Why I Give

Sarah Zevin Vela ’90

Communications Professional, Singer, Poet

Then Plunged into the Sarah Lawrence theatre scene as a first-year, directing The Maids by Jean Genet, which was staged in the common area of Titsworth.

Now Performs at least three times a year with Texas-based Chorus Austin and regularly with the choir at her Episcopal church in Austin.

Then After taking a semester off, Vela returned to school and became captivated by film history faculty member Gilberto Perez’s curious, generous approach to film criticism.

Now Brought her twin daughters, Allison and Carrie Anne, to campus for his memorial service in 2015: “My love of film has endured. I only wish I had recorded Gil’s lectures.”

“Anyone who has a desire to attend the College and will add to the SLC tapestry should be given the opportunity and privilege of a Sarah Lawrence education.”

Then Attended poetry readings with friends who were enrolled in the MFA poetry program.

Now Belongs to a three-member poetry group (along with Sarah Janczak ’04) and writes experimental poetry based on Internet searches.

Then Vela became a volunteer with the AIDS Action Committee after John Braswell MFA ’59 (theatre, 1959–1989) passed away from the disease: “The AIDS crisis was horrifying, but it turned all of us into activists.”

Now Recently drove eight hours to a tent city in Tornillo, Texas, to protest the current administration’s immigration policies.

Then Traveled to London with her don, William “Dave” McCree MFA ’81, and a group of students to visit The Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre and see “probably 50,000 plays.”

Now Takes hiking trips, including ventures into northern New Mexico, which has become her favorite destination.

Then Made her first gift in 1991 because her parents taught her that smaller, worthy institutions should be supported.

Now Participates in the monthly sustainer program because, “With one income and five children, my strategy is to choose carefully and give both modestly and consistently.”