The Vassar Haiti Project is driven by Vassar College students, faculty and members of the Poughkeepsie community. Profiles of our members are listed below. Check back often, this page will be updated frequently!
Andrew Meade, Founder and Co-Chair
"Participating with the Vassar Haiti Project is in so many ways a dream come true."
"Living and attending school in Haiti in the 1970's gave me the opportunity to get to know the land, the people, and their glorious art. Despite the poverty, the political turmoil, the environmental devastation, and lack for years of any kind of governmental infrastructure, the dignity and spirit of the Haitian people remains powerfully strong, vibrant and free. It is this vibrant spirit which translates so colorfully and creatively into art, which is one of that country's few remaining viable exports."
"I consider it a privilege to be engaged in this work. One of the greatest thrills has been the great and growing numbers of people, including dozens of Vassar students, faculty, staff, and administrators, and folks from the Hudson Valley and beyond, who have requested the opportunity to participate either as a member or a partner of this project."
Andrew Meade is the Director of International Services at Vassar College.
Lila Meade, Co-Chair
"Over six years ago, my husband, Andrew had a 'little idea' of supporting a school in Haiti which he took to the Dean of the College. This seed has blossomed into the Vassar Haiti Project, supporting nutrition, education and art in Haiti. By buying the artwork from Haiti, which gives budding artists the chance of a livelihood, a small committee started an art sale at Vassar which has blossomed into a family and partnership with students and community members. Vassar students have reached out way beyond the walls of the college (and themselves!) towards making a 'concrete' difference to the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. What a joy and privilege it is to work with them, especially as they keep pushing the project towards new levels!"
"What was planted years ago has now become a virtual forest! I have grown to love Haiti through its incredible art, culture and spirit. This project has taught me much about what is truly rich in life. I dedicate my work in this project to my mother, Lily, who spent her early childhood in Haiti and who taught me how to love, respect and care for the children of the world."
Mark Andrews, Associate Professor of French
"A member of the Vassar Haiti Project since its second year of existence, I was drawn to the art sale initially through my research interests, which are focused on the use of imagery in Caribbean literature. I have come to appreciate more and more the camaraderie generated between faculty, administrators, staff, students, and community members and especially enjoy working with the art itself. My trip to Haiti in January 2007 with other members of the project offered a special opportunity to see the positive results of our efforts in Chermaitre and to appreciate the remarkable spirit of the schoolchildren, parents and teachers in this isolated village."
Susan Levinson, Publicity Committee Member and Art Sale Host
"The mission of the Vassar Haiti Project really touched me and I've been a member since 2002 when I learned about the work through a mutual friend. It is with great purpose and passion that I speak to others about the VHP and I volunteer as much of my time as possible. I'm thrilled to be a part of this fabulous and meaningful project that serves so many purposes starting primarily with education and paying the salaries of teachers through to the support of artists for their work.
We recently added the reforestation, water purification and medical care initiatives to our fundraising efforts to allow Haitians an opportunity to be more self-sufficient.
My role is that of database administrator managing the mailing list (ahhh...the mailing list!!!) and recording sales data from art sales and events. I love attending the planning meetings, stretch framing parties, pricing sessions and sales events but my very favorite activity is selling the art and handcrafts to our customers/supporters, sharing stories about the artists and describing our project to anyone interested in helping our cause."
Mario Arthur-Bentil, Class of 2010
An Economics major with Math and Geography minors, Mario has been with the Project for seven months and was responsible for photographing nearly all of the paintings you see on this website.
"Why am I involved? Love the mission of the Vassar Haiti Project, love the beautiful and unique art and love the people behind the VHP."
Raluca Besliu, Reforestation, Class of 2011
Yasmina Raiani, Class of 2012
Yasmina is a Libyan-Canadian student who hails from Queens and Montreal. She joined at the beginning of her freshman year, quickly becoming Project Manager for Hurricane Relief. She organized two fundraisers during her first semester and helped to make the VHP promotional film.
"I joined the Vassar Haiti Project because of its unique mission: to aid a nation whose development was cursed by imperial powers as soon as its independence was achieved by promoting the culture of its citizens. For me, participation in this initiative is not driven by charitable sentiment, but by a sense of duty, that which every beneficiary of First World prosperity ought to feel toward those whose backs this wealth was built upon. The organization is above all a testament to the fact that art can serve as a unifying force between diverse peoples, bringing students of all ethnic origins together around the vibrancy of one resilient Caribbean nation."
Mario Esteban Sosa, Class of 2012
Mario likes the Vassar Haiti Project.
"Hey Peeps."
Elianne Schutze, Class of 2012
"Hi! I'm Eli and I'm originally from Managua, Nicaragua. I joined the Vassar Haiti Project this year and have been working with the Reforestation, Outreach, and website committees. Everyone in the VHP is so driven and so inspired when it comes to working towards making Haiti a better place, even if we have to take it one baby step at a time and it is just a great positive environment to work in. This project that the Meades have created has brought so many people together and they have become like a family to the project members. Its a wonderful feeling to know that what we're doing directly affects these people's lives in such a positive way and I hope I can keep collaborating with the Haiti Project during the rest of my Vassar years. "
Fiona Koch,Outreach, Class of 2012
Fiona is a "third culture kid," with roots in Ireland, Germany, Bahrain and Switzerland. She shares the chair position of the Outreach Committee with Caitlyn Anderson.
"I joined the VHP in my freshman year simply because I found it impossible not to feel passionate about the project. Using art as a means to raise awareness, and have that awareness benefit the people in Haiti that need it the most - what's not to love about that approach? But the VHP is more than just a worthy cause. We're like a big family, and every project we take on is executed with love and respect for one another, and for Haiti."
Lauren MacLean, Handicrafts, Class of 2012
"I joined the Vassar Haiti Project during my freshman orientation because I strongly believe in it's mission to help the people of Chermaitre. Since joining, I have been privileged to meet all the amazing people who work on the project and have been inspired by their enthusiasm and dedication. The Vassar Haiti Project has taught me that together we can accomplish great things for the people of Haiti and I look forward to accomplishing even more in the coming years!"
Livia Dinu , Outreach, Class of 2010
"I found out about the project and what it involves during my first week at Vassar, at the Beginning School Conference. The cause, the warmth of people involved and their dedication to the Haiti Project's mission are the first things that drew me to join the committee. I loved the way this project helps the children and the artists, and, most importantly, how it teaches the Haitian people to help themselves through selling their art. With all the profits going back into education, the results are tangible and long-term. The project has no limits."
Livia is an Economics and Mathematics double major.
Rebecca Valencia, Water Purification, Class of 2011
"I joined Vassar Haiti Project after hearing about how it really focused on changing the everyday lives and education of Haitian children. My mom is a school teacher for under privileged children right here in the United States and I have always been aware of the inequalities that exist between the haves and the have-nots. I never really thought that I could change anything until I saw Lila and Andrew, two individuals who have devoted their lives to change for people who could've easily been ignored. From VHP I have learned that effort and strength of will go a long way in a grand project such as this one."
Caryn, Madeleine & Noah Halle, Community Volunteers since 2002
A holistic health counselor, Caryn loves the many aspects of the Vassar Haiti Project; particularly, how it visually educates the local community about the needs of the Haitian people and yet inspires that beautiful sense of hope that the people of Haiti embody. She loves learning about the artists, critiquing their work, stretching their canvases, and especially seeking the "perfect" name. While, her husband, Scott, would say the house is overflowing with Haitian art, she always finds room for one (or two or three) more.
A Middle school student, Madeleine has been involved for the last several years, serving in the capacity of art girl, displaying paintings for the auction, and most importantly, tallying up the evening's receipts, making sure that all sales are accounted for. This year she has expanded her role by educating her school friends and classmates on the mission of the Vassar Haiti Project and the continuing needs of the school children of Chermaitre. Through student council and other organizations, Madeleine hopes to be able to send school supplies to the children, so they can begin the year in their new school well stocked.
The youngest and self-proclaimed funkiest member of the team, Noah has been a team player since the beginning. He has served in the capacity of "runner" and wrapper, and painting namer, and is actually, the inspiration behind the titles of many Maxo paintings. When his mother isn't looking, he is often secretly bidding on paintings. His bedroom demonstrates his keen eye and appreciation for the art of Haiti, as he has taken it upon himself to artfully adorn his walls with both paintings and metal works. He has even asked his mother to paint his room a lovely shade of green " to better display" his Haitian paintings! He has also confessed his determination to add to his collection this year.
Judy Elkin
Judy graduated Vassar in 1976 with an Independent Major in Environmental Design. She served as President of the Older Students Society (she was 28 when she graduated). Making the most of her liberal arts education, she has worked in classical music management, college admissions (at Bard and SUNY New Paltz), and worked for the Dutchess County Arts Council as Coordinator of Arts and Education. She currently has a social work practice devoted to grief and bereavement. Over the years she's been involved in community groups including the Town of Poughkeepsie Democratic Committee (she was a committeperson when she was at Vassar) and now serves as the Board President for the Dutchess County Interfaith Council.
"I love working on the Haiti Project because it allows me to: live out the dictum "Think global, act local"; live out my religious beliefs involving the eradication of poverty in the world; be around beautiful art; and finally, to work with the special, caring people who also work on the Haiti Project."
Michael Xie, Class of 2012
"My name is Michael Xie, and I am originally from Nanjing, a dazzling metropolis yet with rich culture heritage on the east coast of China. In my freshman year, I am the WebSales & Shipping Manager of the Vassar Haiti Project. VHP is a truly inspiration to me: I am not only amazed by how much optimism and passion for life those paintings exude, but also impressed by how much we can do to improve the harsh living conditions of the Haitian people. I hope that everyone can contribute to this wonderful project , and I will guarantee the prompt delivery of the fantastic art with lots of love."
Marjorie Kauffmann, Marketing & Publicity Class of 2009
A sophomore at Vassar College, Marjorie has joined Vassar Haiti Project since her early days at Vassar College and fell immediately in love with the project and its people. Not only was she given the opportunity to make a difference, she became part of a family whose kindness and enthusiasm created the strong bond she now feels with Vassar Haiti Project.
In 2006, she was deeply involved in planning events and working on the artifacts presented at the annual sale and auction. A native French speaker, she also presented the Haitian paintings auctioned off on parents' weekend and enjoyed it so much she is looking forward to taking over the responsibility once more this April. In addition to assisting the auctioneer this year, she is deeply committed in raising awareness about Vassar Haiti Project's efforts to support Haiti. She is greatly devoted to the project and will never forget her experience with VHP.
Lily Meade, Arlington High School
"I've been working with the Vassar Haiti Project since the very start. I've been in love with it since, too. I love the feeling of helping children in need. It shows not only that something so little could make such a big difference, but also that we take so much for granted. I am truly privileged to work with my parents in this project and I can't wait to see it expand even more."
Kristen Meade, Class of 2010
"I have participated in the Vassar Haiti Project since it began in 2002. My involvement ranges from soup to nuts, from attending committee meetings, preparing and planning for the art sale, and stretching painted canvases onto wooden frames to working at the actual sale and other events throughout the year. Supporting education is one of the most important things we can do to make a difference in the world, and that is why the VHP is so incredible."
David Schwartz, Community Volunteer since 2001
"Spending time on the Vassar campus, interacting with people attending the sale and auction, and helping Haitian artists and children in Chermaitre. Who could ask for anything more?"
Crystal Tung, Class of 2011
"I'm Crystal Tung and I joined VHP because I want to save the world."
Claire Frohman, Class of 2012
"Hi I'm Claire and I'm a freshman. I joined the Vassar Haiti Project this semester and although I haven't been around for long I'm looking forward to working more with the project in the future."
Daniel Tan, Class of 2009
An international student from Singapore, Daniel is an Economics and Music double major at Vassar who has served on the committee since his Freshman year. He is drawn to the art, the cause, and is especially excited to see the project grow.
"Why should you support the Vassar Haiti Project? Real people, real project, real impact. It doesn't get much better than that."
Grace Tan, Class of 2009
"I've been a part of the vassar haiti project since freshman year, having initially been drawn to it for its people and its purpose, and not really knowing anything about Haiti itself. I have since learned and come to appreciate a lot about the country - its art, its need, and the beauty of its people. With this in mind, I have decided to spend a semester in Kenya for the fall of '07 and am thoroughly excited for what i believe is going to be an educational, stereotype-breaking, life-changing experience.