1. It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's a New Waterfront Cam!

2. Out with the Old, In with the New

3. Send an e-card! 

4. Holiday Special at Campus Store

5. Come Fly with Me

6. Alumna Receives Washington Post Award

1. It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's a New Waterfront Cam!

You've asked politely for it, begged for it, even demanded it, and the Alumni Office has finally delivered: the new SMCM Waterfront Cam is up and running! And it's thanks to our Webmaster Shayla Bailey that you will now be able to view the waterfront and boathouse construction! Click here to enjoy the view: http://www.smcm.edu/webcam/

And be sure to save this link in the "favorites" section of your Web browser to return to the Waterfront Cam whenever you'd like to reconnect with campus.

Over a thousand ruby-red lips adorned the boathouse the afternoon of Saturday, December 2--so many that from afar it looked like the boathouse had a brand new coat of red paint. And on each set of construction paper lips was the name of a donor whose support made the next step, or giant leap, forward for the River Center possible. Yes, that particular Saturday afternoon it was time to kiss the old boathouse goodbye and celebrate beginning construction on the new Crew and Sailing Center. Alumni, donors and students gathered by the bonfire to toast their memories with cups of cider and listened to the tunes of alumni band Quentin and the Q-Tips in the heated tent while chowing down chili and hot dogs. A ground-breaking ceremony with Chairman of the Board of Trustees Jim Muldoon, President Maggie O'Brien, Gary Jobson and June Weiner Auerbach '49 officially ushered in the new era of riverside construction. Dave Perkowski '03 said it best: "That was by far the best weekend we've had all year ... I'm still getting calls about it this morning.  If we could do that every weekend, my life would be complete."

Many thanks to all the workers that made this event a huge success! And special thanks to the members of the Shared Advantage Program for sponsoring the delicious oysters. To learn more about the Shared Advantage Program click here, and scroll down to the end of the page.

To view pictures from Kiss the Boathouse Goodbye, click here.

3. Send an e-card!

Did you know that photos you see in SMCMail and on the Alumni Web site can be forwarded to friends as an e-postcard? Just click on the picture you want to send, then click on the envelope icon in the upper right corner, which will then say "send this picture as an e-card." Fill in your e-mail address as the sender and the recipient's name and e-mail address, and any personalized message you'd like to send: "You missed a fun time!" "You look mah-valous in this photo!" etc. Then just click "send." It's a great way to share the highlights of SMCMail and stay in touch.

4. Holiday Special at Campus Store

It's a week before Christmas and you still can't think of a gift for your pesky in-laws, or knuckleheaded brother, so what do you do? The Alumni Office has the solution for you! Nothing says "I'm thinking of you and I love St. Mary's" like a gift purchased from the SMCM Campus Store. Simply click this link and peruse the merchandise. There are gifts for every person in the family--from baby to grandma. Popular this year: pink or blue SMCM hats to keep little ears warm. And our hoodies are always a favorite!

Better hurry, because the last shopping day before the Campus Store closes is noon on December 21^st!

5. Come Fly with Me

Ever wanted to try real pasta straight from Italy? Witness the gorgeous sunset in Yellowstone? Experience Indian culture in Delhi? Or watch a play in London? This year, try out our Alumni and Friends Travel Trips! They're fun, affordable and a nice change from the usual summer beach vacation. For more information, check out the PDF brochure here, or call Chris at Cole Travel at 301-863-9497 or Anne Marum at 301-862-1666 or via email at ahmarum@smcm.edu.

6. Alumna Receives Washington Post Award

There's an old joke about putting the pal in principal, but for Kimberly Summers '88 of Dynard Elementary School in St. Mary's County, her job as principal is synonymous with many aspects of a great leader and friend. Summers, with 17 other Washington DC-area principals, was given The Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award from the paper's chairman, Donald E. Graham, this past November. Chosen on the basis of recommendations from students, parents and colleagues, Kimberly was cited as having a hands-on attitude, compassion, creativity and innovation--aspects of both a good principal and hard-working executive. Congratulations to Kimberly! To view the original Washington Post article, click here.

New job? Exciting trip abroad? Share your news with fellow alumni! Contact Katelyn Turner '05, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, at kmturner@smcm.edu to include your news in the next SMCMail or Mulberry Tree.

As the sun sets on the St. Mary's River this year, we at the Alumni Office would like to wish everyone happy, and safe, holidays!