Whew! I’m just back from attending a huge Greyhound rescue event down in Delaware and have some blog catching up to do! It’s still a shock to go from sunny, ocean-side shorts-weather days back to the cold, overcast skies and sweaters of Central N.Y. but the fall foliage is certain worth it. 
I will have to take some pictures of the trees around campus and post them- they are truly spectacular.
A Message from the President of the Wells College Alumnae Association
At the most recent meeting of the Wells College Alumnae Association board, we considered—and continue to consider—the important issue of the Alumnae Association’s name. Specifically, we’re questioning whether the Association’s name reflects the values of our organization—especially tradition and inclusiveness. The number of both alumnae and alumni members of the Alumnae Association has grown since the College moved to co-education a half-decade ago, and it seems like it’s time for us to make an intentional decision about whether, when, and in what way our organization’s name should reflect our membership.
Any amendment of the Alumnae Association’s name requires a by-laws change, so we have the obligation, and the luxury, of carefully stewarding the Alumnae Association’s identity. We don’t have to rush to make a decision. Any change we make carries with it the gravity of being relatively permanent. It is my hope that these factors will work to our benefit as we consider the Association’s name.
Members of the Association board have discussed this with many Association members over the past few years, and we recognize that the issue is complicated, and that many members have strong feelings about it. We also recognize that the issue is not only one of emotions—it also encompasses history and inclusiveness, tradition and revision. And while many of your board representatives have distinct personal preferences, when it comes to the organization’s name we want to consider the feelings, impressions, and rationales of the widest possible body of Wells alums before proposing any change.
As you may have noticed, the College has adopted new language and new usages as time and circumstances have evolved. I’m sure many of you have already heard—or heard about—the change in the words of the alma mater, for example. (The new lyrics can be seen inside this issue on page 26*). Some of Wells’ offices vary their usage depending upon the particular group they are referencing. The Office of Alumnae and Alumni Relations offers a good example of this fluidity; they address alumnae, alumni, or both as needed. Yet, as with the name of the Office of Alumnae and Alumni Relations, the name of the Alumnae Association does not practically allow for fluidity—although it can allow for inclusiveness. Because of that, it’s my feeling that we must be deliberate in choosing a name that we feel reflects—accurately and permanently—who we are as an Association.
So please tell us what you think. What must our name preserve? Who must our name include? Do we need to remain as the Alumnae Association? Would you like to become the Alumni Association? Do you prefer a name that intrinsically recognizes both male and female graduates—say, the Wells College Association of Alumnae and Alumni?**
Please write us, or email your feedback to the Office of Alumnae and Alumni Relations at alumoffice@wells.edu. We sincerely look forward to hearing from you.
*Fair Wells, with loyal hearts we will forever sing,/ And to the name we love our joyouse tribute bring;/ And Wells, dear Wells, we shout in singing,/ To thee our song we raise,/ Thee would we ever praise,/ Our Alma Mater, Dear Alma Mater!/ To thee our song we raise,/ Thee would we ever praise,/ Our Alma Mater, Beloved Wells!
**Traditional Latin Grammar: Alumna: A single female graduate or former student. Alumnus: A single male graduate or former student. Alumnae: A group of female graduates or former students. Alumni: A group of male graduates or former students; or a group of male and female graduates
