Class Notes

Elizabeth “Betsy” Wright was sent to Anniston, Ala., after Easter for a week’s training as part of FEMA’s response to the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act. As one of the original 200 disaster reservists hired the previous year, she received training on managing and tracking other federal agency employees who volunteer during disasters. It was the week the tornadoes struck, and Elizabeth assisted in deploying the community relations specialists for the Alabama response, then joined the response in Georgia. When the program was closed, Elizabeth, who had been away four weeks and had no field gear, opted to go home and regroup, rather than continue on to Joplin, Mo. Being a disaster reservist isn’t for everyone, but if you like challenging environments and 84-hour work weeks, it’s an interesting job. Elizabeth agreed to be a reservist while looking for a permanent full-time position close to Alexandria, Va. She volunteered during a January alumni networking event in Washington, D.C., and encourages other alumni to support these events. No matter what you’re doing now, your experience can help and encourage students who are preparing to graduate.

Carole Mercader’s son, Philippe, and daughter-in-law, Melissa, welcomed their son, Jacob Robert Brady, into the world in July. Is Carole proud or what?! Congrats!

Look for your annual postcard and get ready to share your news with your classmates!