alumna trustees; the AAMC bylaws require the BOG to call a meeting to consider their request (see Article III, §4). More information about this request is available at aamc-mills.org.

1. In light of these requirements, the agenda for our annual meeting is as follows:
    AAMC update

2. Nominating Committee elections or change of bylaws to keep the current committee for three years

3. Lawsuit status

4. Discussion of and vote for potential recall of any/all alumna trustees (California Corporations Code, see §5222(f)1)

Ballots will be distributed to all alumnae who are present. Alums who attend over Zoom will be able to vote using the poll feature.

We thank you for your support and engagement during this difficult time and hope to see you at the Annual Meeting.

In solidarity,
The Board of Governors of the Alumnae Association of Mills College

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Notice regarding the Annual Meeting and potential recall vote

September 10, 2021

 Since the Board of Governors’ September 7 communication informing alumnae of the upcoming annual meeting, there have been a number of allegations regarding the motivation of the alumnae who petitioned to recall AAMC’s three elected alumnae trustees.

While it would be inappropriate for the BOG to weigh in on these allegations, it is important to note: the BOG did not initiate the petition, nor has it taken a position on the petition. However, the BOG is obligated to fulfill the bylaws, which clearly state in Article III, Section 4:  

The Board of Governors or President shall call a special meeting of the members upon receipt by the Treasurer/Corporate Secretary or President of a petition signed by twenty-five (25) members of the Association.

The petition received by the BOG asking for a recall vote was signed by 27 verified members of the AAMC; therefore, under AAMC bylaws, their request for a hearing must be honored.

Furthermore, as a nonprofit operating within the state of California, we are also bound by California law. California Corporations Code §5222(f)1 states that “any or all directors may be removed without cause” by a vote of our membership. Taken together with the bylaws, this means that, should a recall vote move forward during our annual meeting on September 25, it could result in none, one, two, or all three elected alumna trustees being removed.

The petitioners will be articulating their rationale for their request soon. In accordance with the principles of independent thought and activism that guide AAMC’s work, the BOG urges all members to consider equally both their request and the alumnae trustees’ response.

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