A Toast to the New Perry House

On Saturday, May 30th, during reunion weekend, alumnae gathered for the Women of Color Reception. During the event Provost Mary J. Osirim shared a beautifully written “Toast to the New Perry House”:

Good Afternoon, Everyone

For our Sisters who have come before us —-
Who have lived, worked and played in Perry House
For those alumnae, students, faculty and staff here today and those yet to join our community
May they experience the beauty, the solace, the support and the intellectual stimulation
That will be found in the new Perry House
For our Programs in Africana Studies and Latin American, Latino and Iberian Peoples and Cultures
May they fully thrive in our new Cultural Center and Library
And for the Perry House Committee, the members of the Sisterhood, Mujeres, BACASO, the Diversity Leadership Group and the Diversity Council, the President and the Deans of this College, with a special “shout-out” to Vanessa Christman
Who have remained steadfast in creating a new space and of infusing it with a spirit
Of which we can all be proud
Where diversity, social justice and inclusion will thrive
I ask you to now lift your glasses
In a toast to the new Perry House and to all who made it possible!


As we continue our planning over the summer, the committee feels both excited and comforted by the enthusiasm of the Perry House family. It is a constant reminder that we are all moving cohesively towards the same goals regardless of our positions within the community.

“Love is an action, never simply a feeling.” – Dr. bell hooks