Honors Aplenty "Under the Oaks"

Women graduating in the class of 2010, along with members of the class of 1960, were honored guests on Friday (May 14) at the Newcomb College Institute's Under the Oaks Ceremony. During the event, the Newcomb Alumnae Association named Berthe Lathrop Marks Amoss its 2010 Outstanding Alumna.

Eileen M. Collins, a Newcomb College Institute grant recipient, collects daisies after participating in the institute's 2010 Under the Oaks ceremony on Friday (May 14). (Photos by Cheryl Gerber)

About 700 people attended the event in Dixon Hall on the Tulane uptown campus.

During the ceremony, the institute presented 18 student awards and three faculty awards, and recognized 75 students.

"It is impossible to watch the slides and learn what these award-winning women have accomplished and not marvel at the possibilities that await them," said Sally Kenney, the institute's executive director, who also holds the Newcomb College Endowed Chair.

At the ceremony, the Newcomb Alumnae Association presented its annual honors.

In addition to the award to Amoss, who is a writer, artist and president of Cocodrie Press, Theresa A. Schieber received the Young Alumna Award. Schieber, a 1995 alumna, is vice president and chief operating officer of The Whelan Group, a consultancy to the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors.

The 2010 Newcomb Alumnae Association Award winners are, from left, Adele Redditt Williamson, Community Service Award; Berthe Lathrop Marks Amoss, Outstanding Alumna; and Theresa A. Schieber, Young Alumna Award.

Adele Redditt Williamson, a 1945 alumna, was given the Community Service Award for her continuing leadership with various cultural and educational organizations.

Class of 2010 member Ashlea Winfield talked about leadership in her address to the audience.

"Being a leader is about so much more than getting the job done, getting all the credit and putting your name first," said Winfield. "It is about inspiring and enabling your peers to create change in their lives and in the lives of others."

The importance of serving others became clear during her career at the university, she said.

"We are strong women, with a solid education and the desire to change the world around us," she added, "but more importantly, we are Newcomb women who can inspire them all."

Tammy C. Barney is the external affairs officer for the Newcomb College Institute.