Echoes Summer 2017

Echoes

The Magazine for Alumnae, Students, Families and Friends of The Baldwin School

SUMMER 2017

COMMENCEMENT C O M M EN CE M E N T

REUNION ALUMNAE AWARDS

CONTENTS | SUMMER 2017 FEATURES

12 17 COMMENCEMENT 2017 Baldwin celebrated its 129th graduating class, the Class of 2017, in June. See highlights from the event and learn where our 57 graduates will be attending college in the fall.

DEPARTMENTS

REUNION WEEKEND Baldwin welcomed back the Classes of Blue the first weekend in May. View class photos and highlights from all the events.

Editor: Lisa A. Algeo

1 UPFRONT

Alumna Contributing Writer: Monica Moran ’92

Design: Veronica Utz

4 HONOR ROLL

5 WHY I GIVE

Photo Credits: Katie Brogan Ozeck, Jay Gorodetzer, Jessica Parrish Photography, Jeff Reeder, Matthew Wright with Fig Tree Photography, Motto Films, George Scarino

6 ACADEMICS

All photographs are identified left to right unless otherwise noted.

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.

10 ATHLETICS

26 ALUMNAE AWARDS

28 LEGACY PROFILE

29 BALDWIN CONNECT

30 CLASS NOTES facebook

facebook.com/baldwinschool facebook.com/baldwinalumnae facebook.com/baldwinathletics

Instagram

Please send correspondence to: Lisa A. Algeo, Editor, Echoes The Baldwin School 701 Montgomery Ave. Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 lalgeo@baldwinschool.org For general alumnae requests or information, please contact the Office of Advancement and Alumnae Engagement: Stacy Gallagher, Chief Advancement Officer sgallagher@baldwinschool.org or 610-525-2700, ext. 286

Twitter

@baldwinschool @baldwinathletic

instagram.com/the.baldwin.school

SmugMug

YouTube

youtube.com/baldwinschool

baldwinschool.smugmug.com

Alumnae Group ow.ly/cdGas

The 701 Blog

blog.baldwinschool.org

UPFRONT A

s my first year as Head of School comes to a close and we look forward to the 20172018 school year, I want to take a moment to share my appreciation for the entire Baldwin community — the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, alumnae, parents and students who have welcomed me home with such open arms and enthusiasm.

Thank you for your generosity and support.

In this latest edition of Echoes you’ll find highlights from the second half of the school year, including Reunion Weekend and Commencement. You’ll no doubt be inspired by the work our students are doing in the classrooms, on the stage and on our athletic fields. And you’ll likewise enjoy reading updates from classmates and friends.

In May, I was excited to welcome back the Classes of Blue for Reunion Weekend. It was heartwarming to see the lifelong friendships that were formed at Baldwin and hear the adventures fellow alumnae have had since leaving 701 Montgomery. Weekend highlights included honoring four alumnae during the annual alumnae awards ceremony, hosting a brunch to celebrate Baldwin’s most loyal and generous alumnae donors and volunteers and seeing our campus filled with shared memories and laughter.

One month later, I again felt the impact of our Baldwin sisterhood while watching the Class of 2017 graduate. These 57 students — my first class of seniors — pushed me to see things differently and kept me on my toes.

They made me smile and laugh out loud.

They led our community from the first day of academic and athletic preseason and exemplified Baldwin’s best in their vision for themselves and their shared future. It was wonderful to see the little ways they supported one another and the joy they brought to campus throughout the year.

As these newest alumnae from the Class of Blue move on to college, I know they are well-equipped for their journey and will forever be Baldwin girls. When this Class of Blue changes the world, it will be because of Baldwin and the foundation our School gave them.

Marisa Porges, Ph.D. Head of School mporges@baldwinschool.org facebook.com/marisaporges Twitter: @MarisaPorges

SUMMER 2017 ECHOES

1

UPFRONT

Alex Wake Run/Walk AN EVENING WITH MARISA PORGES, PH.D.

Dr. Porges continued her travels to various cities visiting our alumnae to introduce herself and share current happenings from Baldwin. This spring she visited with alumnae in Vero Beach and Tequesta, FL, Sausalito, CA, Seattle and Los Angeles. In June, she closed out her year-long alumnae travel with a capstone event held in Philadelphia for alumnae and parents of alumnae.

The 14th Annual Alex Wake ’05 Memorial 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk was a great success. More than 300 runners and walkers participated and proceeds raised more than $20,000 supporting the perpetual scholarship in Alex’s name.

Marching-In Dinner

The Class of 2018, the Class of Gold, debuted its new blazers and newly composed class song at this year’s Marching-In Dinner. The juniors and seniors then spent time together

Allison Wiener Goodwin ’89, Carmen Lennon ’95, Dr. Marisa Porges, Kathy Taylor ’70, Steffie Wright Crowther ’68 and Roberta Dranoff (P’96, GP ’24 ’26) at Sky Philadelphia on June 15.

reminiscing and sharing treasured pins.

To see many more photos from these events, visit our SmugMug page at baldwinschool.smugmug.com.

Members of the Class of 2018 — Bria Beauvais, Oona Maloney, Elizabeth Bunn, Samantha Martin, Absara Irgau, Henriette Gust and Sydney Silberg — proudly show off their Gold blazers.

RING DAY

Baldwin’s Grade 10 students received their School rings in April during a class dinner.

Afterward, they decorated the Schoolhouse in their class color and a chosen theme. This year, the Class of 2019 celebrated their class color of purple with a theme surrounding the Disney movie “Tangled.”

Class of 2019 members Anjali Sukhavasi, Celia Page, Sydney Parmet and Nira Kotay show off their new signet rings.

2

BALDWINSCHOOL.ORG

UPFRONT

2017 Reach for the Stars Gala

NETWORKING FOR SUCCESS

Franne McNeal ’78 presented valuable networking tips.

The Reach for the Stars Auction and Gala was held on April 8. Guests enjoyed a live band, a wonderful meal, spirited bidding and great company. With the generosity of our Patrons, Corporate Sponsors, Auction Donors and attendees, more than $310,000 was raised to help Baldwin continue to evolve, innovate and challenge our students.

Gala co-chairs Alyssa Kay ’87 (P’21, ’23) and Andrea Seltzer (P’20) enjoy the evening.

ALUMNAE INDUCTION LUNCHEON

Cisco and Bev Buella (P ’28, ’31) show off their Class of 2028 treasure.

On June 7, the Class of 2017 was welcomed into the alumnae community with a special luncheon and alumnae induction ceremony. They began the event with the annual gong ringing and then proceeded to the Assembly Room for lunch and remarks from Lisa Ameisen ’76 (P ’09, ’13), President of the Alumnae Association Executive Board. Other alumnae in attendance included Penny Tsaltas Lisk ’77, Carmen Lennon ’95, Amy Saler Ostroff ’85 and Margie Tranger Walton ’63.

Baldwin alumnae gathered in April and June for an evening workshop presented by Franne McNeal ’78 that focused on honing networking skills, learning effective tips for generating leads and gaining strategic insights for greater success in business. The event promoted opportunities for professional association and career development, leadership and fellowship among alumnae. Two more networking events are scheduled for September 12 and December 5. Log onto BaldwinConnect.org for more information.

LEFT: The Class of 2017 is officially welcomed into the alumnae community.

ABOVE: Roya Alidjani ’17 takes a turn ringing the gong.

SUMMER 2017 ECHOES

3

HONOR ROLL

Grade 8 Moving Up Ceremony US CLASS DAY 2017

On June 6, Baldwin recognized Upper School students at Class Day in celebration of their high academic achievements and demonstration of Baldwin’s ideals in their Dr. Marisa Porges presents The Baldwin everyday lives.

Award to Sally Chen ’17.

The highest honor, The Baldwin Award — given to a senior who has distinguished herself in pursuit of excellence in academics, the arts, leadership, service and sensitivity to others — went to Sally Chen ’17.

OTHER AWARDS INCLUDE: The Baldwin Class of 2003 Award: Alexa Bartels ’17 The Baldwin Class of 2002 Award: Ishana S. ’17 The Baldwin Class of 1998 Award: Aquilla Lee ’17

ABOVE: Congratulations to the Class of 2021, Class of Red. RIGHT: Asia Blocker ’21 receives her award.

Asia Blocker ’21 received the Ruth Fiesel ’38 Award in recognition of her contributions to the life of the Middle School. Asia consistently demonstrates a positive attitude and a strong sense of responsibility toward her learning.

A keen problem-solver, Asia embraces her leadership experiences with poise and confidence in and outside the classroom setting. She shared her theatrical and athletic talents by participating in the MS performance Mulan Jr. and three MS sports — volleyball, dance and softball.

Grade 5 Moving Up Ceremony

The Rachel Shao Sun Award: Madison Sanders ’17 The Caroline Simon Award: Jane Bradley ’17 and Sanjana Friedman ’17 The Phi Beta Kappa Award: Lila Williams ’17 The Society of Women Engineers: Alexa Bartels ’17, Sumi Mudgil ’17 and Pallavi Sreedhar ’17 The Eva Macklis Award: Sarai Brown-Alexander ’17 The Baldwin School Academic Athlete College Scholarship: Angela Smith ’17 For a list of all student award winners, please visit the news section of our website at www.baldwinschool.org. To see photos from US Class Day and Grades 5 and 8 Moving Up ceremonies, please visit baldwinschool.smugmug.com.

4

BALDWINSCHOOL.ORG

ABOVE: Congratulations to the Class of 2024, Class of Purple.

RIGHT: Eliana Jean ’24 receives her award from Baiba Vasys.

Eliana Jean ’24 received the Baiba Vasys Core Values Award. Given in honor of the retired Lower School Director, the award recognizes a Grade 5 student who best exemplifies Baldwin’s core values of learning, honesty, respect, compassion and responsibility. In addition to her personal accomplishments, the recipient also has made success possible for others.

Why I Give

Passion and Pragmatism Elissa Getto ’65

By Monica Moran ’92

Elissa Getto’s life experiences have focused on the performing arts – first as teacher, pianist and conductor, and then as the business leader that keeps arts venues thriving. Her wideranging talents are rooted in her early experience at Baldwin where her passion for the arts and her pragmatic nature began to intertwine.

AN INTENSE TWO YEARS Elissa Getto arrived at Baldwin at 15 years old, feeling shy and apprehensive about going to boarding school far from her small town of DuBois in Western Pennsylvania.

It was a difficult and emotional day – she remembers her father saying she was “going to Baldwin to become a strong, independent woman – and that is, ultimately, exactly what Baldwin did for me.” Baldwin’s rigorous academic culture presented challenges that brought out her best. “If you only had 2 1/2 hours to study at night, but you had 5 hours’ worth of work to do, you had to learn to prioritize, to problem solve and use your resources in the time allotted – even when that meant studying by the light of the hallway when the lights were supposed to be out!” Elissa’s scholarly focus at Baldwin was intense, and she decided to put her musical talents on hold temporarily so that she could get into the college of her choice.

Even still, music found a way to her. She loved to be called on to play piano for accompaniment at assemblies, and she and a group of friends created the Senior Singing Group - an extracurricular after-school a cappella ensemble. Baldwin was a life-changing experience

for Elissa academically, and she maintains deep lifelong friendships with classmates, especially close friend Beth Swoope Sweeto ’65.

MUSICAL ADVENTURES After high school, Elissa attended Smith College where she quickly became thankful for the ways Baldwin prepared her for higher learning. “Baldwin was the hardest academic environment I’ve ever had in my life, and I think it enabled me to have a fabulous college experience academically, musically and socially,” Elissa notes. “I had time to pursue my interests at Smith and not just be tied to the library or constantly feeling academic pressure.

In fact, my first semester at Smith I was worried about myself because I didn’t seem to be spending as much time on coursework as my other freshman classmates were – and this was solely because of the preparation from Baldwin.”

After obtaining her master’s degree in education from Tufts University, Elissa embarked on a long career with the Wilton Board of Education in Wilton, CT. She began as a history teacher, but music called her heart again, so she dove into a role as accompanist and then conductor for the choir.

Music soon became her full-time job in the rapidly growing district. Elissa became the instructional

leader of K-12 Fine and Performing Arts for the district and conducted vocal musical ensembles, some that toured internationally.

She collaborated with jazz legend David Brubeck, a personal and professional friend, who composed several pieces for her choral groups. After teaching and conducting for 17 years, Elissa began to sense there was an untapped part of life that she wanted to pursue, and so she took a risk, quit her job and began a new career.

MUSIC MEETS BUSINESS Elissa’s “second act” started when she took the role of Education Director for Ruth Eckerd Hall, a 2,200-seat performing arts venue in Clearwater, FL. When she arrived, she found an organization that was imploding with debt.

Two years into her tenure at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Elissa moved into a CEO role.

This dramatic shift was a huge learning curve – Elissa had to acquire as much knowledge as she could in the business side of running an Arts Center.

She worked closely with the financial administrator about whom she jokes, “I taught him about tutus and he taught me about business.” How was she able to shift from reading music scores to reading spreadsheets? “Baldwin gave me the courage

and the confidence to keep learning – if I’m not learning, I’m frustrated!”

With her leadership, a team comprised of board, staff and community members was able to rescue the venue from near bankruptcy and keep a balanced $8 million budget for five consecutive years.

Over the next 20 years, Elissa served as CEO and Executive Director at several major performance venues in cities across America, including the Palace Theatre in Stamford, CT. BACK TO BALDWIN Elissa has been a vital donor to Baldwin since graduation, but in the past several years, she has taken her commitment even further. Most recently, she played a role in helping design The Simpson Center for the Performing Arts and has included Baldwin in her estate plans. “Having spent years in education as a teacher, and then as CEO of performing arts centers where I always made sure there was strong and relevant educational programming, the whole educational impact of Baldwin is something that all these decades later is still inspiring. Being on the Board of Trustees for the last four years, and seeing firsthand the quality of the Baldwin education, there’s no way I could not remember Baldwin in a legacy document. Baldwin enabled me to explore so much in my life.” A huge proponent of planned giving, Elissa sees great things ahead for Baldwin, and encourages her fellow alumnae to consider Baldwin in future plans.

Monica Moran ’92 is an author and freelance writer.

She previously worked for Spring Garden Pictures as a film producer and marketing director.

SUMMER 2017 ECHOES

5

ACADEMICS GRADE 4 DISSECTS DOGFISH SHARKS

Finding the Art in Science Students in Baldwin’s Advanced Topics Biology class enhanced their neuroscience unit through nontraditional mediums, including a neuroscience symposium with presentations from four world-class researchers from the University of Pennsylvania Neuroscience Department, guided human brain dissection and a field trip to the Mütter Museum that included a workshop on the brain.

Baldwin’s fourth graders, including Charly Landow ’25 and Ava Viroslav ’25 pictured here, culminated their shark unit with the first-ever shark dissection. The students dissected dogfish sharks and loved learning the anatomy.

Students were also challenged to connect science with art by exploring careers in ABOVE: Annie Xu ’17 submitted a fun and creative steampunk heart.

RIGHT: Lilly Tang ’17 drew an anatomically accurate human head and skull artistically intertwined with an underwater scene.

medical illustration and art in science research. Visit blog.baldwinschool.org for more on this story.

Baldwin Libraries Win Award, Present at Conference The Baldwin School’s libraries are the winner of the 2017 Outstanding School Library Individual Award by the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (PSLA). “The Library program at Baldwin enjoys tremendous support from the entire Baldwin School community - trustees, alumnae, staff, students and families, and this has enabled us to develop a school library program that is innovative, exciting and organic,” explained Lisa Lopez-Carickhoff, Director of Libraries and Information Services. “Every program, Emily Woodward, Lower School Library and Media Specialist, Shelly Lucia, Assistant Lower School Library Specialist, Sharon Nardelli, Upper School Librarian, Lisa Lopez-Carickhoff, Director of Libraries and Information Services and Lauren Friedman-Way, Middle School Librarian.

6

lesson and event reflects our commitment to being truly student centered and our dedication to the Baldwin Libraries mission to foster a lifelong habit and love of reading and learning.” Baldwin’s library services team accepted the award during the 44th Annual PSLA Conference. In addition, then Baldwin seniors Jane Bradley and Madeleine Marr joined Lisa Lopez-Carickhoff to present the session “Out of the Box: Notes from the Archives” at the conference.

BALDWINSCHOOL.ORG

ACADEMICS Grade 11 Studies “Hamlet”

Thanks to the generosity of the Elisabeth Klebanoff ’80 Memorial Fund, the Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre performed a 90-minute “Hamlet” for Baldwin’s

juniors on April 20. The students studied the play intensively at the beginning of the semester and watched professional actors bring the characters and lines to life. When the performance was over, the actors answered perceptive questions from students, which demonstrated both their knowledge of the play and their engagement with the performance.

Also, Baldwin English teacher Dr. Sheryl Forste-Grupp was interviewed by the Philadelphia Inquirer about the group’s visit in an article titled “Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre takes ‘Hamlet’ to High School.”

Grade 1 Explores 3D Printing Our first grade combined science

with the pure joy of blowing bubbles!

Students explored the world of 3D printing by designing, modeling and printing custom bubble wands! It’s hard to imagine first graders navigating the complexities of a 3D CAD tool on a laptop, but using an intuitive Adoniyah Johnson ’28 blows bubbles.

application called TinkerCAD, in just a few classes the girls made it look easy.

UNDERSTANDING THE PLIGHT OF REFUGEES

This spring, Baldwin’s Grade 7 students participated in a series of lessons aimed toward building understanding for the plight of refugees. The girls were divided into families and were read a scenario from Amnesty International where a military state threatened their safety. The students had to make decisions as a family on their best course of action. Should they flee?

Hide? Split up? While the girls brainstormed ideas, one family was sent out of the class to seek asylum elsewhere in the School. They took all their belongings and a few unexpected items on a trip all over the School. They knocked on classroom doors trying to find a place to take them in, but at each door they were turned away. Some of the teachers participating spoke a different language and some claimed they did not have enough chairs or space despite half empty classrooms. The students returned to class dejected and tired, connecting all of the reactions to what today’s asylum seekers are going through. The girls empathized with the challenges of displaced people, and the most poignant moment was when the girls from the San Antonio Spanish immersion trip related these emotions to the refugees they assisted on their trip over Presidents’ weekend. This refugee lesson is one example of how we bring social and emotional learning into the classroom.

Middle School Recognized for Inclusion Efforts The Southern Poverty Law Center’s Teaching Tolerance program has named The Baldwin Middle School as a Mix It Up Model School for its exemplary efforts to foster respect and understanding among its students and throughout its campus during the 2016-17 school year. Baldwin is among 76 schools to receive the honor. Earlier this year, the Middle School participated in Mix It Up at Lunch Day, which was a simple call to action.

By asking students to move out of their comfort zones and connect with someone new over lunch, the event encouraged students to identify, question and cross social boundaries. Mix It Up Model Schools embrace respect and inclusiveness as core values—they “mix it up” all year long. Our Middle School has done an exemplary job of organizing, publicizing and implementing Mix It Up at Lunch Day. By sharing our recipes for success, we are beacons for other schools striving for inclusiveness.

SUMMER 2017 ECHOES

7

ARTS MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSICAL WAS A SOLD-OUT SUCCESS

Students Win Art Awards

Two Baldwin Upper School painting students, Hilary Liu ’18 and Leanne Sun ’19, won awards in the Wayne Art Center’s Teen Exhibition. Hilary’s drawing, “Tibetan Shepherd at the Plateau,” was selected for the “Gabrielle Arts Foundation Award for Best Figure or Portrait.” Leanne won the “Gabrielle Arts Foundation Award for Mixed Media” for her ink and watercolor painting titled “A Japanese Restaurant.” In addition, Hilary won a National

The Middle School musical, Mulan Jr., was a sold-out success, featuring the work of almost 30 Middle School students. Close to 500 tickets were sold to this year’s show.

Silver Award in the Scholastic Art Competition for her drawing, “Love Never Grows Old,” placing her in the top 1 percent of submissions.

KINDERGARTEN ART SHOW

Maskers Present “12 Angry Jurors” This spring, Baldwin’s Maskers Club explored the criminal justice system with their contemporary staging of Reginald Rose’s “12 Angry Jurors.” Under the direction of drama teacher Aileen McCulloch, the play was honored with three Greater Philadelphia Cappies awards out of eight nominations. Ishana S. ’17 was named Outstanding Supporting Actress in a play, Sanjana Friedman ’17 was named Outstanding Leading Actress in a play and the entire jury was named Outstanding Ensemble in a Play.

The annual Kindergarten Art Show encouraged guests to explore the wonderful artwork that our young Baldwin girls have created. The event is a culminating activity of their unit “Art through the Ages.” The girls performed songs about famous artists and then acted as docents in their Kindergarten Art Museum for their parents.

8

BALDWINSCHOOL.ORG

ARTS Lower School Art Show

MIDDLE SCHOOL ART EXHIBIT AND CONCERT

A Middle School Art Exhibit this spring displayed paintings, prints, drawings, sculpture, ceramics and jewelry. After a reception, guests made their way to The Simpson Center for the Middle School music concert featuring Chorus, B Naturals, Middle School Orchestra, Malala, 8th Grade Bells and Jazz Band.

Margaret Gord ‘27 shows off her artwork.

Baldwin’s Lower School Art Exhibition featured artworks from students in PreKindergarten through fifth grade. By molding Lower School Art into both an academic and a studio-based program, the curriculum allows our young girls to reinforce learning from a visual perspective as they develop a wide range of skills. Lower School Art focuses on helping Baldwin girls understand each other as well as building connections between art and other core subjects. From acquiring basic skills to engaging in advanced processes including additive/ subtractive sculpture, printmaking, plastering and/or working with wood, the students work on building connections through understanding and making art inspired by different artists, styles, movements and world cultures.

Grade 3 Performs “Happy 100th Birthday, National Parks!”

The year 2016

Grade 3 teachers

marked the 100th

Kathy Gates and

anniversary of

Peter Greenhalgh,

the inception of

the play guided

the National Park

viewers through

System. Third

the history of

graders met

how our national

with Baldwin’s

park system was

resident National

created. The

Park Ranger and

play was also

History teacher Bridget Doherty to learn about our nation’s

designed to encourage viewers to learn more about and

treasures. As a culminating activity that complemented

visit our country’s national parks. This project was part

their studies, Baldwin’s third graders performed an original

of a unit Kathy Gates developed courtesy of the Reed

play “Happy 100th Birthday, National Parks!” Written by

Fellowship she received in December 2015.

SUMMER 2017 ECHOES

9

ATHLETICS GOLF & TENNIS OUTING

Indoor Track Makes History

The third annual Golf and Tennis Outing to benefit Baldwin Athletics will be held on Monday, October 2 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Green Valley Country Club. Sponsorship opportunities are still available and registration is online at baldwinschool.org/bears.

All proceeds benefit the student-athletes.

the New Balance Games in New York.

The varsity indoor track program made history at the Pennsylvania Track and Field Coaches Association Indoor State Championship meet held in February at Penn State University in State College, PA. Baldwin finished a program best 17th place overall out of 65 public and private schools that qualified for the meet. The program won medals in two events for the first time in school history. Jennifer Dietrich ’17, Absara Irgau ’18, Myla Barnett ’18 and Acey Pratt ’20 finished in third place and set a new school record in the 4x800m relay. Also, they earned a 4th place medal in the 4x400m relay. The girls were named All-State Honorable Mention by the Pennsylvania Track and Field Coaches Association. This is the first time in Baldwin history that two indoor track relay teams received All State recognition. Additionally, both relays competed at the New Balance Indoor National Acey Pratt ’20, Myla Barnett ’18, Absara Irgau ’18, Jennifer Dietrich ’17 at Championships for the first time in school history.

2017 Athletics Association Awards Banquet Winners The Upper School Athletics Association Awards Banquet was held on June 5. The following student-athletes were recognized: SPECIAL AWARDS

Pat West Award: Myla Barnett ’18 & Grace Steelman ’18 Margot Cunningham Sports Commitment Award: Jennifer Dietrich ’17 & Ryanna Neuman ’17 Alice Comly Award: Kahlaa Cannady ’17

Lois Harlos Award: Caroline Kiser ’17 Tina Roak Award: Ryanna Neuman ’17 Ruth Davidon Elite Athlete Award: Sumrin Mudgil ‘17 & Zara Wenzinger ’17 White Blazer Award: Jennifer Dietrich ’17

TRACK AND FIELD SUCCEEDS The varsity track and field program won two titles at the 2017 Inter-Ac League Championship meet hosted

by Penn Charter. Co-captain Jennifer Dietrich ’17 won a 1st place gold medal in the 400m.

Also, Dietrich and teammates ’20, member of the 4x400m Absara Irgau ’18, Acey Pratt Acey Pratt relay, earns gold with her team. ’20 and Kaya Weiser ’22 won a gold medal and set a new meet record in the 4x400m relay. All four girls earned 1st Team All-Inter-Ac League honors. The program also captured two state titles at the PAISAA state meet held at The Hill School. Dietrich won the gold medal in the 400m. The 4x800m relay team of Dietrich, Henriette Gust ’18, Irgau and Pratt won a gold medal and set a new school record with a time of 9:42.83.

The team finished 6th out of 14 schools and it was the best team rank in school history.

10

BALDWINSCHOOL.ORG

MVP AWARDS

The Julia Pudlin Cross Country Award: Lila Williams ’17 The Tracy Tunnell Field Hockey Award: Courtney Loomis ’17 The Baldwin School Soccer Award: Kahlaa Cannady ’17 The Steffan Wright Tennis Award: Alexa Bartels ’17 The Liz and Kate Braemer Volleyball Award: Caroline Kiser ’17 The Nancy Park Basketball Award: Amaris Baker ’21 The Baldwin School Dance Award: Ashley Chatman ’17

The Baldwin School Diving Award: Lauren Fosnocht ’17 The Baldwin School Indoor Track Award: Myla Barnett ’18 The Lyn Hopkins Swimming Award: Elizabeth Bunn ’18 The Baldwin School Squash Award: Sumrin Mudgil ’17 The Baldwin School Crew Award: Olivia Lanchoney ’17 Jennifer Dietrich ’17 wins the The Baldwin School Golf 2017 White Blazer.

Award: Teagan Krane ’19 The Baldwin School Track The Margaret Johnston and Field Award: Jennifer Lacrosse Award: Marissa Dietrich ’17 McGarrey ’18 Most Valuable Manager The Natalie Georges and Erica Miller Softball Award: Award: Alexis MosleyMcLemore ’17 Samantha Martin ’18

Polar Bear Park Field Grand Opening Baldwin Softball played their first season at the new off-campus Polar Bear Park field located at the Penn Wynne playground.

The team had a grand opening game with Dr. Porges throwing out the first pitch and a BBQ was held for the fans and members of the neighboring community.

ATHLETICS Crew Finishes Season Strong

It was an incredibly successful spring season for the crew program. The Lightweight Double team of bow Zara Wenzinger ’17 and stroke Olivia Lanchoney ’17 won three championships (PSRA City Championship, Stotesbury Cup Regatta and SRAA Nationals). The Varsity Double of bow Jasmine Greytok ’17 and stroke Caroline Kiser ’17 won bronze medals at both Cities and Stotesbury. The Junior Varsity Quad of Julia Love ’18, Tara McMahon ’18, Hailey Barnett ’18 and Jane Bai ’19 won a bronze medal at Cities and a silver medal at SRAA Nationals. The Freshmen/Novice Double of bow Avalon Rosenberger ’20 and stroke Samantha Baron ’20 won a silver medal at Cities. “We are incredibly proud of our athletes and all the hard work they have put in,” said Head Coach Gabby Cutler. “To see their smiling faces on the awards dock is the most rewarding experience.”

Squash Continues Dominance

SREEDHAR ’20 NAMED U.S. ALL-AMERICAN Meghna Sreedhar ’20 was named a 2016-17 All-American by U.S. Squash. Meghna is one of only 17 girls in the nation to earn the prestigious honor. She is currently ranked #2 in the nation in the U17 age group. In addition to being All-American, Meghna was a 1st team All-Inter-Ac League and 1st team All-MASA performer during her freshman year.

The Upper School varsity and Middle School “A” and “B” squash teams each won MidAtlantic Squash Association (MASA) championships.

The varsity team won their sixth MASA title in the past seven years.

The Middle School “A” team defeated Greenwich Country Day School 4-1 to win its second straight U.S. Squash national title at Yale University.

Varsity Squash finished second in the nation.

SIX STUDENT-ATHLETES COMMIT TO COLLEGES Six student-athletes from the Class of 2017 committed to play at the college level: Jennifer Dietrich (Bucknell University, Track & Field); Caroline Kiser (Union College, Crew); Sumi Mudgil (Stanford University, Squash); Emma Sass (Washington University in St. Louis, Tennis); Pallavi Sreedhar (Columbia University, Squash); and Zara Wenzinger (Duquesne University, Crew). “Baldwin Athletics congratulates and thanks these studentathletes for sharing their talents and for the unique legacy they each leave to our school community,” remarked Director of Athletics Deb Surgi.

MS SOFTBALL GOES UNDEFEATED

Standing: Arlyn Landow (P ’22, ’25) (Head Coach), Blake Landow ‘22, Ainsley Steele ’22, Milan Thornton ’22, Olivia Stratton ’21, Asia Blocker ’21, Taylor Levinson ’21; Seated: Tessa Pearlstein ’21, Presley Daggett ’21, Elise Kait ’21, Abigail Dubinski ’21, Anna Danowitz ’21.

The Middle School “A” softball team finished the 2017 spring season with an undefeated 7-0 record. The Polar Bears, under the direction of second-year Head Coach Arlyn Landow (P ’22, ’25), outscored their opponents 103 to 11. They outhit their opponents 69-9. The future of Baldwin softball looks bright with this young and talented team.

SUMMER 2017 ECHOES

11

C O M M EN CE M E N T

12

BALDWINSCHOOL.ORG

C O M M ENCEM E N

PRESENTING the CLASS of 2017 Roya Gohar Alidjani

Willing Li

Cristina Daniell Artis

Courtney Ray Loomis

Lily Rosalie Barnes

Michelle Christine Mariette

Alexa Gray Bartels

Madeleine Marie Marr

Maya Raji Bindra

Catherine Haley Moller

Stephanie Lynn Blank

Morgan Grier Montoute

Jane Isabella Bradley

Alexis ReneĂŠ McLemore

Jennifer Lynn Brown Sarai Miracle Brown-Alexander Kahlaa Munirah Cannady Ashley Corin Chatman Sally Chen Gillian Morgan Chestnut Rachael Hannah Cook Gabriel Emma DiClaudio Jennifer Lynn Dietrich Sophia Claire Evans Emilie Ann Famiglio Lauren Rebecca Fosnocht Margaret Mary Frantz Sanjana Jade Friedman Lindsay Nicole Gordon Jasmine Elizabeth Greytok

Sumrin Pal Mudgil Ryanna Fern Neuman Katherine Elizabeth Phillips Sophia Leah Raff Madison Eve Raju Madison Elouise Sanders Emma Rose Sass Caroline Hannah Schaeffer Ishana Night S. Joely Tell Simon Angela Michelle Smith Georgia Lynn Spies Pallavi Sreedhar Wenjing Tang Dagny Kent Tepper

Tianshu Guo

Evelyn Elizabeth Wasson

Arianna Lena Hairston

Zara Ellen Wenzinger

Anika Iyer

Lila Jane Williams

Caroline Rose Kiser

Shiwei Xu

Olivia Winifred Love Lanchoney

Jessica Wei Zhang

Aquilla Naomi Lee

Fengnan Zhao

CLASS OF 2017 MATRICULATION LIST American University Arcadia University Babson College Berklee College of Music Brown University (2) Bucknell University Clemson University Columbia University (2) Cornell University (2) Dartmouth College Duquesne University Elon University Emory University Harvard University Ithaca College Johns Hopkins University McGill University New York University (4) Northwestern University Occidental College (2) Pennsylvania State University (2) Princeton University Reed College Rhode Island School of Design Spelman College St. John’s University - Queens Stanford University (2) Swarthmore College Syracuse University (2) Temple University (2) University of California, Berkeley (2) Union College (New York) University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania (4) University of St. Andrews (2) University of Virginia U.S. Military Academy (West Point) Washington University in St. Louis Wesleyan University Yale University (2) SUMMER 2017 ECHOES

13

’ C O M M ENCEM E N T

Members of the 13-Year Club: Lauren Fosnocht, Michelle Mariette, Lindsay Gordon, Alexa Bartels, Carrie Schaeffer, Joely Simon, Ishana S., Dagny Tepper and Zara Wenzinger.

Members of the 14-Year Club: Sophia Raff, Jasmine Greytok, Jennifer Dietrich, Alexis MosleyMcLemore, Madison Sanders, Gabriel DiClaudio, Madeleine Marr.

Graduates Jane Bradley, Pallavi Sreedhar, Haley Moller, Lila Williams, Meg Frantz, Cristina Artis.

Ten members of the Class of 2017 celebrate commencement with their alumnae relatives: Row 1 (Front): Annie Xu ’17, Dagny Tepper ’17, Lindsay Gordon ’17, Raena Khorram ’99, Roya Alidjani ’17, Rachael Cook ’17, Jessica Cook ’10, Ishana S. ’17, Saleka S. ’14.

Row 2: Isabelle Schaeffer ’16, Caroline Schaeffer ’17, Stephanie Schaeffer ’85, Joely Simon ’17, Lily Simon ’07, Ryanna Neuman ’17, Cassidy Neuman ’14.

Row 3: Rebecca Brown ’16, Sarah Klavans Keely ’00, Jennifer Brown ’17, Heather Brown ’14.

14

BALDWINSCHOOL.ORG

This year’s commencement speaker was Angela Duckworth, the Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of M ENCEM N TPower Pennsylvania and author of Grit: E The COM of Passion and Perseverance.

’ C O M M ENCEM E N T

Chair of the Board of Trustees Terry Steelman (P’16, ’18) processes into commencement alongside Head of School Dr. Marisa Porges.

Dr. Laura Blankenship, Dean of Academic Affairs, hugs daughter Stephanie Blank ’17 after she is awarded her diploma.

Members of the Class of 2017 celebrate outside Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church.

“… When we turn the sophomores’ rings on Ring Day, we make three wishes; one for yourself, for the ring’s owner and for Baldwin. If I could do that ritual right now, my wishes would be the same at each turn. I’d wish that the web of ties that holds every Baldwin girl together stays strong and is strengthened by this graduating class and everyone sitting in the rafters. I hope that we advocate for each other, helping all of us rise in our careers and in our personal lives. I hope that we reach out to those who came before us to share and grow, and reach back to those coming behind to mentor and advise. I hope that we remember to give back to the institution that has given us the gift of an unparalleled education, not only in academic subjects, but in grit, ambition and tenacity. Class of 2017, I know that we will support each other and the Baldwin community long past the day we hang up our kilts for the last time.…We may be going our separate ways after today, but our experience has left an indelible mark on all of us. You are all Baldwin girls - go out there and show the world everything you have to offer.”

— Excerpt from the commencement speech of Madeleine Marr ’17 SUMMER 2017 ECHOES

15

’

CLASS OF

C O M M ENCEM E N T

ENT FACTS O M M ENCEM CFAST The Class of 2017 had

57 students who received 253 offers of admission from 135 unique institutions

32

Roya Alidjani and Ryanna Neuman.

ALL

the class was % of accepted at an Ivy League school

8 IVY LEAGUE SCHOOLS REPRESENTED

Acceptances include: Brown University (3), Columbia University (4), Cornell University (3), Dartmouth University (2), Harvard University (2), Princeton University (2), University of Pennsylvania (5), Yale University (3)

93%of the class had an acceptance in the early acceptance round

55

% of the class was accepted

to the most highly selective colleges & universities

Select schools include: Amherst College, Bowdoin College, Johns Hopkins University, Middlebury College, Northwestern University, Stanford University, University of Notre Dame, Williams College

Olivia Lanchoney and Maya Bindra depart for graduation.

Class average SAT scores READING

700 | MATH 680

One student received the

SWARTHMORE COLLEGE MCCABE SCHOLARSHIP with a full tuition offer

One student was admitted into the

HUNTSMAN PROGRAM AT UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, to which only 50 students are admitted worldwide

28%

of the class has attended Baldwin since Kindergarten

20

The Class of 2017 lines the staircase, waiting to ring the bell after commencement.

16

BALDWINSCHOOL.ORG

% of the class More than was honored by the National Merit Scholarship Program

FRIDAY

REUNION Jill Arenz ‘07, Libby Gephart ‘07 and Courtney Shively ‘07 enjoy lunch.

Melanie Sheerr ’96 (left) and Lauren Sheerr Beshears ’00 (right) celebrate their mother, Nancy-Beth Gordon Sheerr ’67 (center) at the Alumnae Awards ceremony.

REUNION Debra Cohn ’77 poses with her niece Carrie Schaeffer ’17.

Georgia Spies ’17 and Courtney Loomis ’17 take time to meet with Robin Blum Smith ’57.

Physical Education Teacher Elsie Pitocchelli, Michaela Shuchman ’02, Elena Saltzman ’02, Tiffany Hau ’02, Abby Goldberg ’02, 7th Head of School Sally Powell and Julia Dewey ’12 catch up with one another.

Julia Dewey ’12, Anne Matteson Dewey ’52 and Lisa Ameisen ’76 (P ’09, ’13) have fun at dinner.

Members of the Class of 1987 pose with the Champagne Challenge Cup, with 62 percent of the class raising more than $11,500. (Pictured: Jennifer Lindner McGlinn, Kelly Rackel Cordray, Staci Carson Silverman, Sue Soffee, Beth Kemmerer Vincent, Maya Cameron Houston, Eve Simon, Lisa Boehne Tobias, Jennifer Levin Popovsky, Lisa Wolk Vosburgh).

Former faculty members Jan Pethick, Julie Boyer ’92 and Ruth Fackenthal enjoy “Coffee and Conversation.”

Maria Wing ’97, Nancy Carey ’67, Lisa Boehne Tobias ’87 and Beth Feingold ’97 were just a few alumnae who came back to speak with our juniors and seniors during Career Day.

Members of the Class of 2002 enjoy the reunion dinner: Candace Amayo Embry, Alexa Driansky, Mary London, Julia Pudlin, Cecilia Byrne Connor, Lexy Rossman Madden and Katie Eshelman Springer.

SUMMER 2017 ECHOES

17

SATURDAY SATURDAY& SUNDAY

REUNION

REUNION

Susan Kulp ’57, Libbie Gummy Cluett ’57, Maya Cameron Houston ’87 and Alisan Buckley Henderson ’49 enjoy brunch.

Penny Tsaltas Lisk ’77, Margie Tranger Walton ’63, Margaretta Walton ’97 and Bill Shoemaker meet before the Head of School reception.

Head of School Dr. Marisa Alice Tepper Marlin ’62 Porges and Lyn Agre ’85 and Cinnamon Liggett together at the Head of Rinzler ’62 catch up.

School reception.

More than 50 alumnae gathered at the Head of School Reception on May 6, which honors and celebrates Baldwin’s most loyal and generous alumnae donors and volunteers.

The National Board of Advisors: Row 1 (Front) Elizabeth Yusem Fuerst ’65, Mary Travaglini ‘91, Jeannette Geter ’00, Dr. Marisa Porges, Brenda McBride ’84 Row 2 Lila Slovak ’97, Melanie Sheerr ’96, Maya Cameron Houston ’87, Beth Feingold ’97, Jennifer Porges ’83 Row 3 Lauren Sheerr Beshears ’00, Jennifer Platzkere Snyder ’88, Kristen Warden ’04, Sara Scott ’96, Laurie Carson Berzack ’86 Row 4 Patricia Coffin Fry ’65, Sarena Snider ‘03, Libby Gephart ‘07, Mary Scott McElroy ’53 Row 5 Jann Wolfe Williams ‘70, Dorothy Rogers Mayhew ’93, Jill Flaxman ‘93, Laura Small ’04, Julie Boyer ‘92 18

BALDWINSCHOOL.ORG

Melanie Sheerr ’96 (center) is presented the NBA Award by Sara Scott ’96 and Dr. Marisa Porges.

Brenda McBride ’84 (center) is presented the NBA Distinguished Service Award

by Sara Scott ’96 and Dr. Marisa Porges.

50TH REUNION

REUNION

Class of 1967 members Claire Chaffee Bahamon, Patricia Yusem Herman, Jean Reese-Gibson, Patsy Kay Helmetag, Marion Guthrie

Dick Moore and classmates Nancy-Beth Gordon Sheerr and Barbara Forester Moore

Members of the Class of 1967 meet with Grade 4 students.

Classmates Kathy Walton Sollers, Nancy Carey and Victoria Robinson happily celebrate their 50th reunion at the Classes of Blue luncheon.

Members of the Class of 1967 enjoy the Friday luncheon.

Members of the Class of 1967 pose with Dr. Marisa Porges during a 50th reunion cocktail party in the Fackenthal-Pethick Art Gallery.

Margaret Corbit, Janet Lee Beach, Jeanne Dangerfield Broad, Linda Doyle Calder

Dr. Marisa Porges raises a toast to the Class of 1967.

SUMMER 2017 ECHOES

19

REUNION

REUNION

1952 Anne Matheson Dewey, Patti Van Doren Dunn, DeeDee Dietz Littlefield

1957 The Class of 1957 was awarded The Class of 1936 Reunion Challenge Bowl for the class that raised the most money for The Baldwin Fund, nearly $40,900 Row 1 (Front) Libbie Gummey Cluett, Carolyn Kinder Carr, Jane Yohe Lahey, Susan Kulp, Karen Rose Levy Row 2 Betty Ann Eberhard Monahan, Barbara Fine Karchmer, Helen Laird Robertson, M. A. Whelan Row 3 Jane Develin Heintz, Taylor Barnett Slaughter, Bobbi Wright Bonnett, Robin Blum Smith, Joan Taylor Prewitt 20

BALDWINSCHOOL.ORG

CLASS PHOTOS

REUNION

1962 Row 1 (Front) Cinnamon Liggett Rinzler, Priscilla Bradshaw Page, Emily Barnett Southgate Row 2 Alice Tepper Marlin, Cathy Higgins, Susan Colen Kreusser

1967 Row 1 (Front) Nancy-Beth Sheerr, Diana Shayon, Patricia Yusem Herman, Linda Doyle Calder, Jeanne Dangerfield Broad Row 2 Nancy Carey, Marion Guthrie, Claire Chaffee Bahamon, Louise Dolan, Margaret Corbit Row 3 Suzy Tiernan, Karen Fox, Louise Meschter Tritton, Kathie Walton Sollers, Patsy Kay Helmetag Row 4 Martha Goode, Barbara Forster Moore, Victoria Robinson, Jean Reese-Gibson, Janet Lee Beach SUMMER 2017 ECHOES

21

REUNION

REUNION

1972 Row 1 (Front) Martha Smith Watson, Denise Capper Schmidt, Elizabeth Chesick, Beth Taylor Yarnall Row 2 Judy Hammerschmidt, Heather Neal Thomson, Claudia Cortese Row 3 Leigh Dearden Harvey, Anne Fulton Row 4 Laurie Wright, Kathy Greenfield Althage, Beth Sullivan, Julia Kane Ward

1977 Row 1 (Front) Nancy Powers Perry, Amy Jerrehian, Liz Dibble Andersen, Amy Conrey Stevens, Toni

Kline Row 2 Mary Lee Rhodes, Willa Brown Schell, Ann Bassett, Donna Cohen Levenson Row 3 Hillary Guenther Wittich, Lorna Rankin La Riviere, Penny Tsaltas Lisk, Nancy Siedlarz Bruechert Row 4 Beth Kron Korn, Tricia Hutchinson Craig, Ruth Montgomery, Debra Cohn Row 5 Emily Chesick, Linda Eason, Beth Hanson, Lauren Springer Ogden, Karen Welch Wright

22

BALDWINSCHOOL.ORG

CLASS PHOTOS

REUNION

1982 Row 1 (Front) Crystal Jones Lucky, Karen MacMaster Williams, Jennifer Bassett

Row 2 Tess Kline, Marjie Hargrave, Brenda Hauptfuhrer Helber, Ann Clarke Million Row 3 Anne Classen Knutson, Thia Jackson Baugh, Jane Mackie, Suzannah Herring Carr

1987 Row 1 (Front) Lisa Boehne Tobias, Kelly Rackel Cordray, Staci Carson Silverman, Jennifer Lindner McGlinn Row 2 Jennifer Levin Popovsky, Maya Cameron Houston, Eve Simon Row 3 Beth Kemmerer Vincent, Sue Soffe, Lisa Wolk Vosburgh

SUMMER 2017 ECHOES

23

REUNION

REUNION

1992 Row 1 (Front) Arielle Cohen McKee, Rebecca Harlan Hollander, Jennifer Meredith Shields, Holly Hobyak Hoffman Row 2 Monica Moran, Heather Young, Rakhi Gupta Williams, Kelleigh Johnson Parker Row 3 Stephanie Boden Wenstrup, Allison Brucker, Julie Boyer

1997 Row 1 (Front) Maria Wing, Shanna Brownstein, Beth Feingold, Becky Rohtbart Row 2 Priya Gupta Marreddy, Larissa Kopytoff, Dava Krause, Pamela Meredith, Lila Slovak Row 3 Laila Ahmadinejad, Julia Belson Roberts, Margaretta Walton, Lee Gunter, Jessica Kanes Gaffga, Lauren Pardini Row 4 Kelly Cook Curran, Lauren Beloff Sembello, Christy Pisano Ledbetter, Jeaneen Chapman Wallis, Mira Sachdeva

24

BALDWINSCHOOL.ORG

CLASS PHOTOS

REUNION

2002 Row 1 (Front) Stephanie Weiss, Alexa Driansky, Lara Gitlin Gruber, Tina Ahmadinejad, Ovid Amorson Row 2 Tamara Weiss, Mary London, Alexis Rossman Madden, Cecilia Byrne Connor, Julia Pudlin, Brigitte Gordon, Kate Jackson Row 3 Suzi Stein, Katie Eshelman Springer, Ashley Hill Boyd, Rachael Ross, Joanna Lane, Ashley Corbett, Candace Amayo Embry

2007 Leighton Martin, Courtney Shively, Libby Gephart, Lakshmi Madhavan, Jillian Arenz, Jessie Small

2012 Row 1 (Front) Leah Silverman, Alexa Tzarnas, Abby Goldberg, Michaela Shuchman, Elena Saltzman Row 2 Nicole Wells, Julia Dewey, Tiffany Hau SUMMER 2017 ECHOES

25

AlumnaeAwards

CRYSTAL JONES LUCKY ’82

MARGARETTA WALTON ’97

Alumnae Award for Lifetime Achievement

The Baldwin School Alumnae Award

The Alumnae Award for Lifetime Achievement was established in 1991. It is given to an alumna who has either demonstrated a lifelong dedication and commitment to helping empower those who have struggled with challenges and societal barriers, or who has had a significant impact on an institution or community.

Dr. Crystal Jones Lucky ’82 has been a professor at Villanova University since 1996 where she teaches a variety of courses in 19th and 20th century African American literature. From 20052015, Crystal served as the director of the university’s Africana Studies program. Her research interests focus on the narrative and cultural productions of black women writers. She has published several works exploring the literature and experience of African Americans, the most recent of which is a critical edition of the autobiography of the Rev. Charlotte Riley. She is currently working on a book that traces the image of the pious black woman in American culture.

Crystal’s intellectual interests stem from her personal and religious life. She is the Pastor of Sword of the Spirit Church and has served in the Lansdowne community for nearly 25 years. Her work at both the university and in the church allows her to care for the intellectual, spiritual and social well-being of all those with whom she is privileged to encounter.

Crystal’s love of learning and dedication to hard work began in her Baldwin days and she is a current member of the National Board of Advisors. In her speech, Crystal noted, “There are at least two things Baldwin gave me and that I have carried throughout my life: a sense of community and compassion.

Those principles have guided many of my choices. I learned here at Baldwin that my voice mattered and that I could use it to help someone else have a richer, blessed existence. The compassion I show to others will make a direct difference in their lives. The compassion you show to others will change the world.”

Crystal graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a double major in English and Communications in just three years and went on to earn a master’s in African American Studies at Yale University. In 1990, while living and teaching in Germany, she received her call to preach the gospel and was later ordained in the Church of the Living God International, Inc. in 1995. Finally, she received her Ph.D. in English from the University of Pennsylvania in 1999.

26

BALDWINSCHOOL.ORG

The Alumnae Award was established in 1967 to honor Rosamond Cross on her 25th anniversary as Head of School. It is given annually to an alumna who has distinguished herself in her field of endeavor and whose life reflects a dedication to the principles of The Baldwin School.

Margaretta Walton ’97 was an active member of the B-Flats and Maskers. She graduated from Skidmore College with a B.A. in Global Environmental Resource Management and did her Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Entrepreneurship at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Margaretta has worked at SEI for 13 years, and spent the last six years as the Marketing and PR Manager for the Investment Manager Services division. Additionally, Margaretta is focused on her own entrepreneurial venture as co-owner of Forever Stone, the area’s leading recycled granite and stone distributor.

Forever Stone produces solid stone products such as fire pits and pavers from 100% reclaimed and recycled granite, marble and stone.

During her remarks, Margaretta offered some advice to the Upper School students in attendance. “I know what Baldwin women are capable of. I’ve seen it here at school and out across the world,” she said. “No matter what you do, when you’ve made strides forward or even achieved your goals, in your personal life, careers or the organizations and institutions I encourage you to support with your time and efforts, turn around and hold out a hand to another woman – a classmate, a friend, a coworker – coming up behind you. A rising tide lifts all boats, and we’ve been given a wonderful gift in our education. When one of us does better we all do better. We can all help each other do better and achieve more in life, in the world, if we support each other.”

Margaretta has been an active member of the Baldwin alumnae community since graduation. She has served on the Alumnae Association Executive Board (AAEB) for almost 10 years. During that time she was co-chair and chair of the Awards Committee, on the reunion planning committee and she spent three years as the AAEB President. Margaretta also was the co-chair of Baldwin’s 125th Anniversary Celebration. She served on the Board of Trustees for three years, on the Board of Trustees finance subcommittee for five years and chaired the audit committee for three years.

4

Photo

Award winners Dr. Mira Sachdeva ’97, Dr. Crystal Jones Lucky ’82, Margaretta Walton ’97 and Nancy-Beth Gordon Sheerr ’67 pose after the ceremony with Head of School Dr. Marisa Porges.

AlumnaeAwards

MIRA SACHDEVA ’97

NANCY-BETH GORDON SHEERR ’67

The Baldwin School Legacy Award

Distinguished Young Alumna Award This award was established in 1991. It is given to an alumna who has graduated within the last 25 years and has made significant contributions in her profession, avocation or volunteer services.

Dr. Mira M. Sachdeva ’97 graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College with a B.A. in Biochemical Sciences, after which she received both M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. During this time, she published several papers and presented at national and international meetings on her work studying the genetics of diabetes. She then completed her internship in Internal Medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital, followed by a residency in ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital, one of the most prestigious training programs in the world. She then pursued a Surgical Retina Fellowship at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston, and is currently serving as the Assistant Chief of Service at the Wilmer Eye Institute in Baltimore, MD, where she is responsible for the clinical and surgical training of the Wilmer residents, while establishing her own clinical practice and research laboratory.

As an Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins, her academic interests include identifying new strategies to prevent damage to retinal neurons, and ultimately vision loss, in patients with diabetes and other diseases affecting the retina. She is forging a path for women in science and medicine, while focusing on training the next generation of young doctors.

In her remarks, she noted “Be grateful for everything you have, everyone in your life and every experience that comes your way (even if it seems unwelcome). I often think about how different my life could have been if I were the same person but born at a different time or a different place, in a different circumstance. I am so grateful for the opportunities that I’ve had and have tried not to waste any of them.

That first opportunity was right here at Baldwin. This is where the doors began to open. So I encourage the current students to make the most of your years here and not waste any opportunity. I’m so grateful to my teachers, my peers and my parents for sending me here to learn, explore and grow within these gates. It is really a privilege to be a Baldwin girl and a Baldwin woman.”

This award was established in 2017 to honor an alumna who has selflessly given her time, talent and treasure to Baldwin that stretches above and beyond.

For Nancy-Beth Gordon Sheerr ’67, proud mother of Melanie Sheerr ’96 and Lauren Sheerr Beshears ’00, engagement with Baldwin, women’s education and educational institutions more broadly has been a constant throughout her life. At Baldwin, she began as a member of the Alumnae Association Executive Board, worked with the Parents’ Association and served on the Board of Trustees for eight years, returning in 2002 as chairwoman for four years. Similarly, Nancy-Beth has been deeply involved with Radcliffe College and Harvard University, serving several terms on their respective Alumnae/i Boards and on the Radcliffe College Board of Trustees from 1985 to 1999, chairing the Board for the latter nine years. She was a principal architect of the merger between Radcliffe College and Harvard, creating the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study and has served on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Institute since its inception.

Outside of her board work, Nancy-Beth has had a career in wealth management. Currently, she is an independent director of the Value Line Funds and serves as an independent trustee for the trusts of a small number of private families. She graduated cum laude from Radcliffe College, has an A.B.D. in counseling psychology from Columbia University and holds a post doctorate certificate in family therapy. Nancy-Beth received an award from the Harvard University Alumnae Association for Distinguished Service in 2010.

During her speech, Nancy-Beth stated, “By staying involved with and supporting Baldwin throughout your lives, you will get back so much more than you give. When you continue to be involved after commencement, you begin to widen the circle of those classmate friendships to include alumnae across generations — interesting, smart, talented women whose lives have blossomed in many different ways. You will also develop a different relationship with our exceptional administration and staff, many of whom will become friends as you work together.

Finally, legacy is the essence of this honor, and I have had the privilege of living locally and being able to send my own two daughters to Baldwin, both members of the 13 Year club … It’s very special to share an intergenerational family commitment to an institution as empowering as Baldwin. Moreover, knowing that you have had a hand in helping to strengthen the School for current and future generations engenders a warm, rewarding feeling that you have made a lasting contribution.”

SUMMER 2017 ECHOES

27

LegacyProfile

It’s All in the Family Anne Matheson Dewey ’52, Julia Dewey ’12 and Samantha Dewey ’16

By Monica Moran ’92

In May of 2017, Anne Matheson Dewey ’52 and Julia Dewey ’12 shared a special bond: they were honored as a grandmother/ granddaughter pair attending a Baldwin Reunion together.

It was Anne’s 65th reunion and Julia’s 5th – both hailing from the Class of Blue. A closer look reveals that the Baldwin legacy runs deep in the Dewey family, with a dozen women on both sides of the family tree attending as far back as 1921.

The legacy begins - Anne’s mother, Eleanor Peter Matheson ’27 and her sisters Margaret Peter Fritz ’27 and Frances Peter Brodie ’30 were the Baldwin pioneers in the family. Eleanor’s father was not happy with the educational options in their small Alabama town, so he brought his family north. According to Anne, “Baldwin was the best academic school around, and it was close to the train station so he could commute back to Alabama by train every few weeks.” Eleanor and her sisters went to school with another young woman, Mary Matheson Pearson ’27, whose brother, Kenneth Matheson had recently moved to the area. Kenneth and Eleanor met and fell in love, married in 1930 and had two girls, Anne and Carolyn.

Anne enrolled at Baldwin in 1st grade, but when World War II began, her family moved to Washington, DC, to help in the war effort.

Upon return, Anne was thrilled to come back to Baldwin with her sister Carolyn Matheson Hirsch ’54. For Anne, Baldwin was an ever evolving and special place. “Every year Baldwin just got better and better!” she exclaimed. Anne’s cousin, Margaret (Peg) Fritz

28

Jefferson, where she works in their Melanoma Lab. She plans to attend medical school in 2019.

Samantha, Anne and Julia Dewey.

Schneider ’50, also attended Baldwin, and the cousins walked to school each day. By 1977, the Dewey legacy ran eight women deep: Peg’s daughter also is an alumna – Margaret Schneider Maclay ’77.

Anne was friendly with Mimi Dewey Baruch ’51 and Peggy Dewey Hicks ’55, whose brother Nelson Dewey went to The Haverford School – notice a pattern here? Anne and Nelson knew of one another, and when they met at a wedding a few years later, the sparks flew and they fell in love.

Anne graduated with an Economics degree from Hollins College in Roanoke, VA. One of the oldest all women’s colleges in the U.S., Hollins was a natural choice for Anne because it reminded her of Baldwin.

Anne and Nelson married and had three children, John, Kathy and Ken. Once they were grown, Anne joined her husband as an agent in his real estate business.

Baldwin connections persist It is here that the Baldwin legacy skips a generation.

Anne’s children did not attend Baldwin, but history repeated itself: her son John met his wife Dorothy Ives through high school friends, and when they re-met at a wedding a few years later, love was in the air. The Baldwin legacy continues here too: Dorothy’s aunt

BALDWINSCHOOL.ORG

Peggy Ives Ward was a 1964 Baldwin graduate.

John and Dorothy Dewey are the parents of Julia Dewey ’12 and Samantha Dewey ’16. John’s involvement at Baldwin is tremendous; he was the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Baldwin for four years and remains on the Board today as a Senior Trustee. Anne was thrilled that John and Dorothy chose Baldwin for Julia and Samantha, an arrangement that was perfect for their curious young learners.

The next generation - For Julia, Baldwin was a place that helped her find herself.

A quiet and introspective child, Baldwin helped her grow to learn who she was.

She was on the swim team, held class office all four years of high school and took a few memorable turns on stage in theater. “I came out of Baldwin confident and ready to take on the world” she said.

After Baldwin, Julia earned a degree in biology at Brown University, where she found that her college preparations paid off.

“When I got to college, I knew what I was doing, and I knew how to do it,” she explained. “Baldwin taught me to think critically – to be a receptive, not a reactive, learner.” Julia is currently in a 2-year Post Baccalaureate Pre-Med Program at

The youngest of the Baldwin legacy is Samantha.

A spirited and enthusiastic child, Samantha found that Baldwin helped her explore her artistic talents and creative skills in a constructive way. Samantha was a class representative with the Arts League throughout high school and was selected for the senior Scholars Program.

This program provides students with research and fieldwork opportunities that culminated when Samantha presented a 30-page paper detailing her independent studies.

Samantha is currently an Arts student at USC in Los Angeles and is impressed with how Baldwin prepared her to stand on her own.

She often finds herself in classrooms dominated by male voices, but feels that Baldwin provided her with the courage to contribute.

“I’m not afraid to speak up and say what I have to say – even when I’m the only woman adding to the conversation,” she explained. “At Baldwin, intelligent conversations were happening all the time – it was such a supportive environment.”

Both Julia and Samantha have a deep appreciation for their family’s Baldwin history. When Samantha attended a Legacy Luncheon last year, she and Anne (known lovingly as “Bing” to her grandchildren) sat beside one another. Samantha was amazed to see a dozen names beneath hers on her place card – the legacy of her family’s accomplished Baldwin women.

Monica Moran ’92 is an author and freelance writer. She previously worked for Spring Garden Pictures as a film producer and marketing director.

BALDWIN CONNECT.ORG Alumnae networking, evolved.

BaldwinConnect.org is a new web-based networking platform dedicated to helping Baldwin Alumnae:

CONNECT

MENTOR

NETWORK

Some of the Benefits You’ll Experience Include: ROBUST DIRECTORY - Find old friends and make new connections — personal or professional — via the searchable directory.

KNOWLEDGE SHARING - Volunteer to be a mentor to other alumnae or search for alumnae who can help you with career advice and information.

EVENTS & NEWS - Find out about upcoming Baldwin events and stay up-to-date on School news.

MESSAGING - Receive and send messages to other alumnae through the platform.

ACTIVATE YOUR PROFILE TODAY AT

BaldwinConnect.org

Thank You One of the most immediate and impactful ways you can enhance a Baldwin girl’s experience is by making a gift to The Baldwin Fund. This year, we came together to welcome our new Head of School, Dr. Marisa Porges, and raised over $1.7 million in support of our girls. Thank you to our entire community – trustees, alumnae, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff and friends – who generously support the life-changing experiences that a Baldwin education offers.

Your investment makes a difference every day at Baldwin. Thank you for volunteering your time and talent, cheering on our teams, applauding our artists and supporting our students and faculty every step of the way.

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 13 Conshohocken, PA

701 Montgomery Avenue Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Spread the W ord!

Why Baldwin?

For 130 years The Baldwin School has

premier college preparatory curriculum with distinguished arts, combined the region’s

Do you know a family that would be a good fit for the Baldwin community?

Please encourage them to

athletics and community service programs.

outstanding faculty who are experts in girls’ education, Baldwin

visit www.BaldwinSchool.org/openhouse

Guided by

to see our fall schedule of open houses or to schedule a private tour so that they can learn firsthand what an exceptional experience Baldwin provides.

offers an experiential learning

supportive and encouraging community.

environment within a CONTAC T ADMISSIONS: Admissions@baldwinschool.org (610)525-2888 x290

Join us!

A PRE-K THROUGH GRADE 12 SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

www.baldwinschool.org