Community Corner

Organic Farmer, Sustainable Living Champion Are Wellesley College's Alumnae Achievers

Two pioneers in organic and healthy living have been honored with Wellesley College’s highest alumnae award.

Eva Sommaripa ’63, an organic farmer and champion of sustainable living, and C. Tracy Orleans ’70, behavioral scientist and public health advocate, were named as the 2014 Alumnae Achievement award-winners Tuesday.

According to the school, the Achievement Awards, which have been presented annually since 1970, are the highest honor given to Wellesley alumnae. Recipients are chosen for achievement and distinction in their fields, and as an inspiration to current students.

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“A Wellesley education has never been more relevant for today’s world, and it is a pleasure to celebrate this year’s Alumnae Achievement Award recipients for their important contributions to our global society,” said H. Kim Bottomly, President of Wellesley College. “C. Tracy Orleans and Eva Sommaripa exemplify Wellesley’s mission and values, and their work to make this world a better place—as a public health advocate and organic farmer, respectively—serves as an inspiration to us all.”

Sommaripa has owned an organic herb garden — Eva’s Garden — for more than 40 years and has been a supplier for many New England chefs over the years. Orleans is a senior program officer and senior scientist at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and is a nationally recognized expert and leader in behavioral medicine.

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An Alumnae Achievement ceremony will be held on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 5:30 p.m. at Wellesley’s Diana Chapman Walsh Alumnae Hall (106 Central St.) with a reception following in the Alumnae Hall ballroom. The award ceremony and reception are free and open to the public.


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