Breaking new ground and shattering glass ceilings may not be identical concepts, but both imply extraordinary accomplishments. The alumnae, faculty, and students spotlighted in this issue bear testament to the notion that Barnard encourages out-of-the-box thinking and transitions.
Among the alumnae profiled in this issue is Sheila Nevins ’60, president of HBO Documentary Films. Nevins appeared on campus this spring; President Debora Spar’s first question no doubt asked what each audience member most wanted to know: What propelled her to such a remarkable achievement? Barbara Lovenheim ’62 taught college-level English for more than a decade before she decided she would really rather write. She’s since interviewed celebrities (she knows how tall Robert Redford really is), and probed social issues for newspapers and magazines. Her latest project is an online magazine for women over 40. Ntozake Shange ’70 returned to campus as a Distinguished Alumna, receiving an annual award conferred by the Africana Studies Program, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Senior lecturer in chemistry Meenakshi Rao developed a new course that looks at the science from unorthodox perspectives; she hopes to engender enthusiasm and perhaps attract more students to the major.
Current students are ready to forge their own strong paths. Senior Sakina Pasha is a neuroscience major who is president of a club that builds racecars. Barnard Student Fellows attended the Global Symposium in São Paulo, to lead career workshops for Brazilian high schoolers.
Finally, we thank those alumnae who answered our request for personal stories from members of the “sandwich generation,” those who are caring for children and aging parents, working, and planning for their retirement. In this issue, we share their stories. “Strong, beautiful Barnard women”—all of you.
—The Editor
