ALUMNI UPDATE   Long after her days as First Lady ended, Ann Hollingsworth McLain '40 continues to play a leadership role at Washington College.         College Honors Two First Ladies The Women's League of Washington College honored former First Lady Ann Hollingsworth McLain '40 at an elegant champagne reception at the Hynson-Ringgold House in December. Ann and her husband Joseph McLain '37 were alumni partners who traveled together from Joe's chemistry lab, to the Dean's Office, and then through eight busy years in the President's Office. Mrs. McLain was recognized by Lisbeth Adams, president of the Women's League, as the "representative First Lady: smart, gracious and hard-working." Yet she was cited on this occasion as a Washington College institution in her own right. "Since President McLain's death in 1981, Ann has continued to serve as a champion of our College. As a charter member of the Women's League, she has worked hard to raise scholarship funds, she played a leadership role in establishing the McLain Scholarship and the Joseph H. McLain Chair in Environmental Sciences and remains in active association with students and alumni through the Alpha Chi sorority." When Melissa Naul '75 married her music professor, she imagined that their days would be filled with parenting and piano music, not formal College functions. She cheerfully accepted her duties as Acting First Lady.  After Dr. McLain died in office, another Washington College alumna took on the role of First Lady. Melissa Naul Clarke '75 was a young wife and mother when the Board of Visitors and Governors tapped her husband Garry Clarke, a professor of music, to serve as Acting President. Last semester, alumni and faculty gathered to pay tribute to former Acting First Lady Melissa Clarke, who served the College community from July 1, 1981 until June 30, 1982. Those 365 days for Melissa were filled with Washington College Bicentennial Celebrations and 3,100 Washington College reception and dinner guests. At a dinner in her honor, Alumni Association President Paul Boertlein '75 cited Melissa Clarke for the amazing grace and good humor she lent to her alma mater in that extraordinary year. Mrs. Clarke accepted her applause with practiced poise, then turned to her old friend and classmate Paul, and said, "This is a special occasion. This time I can leave early and you have to stay and clean up." x     Henry Joins Alumni Staff Kristina Tatusko Henry '88 joined the Alumni Affairs office in February, succeeding Carolyn Athey '93 as assistant director.  Since receiving her degree in German from Washington College, Henry has been writer and editor for several firms, most recently as program manager with ARINC, Inc. in Annapolis. Her first children's book, Sam the Chesapeake Rockfish, was published by Tidewater Press in December. She has actively supported the College for the last two years as president of the Talbot County Alumni Chapter and as organizer of the alumni explorations to Bermuda Biological Station. "Carolyn's positive attitude and charm will be missed not only by alumni but by the College and Chestertown communities," noted Trams Hollingsworth '75, director of Alumni Affairs. "Kristina promises to put her own enthusiasm and bright smile to work for the College that means so much to her." x

Washington - College - Magazine / Spring - 1998 by MC

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