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Ellie Vali is a New Face in Institutional Advancement
By Erin Hege, ’04
Ellie Vali has jumped right in to the institutional advancement office as the administrative assistant to Vice President Connie Harris. Vali just started in November, but she has already made a significant impact at Meredith.
Vali was born and raised in Iran and lived there until she came to the United States in 1979 during the Islamic Revolution. She settled in New York where she completed her education at St. John’s University. There she majored in anthropology and sociology and later on earned her master’s degree in library and information sciences.
Vali has worked for large corporations, which ultimately brought her to North Carolina, but her passion lies in working for non-profit organizations. At Meredith, Vali is able to use her fundraising, organizational, communication and networking skills as she works with the Office of Institutional Advancement and with Meredith donors.
One of her main projects is assisting with The Campaign for Meredith. In this campaign, the Office of Institutional Advancement is working with donors and friends of the College, both internal and external, to reach the $33.5 million fundraising goal. Vali likes working with the alumnae, trustees and other donors to keep track of their pledges and gifts.
Vali enjoys working at a women’s college because she sees the product of her work in the students. She said, “When a new building or program develops that will further the education of our students it is satisfying to know that our office helped fund a new initiative. It is wonderful to see students excel because of something we did.”
She also enjoys working with the people in Institutional Advancement. She said, “The people in this office are a dynamic, kind and focused group. They are some of the hardest working people on campus and they love what they do. It is rewarding to come to work every day and enjoy the people you work with and to enjoy what you do.”
Convocation Series Turns Back The Clock To The Middle Ages
by Kristen Scott, '05
For Spring 2004, Meredith College's convocation committee is continuing a series with the yearlong theme "Medieval Worlds". Many events around campus are expected to make this series a fun and educational experience for all to enjoy.
 A professional music group, Rondellus, will perform on Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. in Jones Auditorium. Founded in 1993, Rondellus performs and promotes medieval and renaissance music. This performance will be open for all Meredith College faculty, staff, students and alumnae.
A Medieval Feast will be held on Friday, Feb. 20 in Meredith's dining hall. From 5:30-8 p.m., five courses with authentic food and utensils, (or lack of utensils) will be provided. Entertainment will be presented continuously throughout the evening offered by mostly students.
According to organizers, attendees can look forward to authentic medieval dances, squires and pages serving the meals and explanations about certain aspects of medieval life that will be woven in between the music and dance entertainment. Everyone is encouraged to wear his or her finest 13th century frock. For more information, contact John Kincheloe.
Next on the agenda for the medieval series will be a bid for the Guinness Book of World Records. On April 1, from 6-7 p.m., Meredith College will attempt to hold the largest recitation of lines 1-18 of Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. All alumnae, students, faculty and staff, as well as any interested members of the public, are invited to participate in this well know tradition.
After the recitation, the theatre department will present two medieval one act plays. "The Apple Tree" and "The Brome Play of Abraham and Isaac" will be performed April 1-2 at 8 p.m., April 3 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and April 4 at 2 p.m. in McIver Amphitheater.
These two medieval pieces by Anonymous writers explore the genres of morality and mystery or cycle plays so mesmerizing and appealing during this time period. Ticket prices are $8 for adults, $6 for students and senior citizens and free for all Meredith College faculty, staff and students. To reserve tickets, call the Meredith College Box Office at (919) 760- 2840.
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On Thursday, Feb. 5, Meredith will hold a Black Emphasis Month Poetry Reading at 6:30 p.m. in the Jones Chapel Common Room. Edward Arnold, featured poet and author, will recite his original poetry. Others are also invited to share their favorite poems. 