A Note from the Director: Yolanda Ramos '96
This year's issue of IMAGES brings you a diverse collection of short stories, poems, articles, artwork, interviews and images from ALANA students. Some of the pieces are an exploration of the complexities -- in all their joy, wonder and pain -- of human relationships, their changing nature and how they impact who we are and want to become. There are JYA reflections from students who have been in different cultural contexts where their racial and ethnic identity holds different meanings than in a Vassar or American context. In both cases, a renewed sense of personal identity is a result. Several empowering pieces give voice to the invisible. Other pieces speak to the objectification and abuse women of color can experience. Spotlights and interviews of faculty and administrators that students find to be supportive and make Vassar a more vibrant, exciting and intellectually stimulating place will also be found. There is also an alumnus interview with a Vassar trustee and U.S. federal court judge -- conducted by a former ALANA Intern from the Class of '96. We have also included a listing of ALANA Center programs and a picture of the ALANA team. A special piece on the 4th Annual CHAS Black/Latino Men's Conference, (
Keeping It Real: Brothers Succeeding in the Academic and Professional Arenas) hosted at Vassar in November is also featured.
Many thanks to IMAGES Editor, Tiffany Cirigliano, each contributor, and the ALANA staff for making this publication possible. Tiffany, who has provided steady leadership for IMAGES for the past two years, will be sorely missed.
Enjoy!