Bryn Mawr College

Alumnae Bulletin May 2009

From the Editor

An article in the April Fools issue of the Bi-Co News reported that budget cuts would eliminate majors and classes in theater, dance, and creative writing as well as all funding for campus arts groups at Bryn Mawr because they "have no place here." This is funny–or not so funny—because we all know from our own years at the College how students hunger for the arts. As documented by an exhibit in Canaday's Rare Book Room, performance has been an important part of student life since the College's early years. The renovation of Goodhart Hall includes two new stages, and practice and support space. The fine arts major is located at Haverford, but Bryn Mawr students have established a new community space for making art in Arnecliffe.

In this issue of the Alumnae Bulletin we feature alumnae in the performing arts, pairing experienced professionals with ones earlier in their careers.

The Bulletin editors read each Class Notes section several times over, and we are struck by the numbers of alumnae from retirement age onwards who continue to make music and perform. For example, Theresa Helburn, A.B. 1908, became interested in professional theater while studying at Bryn Mawr and had a long and distinguished career behind the scenes on Broadway. She also made important contributions to the professions of film and television from the 1930s to the 1950s. Playwright and performer Sarah Jones '95 is so busy touring that we were unable to get an interview with her.

On another note, we move with this issue to using a lighter-weight recycled paper certified by the Forest Steward­ship Council (FSC). The intent of the FSC system is to shift the market to eliminate habitat destruction, water pollution, displacement of indigenous peoples, and violence against people and wildlife that often accompanies logging. The move will also save money on both paper and postage. "Going green" is not new for our printer, Lane Press in Burlington, VT. For decades, Lane has worked to reduce waste, recycle material used in manufacturing, adhere to strict environmental standards, select vendors based on their environmental practices, and emphasize reuse and conservation of resources at every step in the production process.

Springtime at Bryn Mawr is as beautiful as ever, and we look forward to seeing many of you at Reunion Weekend, May 29–31.