RE Log - Fall 2022

FALL 2022 Ransom Everglades LOG 55 updates on important initiatives at RE: the current expansion to the La Brisa side of campus; the recent launch of the Holzman Center of Applied Ethics; the addition last summer of Director of Inclusion and Community Engagement Wendell Graham ’74 and DEI Consultant to Ransom Everglades Victoria Beatty ’00 ; and increasing emphasis and attention at RE to environmental sustainability – evidenced in part by the new solar panels on the gymnasium roof – and health and wellness, illustrated by the new Lampen Family Wellness Center. “The buildings are one thing,” Townsend said. “It’s people who activate the buildings and the programs we have, and who are most important.” The luncheon immediately preceded the Constance & Miguel Fernandez STEM Center Open House and Campaign Celebration. Current students and faculty under the direction of STEM Department Chair Doug Heller ’80 performed chemistry, biology, robotics, math, engineering and physics experiments and demonstrations in various classrooms and laboratories throughout the facility, welcoming and entertaining the alumni and other members of the RE community who flocked to the facility throughout the afternoon. (See page 56.) The events on campus concluded with a first-time Black Alumni Reception, an event in the Pagoda hosted by the RE Alumni Association, and kicked off by the director of inclusion, Graham, along with Cheyenne Range ’14 and trustee James G. Weaver Jr. ’90 . The day also included a number of special reunions, some of which had been delayed by the pandemic. Alumni had an opportunity to connect with Director of Advancement Melanie Hoffmann, Director of Alumni Engagement Vicki Carbonell Williamson ’88 and Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement Maggie Pearson ’80 . They also heard from alumni board co-presidents Vanessa Chartouni-de la Serna ’90 and Todd Mestepey ’91 , who urged their peers to stay in touch, give back to RE and invite fellow alumni. “We always say that your time at RE doesn’t end when you graduate,” Chartouni-de la Serna said. “It really is just beginning. This is a community for life.” Said Mestepey: “Once you are a Raider, you’re always a Raider. This alumni association will be here for you today, tomorrow and forever.” Steve Sawitz ’75 flanked by mother, Jo Ann Bass (left) and wife, Ross, and daughter, Julia