Alumnae Weekend 2020

We have been reminiscing about fond CSG traditions so much over these past couple of days — and that, of course, includes thinking of all of you. Never did we imagine that the dawn of spring would bring with it the many important —dare we say life-saving decisions — we would have to grapple with as we deal with the global effects that COVID-19 has imposed on all of us. But, here we are.

In the spirit of public interest and safeguarding the health of the CSG community, we have made the extremely difficult, but necessary, decision to cancel Alumnae Weekend, April 24-25, 2020.

This likely isn’t a surprise in light of many other cancellations and postponements of spring and summer events globally. But for our community, it is a disappointment, especially for those celebrating milestone reunions. We look forward to Alumnae Weekend as a special time to celebrate, but we must put safety first. It is our intention to still celebrate with you virtually on April 24. Stay tuned for details on what this will entail.

We will be honoring and celebrating classes ending in 0’s and 5’s with those ending in 1’s and 6’s at next year’s “supersized” Alumnae Weekend on April 23-24, 2021.

Even though we aren’t able to gather in person, we are looking for ways to stay connected and support you during this challenging time. We would love to hear from you! Please complete this short survey to share with us how we can offer you support and keep Alumnae connected.

For those who have already registered for any of the Weekend’s events, your registration fee(s) will be automatically refunded. Please allow 14 business days and feel free to follow up with Lisa Dodge with any questions or concerns (ldodge@columbusschoolforgirls.org).

As always, your continued support of CSG is greatly appreciated, and our thoughts are with you and yours as we continue to navigate these challenges together.

Forte et Gratum,

Jennifer Ciccarelli, Amy Bodiker Baskes '90, and Allison Ansari '05

Head of School and Alumnae Association Co-Presidents

2020 Alumna of the Year

Kimberly Lowe Hall '91

Kimberly Lowe Hall '91

CSG'S 2020 ALUMNA OF THE YEAR

Brittany Westbrook

Feb 24 2020 9:17 AM

Columbus School for Girls is proud to announce that Kimberly Lowe Hall ’91 has been selected as the School’s 2020 Alumna of the Year.

The CSG Alumna of the Year Award celebrates a CSG graduate who represents the highest principles of CSG, and through that display, has made outstanding contributions in her area of endeavor. As a statewide leader and advocate for girls and women, Hall consistently meets and often exceeds those standards.

Hall graduated from CSG in 1991 before earning a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University and a juris doctorate from Fordham University School of Law, both in New York City. Appointed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, she is currently director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), a $3.7 billion agency with approximately 2,200 employees. In her role, she directs the supervision of the state's public assistance, workforce development, unemployment insurance, child and adult protective services, adoption, child care, and child support programs.

Before taking the lead at ODJFS, Hall was the senior vice president of administration and general counsel at Columbus State Community College. There she provided executive guidance on college policy, administration, and strategic initiatives. Prior to joining Columbus State, she served as deputy chief counsel for Attorney General Mike DeWine, managing chiefs of six sections: Taxation, Workers’ Compensation, Civil Rights, Contracts, Public Utilities, and Education. She also served as deputy chief counsel for the Ohio Department of Education. Early in her career, Hall practiced as a staff attorney in domestic relations and juvenile court, and as a labor and employment attorney with the Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease firm and the Littler Mendelson firm.

In 2014, Hall founded the Olive Tree Foundation for Girls, a nonprofit organization, which provides scholarships, mentoring, and enrichment programs for young women attending CSG. Inspired by her own CSG experience, Olive Tree helps students to build connections with each other and women leaders throughout central Ohio, while also filling the gap between tuition assistance and expenses that traditional financial aid does not typically cover like uniforms, books, tutoring, athletics, class trips, technology and more.

“It’s surreal,” Hall said. “I certainly never thought I would end up being CSG’s Alumna of the Year, but I am honored. CSG definitely prepares you to be a leader in whatever it is you decide you want to do, whether it is the decision to lean into being a mother or a director or CEO. My CSG experience instilled in me true confidence and a lifelong love of learning.”

“Kimberly Lowe Hall is the epitome of a CSG student who became a woman of action,” said CSG Head of School Jennifer Ciccarelli. “We are inspired as we witness how she empowers and encourages the girls who will one day join her in leading our communities. It will be an honor to recognize her accomplishments and the lasting impression she has had on so many CSG students.”

Hall will formally accept the award at an Upper School assembly during CSG’s Alumnae Weekend on Friday, April 24, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. in the School’s Agnes Jeffrey Shedd Theater, 56 S. Columbia Ave., Bexley, OH, 43209. All alumnae, friends, and family are invited to attend.