Purnell Alumnae
Purnell Potluck in Raleigh, NC - August 18, 2024
BIG THANKS to Marcy Everett Voelkel '84, who welcomed ten Purnellies into her art-filled home! And to Anne Brennan '82, who coordinated the invitations and let former faculty Gail Mardfin be her houseguest when she was in the area for a wedding that weekend. It all came together perfectly - a potluck is the best way to share the work - and fun! If you'd like to host a regional gathering, please reach out to purnellsite@gmail.com
Front row: Marcy Everett Voelkel'84, Gail Mardfin (ffac 1978-2000), Amy Isler '12, Sarah Crouse '16, Sally Hinrichs Larsen '72. Back row: Anne Brennan '82, Claire Carter Grant '84, Nancy Burton Wiggins '81, Kate Stewart '92, Ann Caldwell '72.
How wonderful that two from the class of 1972, Sally Hinrichs Larson and Ann Caldwell, could make the drive & bring some sweet potluck offerings.
Art teacher Gail enjoyed Marcy's tour of her art-filled home with many paintings by her, including this one of her beloved dogs!
So great to see familiar faces! Who remembers Nancy Lou Burton Wiggins/ '81 wonderful southern accent? Gail and Anne Brennan did! Still there!
Purnell alum from the 70s have no problems conversing with alum from the 80s! The common experience of Purnell connects us all.
Kate Stewart '92 and Amy Isler '12 enjoyed the Purnell gathering across the miles and years. Amy is relatively new to the area, so it's nice to know there are other Purnellies around. Kate has attended all three Visitor's Days in Pottersville, as well!
Amazing coincidence! Though these two had never met before, they looked familiar to each other...turns out Nancy had waited on Claire Carter Grant '84 in NoFo, a Raleigh shop the day before!
Marcy did such a cute job of setting up the table. Since there were only 10 of us (11 counting Marcy's husband Peter), it allowed for a conversation that everyone could get in on. So fun to discuss the changing rules (smoking and uniforms) and programs (Immersion, Project Ex) and other changes at Purnell over the years. And the inevitable, "What was the worst thing you did at Purnell?" And if discovered, the way the disciplinary consequences were meted out and how they affected you. Gail invited to folks donate to the Alumnae Association fund to keep our communications going, and told about our commitment to Universal Promise.
Marcy and Peter listen as Ann recounts her many life adventures after graduating in 1972.
Before Claire, Amy, and Sarah Crouse '16 arrived, an earlier photo was taken on the couch.
It all ended too soon. Kate, Sally and Gail say goodbye in the foyer. Now that they know so many other Purnellies live in the Raleigh area, promises were made to see each other again.