by Wu Zhou ‘97
Published Newsletter: The Wellesley Connection:
Wellesley College Alumnae of Boston Newsletter
Published Date: Winter/Spring 2007, Volume 15, Issue 2

Lya Carrera ‘92 contributed to this article and is also an ALANA committee member

While the 2003 motion picture Mona Lisa Smile portrayed Wellesley College students in 1953 as predominantly privileged Anglo-Saxon women, the reality of today’s Wellesley students is vastly different.

ALANA-the acronym for African, Latina, Asian, and Native American students at Wellesley College-represents 38% of the current student population. According to the Office of Admission, Wellesley’s commitment to diversity has resulted in a steady increase in the ratio of ALANA students on campus, which for the class of 2010, reached 41%.

Although the commitment to diversity is evident at the Office of Admission, it does not end there; rather, it continues into the alumnae community. Wellesley College Alumnae Association as well as WCAB are committed to providing opportunities for us to celebrate our differences and to draw strength from recognizing and validating the experiences of our fellow ALANA and non-ALANA alumnae.

According to WCAA, ALANA alumnae number more than 600 of the over -4500 alumnae in the Boston area. Currently, WCAB is focusing on strengthening alumnae bonds in general and in connecting with local ALANA alumnae in particular.

As a result, WCAB, has revitalized its ALANA committee with liaisons who serve on WCAB’s board. The goal of WCAB’s ALANA committee is to facilitate the building of community among all alumnae in the greater Boston area, and create culturally rich and socially relevant activities for us to connect with each other and with the College.

The first ALANA kick-off event will be in February 2007 to celebrate Black History Month. Some other activities currently in the works for 2007 include salsa dancing, a movie night to watch Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto, and dinner at an ethnic restaurant. I hope that you will support our efforts in getting this series of multicultural events off the ground.

As members of the greater Boston alumnae community, you can join WCAB and make a difference by shaping the educational and social activities of the ALANA committee. Your efforts will enrich the lives of all Wellesley women in the area and provide us with ample opportunities to network, learn, and build new friendships.

In addition, the Office of Admission would appreciate greater ALANA alumna participation in college fairs and in conversations with prospective ALANA students. Interested alumnae can contact me at wujinz@alum.wellesley.edu.