Olivia DrakePeri Smilow '82, a College of Letters graduate, will be honored at the Association of Reform Zionists of America's (ARZA) 36th Anniversary Gala on April 5 at Central Synagogue in New York City. Known internationally as one of the bright lights in contemporary Jewish music, Smilow will be recognized for her ability to elicit a sense of spirituality and social action in her audiences, drawing on a wealth of personal and professional experiences. As a composer, Smilow's music is sung in worship, in youth group settings and at Jewish summer camps throughout the country. As a recording and touring artist, her music has been enjoyed…
Mike SembosKaren Donfried ’94 will become the president of the German Marshall Fund in April, a role for which she was unanimously elected. She’s currently a special assistant to President Obama and senior director for European affairs on the National Security Council at the White House. She advises the president on European matters and leads the development and implementation process of his European policies. "I am very pleased that Karen is returning to GMF to take on its leadership," said current GMF president Craig Kennedy, in a press release. Kennedy is retiring after 19 years at the helm. "I am very…