“Postcards to Alumni” is a collection of monthly digital postcards featuring unique facts about Princeton’s history. The postcards were introduced in December 2022 by the Alumni Council’s Princetoniana and Communications and Technology (CAT) Committees who collaborated on the project.

June’s postcard about “Head of a Woman Takes a Ride” was just released:

“You may have wondered about the familiar sculpture that resides behind Spelman Hall. The University’s Putnam Memorial Collection Selections Committee commissioned Norwegian artist Carl Nesjar to translate Pablo Picasso’s small, painted, folded, sheet metal model of “Head of a Woman” into a large sculpture. He visited Picasso in 1969 with a site plan and photograph of the mock-up, which Picasso signed, indicating his approval. Nesjar created the sculpture on a 12-ton concrete base (below soil level) on the green in front of the Art Museum by building wood forms, injecting crushed stone, employing iron tie-rods and pumping liquid concrete to strengthen it. It was an “open seminar” for students who not only observed but participated in this “re-creation of a master work.” On Nov. 5, 1971, The New York Times reported that the 10-ton, 15-foot sculpture was “unveiled” the prior week as a “tribute to Picasso on his 90th birthday.” In 2002, it was relocated to Spelman Hall when Marquand Library was expanded. James Consolloy (then University grounds manager) noted that it was wrapped in tarps and thick plastic and supported by a crane as jack hammers and a backhoe excavated around its base. On June 18, “Head of a Woman” was loaded by crane onto a 40-foot tractor trailer, stabilized with supporting cables and driven to Spelman. Today, the sculpture continues to intrigue viewers.”

The postcards are being shared monthly with alumni around the globe via numerous digital channels.

“Our work as a committee is not only about collecting and archiving history, memorabilia and traditions but also how to share it and engage alumni,” said Jean Hendry *80, former chair of the Princetoniana committee, who is leading this initiative. “We brainstormed projects that would enable us to connect with alumni on a regular basis. At the same time, we didn’t want a project that caused alumni to have to do anything other than feel a connection to the University. ‘Postcards’ seemed to fit the bill.”

To research and collect the facts, Hendry tapped the Princetoniana committee. While Princetoniana members are experts in Princeton history and traditions, they leaned on the CAT Committee’s expertise in technology to help design the digital postcards. Credit for the initial postcard design belongs to CAT Committee member Cindy Drakeman ’02 who sourced images, conceived the nostalgic postcard look and “stamp” designs, suggested using “Dispatch” on the postcard to lend a nostalgic feel, and created many of the postcards. Credit goes to Princetoniana committee member Tom Swift ’76 for designing the initial postcard.

“We were so happy when Princetoniana approached us with the postcard idea,” said Michael Lin ’13, former vice chair of the CAT Committee. “The pandemic brought on an increase and a need for digital communication and initiatives, and this is a great one, much like Orange & Black Day that our committee helped introduce last year. ‘Postcards’ provides yet another opportunity to engage with alumni across the world and share the love of Princeton, while also bringing awareness to the great resource of Princetoniana and its museum.”

“Postcards to Alumni” will appear as a monthly feature in Tiger News and on @PrincetonAlumni social media channels. The postcards will also be archived in the Princetoniana virtual museum.