Alumnae Day 2025: Celebrating Seven Decades of Violets

On April 26, Marlborough School blossomed as we welcomed back Violets from across seven decades to celebrate Alumnae Day 2025, honoring reunion classes ending in 0s and 5s. From the Class of 1955 marking their 70th reunion to the Class of 2020 celebrating their 5th, Booth Field was transformed into a vibrant space where the Marlborough spirit transcended generations.

“The sense of sisterhood is strong when alums come back to campus. Seeing them connect again, you'd think no time had gone by at all,” remarked Associate Director of Alumnae Engagement Natalie Makous Cuadra ’09, truly capturing the essence of the weekend’s festivities.

A Weekend of Reconnection
Celebrations began on Friday with the popular Alumnae Morning at Marlborough, where current students led campus tours, offering alums glimpses into today’s classroom, and showcased how the School has evolved over the years. That evening, Young Alumnae Council hosted Cocktails on Campus in the Shari and Edward Glazer Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI). Alumnae and their guests were able to network and reconnect while enjoying food catered by Sogo Roll Bar, owned by Sarah Dietz ’07.

Saturday’s main event brought together Violets of all ages and generations to enjoy self-guided campus tours, archival displays, shopping at the student store, and a delicious lunch with their classmates. The Class of 1975 toasted their 50th reunion over afternoon tea in the CEI, while the Alumnae of Color Reception offered a meaningful affinity space for alumnae of color to reconnect with their alma mater and each other.

Celebrating Excellence
The heart of Saturday’s programming featured an inspiring panel discussion with the 2025 Alumnae Award recipients, moderated by All-School President Taryn A. ’25 and Head of School Jennifer Ciccarelli.

Lauren Choi ’16, this year’s 20Y Award recipient, shared her journey from Marlborough’s AP Environmental Sciences classroom to founding The New Norm, which transforms hard-to-recycle plastics into sustainable yarns and fabrics. Now serving as Entrepreneur-in-Residence and helping to lead the Frank & Eileen Accelerator Program for the Leaders of Tomorrow, Ms. Choi ’16 actively mentors current students launching their own businesses while continuing to lead her own. 

Teresa (Terry) Johnson ’85, honored as the 2025 Woman of the Year, brings her distinguished legal career and commitment to social justice to all that she does. As a partner at Arnold & Porter, 2024 President of the Bar Association of San Francisco, and co-founder of the Legal Alliance for Reproductive Rights, Ms. Johnson ’85 exemplifies the core ethos of Marlborough: empowering women to be changemakers and leaders. 

Making Room at the Table
Ms. Johnson ’85 reflected on her journey as often being “the only woman in the room” throughout her corporate law career. “When you’re the only woman in the room, it can be a superpower,” she noted. “For me, it has given me a platform”—a platform she has used to advocate for more women and diverse voices on corporate boards. 

She emphasized the importance of “speaking up, making room at the table for yourself and other women, and keeping your sense of humor along the way, even when the journey is hard.” Her work organizing over 70 law firms to provide pro bono legal help after Roe v. Wade was overturned demonstrates her commitment to collective action for change. 

Showing Up for Each Other
The power of the alumnae connection echoed throughout the day’s events. Both Ms. Johnson ’85 and Ms. Choi ’16 shared examples of classmates supporting one another through life’s challenges and triumphs—a testament to the enduring bonds formed at Marlborough.

“We are not shrinking Violets but mighty Mustangs,” Ms. Johnson ’85 declared, emphasizing how Marlborough graduates combine “common sense, smarts, and determination” to navigate difficult moments together. 

Head of School Jennifer Ciccarelli remarked that “this community showed up—and continues to show up—for one another. That is Marlborough at its core.” She highlighted how alumnae lead with empathy and integrity, mentoring students, supporting fellow alumnae, and giving generously to ensure future generations benefit from the Marlborough experience. 

Inspiring the Next Generation
Perhaps most moving was the demonstration of the intergenerational dialogue that exists between established alumnae and current students. All-School President Taryn A. ’25 expressed her gratitude for alumnae like Ms. Johnson ’85 and Ms. Choi ’16 sharing their wisdom and time with current students.

Ms. Ciccarelli noted that “what connects the Marlborough experience across generations” is excellence, purpose, and deep care. “It is what ensures that the legacy you helped shape continues to guide and inspire the students who walk these halls today,” she told the gathered alumnae.

Celebrating Generosity
Alumnae Day highlighted the incredible generosity of our reunion classes and the enduring tradition of philanthropy that fuels Marlborough’s excellence. This year, alumnae have contributed more than $475,000 to the 2024-2025 fundraising year—including over $164,000 from reunion classes. 

The Class of 1985 currently leads in participation among reunion classes, while the Class of 1965 tops the leaderboard in total dollars raised—both demonstrating the powerful effect of collective giving. 

As President of Alumnae Leadership Board Kimberly Root Sandifer ’87 noted, these contributions “go directly to support students, faculty, financial aid, athletics, the arts, and all the great programs that we loved when we were students and—as you heard about today—are still thriving!” All alumnae are encouraged to support Marlborough in any amount that is meaningful to them before the close of our fiscal year on June 30, 2025. Click here if you would like to make a gift. 

Always a Violet
The celebrations concluded with the singing of the Alma Mater, voices from seven decades of Marlborough graduates joining in harmony—a fitting symbol of the connections that transcend time and distance among the alumnae community.

As Ms. Cuadra ’09 reflected, “Seeing alums sing the Alma Mater together always gives me chills. No matter how many years or life changes have happened, that song unites us. That Violet bond is unbreakable. You can leave Marlborough, but Marlborough is always a part of you.”

Through the continued engagement of our alumnae—whether through mentorship, philanthropy, or simply showing up for reunion celebrations—Marlborough continues to thrive as a place where young women learn not only academic excellence but also the power of lifelong connection and support.