BALDWINECHOES THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE, STUDENTS, FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF THE BALDWIN SCHOOL
TheLegacy of
SALLY POWELL TEN YEARS of LEADERSHIP
SPRING 2016 ALUMNAE NEWSMAKERS | SALLY BY THE NUMBERS | CLOSING THOUGHTS
talled as Sally M. Powell was ins hool in Sc the seventh Head of . 06 September 20
Sally kicks off th
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2015-2016 school
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THEN&NOW I
n July 2006, Sally M. Powell began her tenure as The Baldwin School’s seventh Head of School. Under her leadership, Baldwin sustained a robust curriculum, talented faculty and staff, impressive campus and, most importantly, an engaged and active student body.
Sally recruited, developed, retained and supported the finest teaching faculty and increased and enhanced communication across constituencies through surveys, outreach and an open door policy. She worked to bring an increased global focus to the School including the introduction of Mandarin into Baldwin’s language curriculum and supported an ethics and community service course on nonprofits and character building. During her tenure, Sally grew the endowment and annual giving participation in spite of economic challenges. Around campus, she initiated beautification and facilities improvements and the development of a campus master plan. She oversaw financing, development and construction of the 47,000-square-foot, eco-friendly Athletic Center and the state-of-the-art Simpson Center for the Performing Arts in Honor of Lois Goutman.
ECHOESCONTENTS FEATURES
The Legacy of Sally Powell
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By the Numbers
As Sally Powell’s time as Head of School draws to a close, we honor her 10 years of leadership.
DEPARTMENTS
We break down Sally’s accomplishments at Baldwin.
2 UPFRONT
5 ALUMNAE NEWSMAKERS
Editor: Lisa A. Algeo
Assistant Editor: Nova Morgan
17
Contributor: Noelle Fabrizio Design: Veronica Utz Photo Credits: Katie Brogan Ozeck, Jay Gorodetzer, Kenny Delio, Mark Tassoni, Jessica Parrish, Jeff Reeder, Jessica Weld, Jim Graham, The Haverford School, Melissa DiNofia-Bozzone
All photographs are identified left to right unless otherwise noted.
6 ACADEMICS
8 ARTS
We welcome letters regarding the contents of the magazine and/or issues pertaining to the School. Letters must be signed. The editor retains the right to edit at her discretion. Please send correspondence to: Lisa A. Algeo, editor, Echoes The Baldwin School 701 Montgomery Ave. Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 lalgeo@baldwinschool.org
10 ATHLETICS
20 CLASS NOTES
32 CLOSING THOUGHTS
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SPRING 2016 ECHOES
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UPFRONT
S
o, here it is, my last letter for Echoes: where did the time go? In so many ways it seems as if I just arrived and was cheerfully learning my way around this one-of-akind campus. Truth be told, for the first few weeks I “cheated” my way around this place: I had secretly stuck colored dots low to the ground at key junctions across campus so I could confidently turn the right way and appear to know where I was going. It worked—and I feel so much better now that I have confessed!
This past decade has left me with many memories to treasure from the School I quickly grew to love. Frank and I felt instantly a part of the Baldwin family thanks to the warmth of students, faculty, staff, parents and alumnae. From the day I received those magnificent keys at my installation, to the countless cards and invitations to family celebrations, to the love and support we felt as we faced losses in our lives, we have been embraced by this community that has become so important to us. We thank you for the many kindnesses and for the precious lifelong friendships we have formed. As I have said so often to our girls, a personal legacy is frequently inextricably intertwined with the work of others, and I enthusiastically celebrate Baldwin’s multiple accomplishments over these past 10 years. I am extremely proud to be leaving the School very well prepared to meet the needs of girls far into the future, and I feel deeply grateful to—and humbled by—those who have worked alongside me in these endeavors. Our shared legacy sets Baldwin up comfortably for years ahead. Frank and I will set off on our adventure to New Zealand and Australia next fall and will always carry a little piece of Baldwin in our hearts. Thank you for the privilege of serving this extraordinary community.
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SIMPSON CENTER OPENS IN GRAND STYLE
MLK DAYS OF SERVICE More than 200 volunteers attended two Martin Luther King Days of Service. Led by Stephanie WujcikGriffin, coordinator of service learning, Baldwin students and families supported four local organizations in their quest to address community needs. Together, we packaged 20,000 meals to be sent to food insecure countries by Stop Hunger Now, created 112 bag lunches to support the hospitality initiatives at Project HOME, made 330 sandwiches and more than 1,000 utensil packets for distribution at Cathedral Kitchen and designed thankyou cards and flyers for our annual American Red Cross blood drive.
Terry Steelman, Moriah Simpson, Sally Powell, Carolyn Simpson Scott ’74, Adrienne Scott ’11 and Margaret Ryan cut the ribbon at the grand opening of Baldwin’s Simpson Center for the Performing Arts.
Sammy Baron ’20 and Leah White ’20 participate in the Middle School Stop Hunger Now event.
January 30 will go down in Baldwin’s history as a night to remember—the grand opening of The Simpson Center for the Performing Arts in Honor of Lois Goutman. This new venue will offer girls and faculty so many opportunities to test their creative talents and allow our Baldwin girls to shine. Sincere thanks go to our amazing Arts faculty Angela Bensinger, Aileen McCulloch, Jerald Bennett and Lee Hagon-Kerr for showcasing the facility with terrific student performances. The B-Flats sounded superb and the Middle School drama production was beautifully executed. Our Upper School girls put on a musical tribute to lead donor Bob Simpson and legendary teacher Lois Goutman, which brought smiles and tears to our faces.
Upper School girls gather to make sandwiches to support Project HOME.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAY!
On February 20, Fay Corl Weeks ’34 turned 101 YEARS OLD.
The Baldwin School opens the doors on its brand new, $4.2 million performing arts center on Saturday, January 30.
Baldwin’s Upper School Maskers Club gives a musical performance in tribute to lead donor Bob Simpson and legendary teacher Lois Goutman. SPRING 2016 ECHOES
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BALDWIN ALUMNAE IN THE BIG APPLE
Following the ceremony and a joyful singing of the Alma Mater, a legacy photo on the staircase concludes the event.
LEGACY LUNCHEON AND PINNING CEREMONY At Baldwin, it is truly wonderful how many girls have alumnae relatives and connections (mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and cousins)! On February 23, the 12 legacy members of the Class of 2016 celebrated this special bond with their respective family members in attendance. This inaugural Legacy Luncheon and Pinning Ceremony began a new tradition we will have every year. The seniors received a newly designed legacy pin to proudly display on their red blazers.
Nearly 50 alumnae from the New York City area gathered at Bernstein in February, graciously hosted by Stephanie Weiss ’02, vice president at Bernstein. Alumnae from the Classes of 1950 through 2011 reconnected with classmates and made new Baldwin friends, while networking and enjoying an update on recent campus events and programs from Head of School Sally Powell. In addition, Stephanie shared some advice she gives to her clients about the importance of giving back. The gathering was such a success that plans are underway to schedule a future alumnae event in NYC. Please let us know if you would like to help plan or host Baldwin’s next visit.
YOUNG ALUMNAE DAY Laura Small ’04, Kristen Warden ’04, Laura Hansell ’03 and Stephanie Weiss ’02 enjoy reconnecting.
BANNER DAY 2016 The Class of 2019 unveiled its banner early in February. Upper School Director Eric Benke spoke about the history and significance of the color purple, while class presidents Isabel Senior ’16, Roya Alidjani ’17 and Bea Vocero-Perez ’18 each offered some helpful tips on surviving in the Upper School. In January, we welcomed 35 of our college-aged alumnae to visit campus, reconnect with faculty and staff and impart their college wisdom to the Class of 2016. A new program added to the day was a luncheon and panel discussion with the Class of 2016. Julia Tyminski ’13, Sydney Sisler ’13, Musu-Elnora Taylor ’14 and Rachel Dichter ’15 shared their experiences of college life and answered questions posed by the current seniors. One take away from the panel was that they wished they had more time at Baldwin! Following the luncheon and panel discussion, the visiting alumnae explored the halls of the Schoolhouse and visited with their former teachers. In the afternoon, our annual Young Alumnae Tea was held in the Main Hall surrounding the cozy fireplace. Alumnae from the Classes of 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 gathered with current seniors, faculty and staff to mingle and share their news since leaving Baldwin. 4
ALUMNAENEWSMAKERS DR. JULIE WOLLMAN ’77
learning practices for all undergraduate students. Dr. Wollman also established Porreco College, a highly successful satellite campus, offering associate degrees targeted to meet the needs of Erie’s urban population.
In October, Dr. Julie Wollman ’77 was named the 10th president of Widener University, Chester, PA, after being selected unanimously by the board of trustees at a special meeting making her the university’s first female president. She assumed her new role in January. She credits Baldwin with instilling the conviction that girls and women could overcome societal expectations and norms and be leaders, saying “My Baldwin education provided me with the belief that I could do anything I wanted to and with the experiences, knowledge and skills to do it!” After she graduated from Baldwin, Dr. Wollman went on to Harvard University where she majored in English and American literature and language and minored in French. She then earned her master’s degree in education from the
University of Pennsylvania and a doctor of philosophy in education from New York University. Prior to her appointment at Widener, Dr. Wollman had served as the first female president of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. There she introduced a campus-wide President’s Listening Initiative, an inclusive and successful process that resulted in an updated mission, values and strategic plan, focused on academic excellence, faculty and staff development and high impact
Previously, Dr. Wollman served as vice president for academic affairs at Wheelock College in Boston. Before that, she was vice president for academic affairs at Worcester State University, and dean of the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development at Rhode Island College, where she also codirected the doctoral program and held the rank of full professor. A Philadelphia native, Dr. Wollman said she was happy to return to the Philadelphia area and has been enjoying connecting with Baldwin friends since her return. She even discovered that her new next door neighbor happens to be a Baldwin girl!
DR. KRISTINE MAYER BRANDS ’68 Kristine Mayer Brands ’68, a professor of Applied Business Solutions, Accounting Principles and International Climate Change Sustainability for the Future in the Industrialized World at Regis University’s College of Business and Economics in Colorado Springs, CO, has been appointed to the International Standards Organizing Committee to develop audit data collection standards (PC-295). This is a joint effort by the United States and China under the auspices of the American National Standards Institute in New York, as well as China’s International Standards Organization under the Standardized Administration of China in Beijing.
Quantitatively, Dr. Brands identifies and measures the non-finance performance measurement for sustainability and corporate social responsibility within the organization with initiatives for examples of carbon dioxide emissions and carbon dioxide allocation useage. Qualitatively, Dr. Brands lectures and advises international governments and corporations in a unique niche: she advises government entities and corporations how to deal with audit data collection. Her work reflects the awareness in today’s corporate world in promoting environmental responsibility through all aspects of the corporate structure. This innovation in audit data collection quantifies the ability of corporations and governments in achieving sustainability goals. Dr. Brands has extensive work experience in accounting, software engineering and financial systems
design and implementation. She speaks at national and international accounting conferences on accounting and sustainability issues. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Institute of Management Accounting and is a member of IMAs Technology Solutions Committee and the Committee on Academic Relations. She has authored numerous articles for Strategic Finance, Accountancy Age and CFO.com. She holds a BA in history from the University of Rochester, an MBA in accounting from Emory University, and a Certificate in applied science in software engineering from Harvard University Extension. She holds a Doctorate in management from Colorado Technical University.
SHARE YOUR NEWS Baldwin wants to hear from you! Send an email to alumnae@baldwinschool.org with your latest accomplishments so we can feature you in Echoes and on our website.
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Academics ALUMNA KEYNOTES ASSEMBLY
Dr. Lucky ’82 poses with a number of Upper School students after the MLK Assembly and luncheon. Dr. Crystal Jones Lucky ’82 was the keynote speaker for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. assembly on January 14. In her presentation, “Gazing at the Past to Consider the Future: The Legacy of MLK in the 21st Century,” Dr. Lucky shared with Middle and Upper School students her experience as one of very few students of color at Baldwin in the 1970s. She reminded students about the power of their legacy and the challenges they might face in standing up for others. After the assembly, Dr. Lucky was hosted to a luncheon with current students and alumnae. Dr. Lucky is Associate Professor of English at Villanova University.
AUTHOR VISITS GRADES 5 AND 6 Jen Calonita came to Baldwin to share her passion for writing books with our Grade 5 and 6 students. She started out sharing her personal writing journey and how she went from being in 4th grade writing 12-page stories to interviewing celebrities for Teen People Magazine to being an author of more than 10 books, including VIP: I’m with the Band. She shared her editing process and engaged the students with her exciting characters and how she crafts her stories. She ended with a Q & A and book signing. 6
LOWER SCHOOL CELEBRATES BEAR DAY Our Lower School girls celebrated BEAR (Be Excited About Reading) Day by wearing their favorite pajamas to school and bringing a favorite book and a beloved teddy bear. This wonderful tradition celebrates reading and kicks off the Read For Ronald Program, which runs through the month of February.
IT’S NOT EASY BEING GREEN Baldwin’s Middle School held its very first interdisciplinary experience, “It’s Not Easy Being Green,” the three days preceding Winter Break. This intriguing experience engaged every student in different learning experiences, while promoting collaboration, problemsolving and critical thinking around a common focus. Students were challenged to be creative, daring and ultimately successful—as this is the only way a better tomorrow for our planet is possible. The students were organized into Design Squads by homeroom. Each squad was challenged with five different environmental issues, which were:
Alice Leather ’22 and Caroline Prendergast ’22 design and construct a wind turbine.
Grade 8 students Alexa May Richards ’20 and Meghna Sreedhar ’20, along with Grade 6 student Maya Clever ’22 work to filter and purify their water sample. •G reen Houses - Build a geodesic dome and explore the energy efficiency of this dynamic structure. •G reen Energy - Design and construct a wind turbine that will generate the greatest amount of energy. • Green Water - Filter and purify a water sample, making it drinkable by humans. •P roject Greenlight - Storyboard, shoot, edit and produce a short video of all solutions to each design challenge, which was shared at the project’s conclusion. •G reen Devices - Design and construct informative marketing materials for an energy-related device.
MINDFULNESS EXPERT VISITS WITH PARENTS, STUDENTS AND FACULTY Baldwin proudly hosted Daniel Rechtschaffen, author of The Way of Mindful Education for three days in February. Daniel is the founder of the Mindful Education Institute and the Omega Mindfulness in Education conference, and has developed a variety of curricula for mindfulness in the classroom and leads mindfulness training events for schools and communities around the world.
Lauren Cooper ’12 poses after class with Dr. Diane Senior.
ALUMNAE SHARE WRITING TIPS Two recent Baldwin alumnae came back through the gates of Baldwin in January to speak to Dr. Diane Senior’s Creative Writing class. Leah Silverman ’12, a senior at New York University, and Lauren Cooper ’12, a senior at Reed College in Portland, each discussed their creative writing process. Leah, an environmental science major, is minoring in creative writing and is interested in attending law school after she completes her undergraduate degree. Lauren, an English major, is thinking about pursuing a career in academia by becoming an English professor. Both Leah and Lauren read from their extensive bodies of work and discussed it with the students.
Over the past three years, Baldwin has introduced mindfulness to the school community. Ask any Baldwin first grader about the parts of her brain that govern her emotions and make her decisions. Ask her how to “mindfully” eat a chocolate bar and she will enthusiastically share her budding mindfulness journey. Ask her about “belly breathing” and let her show you how to calm your mind and body in just a few short minutes.
Daniel Rechtschaffen poses with Jessica Spatz-McNeary, the Lower School Psychologist, and some first graders during his visit. Daniel worked with faculty and staff, parents and students to help everyone better understand the benefits of mindfulness, how we are weaving mindfulness into our School and how our community can infuse mindfulness into each day.
SCHOLASTIC WRITING WINNERS The Scholastic Art and Writing Program is a nationwide contest that honors outstanding achievement in high school visual and literary arts. There are three levels of awards: the Gold Key, the Silver Key and an Honorable Mention. The following Baldwin students were recognized for their creativity in writing: Elizabeth Bunn ’18 won a Gold Key for her poem, Gillian Chestnut ’17 won Silver Keys for her Flash Fiction and Short Story entries, Morgan Steelman ’16 won Silver Keys for her Poetry entries, Ali Scannell ’16 won a Silver Key for her Short Story entry and an Honorable Mention in the Writing Portfolio category, Pranshu Suri ’18 won a Silver Key for her Flash Fiction, Aiesha
Muhammad ‘16 was awarded an Honorable Mention in the Writing Portfolio category, McKenna Matus ’19 was awarded an Honorable Mention in the Poetry category and Quinn Funston ’16 was awarded Honorable Mentions for Flash Fiction and Short Story categories. Of these winners, Elizabeth Bunn’s work will go on to be judged at the national level.
FAMILY GATHERINGS ADD SERVICE COMPONENT This year, Baldwin has incorporated a service component into its Family Gatherings. The Baldwin community is grouped into 40 “families,” with each family comprised of students from every grade, as well as members of the faculty and staff. Meeting six times per year, these student-led meetings build community and allow for themebased discussions and projects. The
goal this year is to raise awareness and funds to build a handwashing station in Nicaragua with the help of H20 for Life, which is a service-learning opportunity designed to engage, educate and inspire youth to become global citizens. In February, Katie Spotz—an American adventurer who became the
youngest person to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean—came to discuss her trip around the world to raise awareness about the global water crisis. Family Gathering groups, along with various classes throughout the three divisions, then participated in raising the necessary $1,000 for the Ocotillo School’s handwashing station.
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Arts HIGHLIGHTS FROM LOWER SCHOOL ART PROJECTS
Earlier this year, Baldwin’s Kindergarten looked at brain scans, explored the differences between the right- and left-brain hemispheres and discussed how art has a powerful effect on the brain. Students recognized, identified and demonstrated bilateral symmetry by creating symmetrical inkblots with primary and secondary colors and in the shape of the human brain. In Grade 3, students were introduced to basic concepts of optical illusions and vanishing points in works of art. Students also explored the optical work of artists
including M.C. Escher and Bridget Riley. They discussed and looked at different ways in which art can play tricks with your eyes. Students also practiced shading techniques with oil pastels to create a light source and shadow on their collaged “floating” spheres. Baldwin’s Grade 4 students learned about the five platonic solids and Plato’s theory of the universe in conjunction with sacred geometry and its design emphasis on structures including tombs, shrines, etc. They investigated and discussed several
construction methods and theories used to build the Egyptian pyramids as well as pyramids outside of Egypt including Peru and New Mexico. They also explored and learned about the relationships between the five elements (earth, air, fire, water and the universe), the five states of matter (condensates, liquids, solids, gases and plasmas) and the five platonic shapes that Plato used to describe our world. Inspired by sacred geometry and pyramids from all over the world, students created their own sacred structures using mixed media and thinking about geometric forms.
JUNIOR AQUILLA LEE PARTICIPATES IN “CLAY PROGRAMS OF EXCELLENCE” Aquilla Lee ‘17 was chosen to participate in the Tyler School of Art’s “Clay Programs of Excellence” exhibition held on the Tyler School of Art campus in Philadelphia. Aquilla is well known in the Baldwin community for her beautiful and whimsical work in Vicky Gold’s ceramics studio. 8
MIDDLE SCHOOL WINTER CONCERT MIDDLE SCHOOL PERFORMS DISNEY’S “ALADDIN JR.”
Christina Cappola ’21 plays the drums.
Hana Ahanger ’21, Jasmine Bell ’21 and Kristen June ’21 get ready to perform.
Baldwin’s Middle School Winter Concert was a joyful celebration of music. The concert featured the Middle School Chorus directed by Jerald Bennett, Middle School Orchestra directed by Oxana Harlamova, Malala (select chamber ensemble) directed by Elizabeth Keller and Grade 8 handbells directed by Hannah Tozer.
FACULTY ART EXHIBITION The Baldwin art faculty installed their bi-annual “Faculty Exhibition” in the Fackenthal-Pethick Art Gallery in the Residence during the winter months. LS Art Teacher Andre Teixeira showed recent paintings and sculptures, while MS Art Teacher Gina D’Emilio showed recent watercolor and printmaking work. Also on display were the US studio teachers: photography by Frances Merritt Thompson, jewelry by Mira Ramchandani, ceramics by Vicky Gold, pastels by Janice Wilke and sculptural furniture by Kenny Delio.
GRADE 2 PLAY In November, the second grade put on a wonderful performance for the Lower School called “The Turkeys Go on Strike.” They used humor to dazzle the audience as they portrayed the true meaning of friendship, family and celebrating Thanksgiving. The crowd roared as the cranberries, turkeys and squash characters sang and danced to popular Taylor Swift songs as they worked out their differences.
The Baldwin Middle School after-school drama group presented “Disney’s Aladdin Jr.” on March 11 and 12 in The Simpson Center for the Performing Arts in Honor of Lois Goutman. Samantha Baron ’20 played the street urchin turned prince, Aladdin who romances Princess Jasmine, played by Maria Harlamova ’20. Elise Kait ’21 played the Genie, with Jattu Fahnbulleh ’20 as the Sultan, Bradleigh Bell ’20 as Jafar and Emily Seltzer ’20 as Iago. In addition, a full crew of MS students performed in a number of different roles and also assisted backstage, bringing the Middle School participation to almost 45 students helping to bring this show to the stage. A chorus of 20 fifth grade students also joined the cast. The musical was directed by Aileen McCulloch, the Middle School Drama Teacher, and she invited a full staff of Upper School students to assist her with musical direction, stage management and costume coordination. “We were so excited to be opening the first musical theater production in The Simpson Center,” said McCulloch about using students from all three divisions. “We didn’t want to leave any division out for such an exciting first.”
SCHOLASTIC ART AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED This year’s Scholastic Art and Writing Program winners in the visual arts are: Samantha Dewey ’16 (three Gold Keys for Painting; two Silver Keys, one in the Portfolio category and one for Back Row: Samantha Dewey ’16, Margaret Graphic Design; and Frantz ’17, Jasmine Greytok ’17, Catherine Carpenter ’16, Gillian Chestnut ’17, Lilly an Honorable Mention Tang ’17. Front Row: Coco Wang ’16, Caroline for Painting); Hilary Liu Rosen ’16, Willing Li ’17, Hilary Liu, ’18 ’18 (two Gold Keys for Drawing); and Margaret Frantz ’17 (a Gold Key for Sculpture). The honors continue with Lilly Tang ’17 (a Gold Key for Painting); Jasmine Greytok ’17 (a Silver Key for Sculpture and an Honorable Mention for Printmaking); Caroline Rosen ’16 (a Silver Key for Jewelry); Gillian Chestnut ’17 (three Honorable Mentions in Sculpture); Honorable Mentions in Sculpture to Catherine Carpenter ’16 and Coco Wang ’16, and an Honorable Mention in Jewelry to Willing Li ’17. SPRING 2016 ECHOES
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Athletics VARSITY AND JV SQUASH WIN INTER-AC AND MASA TITLES
SWIMMING MAKES SPLASH AT EASTERNS
Elizabeth Bunn ’18 races to the finish in the breaststroke.
Varsity squash defeated Episcopal Academy 7-2 to win their fifth Mid-Atlantic Squash Association (MASA) title in the past six years. Varsity also went undefeated during the regular season and won their sixth Inter-Ac League title in the past seven years. The team finished in second place at the 2016 U.S. High School Team Squash Championships. JV squash went undefeated in the league and swept Shipley 9-0 to claim their first ever Division 2 MASA championship. JV also competed in the Division I bracket at nationals for the first time and improved their ranking from #49 to #15 in one season.
2016 POLARPALOOZA SET FOR MAY 6 The inaugural Athletics Polarpalooza is set for Friday, May 6 on Middle Field. Lacrosse and softball home games start at 3:45 p.m. followed by food
and entertainment at 5:30 p.m. and a movie on the field at 7 p.m. Blue Gray, BRAVA and the Athletic Association welcome the entire school community.
Thirteen varsity swimmers qualified for the Easterns Swimming Championships held at La Salle University in February. The team advanced to the finals in four events. Elizabeth Bunn ’18 placed 17th in the 200 freestyle and 9th in the 100 backstroke. The 200 medley relay team of Bunn, Samantha O’Keefe ’16, Taylor Trapp ’19 and Ryanna Neuman ’17 finished in 16th place. The 400 free relay team of Bunn, Trapp, Michelle Mariette ’17 and Frances Wilson ’20 took 12th. Baldwin’s overall team finish was 16th.
SAVE THE DATE: 2016 GOLF & TENNIS OUTING
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The second annual Baldwin Athletics Golf and Tennis Outing will be held on September 12, 2016 at Green Valley Country Club in Lafayette Hill. All funds raised from the event directly benefit the student athletes and teams. Registration and sponsorship opportunities are now available online.
Team USA celebrates its women’s soccer gold medal at the Pan American Maccabi Games. Baldwin senior Ellie Greenberg ’16 is seated, wearing No. 20.
Bottom Row: Nabilla Ariffin (Assistant Coach), Theresa Kay ‘21, Saachi Singh ‘20, Jaclyn Dichter ‘22 , Jamie Macaulay (Varsity Head Coach/Director of Squash) Top Row: Richard Glanfield (MS Head Coach), Margo Mancuso ‘20, Meghna Sreedhar ‘20, Aleezah Burhan ‘21, Maya Gambhir ‘22, Mithun Das (Assistant Coach).
MIDDLE SCHOOL SQUASH “A” TEAM WINS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP The Middle School squash “A” team won the 2016 U.S. Middle School Squash Team Championship on January 24 at Yale University in New Haven, CT. Each team competed with their top five players. In the first round at Nationals, Baldwin defeated Covenant of the Sacred Heart (CT) 4-1. In the quarterfinals, Baldwin topped Greenwich Country Day School
(CT) 4-1. In the semifinals, Baldwin blanked the Agnes Irwin “B” team 5-0. The Polar Bears faced a tough Episcopal Academy program in the championship match. Baldwin prevailed in the finals 3-2. No. 1 player Meghna Sreedhar ’20, No. 3 player Saachi Singh ’20 and No. 5 player Theresa Kay ’21 all won their championship matches.
GREENBERG ’16 WINS GOLD AT PAN AMERICAN MACCABI GAMES Ellie Greenberg ’16, varsity soccer co-captain and 2015 All-Inter-Ac League and All-Main Line performer, led USA to the gold medal at the Pan American Maccabi Games held December 26 to January 5 in Santiago, Chile. Ellie was team USA’s leading goal scorer and point producer in the tournament with five goals and three assists.
DANIELLE HAMMOND ’16 COMMITS TO VCU
INDOOR TRACK QUALIFIES FOR STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
First Row: Deion Hammond, Daniel Hammond, Danielle Hammond ’16, Dana Hammond. Second Row: Adrine Wilson, Dasha Hammond, Jaden McLean, Janean McLean, Sekou McLean.
Top Row: Morgan Bove ’18, Absara Irgau ’18, Cici Cui ’19, Sarah Park ’16, Marissa McGarrey ’18, Ellie Greenberg ’16, Dashera Richardson (Assistant Coach). Bottom Row: Myla Barnett ’18, Jennifer Dietrich ’17. Varsity indoor track qualified for a school record five events at the Pennsylvania Track and Field Coaches Association State Championship meet on February 28 at Penn State University. Jennifer Dietrich ’17 took 9th in the 400m with a time of 58.54. The 4x400m relay team of Dietrich, Myla Barnett ’18, Absara Irgau ’18 and Marissa McGarrey ’18 won a 6th place medal with a time of 3:59.44, shattering the previous school record of 4:09.
Varsity basketball co-captain Danielle Hammond ’16 signed her National Letter of Intent to play basketball at NCAA I Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) on November 11, 2015 in the Athletic Center. Danielle is a four-year varsity starter for both the volleyball and basketball teams. She was a first team All-Inter-Ac League and All-Main Line selection in both volleyball and basketball during her junior and senior seasons.
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TheLegacy of SALLY POWELL TEN YEARS of LEADERSHIP
“ I remember sitting with Sally and Frank on the porch of
their home on the Baldwin campus one summer evening as they spoke of their love for the School and the girls, and how much it has meant to them to be a part of it. And I thought of how clear it was that Sally and Frank had made this community, had become part of the fabric of a great institution, were in fact themselves the warp and woof of The Baldwin School.
”
– John Nagl, D.Phil., Headmaster, The Haverford School
Powell tells us that everything we do, no “ Mrs. matter how small, will make a difference in not
only our lives but also in the lives of others. She has truly made a remarkable impact on the Baldwin community, and her legacy will live on for many years to come. – Lily Ann Raynes ’16
”
“ I had the pleasure of serving as the
master of ceremony for Sally’s installation. That was the beginning of numerous opportunities to partner with her as she looked to map out a vision for Baldwin. I will forever be appreciative of Sally’s support for “Crowns for a Cause,” a 2011 fundraising event I coordinated at Baldwin where many of my mother’s elegant hats were auctioned to raise funds for girls of color. It was a successful affair that brought together divergent communities all committed to the same cause. Although she never met my mom, Sally took time out of her schedule to attend the event and enthusiastically displayed her support. Thank you, Sally!
”
– Carolyn Jones ’73
“ Sally has loved her time at Baldwin. She will miss being around the kids the most. Often the highlight of the day was when the kindergarteners or first graders would stop by and say hello or sing her a song. She loved to visit their classrooms and read a story. – Frank Powell, husband
”
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“ Sally’s unwavering commitment to Baldwin for
the last 10 years has not only strengthened the community locally but also enhanced the School’s reputation both nationally and internationally. With vision and hard work, and a great sidekick in Frank, the Powell’s have created a lasting legacy for future generations at Baldwin.” – Pooh Gephart (P ’02, ’05, ’07), Board Chair (1997 - 2002), Staff (2001 - 2012)
“Of
all her remarkable achievements
as Baldwin’s Head of School, I think what I am most impressed by is that Sally knows the name of every member of our community from the smallest Pre-K student to the newest faculty or staff member. This may seem small in comparison to all that Sally has contributed to our institution over the years, but it genuinely defines Baldwin’s community as a warm and welcoming space for all of us. Her warmth and sincerity are truly Sally’s legacy.” – Gabbie Alvarez-Spychalski (P ’20, ’27), Spanish Teacher
favorite memories “ isOneteaofwithourMrs. Powell. She
“ I remember the first time I saw
Sally standing in the Lower School car line and greeting girls by their first names. I immediately knew that Baldwin had selected a Head of School who cared immensely about the girls and wanted to truly get to know them and improve their Baldwin days. But even more impressive was when I saw Sally standing in the pouring rain with a big umbrella and smile, opening those car doors — I knew she was truly approachable, caring and genuine.
would ask us what we thought was great about Baldwin and ways to make it even better. We really felt like she listened to our ideas. The scones were always delicious!
”
– Georgia Paynter ’21 and Ava Olson ’21
”
– Stephanie Schaeffer ’85 (P ’16, ’17), Trustee
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TheLegacy of
SALLY POWELL It has been such a privilege to work “ with Sally Powell over these past 10
years. My fondest memories are her visits to my classroom. Sally modeled a passion for travel and learning about other countries and cultures. I could see my students being swept off to faraway lands, such as Bhutan, as Sally recounted her experiences and shared photographs of her adventures. Sally instilled in my girls a sense of adventure and fearlessness to try new things!
“My
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– Kathy Gates, Grade 3 Teacher
fondest memory of Mrs.Powell
is actually the first day I met her. In fifth grade, my class and I had the honor of interviewing the three final Head of School candidates. The moment Mrs. Powell introduced herself, I knew she was going to be our next Head of School. She spoke so eloquently and kindly to our class. She did not treat us like children, but spoke to us as individuals. To this day, Mrs. Powell brightens up Baldwin’s classrooms and hallways, spreading her knowledge and kindness to every corner of campus. Her light will be missed at Baldwin, but the world is lucky to be gaining it somewhere else. – Julia Tyminski ’13
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“ We came to talk to Sally soon after she had joined the School to
discuss the issue of peanut allergy. At that time we were seriously considering removing our daughter from Baldwin. Sally must have been dealing with a lot in her first days and this was a problem that likely only affected a small number of girls. She listened with a great deal of empathy to our problem and we left with certainty that she would at least think about the issue. In the following months she was true to her word. She investigated the problem, sought out the opinion of others and actually implemented new peanut and allergy polices at Baldwin which we believe were groundbreaking among Main Line schools. – Tuyet Wong (P ’16)
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“ I admire and value the way Sally can capture an audience with her brilliant words and thoughtful reflections. She has been an important female role model in my career as an educator.”
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– Kathy England, Physical Education Coordinator
TEN YE AR S of L E A D E RS H IP My fondest memories of Sally are most definitely her surprise “ visits from my second grade students who couldn’t resist
popping their heads into her office on our way up from the Lower School to the Dining Room for lunch. No matter what she was doing or how busy she was, Sally would take the time to smile warmly, hold a little one’s hand and answer the silly little questions that meant so much to each of the girls. I think it’s in these unexpected moments that our littlest girls were expressing how much they admired Sally as the leader of our beloved School and how much each one aspired to be like her.
– Brie Daley (P ’29), Director of Lower School Enrollment
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“ I will miss Mrs. Powell’s
welcoming voice when we get out of the car in the mornings, and her friendly remarks, but I will mostly miss her. She has impacted so many children, especially me. She has left a wonderful legacy for everyone.
– Ashley Brodsky ’23
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“ Some fond memories I have of Sally include her being dressed in some awful costume every year at Halloween and
doing it with a smile. That first year, she had a really heavy costume that nearly suffocated her, but she soldiered on through the Lower School parade. I also remember my wife working with Sally to paint one of her famous Halloween pumpkins. Sally always has a great story to tell–on every occasion, she pulls out a great anecdote that is both funny and touching and apt. It’s a great gift. – Eric Benke, Director of Upper School
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Mrs. Powell always smiles “ when we see her in the halls and as we pass by her office. She is never too busy to have a short conversation about how our day is going.
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– Anna Vengoechea ’22 and Devon Shatzman ’22
SPRING 2016 ECHOES
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TheLegacy of
SALLY POWELL
“Sally arrived at Baldwin and immediately
set to work advancing girls and young women through finishing the new Athletic Center and now helping to establish The Simpson Center for the Performing Arts in Honor of Lois Goutman. She has reached out to alumnae across the country and across the globe. Her launching of the ninth grade trip to Italy was a unique contribution to the students and School. In addition, she has continued to give a focus to Baldwin outside the School through her participation in national organizations. Along with her husband, Frank, she has made Krumrine House her home, a welcoming place for the 50 year class and returning alumnae.
– Blair Stambaugh, Baldwin’s 6th Head of School
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“ Mrs. Powell has been someone I have admired during
her time at Baldwin. But, it was not until this past December that I was able to share a very special and fond memory with her. I had just received news about college in the middle of the school day and I called one of my friends to let me in the door. I was crying tears of joy and Mrs. Powell happened to be walking out of her office at that moment. She asked what had happened and I told her the good news. She immediately congratulated me and gave me a huge hug. I find it extremely fitting that one of the first people to hear about my accomplishment and to congratulate me was the Head of the School that helped me get to where I
”
am today.
– Hayden Ivey ’16
“ In her years at Baldwin, Sally has demonstrated her unwavering dedication to academic excellence, and in keeping with the Baldwin tradition, will leave a remarkable legacy of educational innovation. For this we are deeply grateful.”
– Terry D. Steelman (P ’16, ’18), Chair, Board of Trustees
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TEN YE AR S of L E A D E RS H IP “ During Sally’s first year as Head of School, she included
a trip to Los Angeles and my husband Ken and I had the privilege of hosting her. One evening, during dinner along the Pacific Coast, overlooking the wide wonderful beach of Santa Monica, Sally was clearly enjoying the view and she said she wanted to put her feet in the Pacific Ocean. So after dinner, we made our way to the water’s edge. I remember hopping about in the dramatically cold water of the grand Pacific Ocean in the evening light with Sally Powell, the new Head of The Baldwin School and loving every minute of it. Her willingness to embrace the full dimension of the moment impressed me, and I am sure that same energy brought fireworks to the 125th Anniversary of Baldwin. Sally’s love for life is surely one of her great gifts and when I stood at the top of Middle Field and watched the fireworks, the blooms of color and sound, I thought it was a Sally Powell moment. Thank you Sally for all you have done for Baldwin. And thank you for leading perhaps, the most significant building campaign in the School’s history. Ken and I wish you and Frank all the best. Here’s to splashing in the moonlight! – Jann Wolfe Williams ’70
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“ When I think of Sally Powell, I reflect
upon our very honest relationship. I have enjoyed a no-holds-barred discourse with Sally from the beginning of her tenure. We share warm hugs, fashion assessments and a love of travel. We also share a soft spot for Frank! They will both be missed by our community very much and in particular by Andrew, Joely and myself. – Alice Simon (P ’07, P ’17)
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“The most amazing thing about Sally is her love for the girls.
All of them. I met with Sally almost every week for four years during my tenure as Chair of the Board of Trustees, and I would say that almost every meeting was interrupted by or ended with one young woman knocking on the door ‘to tell Mrs. Powell’ about her latest adventure, a brilliant insight or just to say hello. Sally stopped and made time for everyone like they were the most important person in the world. Many times the girls walked away with smiles on their faces, but it never compared to the smile on Sally’s face as a result of the interaction. I’m convinced these small encounters were what motivated Sally to be such a wonderful Head of School. Certainly there were many accomplishments along the way, but in the end, those were all programs or facilities dedicated to helping Baldwin girls find their unique voices, so that one day, they could knock on that door and ‘tell Mrs. Powell’ all about it.” – John M. Dewey (P ’12, ’16), Trustee (2009), Board Chair (2010 - 2014), Senior Trustee (2015 - 2020) SPRING 2016 ECHOES
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SALLY’S YEARS
842
new students enrolled since 2006
84
at
2
BALDWIN
B U I L D I N G S B U I LT The Athletic Center and The Simpson Center for the Performing Arts in Honor of Lois Goutman
math classes taught More than
30 million
$
180
MORE THAN
dinners hosted at Krumrine House
very large herd of moose owned
DREAM Labs® built
dace pairs of red shoes
18
raised since 2006
300
More than
3
cups of tea with students
951127 students and faculty and staff who’ve participated in a global initiative program, many of which were started during Sally’s tenure
by the N U M B E R S
66
PLAYS ATTENDED
10
1
N
ER
LE
IV M E M B E R S G R A D U AT E D
10
B R ATIO
25 13-Year Club
ANN
14-Year Club
TH
38 54
HALLOWEEN COSTUMES
E C SA RY
More than
200 student art projects displayed in Sally’s office
Alex Wake Run/Walks attended M I L E S T R AV E L E D T O V I S I T A L U M N A E
549 RINGS TURNED
SPRING 2016 ECHOES
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CLOSINGTHOUGHTS By Bill Shoemaker (P ‘08), Board Chair (2006 - 2008)
Not many people can say they grew up with 500 sisters. As the son of Head of School Anne Shoemaker, I had the very special experience of spending my formative years surrounded by the girls and women of Baldwin. Baldwin was always there through so many phases of my life. While my mother was still a Math teacher, Sally Powell and Bill Shoemaker celebrate a Baldwin moment. I would be stuffing envelopes in the Alumnae Office, stocking the much of what makes a Head of School shelves in the Bookstore or painting successful is the ability to hold onto classrooms while waiting for her the old while bringing in the new. to finish her work for the day. I Even though Sally did not come from became even more involved in the within the Baldwin community, she life of Baldwin when she took the embodied these values; we often say helm as Head of School when Miss she was a Baldwin woman all along Cross retired. I watched as the torch without knowing it. was passed over the years; Blair Stambaugh was Head of School during As Sally’s time as Head of School 12 of my daughter Rachel’s 14 years draws to a close, there is so much to here. Sally Powell took over during Rachel’s final two years and was Head look back on, so much to be grateful for and so much to celebrate. Her of School during my tenure as Chair legacy will be as multi-faceted as her of the Board of Trustees. tenure: deciding to build the new Athletic Center; conceptualizing and All of these remarkable, visionary seeing to fruition The Simpson Center women worked to move the for the Performing Arts in Honor of School forward, while embracing Lois Goutman; bringing Baldwin back the traditions that make it great. onto the world stage with exchanges Sally embodies what I see as the and programs abroad; working to fundamental characteristic all bring alumnae back into the fold, Heads of School must possess to reestablishing those important be successful: the native talent for connections. Sally made it a priority leadership that cannot be taught. to rebuild relationships between the This natural ability is what so many School and the local community. She Baldwin students respond to in looked to the future and established Sally, learning by example what it endowments to support the School’s means to be a strong, confident and sustainability and upgraded campus accomplished woman. facilities. There is no simple way to describe her time at Baldwin except In my lifetime, I have seen Baldwin to say that she created a modern embrace technological and societal Baldwin that, in the most important advances while maintaining a firm ways, is still very recognizable as the grasp on the traditions that make place where I grew up. In my opinion, it such a special place. My mother brought the first computer to campus, that is high praise indeed and the greatest legacy of all. Blair introduced classroom laptops and Smartboards® and Sally brought Helping to make that place more the DREAM Labs®, but they each saw beautiful was Frank, Sally’s husband. the importance of the character of the School and of the students, which An engineer by trade but with a passion for gardening, Frank took it no piece of technology can teach. So 32
Anne Shoemaker, Sally Powell and Blair Stambaugh pose together.
upon himself to improve the grounds. Upon discovering the neglected and overgrown Cross-Morris Memorial Garden behind the Residence, Frank wrangled a group of parents and together they brought it back to its former glory. Beyond beautifying the campus, Frank became a beloved father and even grandfather figure to many Baldwin girls. His easy demeanor and supportive presence made him a favorite among students and faculty. Reflecting on the remarkable women that I have seen as our Heads of School only serves to underscore the excitement that I, and so many of our community, feel as we all prepare to welcome home one of Baldwin’s daughters as our eighth Head of School. Dr. Marisa Porges ’96 is an incredible person, possessing all the traits that her predecessors shared and who knows the School inside and out. Her unique perspective as a former student means she knows the School’s strengths and weaknesses intimately. Her life and career experience means she will be able to take a step back and see what needs to be done without being hindered by nostalgia. Dr. Porges is singularly well equipped to relate to the many constituencies the Head of School must address. I am confident that she is the perfect person to take the reins from Sally and carry into the future the traditions and spirit of our School together with all those qualities that have made, and will continue to make Baldwin great.
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