Welcome to the 2012 edition of the annual Feminism and Family Studies newsletter.

Unfortunately, while working on this newsletter, we received news of the passing of Alexis Walker, one of the founders and the first chair of our section. Alexis' revolutionary vision, strong legacy, and indomitable spirit has kept the FFS section thriving and made it, in her words, "The heart of NCFR - a section with more energy and enthusiasm than any other." Her efforts were instrumental to the current status of the section, which began with 3, and now comprises more than 800 members.

In her honor, we use this newsletter to both look back on the history of our section and to look forward, considering future goals and projects. At this sad passing of one of our most dedicated and active colleagues, we are more aware than every that we build our future on our past.