Jyoti Menon '01's Remarks

Jyoti Menon '01, President of the Alumnae Association of Barnard College

Good afternoon.  My name is Jyoti Menon, Class of 2001, and I am president of the Alumnae Association of Barnard College.  President Beilock, it is my great pleasure and distinct honor to bring you greetings from the alumnae.  These remarkable women who were educated by the exemplary Barnard faculty and community welcome you into this special community as our 8th President. 

Since you have begun your journey at Barnard, I have been asked by many alumnae– "Have you met her? What is she like?" Many have had the pleasure to meet you at Town Halls in New York and beyond. They have started to form their own answers - telling me things like: "President Beilock is fantastic - She is going to do amazing things for Barnard. She is so approachable and I enjoyed speaking with her. Her scholarship is so impressive and I learned so much during the town hall. I can't wait to have the opportunity to see her again."

Barnard women everywhere are anxious to see how you roll out your own vision for the College.  They are poised to ask you questions about your research, your professional life, your education, your family, your hobbies, your favorite foods, your views about anything and everything.  In short, they want to know all about you so they can make you part of us.  They want to welcome to you the special place that is Barnard-a women's college, in the city of New York, that is part of a large research institution. Beyond that, it is a place that builds friendships that turn into family-a support system that continues for years to come. 
   
As you meet more alumnae across the country, you will see that Barnard has produced women who are playing a crucial role in every area of the life of their communities to make the world a better place for us all.  

In this time, we need a place like Barnard, and we know that your leadership will take us to new heights. As we stand in this magnificent space, it seems appropriate to use the jargon of church stewardship.  We, the alumnae of Barnard College, will lend our time, our talents, and our treasures to helping you achieve the vision you have for our College. 

Welcome, Sian, from the over 35,000 alumnae around the world.