HOOD COLLEGE GIVES THANKS: Hood College would like to thank the many volunteers who work tirelessly and give of themselves to the College. Their generosity helps the College continue to grow and move in a positive direction, and their contributions are essential to the continued success of our many programs. Thanksgiving is a time of year to show gratitude and appreciation for our many blessings and, in the spirit of the season, Hood thanks all of its donors and supporters for making fiscal year 2006 a success. Hood alumnae, alumni, faculty, staff, parents and friends gave more than $5.2 million to Hood between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2006. Read all about it, along with stories from some of Hood's donors, in the Hood College Honor Roll, which will be arriving in mailboxes soon. Visit www.hood.edu/giving to make your annual funds gift for fiscal year 2007 today!

KUDOS: Congratulations to Phyllis Chamberlin Hutson '55 on the publication of her new book, "The Essentials of Grammar Instruction." A certified professional in the field of dyslexia instruction, Phyllis founded the Language Skills Academy in 1981 to provide diagnostic and therapeutic educational services to dyslexic children and adults. For many years the academy was located at the Earlham School of Religion on the campus of Earlham College in Richmond, Ind. The Hutson School in Indianapolis was named to honor her fervent efforts in the education of dyslexic children. For more information on her new publication, visit www.dogearpublishing.net or www.PhyllisHutson.com.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST: Hood College Theatre will perform its fall production of Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest," directed by Patrick Kilpatrick, visiting guest artist. Performances will be Nov. 30-Dec. 2 and 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.

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 the information to hoffmanl@hood.edu.

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 designing and illustrating for 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 College. 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.

STAY CONNECTED TO FREDERICK: The Frederick News-Post is excited to offer a way for Hood alumnae and alumni and parents of current students to stay connected to Frederick County! The Frederick News-Post electronic edition is the daily paper in its entirety and is available online. A one-year subscription is offered at a half price special of only $60! If you are interested, go to http://hood.thenewspost.com/.

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.

WESTMINSTER, Md., and BALTIMORE, Md., Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006, 7:30 p.m., at McDaniel College and Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 25-26 at Goucher College, Provident Bank Pride of Maryland Scholarship Basketball Tournament. Cheer the Blazers on to victory as they compete to become the Maryland independent college Division III men’s basketball tournament champions. Go to http://www.providentpride.com for more information on the tournament schedule, game times and locations.  A limited number of complimentary tickets are available exclusively for Hood alums. Contact the office of alumnae and alumni programs by phone at (301) 696-3900 or by e-mail at alumoffice@hood.edu to reserve your tickets and join the fun.

BALTIMORE, Md., Thursday, Nov. 30, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Mex Restaurant, 26 Market Place, Inner Harbor. Join other alumnae and alumni from the classes of 1990-2006 at the second in a series of “Hood Alum Happy Hours.” Enjoy a casual gathering, catch up with old friends, network, make new connections and win great prizes! Cash bar, complimentary chips, salsa and a hot taco bar will be provided by the Office of Alumnae and Alumni Programs. The event includes classes from 1990-2006, but all Hood alums are invited to attend. For more information or to respond, contact the Office of Alumnae and Alumni Programs at (301) 696-3900 or (800) 707-5280, option 2, or by e-mail at alumoffice@hood.edu.

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 Pachkowski 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. The Hagerstown Hood Club will host their annual holiday party. For additional information or to respond, contact Becky Fishack ’03 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.

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 you for jobs and internships will be on hand. Professional attire is requested. Bring your résumé, 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!

STUDENTS HOST NETWORKING RECEPTION: The newly formed Hood College Management Association invites alumnae and alumni, parents and friends to their first networking reception Thursday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. in the Beneficial-Hodson Library Reading Porch. The purpose of this reception is to help students learn about the importance of networking in a job search and to gain and use practical networking skills.  To respond or for additional information, contact Darnell Edmonds ’07, association president, at managementassociation@hood.edu.

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.

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.

PIANO RECITAL: Thursday, Nov. 30, 8-10 p.m., Brodbeck Music Hall Auditorium.  David Conway ’08, piano performance major, will perform works by Beethoven, Debussy and Rachmaninoff. Admission is free. For more information, contact Noel Lester at (301) 696-3782 or at nlester@hood.edu.

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.

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.

FALL ATHLETICS NEWS: Eight members of the Hood College women's soccer team were recognized by the Atlantic Women's Colleges Conference Monday for their outstanding performances during the 2006 season. In addition, freshman goalie Nina Duron was chosen as the AWCC "Newcomer of the Year." The Blazers finished their first season under head coach Jen Wood with a record of 10-5-3 and advanced to their championship game of the 2006 AWCC tournament. Click here to read more.

Junior Justina Miller, sophomore Crystal Parker and freshman Brandy Noel of the Hood College field hockey team were named to the Atlantic Women's Colleges Conference first team. The Blazers finished the 2006 season with a record of 3-12 overall and owned a 2-2 AWCC mark. Click here to read more.

Junior outside hitter Lindsey Nagy of the Hood College volleyball team was named to the Atlantic Women's Colleges Conference first team and five other Blazers earned honorable mention recognition. With its six selections, Hood placed the most players of the five AWCC schools on the all-conference squad. The Blazers finished the 2006 season with a record of 6-15 and advanced to the championship match of the AWCC tournament. Click here to read more.

The men's basketball team captured its second-ever in-season tournament championship after knocking off McDaniel College, 88-72, to clinch the Lebanon Valley College Rinso Marquette Tournament title Saturday. Senior forward Sean Robine was named tournament MVP and sophomore Ryan Junghans earned all-tournament accolades. Hood will participate in the second annual Provident Bank Pride of Maryland Tournament Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday. The Blazers will take on McDaniel in the first round Tuesday in Westminster at 7:30 p.m. For more information on the tournament, please visit www.providentpride.com.

Hood’s women’s basketball team is gearing up for its home opener next Tuesday, Nov. 28 against Salisbury University at 6 p.m. at Gambrill Gymnasium. Sophomore Sara Wastler was named to the Lebanon Valley College Rinso Marquette all-tournament team after averaging 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds. In addition, freshman Jennifer Willison notched her first collegiate double—double against Pitt-Greensburg with 17 points and 16 rebounds.

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, Nov. 21, 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.