STAFF NEWS

A fter 18 years of service to Reed as the college’s senior public information officer, Harriet Watson retired on June 30. Watson was the consummate representative of Reed College to the world at large. Approaching her role with intelligence, energy, chutzpah, balance, and, above all, humor, Watson worked tirelessly to fortify Reed College’s mission and image in the media, the community, and the nation.

With her tremendous appreciation of what makes Reed unique, Watson shaped the college through collaboration with all constituents of the college community— students, members of thefaculty and staff, alumni, trustees, and parents. She gave a vibrant face to Reed through her extensive work in the Portland community, from her presidency of the City Club to her calming influence in the neighborhood and in the local press.

A talented writer and reporter, Watson came to Reed with years of experience in national press and television news. She worked behind the scenes to craft countless crucial documents, speeches, and publications, and they succeeded both because of her strategic ability and her fluid way with words. Many college events also bore her imprimatur, including inaugurations, commencements, and campaign celebrations.

One of Watson’s favorite Far Side cartoons showed a laborer in the fires of Hades, whistling as he worked while demons looked on, remarking “I don’t think we’re getting to him somehow.” She’s a lot like that worker, who doesn’t let negativity get in his way, going off into the world with unflappability, determination, hard work, and cheerfulness.

Julie Feely, associate director of major gifts at Reed, has been appointed to a two-year term on the regional board of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the organization for those who work in development, alumni relations, and communications in colleges and universities. Feely has worked in private higher education advancement work since 1989 and been at Reed for 10 years. She has been a member of this district’s conference planning committees in 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 2002, and she will serve again in 2003.

Paul Marthers, dean of admission, was quoted in an article about U.S. News and World Report rankings that ran in Le Monde in April, “Le cauchemar des doyens américains” (the nightmare of American deans). Marthers has also been interviewed by U.S. papers such as U.S. News, the Wall St. Journal, and the Washington Post (but he’s only a doyen for Francophones. . . ).