FACULTY CHAPEL TALKS
Looking back
—What defines your St. Andrew’s experience? Remarks delivered at Commencement Chapel Service on May 29, 2005, by Ana Ramîrez and David Miller
ell, it’s finally here. It’s hard to believe that this day has actually arrived. It doesn’t seem like that long ago, each of you arrived for the first time at St. Andrew’s, but for most of you, it has been three or four
W
after 45 amazing years, has made an immeasurable impact in the classroom, on the playing fields and upon the culture and character of the school. Mrs. Mein, who retired one year ago after 34 years of teaching, was a pillar in the
years. Weeks have flown by and
History hall and helped usher in
class, on dorm, in the dining hall and in all the corridors and corners of the school and for that, we will always be grateful. The time since has been nothing but fun...mostly. We’ve often wondered about the identity of your class and worried that you didn’t always feel appreci-
some days seemed like they would
the then radical notion of coeduca-
ated and validated as a class, per-
never end, but leaving has probably been a rather surreal idea to most of you after spending such a significant chunk of your life here.
tion. She, of course, returned to teach again this year and Mr. Colburn will continue coaching baseball, so even those who retire
haps because you have defied easy definition. If we were to label the Class of 2005, what would it be? Would that give us an indication of
So, what is the sum of your time at the school? We hope that you leave St. Andrew’s profoundly transformed. We know that you will do well in the next phase of your life. In her chapel talk a few weeks ago, Ms. Barker, Class of 1999, confirmed that. To paraphrase her, when you graduate you are ready for what lies ahead when you leave
can’t get away completely. Ms. Miller spent 21 years virtually creating and then improving the counseling and community service programs that serve us and help us serve others. The spirit and fruit of her work will continue far into the future. Among them, they have given St. Andrew’s 100 years of their lives. They have solidified our
your legacy? Let’s try some mottos. 2005: The academic class. 2005: The athletic class. 2005: The artistic class. The class of service. The class that can raise funds. The class
St. Andrew’s. What you do here prepares you to handle both future challenges and joy with resilience and grace. But, what have you done for us? What is your legacy to St. Andrew’s? To our school? To our
institution and knitted close relationships with individual students and faculty that celebrate the
those areas. National Merit Scholars. All-american athletes. Stunning visual, performing and
humanity of St. Andrew’s. So, what have you done? We’ve had the privilege to be the
musical artists. Incredibly involved volunteers. More Krispy Kremes than we should have ever eaten.
community? During your career here, you have witnessed great contributions
advisor to the Class of 2005 for the past 3 years. We like to think that we’ve known about your greatness
Fantastic dances and parties. Inspired debate and discussion in and out of the classroom. The class
from faculty and staff members. Mr. Colburn, who retires this year
since you were third and fourth formers. You tortured us in Spanish
of 2005 really does have it all. So what exactly does define this class? What about the Class of Perpetual and Wide-Ranging Pursuits? OK, it’s not too catchy, but the description
“If we were to label the Class of 2005, what would it be?”
26 SUMMER 2005
that knows how to throw a party. None of them fit perfectly. To be sure, just because the name doesn’t perfectly apply does not mean the class is devoid of excellence in all
is close.
