HODSON TRUST BESTOWS LARGEST SINGLE GIFT TO HOOD: The College received more than $5.5 million, the largest gift in its history, from its largest benefactor, The Hodson Trust. The money, presented to President Ronald J. Volpe, was donated by the Trust and the Hodson Scholarship Foundation. The $4.5 million from the Trust will be used for student scholarship endowment, faculty and student research initiatives, the establishment of six new technologically enhanced classrooms, upgrades to Rosenstock Hall, student life facilities and other campus infrastructure projects. Another $1,049,166 from the Hodson Foundation will be used for academic innovation and scholarships for Hodson-Gilliam Scholars at Hood. For more information about the gift, click here.

WHAT ARE THEY DOING NOW? As part of our continuing series on retired and former faculty and staff, Nancy Gillece '81 and Peggy Bull Larsen '74, M.S. '79 visited with retired College receptionist Margaret Rose during a recent Florida trip. Mrs. Rose has moved to Summerville Assisted Living Center, 80 N. Clarke Road, Ocoee, Fla., 34761-9163, near her daughter, Carol Rose Offutt ’91. Nancy and Peggy met many of Mrs. Rose’s friends, who are as devoted to her as those of us at Hood who know her.  Mrs. Rose recently received a new sewing machine and has been busily making Christmas presents for friends and family. However, we learned this week that Mrs. Rose is now seriously ill. We urge alumnae and alumni who know Mrs. Rose to send get well cards and notes to her at the above address at your earliest convenience. Let Mrs. Rose know what she has meant to us!

KUDOS: It’s a record! Thanks to the gracious generosity of our alums and parents and the hard work of our talented student callers, the Fall Phonathon brought in more than $368,000 in gifts and pledges to the Annual Funds. That's $128,000 more than the goal!  Thanks for your support!  Meet our Fall 2006 Phonathon student callers: Back Row: Will Lane, Andrew Zavage, Kendall Parsons. Next Row: Priya Ashok, Sara Stiles, Kayla Conklin, Ceridwen Pietras, Laura Aceituno. Middle Row: Edrea Dubose, Christienne Burrell, Bolanle Ogunmakin, Laura Master, Abisola Abolude. Next Row: Jessica Grant, Basudha Bhattarai (with our mascot, Champ), Prima Brooks, Taku Mhundwa. Bottom Row: Supervisors Alison Klingmeyer, Sarah Gowen, Chelsea Henkel.

CONSTELLATION ENERGY CORPORATE CHALLENGE FOR HOOD: Constellation Energy has issued a matching challenge for Hood to encourage Annual Funds support from corporations and foundations. The challenge grant of $20,000 will be awarded contingent upon Hood raising $40,000 in new and increased gifts by the end of the fiscal year, June 30, 2007. For more information on the challenge or the Businesses for Hood program, contact the office of institutional advancement at (301) 696-3700 or visit www.hood.edu/businesses.

IT IS TIME TO NOMINATE SOME GREAT ALUMS: The Alumnae and Alumni of Hood College is taking nominations for three awards: Excellence in Alumnae/Alumni Service Award, Distinguished Alumna/Alumnus Award and the Outstanding Recent Alumna/Alumnus Award. Each year three distinguished alums are honored at the alumnae and alumni luncheon during reunion weekend for their service to the College and for their career achievements. For more information on the awards go here and click on Awards Nominations Form. Send completed forms to Linda S. Hoffman, associate director of alumnae and alumni programs, or e-mail your nomination to hoffmanl@hood.edu.

RECOMMENDED HOLIDAY READING: Karen Hoffman and Steve Wilson, religion and philosophy professors at Hood, have written a book review of Susannah Clark’s debut novel "Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell." Both Karen and Steve enjoyed the book immensely and wanted to recommend it to others for holiday reading. Click here for the complete review.

NEW HOOD COLLEGE ORNAMENTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Three Hood College ornaments/sun catchers are now available through the bookstore. The ornaments/sun catchers, designed by Frederick artist Yemi, are available in colorless or blue glass with etched designs of the Pergola, Alumnae Hall or Coffman Chapel. A double-sized mug is also available. Ornaments/suncatchers are $15 and mugs are $20, plus shipping and tax. They are perfect as a treat for yourself or as a gift for someone special! Phone orders can be placed by calling the bookstore at (301) 696-3480.

HOOD PURSES: Significant Journey is a new line of exquisitely designed "purses with a purpose." It all started with Kathy Pires-Lengyel's '81 dream to create beautiful products that would inspire women. After graduating from Hood, she pursued a career with the advertising and publishing industry as a graphic designer and illustrator. From there she designed and authored several books, patterns and embroidery designs for the sewing market. All of this led to Kathy’s vision to do more than create a beautiful product but also to give back to society. Kathy has designed a purse exclusively for Hood. The price is $150 with 10 percent of the sale going to the Hood Annual Funds. The purse is a symbol of the College’s central landmark—the pergola. This purse is a limited edition of 100 and is signed and numbered by Kathy. For more information, or to order the purse, click here purses are custom made and take 3-4 weeks for delivery.

REMEMBER THOSE CARE PACKAGES AT EXAM TIME: The Campus Activities Board raises money for student activities by offering goodie bags for parents to purchase for their children during exam time. This year, the Council of Alumnae and Students Together would like to help the students earn more money by donating goodie bag items and gift cards to purchase supplies for the project. To learn how you can assist,
click here.

BRIGHTEN SOMEONE'S HOLIDAY SEASON: Are you struggling for a holiday gift idea for someone on your list who seems to have everything? Give the gift that keeps on giving—a gift to Hood College in honor of that special person. Hood will send a letter of acknowledgement to you and the person you are honoring. You can easily make your gift online at www.hood.edu/giving, or by calling (800) 707-5280, option 4.

THE LESTER/ROLDÁN DUO: This brand-new recording is a compilation of highlights from the 30-year career of duo pianists Noel Lester and Nancy Roldán. The CD, which will be available for Christmas, is a mix of stellar live performances and studio recordings of two-piano works by Rachmaninoff, St. Saens, Arensky, Beethoven, Bizet and others. Please contact Noel Lester directly for purchase information: nlester@hood.edu.

To R.S.V.P. or for information on upcoming events, e-mail us at alumoffice@hood.edu, or call (800) 707-5280, option 2, or (301) 696-3900.

PHILADELPHIA, Pa., Sunday, Dec. 10, 4-6 p.m., at the home of John Pachkowski and Mary Alice Peeling ’76, 722 Concord Road, Concordville, Pa. The Philadelphia Hood Club will host their annual holiday party. Each guest is asked to bring an appetizer or a dessert to share. A $5 contribution per guest will be collected at the door. For additional information or to respond, contact Mary Alice Peeling at (610) 358-9801 or by e-mail at mpeeling@widener.edu.

HAGERSTOWN, Md., Tuesday, Dec. 19, 6 p.m., Fountain Head Country Club, Club Road, Hagerstown, Md. Please join the Hagerstown Hood Club for its holiday party. The cost of the event is $18 per person. A cash bar and dinner will be provided along with other holiday festivities. For additional information or to respond, contact Becky Fishack ’03 at (240) 291-3049, or e-mail her at gdmrf@aol.com

Save The Date events are scheduled, and we will continue to keep you updated as plans become firm. If you have any questions about the upcoming events, e-mail us at alumoffice@hood.edu or call (800) 707-5280, option 2, or (301) 696-3900.

HODSON GALLERY DISPLAY: Jan. 26-Mar. 9, 2007, Hodson Gallery, Tatem Arts Center. Stop by the Gallery to see artist H.I. Gates’ display entitled "Eastern Icons."

HOOD ALUM HAPPY HOUR SERIES: Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007, 6:30-8:30 p.m., New York City (Location to be determined).  More details to follow.

LIBERATION OF THE BLACK MIND WEEKEND 2007: Friday-Sunday, March 23-25, 2007. The weekend’s activities will include programs in The Black Family, Reconstructing the African-American Image and Keeping the Faith. For more information, contact the student activities office at (301) 696-3575.

HOOD COLLEGE JOB FAIR 2007: Wednesday, Mar. 28, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Whitaker Campus Commons. Numerous recruiters who are actively seeking candidates and are ready to hire for jobs and internships will be on hand. Professional attire is requested. Bring your résumé and references and be prepared to meet potential employers. Your professionalism and polished appearance will pay off, so if you need help preparing, contact the Career Center today! For more information click here.

HOOD COLLEGE CAREER SERVICES: Take advantage of free lifetime services. We can help you with your résumé, give you advice on your job search, talk to you about career options and much more. Contact us at (301) 696-3583 or by e-mail at careers@hood.edu to schedule an appointment.

CVC JOB FAIR: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2007, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Eisenhower Conference Center, Gettysburg, Pa. Mark your calendar today for the 23rd Annual Cumberland Valley Consortium (CVC) Job and Internship Fair!  Don’t miss this opportunity to meet with employers in persons.

MINORITY TEACHER CANDIDATES' DAY FOR CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Friday, Feb. 23, 2007, 9 a.m.-1:45 p.m., 1305 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, Md. Explore teaching opportunities, learn about the process of obtaining a teaching position and talk to instructional supervisors. For more information, call (410) 535-7223.

WE NEED YOUR HELP: Recently the Hood College Career Center and Office of Service Learning switched to a new service provider for its online mentor program.  The new provider, Opportunities Network (OpNet), allows students and alums to interact with increased flexibility. Please update your account soon. Click here to update your information or to register for a new account. Thank you!

FACULTY AND STAFF ARTWORK ON DISPLAY: Nov. 15- Dec 11, Hodson Gallery, Tatem Arts Center. Stop by the Gallery to see amazing artwork created by our very own faculty and staff.

FALL CONCERT: Tuesday, Dec. 5, 8-9 p.m., Brodbeck Music Hall Auditorium.  Members of Hood College’s Early Music Ensemble, under the direction of William Simms, will present their fall concert. For additional information, contact Noel Lester at (301) 696-3782.

CHIEF JUDGE ROBERT BELL TO SPEAK AT HOOD: Wed., Dec. 6, 5 p.m., Hodson Science and Technology Center, Room 131.  Chief Judge Robert M. Bell, who is the first African-American to preside over the state’s highest court and the first to serve as the administrative head of the Maryland judicial system, will speak about legal issues in districting and redistricting. The lecture is in conjunction with Math 111 and is open to the public. Click here for more information.

GAZING AT THE STARS: Hood College is offering everyone the chance to get up close and personal with the stars. The Williams Observatory will be open free of charge from 8:30-9:30 p.m. each Wednesday through Dec. 6 for the exclusive use of the observatory and portable telescopes. Ken Howard, lecturer in astronomy at Hood, will be available each evening to answer questions. For more information click here.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST: Hood College Theatre will present its fall production of Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest,” directed by Patrick Kilpatrick, visiting guest artist. The performances will be held Dec. 7-9 at 8 p.m. in the Avalon Performing Arts Studio in the Tatem Arts Center. Tickets are $7 and will be available at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the day of each performance. Alumnae and alumni are encouraged to make reservations by calling Jennifer Plants, theatre program director, at (301) 696-3720. Reserved tickets must be picked up no later than 15 minutes before curtain time or they will be released to those on the waiting list. Click here for more information. Click here for more information.

EQUESTRIAN TEAM'S SILENT AUCTION: Saturday, Dec. 9, 6-9 p.m., Whitaker Campus Commons. Hood’s equestrian team is holding a silent auction. Items for bid include horse-related products, assorted fine wines, gift baskets, gift certificates for area restaurants and much more.  All proceeds from the auction benefit the equestrian team. For more information, contact Lisa Mitchell, equestrian club coach, at (301) 696-3874 or e-mail mitchelll@hood.edu.

WINTER ATHLETICS NEWS: The men's basketball team (5-2, 1-1 CAC) split a pair of Capital Athletic Conference games last week, defeating Gallaudet University, 77-64, in their first-ever CAC game at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School. Hood then dropped a 76-60 decision to the University of Mary Washington on the road. Sophomore Ryan Junghans was Hood’s top scorer in both games, netting 22 against the Bison and 16 in the loss to the Eagles. Hood continues CAC play this week hosting St. Mary’s College of Maryland Wednesday in what promises to be an exciting rematch of the fifth-place game at last month’s Provident Pride of Maryland Tournament. The Blazers then travel to Catholic University Saturday for a 4 p.m. tip. Click here to read more.

The Blazer women's basketball team (0-5, 0-0 AWCC) hosts Christopher Newport University Saturday at 3 p.m. at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School Gym. Hood is in search of its first win of the season after falling to Catholic University, 72-45, Monday at Gambrill Gymnasium. Freshman Jennifer Willison is Hood's leading scorer (14.8 points per game) and rebounder (11.2 rebounds per game) through the first five games. Click here to read more.

Two members of the men's swim team (2-4, 1-4 CAC) represented Hood at the Randolph-Macon Invitational in Ashland, Va. last weekend. Sophomore Jeff Dickens’ top finish was a 12th–place effort in the 200 free (2:37.52). He also registered a pair of season-best times in the 50 free (28.67-16th) and in the 100 free (1:05.73-17th). Senior Stu Kaufman placed fourth in the 1650 free (19:36.49), sixth in the 500 free (5:33.64) and seventh in the 200 free (2:03.93). His time in the 500 free was a season-best by eight seconds. The Blazers will be idle until Jan. 6 when they host their first home meet of the season against Salisbury University. Click here to read more.

The Hood women's swim team (4-7, 1-2 AWCC) finished seventh out of 12 teams competing at the Randolph-Macon Invitational in Ashland, Va. last weekend. Junior Amy Kaufman placed third in the 1650 free (19:45.00), third in the 500 free (5:44.92) and seventh in the 400 IM (5:17.45). Sophomore Sarah Haney touched the wall fifth in the 100 fly in a season-best 1:07.16 in addition to taking 10th in both the 100 breast (1:17.28) and the 200 IM (2:34.38). Freshman Erica Hamor was seventh in the 100 free (59.40), ninth in the 400 IM (5:21.06) and 13th in the 200 free (2:14.64). The Blazer women will be idle until Jan. 6 when they host their first home meet of the season against Salisbury University. Click here to read more.

To read all the Hood College Athletic news and events, please visit the athletics Web site.

Have you moved? Changed jobs? Gotten married? Had kids? We want to know! Click here to update your information!

Want to tell your classmates what's new with you? Click here to share your news in the next issue of Hood Magazine!

Inter(net)actions, Dec. 5, 2006: This edition of Inter(net)actions is also available on the Hood College Web site. Click here to view Inter(net)actions on the Web.