UPFRONT I

have been honored to serve as Baldwin’s Head of School, especially during such an important chapter in our School’s history. So it will not surprise you to hear that these final months are bittersweet. It seems as if I just moved into Krumrine House and began to reacquaint myself with the amazing people, places and programs that always made Baldwin feel like my second home.

The seven years since have provided many treasured memories and countless moments of Baldwin pride, too. From the warm welcome I received from our community at my installation to the love and support that Scott and I felt as we celebrated our marriage in the Residence, when over 90 students watched our ceremony. Plus all of your support as I published my What Girls Need: How to Raise Bold, Courageous and Resilient Women. As we expanded our family – first with Isaac born in August 2019, then when his little sister Adrienne joined us in April 2022 – all of Baldwin embraced our children like their own. I will forever be grateful for the love, attention and treats(!) that so many teachers, students and parents gave “Zac” and “Addie” during their infant and toddler years on campus. Thank you.

I am also grateful to see how much we accomplished together in support of Baldwin’s mission, as we reaffirmed our School’s national standing and enhanced the Baldwin experience for all of our students – those here today and those who will follow in the years to come. Highlights include launching our strategic vision for interdisciplinary learning, introducing new approaches to student academic and social-emotional support, expanding our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work, expanding our new community-building initiatives, robust fundraising to support our teachers, girls and programs, renovating our campus spaces and more. Thank you for your support on these and many other important projects. Our shared legacy prepares Baldwin to lead the way in girls’ education for decades to come.

Most especially, I am grateful for the special moments I shared with all of our Bears, past and present. Returning to Baldwin as its 8th Head of School reaffirmed for me the power of our School community. I will cherish the relationships that I formed with so many kind, generous, smart and inspiring Baldwin alumnae, students, families, faculty and staff, as we found new ways to honor Florence Baldwin’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of bold young women who will make lasting contributions to the world. Thank you for the privilege of serving this extraordinary community.

Marisa Porges ’96, PhD Head of School

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