Events Calendar

December Book Club Meeting! Come for a fun discussion of a Yale-affiliated book - The House Girl by Tara Conklin (Yale undergrad alum).

Do you love reading, friendship, and fun? Come for an exciting discussion of a Yale-affiliated book with fellow fabulous Yale Women!

For December, we'll be discussing The House Girl by Tara Conklin (Yale undergrad alum). Historical fiction. In 2004, Lina Sparrow is an ambitious young lawyer working on a historic class-action lawsuit seeking reparations for the descendants of American enslaved persons. Lina discovers a controversy rocking the art world: art historians now suspect that the revered paintings of Lu Anne Bell, an antebellum artist known for her humanizing portraits of the enslaved persons who worked her Virginia tobacco farm, were actually the work of her enslaved housemaid, Josephine, in 1852. Lina pieces together Josephine’s story, in search of a descendant, who would be the perfect face for the lawsuit.

For questions, reach out to oc@yalewomen.org.

This winter, travel through the historical heart of Central Europe aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express, a privately chartered luxury train that evokes the elegance of a bygone era of travel. From the comfort of your wood-paneled cabin, you will journey across the former Habsburg Empire, exploring the layered histories of its great capitals: Budapest, Vienna, and Prague.

Celebrate the turn of the year in Central Europe by luxury rail, traveling through imperial cities, preserved medieval towns, and winter mountain passes. This journey begins and ends in Budapest and moves through Vienna, Graz, Český Krumlov, Prague, and Košice, with curated experiences that draw out each destination’s visual language of power, faith, and identity. From a private concert in Vienna to special access at Budapest’s Royal Waiting Room and a New Year’s Gala Dinner inside Vienna’s City Hall, every moment is shaped by the beauty and history of its setting. All of it unfolds against a landscape of snowy rooftops, mountain vistas, Christmas markets, flickering lights, and grand architecture meant to be seen in winter.

Retrace sea lanes navigated by storied explorers Shackleton, Amundsen and Scott on a journey that includes 2 nights in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, Argentina, and a 9-night, 5-star cruise aboard the deluxe Ocean Victory. Be among the fortunate few to set foot on “The White Continent,” a legendary wilderness at the bottom of the globe. On this active, expedition-style program, witness wildlife-rich waters, where seabirds dive and dip, and keep an eye out for sea lions, pods of whales and rare dolphins from the comfort of your ship. Get up close to this pristine environment and towering ice sculptures during guided excursions accompanied by a knowledgeable expedition team. Aboard sturdy Zodiac crafts, cruise amid sapphire-hued icebergs, intricate ecosystems and abundant wildlife — including humpback whales, leopard seals and Adélie penguins. Experience the thrill of hiking onshore and kayaking around this rarely visited territory. As you travel, expert guides and speakers will share meaningful insights, while a professional Travel Director will manage the logistics.

With its extraordinary scenery, fascinating geology, and vibrant culture, Iceland offers a remarkable winter escape—and an opportunity to experience one of the world’s most distinctive landscapes during its most atmospheric season.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Search for the Northern Lights during one of the best times of year for viewing the aurora.
- Explore Iceland’s Golden Circle, including Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the erupting geysers of the Geysir geothermal area.
- Discover Reykjavík through its food culture on a guided culinary walk sampling Icelandic specialties.
- Enjoy a free day to explore at your own pace, whether relaxing in a geothermal spa, visiting museums, or venturing farther afield.
- Visit Gunnuhver Hot Springs on the Reykjanes Peninsula, where steaming vents and bubbling mud pools reveal Iceland’s volcanic power.

Avid Yalie reader? Join fellow readers at the next YaleWomen Oregon Chapter Book Club on Thursday January 21, 2027 at 7 pm in Portland.

This group reads works by women authors that have been awarded a Pulitzer, Booker, or other literary prize for fiction, non-fiction, or biography/memoir. October’s selection was Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips, which provided a rich source for thoughtful discussion.

January’s book is Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, which won the 2013 National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction. The work follows the lives of two high school sweethearts in Nigeria as they make their way to either London or the United States and encounter issues of identity, belonging, and racism.

All Alumni, Current Students and Friends of Yale Welcome

DATE: Thursday January 21st, 2027

TIME: 7-8:30 pm

WHERE: Private Home in Portland - Address will be emailed after you RSVP

NOTE: Attendance capped at 18; please join the waitlist as there may be cancellations. Please also let us know if you need to cancel.

January Host: Shauna Alexander, Yale FES

Email LisaHayPdx@gmail.com with any questions

Dr. Basmah Safdar, Yale School of Medicine, Women’s Health Research at Yale

Escape the cold and experience an exciting destination with the Yale alumni community. Gather your classmates, friends, shared interest group members, and neighbors for the first YAA Compass event. 

This long weekend offers opportunities to learn from faculty, participate in a service project, explore local attractions, join mentorship conversations, and have fun (on the beach!). The Yale Club of Puerto Rico and local alumni will showcase the best of their island and share meaningful experiences with those who want to get away as Yalies.

To finalize arrangements, please let us know whether you plan to join us. Please fill out this short form with your information. A more formal itinerary will follow, and the registration site will launch soon.

We will hold a room block at the Hyatt Centric San Juan, the event headquarters (details announced ASAP). All attendees are welcome to stay at any accommodations of their choosing. 

Can’t make Puerto Rico? Mark your calendar now for Washington, DC – October 14-18, 2027. More cities to come in 2028! Learn more about Compass Events in the YAA Strategic Plan.