Fall 2022 LOOK INSIDE School news, alumnae updates, faculty profiles, and more MEET Ms. Kassar Westridge's 12th Head of School Page 2
06 EXPLORING DEEPER LEARNING 02 Q&A with our new Head of School 09 CLASS OF 2022 01 02 06 09 10 12 14 16 20 24 26 34 35 41 42 Head’s Note Q&A with Head of School Andrea Kassar Deeper Learning Initiative Class of 2022 Faculty Profile: Melissa Kelley 7th Grade Interdisciplinary Studies with Soil! STEAMWork Design Studio Update Around Campus Student Work Faculty Profile: Liz Kim School News Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice Update Alumnae Board Update/ Alumnae News Alumnae Profile: Elizabeth Russell '69 In Memoriam contents Table of
I am thrilled and honored to be Westridge’s new head of school. The last few months have been the most wonderful whirlwind, as my family has moved from NYC to sunny Pasadena, and I’ve been spending my days walking around our beautiful campus, sitting in on classes, chatting with students, eating lunch with colleagues, meeting one-on-one and in small groups with students, teachers, staff members, parents, and alumnae. Each day is different. Each day is invigorating. And each day, I learn more and more about our remarkable school.
While my days are indeed all different, my favorite constant is the way they begin each morning. As I approach the door to my office, a group of 4th graders who arrive early and eat breakfast together each morning at a table outside the Commons begins to wave vigorously, “Hi, Ms. Kassar!” They keep me posted on what they are having for breakfast, and they fill me in on their upcoming plans for the school day—an exciting art project, a new book they are finishing, a friend’s birthday.
When I first visited Westridge for my interview days, I said to my husband, “I can picture wrapping my arms around this place,” something I felt again as we gathered for Convocation, and I sensed the beautiful Herrick Quad itself wrapping its arms around all of us as we set off for the new school year. I was surprised and delighted, then, to learn from our ASB leaders that their theme for the year is “embrace”—to embrace friendships and each other, to embrace new ideas, to embrace new activities and adventures.
As I learn more about Westridge each day, I see so clearly that this spirit of embrace—of
From the
HEAD OF SCHOOL
being all-in and fully absorbed and engaged— is so fundamentally embedded in the spirit of Westridge. And I am reminded of one of my favorite quotations from the end of one of my favorite books, Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov: the hero, Alyosha, advises us to, “Love life more than the meaning of it.” I see each day the ways that students at Westridge are inspired and encouraged to seek meaning and to come closer to truth—the answer to a calculus problem, the exact line of computer code, the close analysis of a quotation to better understand the text; this is the pursuit of meaning in the most wonderfully intellectual, academic, and inquisitive ways. And yet, perhaps even more profoundly, I also see the ways Westridge inspires and encourages students to love life itself (this full spirit of embrace!) even when meaning is elusive, even when a problem can’t quite be solved, even when questions don’t have answers. Embracing meaning, yes—yes, of course— but also embracing life itself, for its own sake.
If the pandemic has taught us anything as educators, parents, and as human beings, it is that we must never take for granted the spirit of embrace—that visceral, loving-life, sense of aliveness that we all need and deserve—that drives us forward and yet also allows us to savor the moment—that aliveness that adolescents need and deserve the most. And so, it is with great joy and excitement that we center this school year around building and rebuilding community, being together on this inspiring campus, learning deeply, and celebrating those entirely quotidian and yet entirely meaningful moments. There is not one “Hi Ms. Kassar!” that I do not savor.
Andrea Kassar Head of School
Fall 2022 /
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with Our New Head of School ANDREA KASSAR
Westridge’s 12th head of school, Andrea Kassar, is a loud and proud proponent of girls’ schools who believes our institutions are uniquely positioned to empower girls as learners, individuals, and global citizens and remain an important means to achieving equity for women. She attended girls’ schools in Manhattan and Houston for 13 years and has spent her 20plus year career working in them (at Chapin and Nightingale-Bamford in New York). The lifelong educator combines her expertise in education and
psychology—with an M.A. in psychology from The New School for Social Research and an M.A. in English from Columbia—in her work in classrooms and leading schools.
In just a few months at Westridge, she has established herself here as an intentional leader, an interesting, quick thinker, and a joyful, curious presence. And key to understanding our new head is the fact that students are centered with a capital C. This may sound like a given at schools, but it is a philosophy that is elevated and lived each moment by Kassar.
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What were some of the most transformational moments for you as a student?
My first is probably living abroad in the Middle East when I was very young. I do think that foundation gave me a more expanded sense of the world and a global perspective, even as a young child.
In terms of school life, I recall many examples, but a few stand out. In 6th grade we researched a god or goddess and wrote a creative story about them coming to modern life. I had the best time researching all about Hera (she’s feisty and sometimes a little mean!) and I had her coming to modern day NYC and staying at the Plaza Hotel. It was one of the first times I remember being able to use humor as a way of showcasing intellectual engagement.
In 8th grade I had a wonderful feminist history teacher who made me realize that the world’s most mainstream lens is often gendered and normalized as male—something I knew in some part of my brain but hadn’t yet fully articulated.
In 11th grade, I had an English teacher who was so passionate about King Lear and Dostoevsky and the Romantic poets. I would watch in awe as she read these great writers aloud, and I just deeply connected to that passion. It made me want to read the works on a deeper level and engage in the conversation in an even more intense way. It was that class that turned me into an English teacher, no doubt.
And then as a first-year student at The University of Chicago, I remember sitting in the cavernous Gothicstyle Harper Library reading a text from my Human Being and Citizen core class and preparing to write a paper. I kept reading the same key passage again and again, and in an almost magical way, it started to take on new meanings the more I read it. It started to speak additional truths to me, and I made new connections the more I examined it; this experience made me see once again the power of deep focus and close, close reading.
What impact did attending a girls’ school have on you?
This is hard for me to know fully because I went to girls’ schools for 13 years, so I don’t really know any different! And actually, this is part of the magic and beauty of girls’ schools—that there is a wonderful ability to take for granted in the best way that girls’/ women’s empowerment is just part of the air we breathe in girls’ schools. Girls are never the exception to any rule; girls are just leaders, are scientists, are mathematicians, are questioners, are activists, and are allowed to be funny. I am certain that it is because of girls’ schools that I feel comfortable speaking up and questioning the status quo, that I love to learn new things, that I analyze things for hidden and notso-hidden bias, that I feel as connected as I do to a larger sense of forward-momentum and progress for women—that the “passing of the baton” concept is extremely important and meaningful to me.
What does great learning look like to you?
This is a big and important question. I think great learning means that you incorporate what you have learned into your existing paradigms of knowledge, and in doing so, your sense of the world and the shape of those paradigms shift and expand. The information stays with you in a long-term way because it expands your sense of self and your sense of the world around you; the intellectual connection is emotional and identity-forming.
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WE SAT DOWN WITH KASSAR TO LEARN A BIT MORE ABOUT WHO SHE IS AND WHAT SHE IS THINKING ABOUT AS SHE TAKES THE HELM AT WESTRIDGE.
Great learning also allows you to make thematic connections between and among different disciplines, and it urges you to generate more questions that you are eager to pursue next. And often you come to see that the questions matter more than the answers because they are the thing that motivates the learning in a lifelong way.
What are your goals for your first year?
The best schools are built on relationships and so my goal for the first year is to build relationships with everyone, to listen and to learn about what matters to people at Westridge, and to understand this wonderful school on more nuanced and profound levels. Also, I’ve inherited a very exciting strategic plan
so my efforts with the leadership team, with faculty and staff, and with students and parents will be furthering these key areas as well.
What is it about the strategic plan that excites you?
The Strategic Plan is one of the many reasons I fell in love with Westridge. I was on a panel a few years ago talking about the areas of girls’ schools I believe are essential for us to focus on now and I touched on the same four areas as Westridge’s strategic plan (Editor's Note: the areas are student well-being and social emotional development, academic excellence & innovation, DEIJ, and leadership & agency). And while these four key areas each have a unique focus, what I find especially meaningful and inspiring about them is that each area depends on the others to function at its highest level.
An academically excellent school is always being intentional about its program. But we cannot simply pay lip service to student health and well-being in our schools, we must center it—both because it is crucial in its own right and also because without it, academic excellence isn't as meaningful as it could be. Continually working to foster an inclusive and diverse school community where each member feels a genuine sense of belonging is essential to both health and wellness and to academic excellence. And finally, all of these areas promote student agency. A wise colleague once told me that we must teach girls to be the subjects of their own lives. Leadership is an art and a science that can be both practiced and studied. We must provide students with the skills to become agents of change in this world.
What are the most pressing issues facing Westridge?
I think the most pressing issues facing Westridge are also some of the most pressing issues in schools and in education today. We live in a very polarized time with heavy and quick opinions, so how do we give students opportunities to slow down and value nuance and context and in-depth conversation rather than search for quick answers? To see that it is more important to keep learning than to already know—that it is also through building, not just deconstructing, that true change happens.
I would also say that in education—and the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly been a reminder of this— there is always an interesting tension in that we are
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preparing students for a future we don’t really know about fully. While I find this to be a very exciting challenge, it calls on us to be very intentional about not only content but also how to continually foster the skills and mindsets that will support students as they meet that future. I think an important skill is practicing figuring things out. When students don’t know the answer fully or right away, they need to learn that they can trust themselves and collaborate with others to figure things out.
BORN: New York
RAISED: Middle East, Houston, & New York
EDUCATION:
- B.A. in English and psychology, University of Chicago
- M.A. in English and comparative literature, Columbia University
- M.A. in psychology, New School for Social Research
FAMILY:
Married (Tim McKenna), three children (Lucy, 15; Billy, 9; Cecily, 6)
WHAT SHE WOULD BE DOING IF SHE HADN’T BECOME AN EDUCATOR:
researcher or Broadway actor
FAVORITE BROADWAY MUSICAL: "Hamilton" (Dream role: Adelaide in "Guys & Dolls")
In that spirit, the work that is going on today as part of the strategic plan at Westridge to identify and expand pedagogy, content, and assessment that fosters deeper learning is vital and very exciting. Deeper learning allows students to interact with content in a way that is shape-shifting and encourages them to learn more about themselves as learners and as human beings. This has always been true at Westridge, but we must continue to be forward-thinking and refine, evolve, and expand how this works and what it means for students today.
What excites you about education today?
A lot! But right away I think of the new sense of green-light thinking we gained by what schools went through in the pandemic. We were forced to think new and differently and this is sticking with us.
I would also say that this generation is exciting to me. They care about the world beyond themselves and see themselves as a collective that can shape and change the world, and I believe them. And they have a gratitude about school and learning that feels new and important.
What do you wish all students and parents knew about education?
I think most parents really do know this, but I always think it’s important to reiterate that there is sometimes, unfortunately, a false dichotomy in discourse about education that joy and rigor are separate or even that health/wellness and academic excellence are on different poles—or even that the heart and the mind are two separate things. This has always seemed reductive to me and now research is revealing this more and more. There isn’t "heart learning" separate from "mind learning." They all come together and that is what academic excellence really is.
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Psychology
UNDERSTANDING
DEEPER LEARNING Rigor Redefined
Conversations
cranny of
the
year. It’s a
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around deeper learning are energizing
curriculum and academics alike at Westridge this
topic at the heart of the school’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, and work is happening in every nook and
campus. CONCEPTUALLY COMPLEX INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATIVE CONNECTED TO REAL WORLD EXPERIENCES INSPIRES CREATIVITY, CURIOSITY, AND CRITICAL THINKING PROVIDES STUDENT AGENCY & APPROPRIATE CHALLENGE
OF FRAMEWORKS AND UNDERLYING CONCEPTS ACTIVE MEANINGMAKING ABILITY TO TRANSFER LEARNING TO NOVEL SITUATIONS ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT IN LEARNING JOURNEYS COMFORT IN AMBIGUITY & EXPLORATION FLUENCY IN COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION FEATURES OUTCOMES
So, what is deeper learning and why is this happening now?
Jal Mehta, professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a leading researcher in the field, says, “Deeper learning is the understanding of not just the surface features of a subject or discipline, but the underlying structures or ideas.” Curricula that foster deeper learning emphasize:
inquiry-based and collaborative learning course content and projects responsive to student interest and real-world events research projects and interdisciplinary studies
significantly more personalized teaching and learning diverse perspectives and content flexibility for in-depth discussions
Deeper learning centers on a constellation of learning outcomes, including critical, analytical, and systems thinking; the ability to construct knowledge and meaning; learning that “sticks” (e.g., is not just memorized for a test and forgotten by the weekend) and can be applied to new situations; and, interpersonal skills including communication.
If you think this sounds like good learning that you’ve seen or experienced before, you’re right. But structures in the education system, including traditionally siloed disciplines, standardized tests, and the AP curriculum, have made centering these outcomes difficult in some parts of the curriculum. While, of course, direct instruction (teachers presenting content to students, such
as lectures or demonstrations) is called for at times, deeper learning can be seen in classrooms across Westridge today. And yet, expanding and enhancing deeper learning practices will help meet the evolving needs of our students and graduates and better prepare them for their future—a rapidly changing horizon.
The curriculum review and professional development in deeper learning that kicked off last year are designed to do just that. A major focus for the Upper School is the development of Westridge Advanced Courses (see page 8). And the Lower and Middle School faculty is looking at the deeper learning practices employed on campus today and working to identify the principles we want centered wherever possible in the curriculum.
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Perhaps most urgent is that deeper learning addresses the growing need to prepare our students for an unpredictable future.
Why now?
The growing importance of deeper learning stems from a confluence of factors, including insights from neuroscience revealing that deeperlearning principles, such as making learning project-based, interdisciplinary, and connected to the real world and students’ interests, improve student engagement, learning, and retention of learning.
Perhaps most urgent is that deeper learning addresses the growing need to prepare our students for an unpredictable future. We can all feel the pace of change increasing across virtually all aspects of our lives, from technology and politics to climate change and globalization. Living and working in this mercurial world calls for an understanding of concepts and the ability to adapt and build upon them when novel challenges present themselves—skills at the root of deep learning.
“We want to develop thinkers who aren’t shut down by encountering new scenarios,” said James Evans, director of teaching and learning. “We want them to know how to apply frameworks and thought processes and make connections to other disciplines when they are in a situation that is new. We want them to know where to start when they don’t know exactly what to do.”
It’s no surprise that these skills are increasingly sought by colleges and employers. Google conducted research on its most successful employees and changed its priorities in hiring as a result. In “How Google Works,” former CEO Eric Schmidt and Alphabet Inc. adviser Jonathan Rosenberg wrote that Google hires candidates not for their knowledge but for their ability to learn.
Conceptual, flexible thinking doesn’t come at the expense of content—it’s built upon it. “We can’t help students develop critical thinking and analytic skills without content to think about,” said Evans.
Westridge Advanced Courses
Westridge has begun phasing in Advanced Courses developed by Westridge faculty to replace the standardized Advanced Placement classes. This move is designed to increase the intellectual rigor of our program and better meet our vision of developing adventurous thinkers by removing the constraints a curriculum with an inherent need to emphasize speed and memorization on the path to a single, cumulative test. Advanced Courses launched with four classes this year:
Increased student agency in content selection is a feature of deeper learning, and what students do with content is as hands-on as possible. “We know that people learn through experience and that learning is heightened by personal connection to subject matter,” says Evans. “These help students understand why they are learning something and to identify with their learning. It moves them from thinking they have to learn physics to thinking, ‘I am doing physics’ or ‘I am thinking like a physicist,’ and that’s the holy grail.”
“This is one of the most important and exciting curricular initiatives I have been a part of,” said Andrea Kassar, head of school. “One of our goals is to have students interact with content in new ways—ways that change them as thinkers and teach them about themselves as learners. That is the transformational learning we strive for for every student.”
The next wave of Advanced Courses, to be introduced in Fall 2023, is under development now and will be announced in January. Learn more at
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Crisis & Courage in Global History Identity, Borders, & Revolutions: Advanced Cultural Studies in Spanish Latin IV Vergil: From the Underworld to Olympus Full Stack Web Development
www.westridge.org/advancedcourses.
Congratulations CLASS of 2022
The 67 newest Westridge alumnae earned 385 acceptances to 151 colleges and universities, and this fall now attend 45 colleges and universities across 17 states, the District of Columbia, and Ireland. Known for their bold, unique perspective on life, the members of Class of 2022 will also be remembered for their sense of community and passion.
University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK American University Washington, D.C. Barnard College New York, NY Bates College Lewiston, ME Bentley University Waltham, MA Boston University Boston, MA (3) Brown University Providence, RI California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Pomona, CA University of California Berkeley Berkeley, CA Davis Davis, CA Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA Riverside Riverside, CA (2)
Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA (2) Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA University of Chicago Chicago, IL (3)
Connecticut College New London, CT University of Connecticut Storrs, CT Cornell University Ithaca, NY George Washington University Washington, D.C. (3) Harvard University Cambridge, MA Harvey Mudd College Claremont, CA Lewis & Clark College Portland, OR (4) Manhattan College Riverdale, NY
New York University New York, NY Northeastern University Boston, MA Oberlin College Oberlin, OH (3) Occidental College Los Angeles, CA University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA Pratt Institute Brooklyn, NY University of Puget Sound Tacoma, WA Purdue University West Lafayette, IN Santa Barbara City College Santa Barbara, CA Santa Clara University Santa Clara, CA (2) University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA (3) St. Olaf College Northfield, MN Stanford University Stanford, CA (2)
Trinity College Dublin College Green, Ireland (2) Trinity College Dublin/Columbia University dual degree program College Green, Ireland & New York, NY Tufts University Medford, MA Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, LA (5) University of Vermont Burlington, VT University of Washington Seattle, WA Wellesley College Wellesley, MA University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI Yale University New Haven, CT
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MELISSA KELLEY History Department Chair
10 FACULTY PROFILE
Melissa Kelley’s passion for history came out of her own experience in high school. She always enjoyed her history classes but recalls feeling deeply troubled when, after learning about a tragic historical event, the class quickly moved on to other topics. Her questions about the implications of what she had learned lingered, and years later, it was a professor she met at Smith College who showed her how to engage with history in a way that made it about more than just memorizing facts. “If you learn from the smaller or seemingly overlooked examples,” Kelley said, “you actually learn so much more about a broader topic.”
Kelley joined the Westridge history department in 2017 after seven years at the University of Minnesota where she taught courses including “Studies in 20th Century Europe” and “History of the Holocaust” while pursuing her Ph.D. She earned her undergraduate degree in history from Smith College and was a Fulbright Scholar, studying at Humboldt University in Berlin. One of the trailblazers of deeper learning at Westridge, Kelley created the "Research in History" course last school year, which asks students to complete a year-long research project which culminates in a symposium for the community in the spring. She is also a pioneer of Westridge’s new Advanced Courses, and this year is teaching a brandnew advanced course called “Crisis and Courage in Global History,” the 10th grade history class replacing AP European History.
“The challenge with a class like AP European History was that we had to get through 600 years of material, so we could barely spend a day on a single topic,” Kelley explained, who brought her experience as a former scorer for the AP History exam to her AP classes. “But in ‘Crisis and Courage,’ there’s so much more we can do. It’s not solely European-focused, and it’s still about the big topics like colonialism, the development of capitalism, and the global crises of the 20th century. But we will have much more time to talk about the connections between these moments in history and the world today, which really makes history personal.”
Kelley’s excitement for Advanced Courses at Westridge is rooted in part in how the courses will allow more opportunities for teachers to bring their expertise to their classes, without being limited by the structure and content of the AP curriculum. “I have more freedom as an educator and historian to bring my expertise into the classroom,” she said. “And advanced courses will open up more research opportunities, which are often tools that students only learn in college and grad school.”
As a historian, Kelley knows the importance of taking the time to linger on and contextualize subjects in history. Making connections across different periods and events, she said, can only happen when students are given the opportunity to see and explore them.
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History isn’t just a subject. It’s an entire way of thinking.”
DIRT
If you asked a Westridge 7th grader to tell you everything they know about dirt, they might surprise you with their enthusiasm—and perhaps a lesson on food deserts or a sonnet celebrating the matter. This is largely due to the “Soil Unit,” a two-week interdisciplinary unit combining 7th grade English, history, math,
science classes to explore topics related to soil and the way it shapes our ecosystem and society. The unit aims to leave students with a deeper connection to the earth through hands-on projects and experiments that help students understand the impact the environment has on their daily lives (and vice versa).
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and
Demystified! 7th Grade's Interdisciplinary Soil Unit Digs into the Science, Cultural Significance, and, Yes, Poetry of Dirt!
For nearly a decade at Westridge, the interdisciplinary Soil Unit has included fun, interactive presentations from special guest speakers and scientists, as well as field trips to the Arlington Gardens—a three-acre, waterwise public garden within walking distance of the school—community gardening projects throughout Los Angeles, and collaborative production of online zines on all topics dirt. And in the most recent Soil Unit in May, Middle School students played a central role in a new and important initiative at Westridge—the “permaculture garden” created in our own backyard (behind the Ceramics Studio) for this year’s new Permaculture Gardening Upper School elective.
In the class, students explore systems of soil, water, and food through the development and maintenance of a sustainable food garden. Using permaculture principles, they’re learning about environmental issues including climate change while employing sustainable practices such as no-till gardening, vermiculture (worm composting), cultivating beneficial soil microbes, and more.
“Philosophically, the permaculture garden is about teaching students to observe and regenerate thriving ecosystems to help solve climate change, food insecurity, and habitat loss,” said Mick Lorusso, STEAMWork Design Studio coordinator, and co-creator of the Permaculture Garden elective with Upper School Visual Art Teacher David Prince.
In May, Lorusso and Prince worked with 7th graders during their Soil Unit to study and measure the land where the garden would be built, teaching them how to modify the topography to capture water run-off and reduce waste. Students then worked with visiting volunteer horticulturalists and environmental educator Leigh Adams to create a new garden bed through the “lasagnamulching” technique, a composting method used to convert grass and other organic material into fertile gardening beds. Thanks to their efforts, the permaculture garden was ready to be cultivated when students returned to campus in August.
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THE
When the STEAMWork Design Studio opened in 2015, it was an interdisciplinary makerspace for students to experiment and create using 3D printers, laser cutters, and other cutting-edge technology. Over the past seven years, it became home for rocketry and robotics, and the STEAMWork philosophy of “design thinking” permeated campus as the studio hosted “tinker” sessions for students working on independent projects and worked with teachers and their classes on projects using studio tools. A recent example was the 6th grade Eco-Homes project—new last school year—which had students using math, science, language arts, and history skills to build a model of a home that uses a sustainable energy source (complete with working circuitry).
This year, STEAMWork has entered the next phase of its existence—a phase focused on sustainability. “We’re making sustainability an explicit goal of STEAMWork,” explained Studio Coordinator Mick Lorusso, “to help students understand the connection between the raw materials they use every day in the studio or in their lives, and the environment. There’s so much potential for learning to happen, to understand where resources come from, to think about what we should do with excess or scrap materials, and for students to be active participants in creating functional and eco-friendly systems. This is the ecological thinking that often gets left out of STEAM.”
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NEXT
PHASE of the
STEAMWork
Design Studio:
- MICK LORUSSO, Studio Coordinator
We’re making sustainability an explicit goal of STEAMWork.
SUSTAINABILITY
SUSTAINABILITY
PERMACULTURE GARDENING
Co-created by Lorusso and Upper School Visual Art Teacher David Prince (who formerly served as STEAMWork Design Studio Coordinator), this new Upper School elective takes place in our sustainable garden on campus behind the Ceramics Studio (learn more about it on page 13) and uses the principles of permaculture to teach students about big, environmental issues. This garden was made possible in part by a foundation donor who supports STEAM at Westridge.
SUSTAINABLE 3D PRINTING
Back in the studio, biodegradable filament and a filament recycler have been introduced into the 3D printing process to better align with the STEAMWork sustainability goals. The acquisition of the compost-friendly filament and recycling machine was born of the 7th grade Recycling Club’s interest in preventing additional plastics from polluting the ocean. “The students were discussing how they could recycle more on campus and in their own lives,” said Lorusso. “Because of that, we also added a 3D printer that uses clay, a more sustainable material."
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING & DESIGN
The second new Upper School elective, "Sustainable Building & Design," has a tiny focus with a big impact—tiny houses, that is. The class is built around the design and construction of a prototype tiny house, teaching students about engineering innovative solutions to concerns like material sustainability, efficiency, alternative energy generation, and more. The class will culminate in an “open house” event where community members will be invited to tour their completed prototype.
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Around CAMPUS
Congratulations to the Class of 2028 and 2026!
In June, Westridge celebrated the 6th and 8th grade Recognition ceremonies at the Alumnae Courtyard and Herrick Quad, respectively. The ceremonies included remarks from then Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor, Director of Lower and Middle School Dr. Zanita Kelly, and class leadership including Lower School Student Activities and Leadership Council (SALC) President Taylor T. ’28 and Class of 2026 President Manon I.
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Class of 2028
Class of 2026
Hear Us Roar! New Tigers Receive Their Greek and Roman Stripes!
This year, Westridge student leadership planned a dinosaur-themed Greek and Roman Initiation led by Greek ASB Head Sunday L. ’23 and Roman ASB Head Athena N. ’23 on Herrick Quad. New students, faculty, and staff learned their Greek or Roman designation and were “initiated” by running through blue (Greek) or yellow (Roman) streamers and receiving a certificate and treats from ASB leaders. At the end, Head of School Andrea Kassar was deemed a Roman!
Artist-in-Residence Series Kicked Off in September
The 7th grade recently participated in day-long immersive art project guided by Middle School Art Teacher Jenny Yurshansky and guest artist Joel Otterson, a sculptor whose work has been exhibited at top institutions worldwide, including at the Museum of Modern Art and The Broad.
Students took inspiration from 16th and 17th century Dutch flower paintings and early 20th century Odilon Redon flower paintings to create black-andwhite, wearable sculptures that would transform them into flowers.
This year's Artist-in-Residence program will bring six local artists to campus. The program made possible in part by the Cynthia Clark Maxwell '71 Endowment Fund.
Westridge Senior Named 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist!
Congratulations to Katie S. ’23 who was named a 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalist! Katie scored among the top 16,000 high schoolers on the PSAT/NMSQT in the country to qualify out of an estimated 1.5 million students who vie for the program each year. The Westridge College Counseling Team will support her as she continues the application process this fall (which includes an essay, academic record, and participation in school and community activities) to compete for one of about 7,250 National Merit scholarships totaling $28 million.
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Around CAMPUS
Westridge Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (or Latinx Heritage Month)—September 15 to October 15—Upper School Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (or Spanish Honors Society) students hosted a number of events for their peers, including an activity on how to make papel picado, traditional banners made of tissue paper to celebrate holidays and notable occasions! On October 6, the group held a Q&A with Maria Serpas, a Latina entrepreneur, life coach, and tutor who spoke about her life and career as a woman and immigrant who founded her own business.
Westridge Families Reunited at This Year’s Community Picnic!
In September, the Westridge community gathered at the annual Community Picnic for the first time since 2019! With almost 700 people in attendance, families and alumnae were able to reconnect on campus and give a warm community welcome to Head of School Andrea Kassar! A beloved tradition, the picnic included a variety activities from waterslides and craft tables to bubble pools and volleyball games, food grilled up by the Westridge Dads’ Club, and boba.
Westridge Senior Receives CIF-SS Champions for Character Award
This fall, Varsity Volleyball Captain Grace N. ’23 earned the California InterscholasticSouthern Section (CIF-SS) Champions for Character award, which recognizes sportsmanship, integrity, positive relations, and respect. Nelson was celebrated at a dinner celebration in September, and was awarded a trophy, banner, and a $1,000 check. In the nomination, Director of Athletics Melanie Horn said Nelson was without question, “one of the most inspiring athletes we have ever had” at Westridge. She is the second Westridge student ever to receive this prestigious award—kudos!
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Westridge Students Named Tournament of Roses Royal Court Finalists
4th Graders Save Fred! And Learn Scientific Thinking
This fall, 4th graders were were introduced to scientific thinking in a way that will likely stick with them: they had to save Fred the gummy worm! In a blue tray, Fred the gummy worm was set atop a container—his "boat"—and inside the boat was a Lifesaver gummy candy—his "life vest." By working in pairs using paper clips, students had to figure out how to get Fred into the life vest without touching the tray. With some trial and error, the groups were successful! Then, students drew and wrote the steps they took to save Fred. The project was part of the 4th grade's new STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) class (read more on page 26).
Middle Schoolers Research Mid-Autumn Festival Traditions in Mandarin Chinese Class
In 8th grade Mandarin, students learned about the customs of one of the largest festivals in the world—the Mid-Autumn (or Moon) Festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival, which took place this year on September 10, is a traditional festival celebrating the harvest season and the full moon (a symbol of peace, prosperity, and family reunion in Chinese culture). It is observed in China and many other countries in East and Southeast Asia. Each student researched a topic such as the legends of the festival’s origin, festival foods eaten in various regions, and art and poems connected to the festival, created their own poster about their topic.
19 Fall 2022 /
Congratulations to Westridge seniors Molly K., Grace N., and Lyric W., and alumna Natalie Vandergriff '21 on being named Pasadena Tournament of Roses 2023 Royal Court finalists!
Song '24 Ella B. '25
Brenda B. '25
Mandy S. '26
Note:
Due to timing of Surgere production, many works featured below are from Spring 2022.
Fall 2022 / Emmabella B.M. '25
Victoria P. '30
Sofie H. and Avery S., '29
21 Class of 2027 mural
Poppy B.H. '28
Chloe Q. '24
Kaitlyn N. '29
Anoush J. '30
Finley C. '26
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Fall 2022 / Lily F. '30 23Miranda F. '25 4th
grade paper mural
Carolina A. '28
Tara A '29
You could say Lower School Science Teacher Liz Kim had an unconventional path to the teaching profession—and it led to a pack of 540 Tigers at Westridge School. 24 FACULTY PROFILE LIZ KIM From the Zoo to the Classroom
While studying for a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology at UC Davis, Kim realized her lifelong dream of working with animals. She interned at the Sacramento Zoo with the education department creating camp curricula while also practicing animal husbandry (which included feeding giraffes, hyenas, and even a lion!).
It was after her first job post-college, working at the Los Angeles Zoo, that her career trajectory transformed. Kim felt that what she could offer at the zoo was limited, plus she wanted to teach animal science. “That’s hard to do when you’re offering it in short increments of time to visitors who are not really interested in staying with you for a long period,” she explained.
Several summers as a science instructor at the John Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth led to her first full-time classroom teaching post at Saint Mark’s School in Altadena. There, she taught science to elementary-aged students for 17 years and served as science chair, while spending her summers teaching science at Polytechnic School.
In 2019, Kim joined Westridge to teach 5th and 6th graders, compelled by the opportunity to cultivate a passion for the STEM field in girls.
Kim quickly became known for the exciting environment she fosters in her classroom. After just six months at Westridge, the school went remote—but that didn’t stop Kim. She created kits chock-full of materials including graduated cylinders, fossil bricks, measuring tape, and more for at-home and online experiments, keeping the students in the lab.
FAVORITE SCIENTIST: I’ve always admired Jane Goodall. Her tenacity and her dedication are really admirable.
GREEK OR ROMAN: Roman
HIDDEN TALENTS: I used to play piano. I played with the Los Angeles Junior Philharmonic in high school—I was one of two pianists during my time.
WHO DID YOU LOOK UP TO AS A CHILD?
I have to thank my AP Chemistry teacher, Mr. Erdman, who helped me appreciate science. I’ve always loved animals and knew I wanted to be a veterinarian. He’s the one who really helped me see how science can play a role in that. And also my love of animals comes from my dad. He’s the one who always encouraged me to have different animals. He built a pond for me and fostered that love.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU’VE LEARNED THAT YOU WISH YOU COULD TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Don’t worry if you feel or look different—you don’t have to do what everyone else is doing.
thought was happening in their science notebooks, allowing for reflection on their prior knowledge and time to process and build on their thinking.
Director of Lower and Middle School
“Liz's belief that children learn best by doing and actively engaging with the scientific method makes her an effective teacher,” said Dr. Zanita Kelly, director of Lower and Middle School. “Everyone is asked to opt-in and participate, so students build confidence as they become investigators, researchers, and problem-solvers.”
In her classes, Kim emphasizes phenomenon-based learning, which involves connecting scientific concepts to real-life scenarios. During a unit on the nervous system, for example, rather than lecturing from a textbook, she had a student hop up on a chair and used a medical mallet to gently strike their knee, leading the knee to pop up. She asked students to illustrate and take notes on what they
Looking to the future, Kim is excited about the expansion of interdisciplinary work in the Lower School. Last school year, she was part of the launch of the 6th grade Eco-Homes Project, in which students work in mini “consulting” groups to design and build a prototype of an environmentally sustainable house for a specific location in Mexico. The project incorporated science, math, language arts, Spanish, and art. The teamwork, collaboration, and creativity needed for this project blew the teachers away, Kim said.
“My biggest goal is that students leave my classroom loving science and [...] understanding that science is not just isolated to the classroom,” she said. Her hope is that students learn to appreciate nature and how living things can co-exist—and physically see how they too are part of a system (just like the organisms they study).
Fall 2022 / 25
Liz's belief that children learn best by doing and actively engaging with the scientific method makes her an effective teacher."
- DR. ZANITA KELLY
SCHOOL News
Interdisciplinary STEM Course Introduced in 4th Grade
This year, 4th graders are diving deep into the worlds of science and technology in an exciting new interdisciplinary STEM (science, technology, mathematics, and engineering) course—a change reflecting real world trends, in which scientists integrate technology into their processes and research. Students are becoming thinkers and problem solvers by practicing the scientific and engineering processes—observing, interpreting data, carrying out investigations, and more in an extended class block (90 minutes) that allows for deeper learning and time for in-depth labs to practice their new skills! The course, taught by Westridge Lower School Computer Science Teacher and Digital Literacy Coordinator Monica SanchezLangley, builds on the former 4th grade science and computer science-technology curricula.
New Flex Period Allows Time for Learning, Leadership Skill Building in 6th Grade
In what Lower and Middle School Director Dr. Zanita Kelly calls “a gym membership for building students’ dispositions for learning, fostering a sense of self, and contributing to a healthy school community,” the 6th graders have a new Flex period added to their schedule this year. With the help of guest lecturers, students are working on developing executive functioning (such as study skills and organization), leadership and resilience, social and emotional intelligence, and cultural competence. Flex happens over 45 minutes every other school day and is led by Dr. Kelly and other members of the Lower and Middle School division including Dean of Student Support Masami Hansen, Dean of Student Activities Farrell Heydorff, Learning Support Specialist Susie Murdock, Dean of Student Voices Tamara Jaffe ’08, and Director of Equity Ian Tatum. Why 6th grade? So students are equipped with the tools needed for internal and external challenges to take on middle school and beyond.
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Parent Affinity Groups Expand
Since our last "Surgere" update, Parents of Students with Neurodiversity and Westridge Asian American Culture and Heritage Group (WAACH) have formed and begun offering programming for interested parents. They join Comunidad Latinx and Students at Westridge of African Heritage Group (SWAHG). Parents interested in joining one of these affinity groups or forming a new parent affinity group should contact Director of Equity Ian Tatum at itatum@westridge.org.
Coming Soon: DISCOVERY WEEK!
Westridge’s March experiential learning week— formerly known as Interim in Upper School, Experiential Week in Middle School, and Discovery Week in Lower School—is getting an update this year and has been renamed Discovery Week for all divisions. In the Upper School, the week's trips are now specially designed for each grade with each trip experience building upon the year prior. Grades nine and 10 focus on the Los Angeles region. Juniors participate in domestic travel and seniors have an international experience. So that all students may participate in the travel programs, financial aid will be offered.
Mary Tuck Playground Dedication
Following the ever-joyous Petridge (where students bring their pets to campus!) this past June, students, families, and employees gathered on Ranney Court to dedicate the recently renovated Lower School playground to former Director of Lower and Middle School Mary Tuck, who retired in 2019 after 19 years at Westridge. A plaque honoring Tuck and recognizing our donors adorns a rock at the playground—now called the Mary Tuck Playground.
Helen Hopper Honored
A reception with faculty and staff was held in May at the Alumnae Courtyard to celebrate an olive tree planted in honor of former Westridge Director of Admissions Helen Hopper, who retired in 2016 after nearly 30 years with the school. A plaque honoring Hopper’s legacy reads that the tree “will continue to grow like [her] deep-rooted influence on our entire community.”
Fall 2022 /
27
Dr. Jessica Pérez del Toro Named
Executive Director of Partnership for Success!
Congratulations to Westridge Upper School Spanish Teacher Jessica Pérez del Toro, Ed.D., who was named the executive director of Partnership for Success! (PFS!), a free summer enrichment opportunity for hundreds of local public school students who are chosen by their school based on their academic promise and financial need. Dr. Pérez del Toro, who served as the PFS! Westridge site director since 2019, continues to teach part-time in the Upper School.
PFS! is a partnership between Pasadena Unified School District and four area independent schools (Chandler, Mayfield Junior, Polytechnic, and Westridge), which you can read more about at www.pfspasadena.org.
Westridge Welcomes New Director of College Counseling & CFOO
MONIQUE
EGUAVOEN, Ed.D.
Director of College Counseling
Dr. Eguavoen came to Westridge from Southern Methodist University, where she served as associate dean of admission, sat on the admission leadership team, and led a department responsible for comprehensive admission and enrollment services for first-year students. She brings with her more than 15 years’ experience in college admissions; a strong understanding of college recruitment, admission, matriculation, and financial aid; and an unwavering commitment to equity and diversity. Prior to Southern Methodist, she worked in admissions at UC Irvine, Penn State New Kensington, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Education.
LINDA ROSS Chief Finance & Operations Officer
Ross is a forwardthinking and experienced leader with more than 25 years of experience in finance and operations across nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Prior to Westridge, she served as the chief financial officer of Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, where she led the financial management, strategic planning, and budgeting for the school’s $50 million operating budget and $30 million endowment. She has also held senior posts with the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, and the Family Entertainment Group.
SCHOOL News 28
NEW COURSES IN FALL 2022
WESTRIDGE ADVANCED COURSES:
This fall saw the introduction of the first Westridge Advanced Courses, a new approach to our most advanced courses at Westridge that have been in development for more than five years. The goal of this new curricular initiative is to provide deeper, more sustained learning than is often possible in standardized Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Introduced this year are:
• Crisis and Courage in Global History (replacing AP European History)
• Identity, Borders, and Revolutions: Advanced Cultural Studies in Spanish (replacing AP Spanish)
• Latin IV Vergil: From the Underworld to Olympus (replacing AP Latin)
• Full Stack Web Development (a new course)
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING AND DESIGN:
This course is built around the design and construction of a prototype mini house as a conduit to investigate sustainability problem solving. Students use power tools, computerassisted design (CAD), computer assisted manufacturing (CAM), and investigate structural design approaches including experimenting with solar power.
PERMACULTURE GARDEN:
In this course, students explore systems of soil, water, and food— looking at environmental issues, equity, accessibility, and more— through the development and maintenance of a sustainable food garden. Also, see page 12 for a deeper look at the course and its tie to the annual Middle School Soil Unit!
Westridge Advanced Courses reframe rigor from being “more work” to being better and more sophisticated work and thinking that is more like what students will be asked to do beyond high school.”
- GARY BALDWIN Director of Upper School
Learn more at www.westridge.org/advancedcourses.
Math Center Encourages Peer-to-Peer Support
Inspired by the successes of the English Department’s Writing Center, in October the Math Department launched a parallel program to provide peer support for Upper School students’ math needs. Students can attend the Math Center for help with homework, understanding a concept, practicing for an assessment, or learning from past assignments. Overseen by Westridge faculty Leah Dahl and Joe Busch and staffed by trained student fellows, the Math Center is open during lunch periods. The Writing Center, now in its third year, expanded to the Middle School this fall.
Fall 2022 /
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Westridge Alumna Appointed Board Chair: Valerie Rubio Lemmon '92
Alumna Valerie Rubio Lemmon ’92, who has served as a Westridge trustee since 2020, assumed the role of board chair this fall. The first Latinx person to chair the Westridge Board, Lemmon has spent more than 20 years in finance, including the last 10 years as a partner and portfolio analyst at Dividend Growth Partners. She holds an M.B.A. in finance from UC Berkeley Haas School of Business and a B.A. in international relations from Stanford University. She is also a current Westridge parent to Eva '24 and Teia '26.
She replaced Richard Fung, who remains on the board as a trustee.
Westridge Welcomes New Trustees
Please join us in THANKING four Westridge Trustees who retired from our board in June―Darrell Chulay Banta ’77, Holly Bowyer, Ken Fong, and Erik Hovanec.
TERI WILDE ’69
JIM LYGOPOULOS
Senior vice president of human resources for the Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution segment of The Walt Disney Company, where he oversees HR strategy, talent acquisition, leadership development, and diversity and inclusion. Also serves as strategic advisor to the chairman and senior leadership team. Master of Business degree from Victoria University. Bachelor of Business degree from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Father of Alana ’25 and Natalie ’27.
Senior vice president of risk management at Bank of America. Previous affiliations include past board member of Junior League of Los Angeles, past president of Friends of the Gamble House as well as Friends of Hollyhock House, past board member of Heritage Housing Partners, and past chair of the Westridge Alumnae Board. B.A. in history from UC Irvine. Related to Cecily Bishop ’59 and Lauren Bishop McMillen ’82.
JESSICA YANG ’10
Alumnae Board Chair
Real estate counsel at Public Storage. Actively involved with the Westridge Alumnae Board, which she chairs this year, and the San Gabriel Valley Committee of the Cornell Alumni Ambassadors. J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. B.S. from Cornell University. Sister to Angela ’17.
SCHOOL News 30
WESTRIDGE PARENT ASSOCIATION
Building Community Through Connection & Communication
If you are a Westridge parent, you are a member of the Westridge Parent Association (WPA)—an association that will bring you connection and fun. The WPA, which hosts bi-monthly meetings and an ongoing stream of events, works to welcome parents into the Westridge family and helps parents discover ways to get more deeply involved in the vibrant life of the school, get connected with one another, and support our students.
The WPA offers dozens of opportunities for parents to get involved at Westridge—we like to call it "volunteering made fun!" and are certain something will align with your interests. From hosting parent socials, to attending parentchild dances, to helping organize beloved annual schoolwide events such as our Community Picnic and fall Yam Festival, your help is needed.
WPA events provide financial support for school needs including guest speakers, a student scholarship, the Westridge Fund, special gifts as needed to the school, and Partnership for Success! (a collaboration between Pasadena Unified School District and four independent schools, including Westridge, that provides 5-week enrichment programs for public school students), and more. To read more about the WPA and get involved, visit www.westridge.org/wpa
I look forward to working and having fun with you!
Burke
Fall 2022 / 31
Lisa
UPCOMING WPA MEETINGS Tuesday, November 29 Tuesday, January 24 Tuesday, March 14 Tuesday, May 23* *This meeting will also include a new parent welcome reception. UPCOMING WPA-HOSTED EVENTS November 18 YAM FESTIVAL, 11 AM – 2 PM February 4 SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES FAIR, 10 AM – 3 PM Dates to be announced: Middle School Parent-Child Event WPA Night Market
Robert Day Donates $5 Million to Westridge School
In May, Westridge celebrated the naming of the Willametta Keck Day Science Center in honor of a $5 million gift from Robert Day, chairman of the W.M. Keck Foundation. The generous gift from various Day Family Foundations is designated for the school’s endowment, which helps fund financial aid, academic and programming expenses, student support, and other strategic priorities of the school.
The science center, previously known as the Upper School Science & Mathematics Building, is named after Mr. Day’s mother who attended Westridge from 5th to 8th grade (1926-1930). She was one of the founders of the W.M. Keck Foundation, one of the nation’s largest philanthropic organizations.
“This is a very important day for my brother Matt and myself. It recognizes our mother who was a trailblazing woman in the 1930s,” said Robert Day. “We are very proud that there is a bond
between Westridge School and the Keck family and the Day family.”
At the naming ceremony, then Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor acknowledged Mr. Day’s leadership in education and sciences. “The Keck and Day names are connected with institutions advancing education and science around the nation, which is an extraordinary legacy for the future of students such as ours,” said McGregor.
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Pictured, from left: Stephen Keck, Lucinda Day Fournier, Matt Day, Sr., Robert A. Day, and Joseph Day
Former Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor Honored at Spring Celebrations
Community members from across the years and near and far came out to a series of spring events celebrating Elizabeth J. McGregor, Westridge’s 11th head of school, on her retirement. She was fêted at a community garden party and tea, named the fifth-ever honorary Westridge alumna, and was deemed the official “Westridge Cricket Captain” at the WPA Night Market. Her unwavering commitment to Westridge will live on through The Elizabeth J. McGregor Endowment Fund, revenue from which supports the school’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) efforts. At her retirement, the fund had reached $1 million. (See the cover story of the Winter 2022 edition of Surgere for a profile of Mrs. McGregor at www.westridge.org/mcgregor-surgere.)
THANK YOU, Mrs. McGregor, for modeling a life of impact at Westridge and beyond. Surgere!
Pictured, from left: Charisma Chen '22, retired Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor, and Charisma's parents Sharon Kwan and Andy Chen at a community garden party & tea held in McGregor's honor. Charisma, then ASB president, was the emcee for the event.
Retired Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor was named “Westridge Cricket Captain” at the WPA Night Market held in April.
Retirements: Westridge Says Goodbye & Thank You
THE WESTRIDGE COMMUNITY ALSO BID FAREWELL TO FOUR LONG-STANDING MEMBERS OF THE FACULTY AND STAFF WHO RETIRED IN JUNE.
LINDA BROWNRIDGE
Upper School Art Teacher Linda Brownridge taught generations of Westridge students over 27 years, opening their eyes to the world of drawing and painting. She was an empathetic and generous teacher and colleague who also helped curate the art collection found around campus.
CHRISTINE KIPHART
Sixth Grade Teacher Christine Kiphart retired after 11 years at Westridge and a more than 30-year teaching career. Her introduction of mindfulness to Westridge classrooms, deep connections with students, and the World Women of Character and Courage Wax Museum have left their marks on Westridge.
KENDIS HEFFLEY
During her 10 years at Westridge, Chief Finance and Operations Officer Kendis Heffley transformed the school’s business operations and expertly managed the school’s finances and operations through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
LYNN O’GRADY
Director of College Counseling Lynn O’Grady was at Westridge for 12 years during which she and her team greatly expanded college counseling and significantly heightened awareness of the school and its students at top colleges and across the spectrum of secondary programs. And, she added a lot of smiles and heart to the process along the way.
THANK YOU for your years of service and dedication to the students, families, and employees. Join us in wishing them all the best in retirement!
Fall 2022 / 33
Celebrations & Retirements
Focusing on Inclusion with Restorative Practices
DEIJ Update
For students, creating community and being truly included—seen, heard, respected—are fundamental to feeling safe enough to engage in learning, relationships, and challenging conversations at school. Though inclusion has long been a priority at Westridge, last year, the school began to tap into the field of restorative practices for its work in:
Creating a positive learning environment and school culture
Addressing social problems
Responding when harm occurs
Setting high expectations while being supportive
Providing direct feedback and asking questions that foster accountability and ownership
Introducing restorative practices was high among Director of Equity Ian Tatum’s priorities for his first year at Westridge (the 2021-2022 school year).
"Building relationships is a core tenet of restorative practices, a framework to work through conflict and issues," said Tatum. "If you have an established relationship, when conflict arises, you can rely on that connection to have someone walk through this issue with you, rather than point a finger at you.”
Restorative practices are not new to the social sciences and have a long history among indigenous people worldwide. Community circles—in which participants build relationships through exchanging ideas, experiences, and stories—are fundamental to the practice. Another core element is restorative chats, which are facilitated conversations with individuals or groups of people when a conflict or issue arises. The chats emphasize creating pathways of understanding and agreement on how to repair a situation and relationship.
“In stable communities like schools, it is important that we don’t allow conflicts to fester,” said Tatum. “While
restorative practices still seek accountability, it is more about ownership than punishment. The ultimate goal is restoring a broken relationship or community and empowering students to make real personal growth through their mistakes."
As part of this work, last year Tatum started “Lunch Talks with Mr. Tatum” for students, facilitated some restorative chats, and was joined by Lower and Middle School Director Zanita Kelly, Ed.D., for training at the International Institute of Restorative Practices. (Tatum started training with them back in 2014.) In October, the pair continued their training by attending the Courageous Conversations Summit in Washington D.C.
“We are still in the infant stages but restorative practices is an approach that I would like to see spread across the school,” said Tatum.
Interesting in learning more about restorative practices? Check out www.edutopia.org/article/ bringing-restorative-practices-to-your-school-lauramcclure.
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Alumnae BOARD
FROM THE ALUMNAE BOARD CHAIR
Dear Westridge Alumnae,
On behalf of the Alumnae Board, we are excited to embark on a new chapter in Westridge’s history this year! We welcome new Head of School Andrea Kassar and we support the fresh perspective with which she will lead Westridge, particularly in continuing to center crucial DEIJ objectives and the social and emotional well-being of Westridge students.
Members of the Alumnae Board, pictured (from left): (top row) Nicole Rabaudi ’90, Shahbano Nawaz ’98, Elizabeth (Liz) Carlton ’03, Marianne Van Vorst Ryan ’79, and Taelor Bakewell ’11; (bottom row) Monica Oller ’91, Jessica Yang '10, Michelle Noble Barnett ’90, and Teri Wilde ’69
ALUMNAE BOARD
Jessica Yang ’10, chair
As Westridge alumnae, we can also guide this next phase of our forwardthinking school. Last year, the Alumnae Board created four volunteer committees: Engagement, Philanthropy, DEIJ, and Young Alumnae Circle. With active participation from alumnae spanning many class years, these committees reconnected us back to Westridge with the creation of the Latinx Alumnae Mentorship Program, a Zoomathon reunion with Juanita Jimenez, virtual flower arranging and personal safety classes, and a joyful but bittersweet afternoon tea send-off party for past Head of School Elizabeth McGregor.
I invite you to join one of these fantastic Alumnae Board Committees and reconnect with the school that you, as an alumna, have profoundly impacted. Together, we can strive to rise to boldly launch this next chapter of Westridge.
Surgere, Jessica Yang ’10
Nicole Rabaudi ’90, vice chair Taelor Bakewell ’11
Michelle Noble Barnett ’90
Zandie Brockett ’05
Taylor Callobre ’08
Elizabeth (Liz) Carlton ’03
Eliza (Ellie) Diop ’10
Veronica Escobedo ’08 Alicia Henry ’01
Ann Hazeltine ’66
Julia Tyson La Grua ’71
Thembisa Mshaka ’88 Shahbano Nawaz ’98 Cassandra Nufable ’12
Monica Oller ’91
Marianne Van Vorst Ryan ’79 Teri Wilde ’69 Melissa Wu ’94
ZANDIE BROCKETT ’05 is the director of community and culture at NeueHouse Los Angeles, a private work and social space for creative entrepreneurs. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Duke University and is currently a Duke-UNICEF Innovation Accelerator Mentor. In her spare time, she is also a global traveler and enjoys photography—a hobby inspired by her Westridge photography teacher Katie Sivers.
TAELOR BAKEWELL ’11 is the vice president of influencer marketing at Edelman, a top global public relations firm. She serves as a commissioner for the Housing Authority City of LA and in her free time enjoys true crime podcasts and snuggling with her two English bulldogs. While at Westridge, Taelor was the first-ever student diversity chair in 2010.
MICHELLE NOBLE BARNETT ’90 is a proud stay-athome mom with three daughters, having previously worked for nearby school districts and published several children’s books. She is a member of the National Charity League of Saddleback Valley and is a part of the Engagement Committee at Westridge. She loves planning events and being with her friends and family.
Fall 2022 /
PLEASE JOIN US IN WELCOMING NEW ALUMNAE
BOARD
MEMBERS:
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Pictured, from left: (top row)
Cassie Nufable '12, Elaine Yang '17, Kelsey McCormick '13, Emma Mayberry '09, Monique Francois '11, and Anna Olafson '11; (bottom row) Sandra Xu '13 and Kara Gebhard '15
Westridge Alumnae Mix n’ Mingle in Santa Monica
More than 20 alumnae attended a Mix n’ Mingle event held in August with alumni from fellow independent schools. Thanks to our Young Alumnae Circle and its members’ efforts to convene their classmates for a fun social gathering at the Buffalo Club in Santa Monica!
Alumnae Gathering at MOCA Geffen
Alumnae, faculty, and staff gathered at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA on June 12 to see an exhibit called Memory Material, an experimental archive of migration stories including “Kaleidoscope,” a sensorial journey from Westridge alumna Sheila Govindarajan ’97. Following Govindarajan’s performance, a reception was held to celebrate her collaboration with retired ceramics teacher and honorary alumna Juanita Jimenez on the project.
Former Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor Named Honorary Alumna
Elizabeth McGregor, the previous head of school, was named Westridge’s fifth honorary alumna in May at a special community garden party and tea celebrating her retirement. In conferring the award, then Board Chair Richard Fung described McGregor as “a fierce champion for girls’ education.” Be sure to keep an eye out for this fellow alumna at future alumnae events!
Pictured, from left: Grace Wallis ’16, Lauren Seigel ’97, Lillian Burrow ’97, Juanita Jimenez, Liz Carlton ’03, Chelsea Peagram ’97, and Lauren Behar ’02
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Sheila Govindarajan ’97 in her interactive installation “Kaleidoscope”
Photo courtesy MOCA
Members of Class of 2020 Return to Campus
After spending spring of their senior year in remote learning and graduating via “Carmencement,” Class of 2020 alumnae Krystal Raymundo, Julia Cruz, Elisa Dong, Jadyn Lee, and Abby Yuhan returned to campus in May to meet with previous Head of School Elizabeth McGregor and Director of College Counseling Lynn O’Grady before their retirements. Tea was served for the group in the new Alumnae Courtyard.
New York Alumnae Meet with Head of School Andrea Kassar
Westridge alumnae attended a May happy hour meet-andgreet with then-incoming Head of School Andrea Kassar at Harding’s Kitchen & Bar in New York City. Andrea looks forward to staying in touch with east coast alumnae during her travels and connecting with all alumnae this year.
Fan Wang named Westridge Director of Alumnae Engagement
We are pleased to announce that Fan Wang has joined Westridge as director of alumnae engagement, working to maintain and strengthen the school’s relationship and connection with alumnae. Prior to Westridge, she worked at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, where she fundraised for the Chinese Garden, worked with donors and volunteers, developed strategies to engage new audiences, and organized events such as the Mid-Autumn Moon Celebration. Prior to that, she worked as a legal assistant, English teacher, and journalist. Be sure to stop by Pitcairn House when you are on campus to meet Fan and welcome her to our community!
You can reach her at fwang@westridge.org or 626.799.1053, ext. 244.
Fall 2022 / 37
Pictured, from left: Claire Bevan '10, Head of School Andrea Kassar, and Catherine (Cat) Readick '11
Pictured, from left: Class of 2017 alumnae Vivienne Li, Grace Peacore, and Kira Stevenson with Head of School Andrea Kassar and Ashley (Flanagan) Slaughter ’95
All Westridge alumnae are invited to attend March 10-11 on-campus Alumnae Weekend events! Special reunions will be held for classes ending in 3 and 8. A Friday evening welcome cocktail reception follows afternoon opportunities for campus tours and masterclasses with Westridge teachers. Saturday kicks off with coffee and a special speaker before the formal luncheon program and presentation of the Ranney and Distinguished Young Alumnae Awards.
For more information or if you are interested in reunion planning, email Director of Alumnae Engagement Fan Wang at fwang@westridge.org
Submit Your Alumnae Award Nominations Today!
Know a young Westridge alumna who has made meaningful impact in her community? Or perhaps an alumna who truly embodies the spirit of the Westridge motto, Surgere Tentamus? Nominate them for the 2023 Distinguished Young Alumna or the Mary Lowther Ranney Distinguished Alumna awards! Read more about the awards and fill out the form for either award (or both!) at www.westridge.org/ distinguished-alumnae or scan the QR code.
Award winners are selected from nominations made by alumnae at large and honored at a luncheon during Alumnae Weekend.
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SAVE the DATES College Connections* Friday, January 6 Summer Opportunities Fair Saturday, February 4 Alumnae Weekend Friday-Saturday, March 10-11 *The Classes of 2021 and 2022 are invited to attend. Alumnae Weekend 2023: March 10 & 11 SAVE the DATE
Tiger Cub Club Returns
After a hiatus of a few years, the Tiger Cub Club made a comeback at the May 22 Garden Party and Tea honoring retiring Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor. Alumnae and their families were welcomed by the Alumnae Board with swag, snacks, and photo booth shenanigans before heading to the newly renovated Mary Tuck Playground for an afternoon of fun. The club, which also joined in the fun at September's Community Picnic, was founded in 2010 by a group of alumnae moms interested in gathering with fellow alumnae and their young children for playdates. Special thanks to Lizzie Bonamy Ross ’01 for making the May event happen and continuing the initiative.
Look for future Tiger Cub Club events in the Westridge Alumnae Newsletter or contact Lizzie at elizabeth.bonamy@gmail.com.
Tiffany Chang ’22 Wins 2022 Miss Taiwanese American Pageant
Congratulations to Westridge alumna Tiffany Chang ’22, who was crowned 2022 Miss Taiwanese American in August! She also won the Best Talent and Best Popularity awards, and, significantly, featured the first-ever beauty pageant robot which she interacted with and invited to perform with her on stage.
Chang, a third-generation Taiwanese American, is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in management science and engineering from Stanford University. She comes from a family of Westridge alumnae—her mother, Lucy Huang ’91; aunt Lynn Huang ’90; and cousins Christie ’17 and Kathryn Huang ’18. Her sister, Kimberly, is currently a junior at the school.
“Westridge allowed me to explore different possibilities and empowered me to find a way to impact society in a positive way," said Chang. She encourages Westridge students to embrace every opportunity and be brave!
YOUNG ALUMNAE CIRCLE COMMITTEE
Co-chaired by Cassandra Nufable ’12 and Ellie Diop ’10
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & JUSTICE (DEIJ)
Co-chaired by Veronica Escobedo ’08 and Alicia Henry '01
Grow the alumnae affinity groups and foster their interactions with student groups through speaker recruitment or compiling resources. Ongoing initiatives include the Latinx Alumnae Mentorship Program.
ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Co-chaired by Marianne Ryan ’79 and Julia Tyson La Grua ’71
Help with alumnae outreach and boost attendance for events including Alumnae Weekend (March 10-11, 2023).
Create opportunities for young alumnae gatherings, networking, and career development.
PHILANTHROPY COMMITTEE
Co-chaired by Liz Carlton '03 and Shahbano Nawaz ’98 Work with fellow alumnae to help raise money for a variety of efforts including the Westridge Fund supporting school operations and the Forever Fund endowment for financial aid.
For more information, contact alumnae@westridge.org or scan the QR code.
Fall 2022 /
We’re looking for
alumnae
to join the following
alumnae
board committees:
Maya Siklai ’01 and son Judah
Vipula Yalamanchili Cunningham ’01 with Daniel Cunningham and children
Calling all alumnae!
39
Community Picnic
More than 30 alumnae and their families were among the more than 700 members of the Westridge community at the school's annual Community Picnic held Sunday, September 18.
All
Alumnae Readers Book Club
Alumnae near and far,
Book
SEPTEMBER
to
for the
a
of
Bench Installed in Alumnae Courtyard
A beautiful architectural bench, designed to complement the historic Pitcairn House, is now in place at the entrance of the Alumnae Courtyard! Stained glass panels lining the sides of the bench feature the names of alumnae who made, or were honored with, leadership gifts of $100,000 or more to the school’s Campaign for Our Second Century endowment campaign.
Thank you to the alumnae and their families who generously supported the campaign, which raised more than $13 million for our endowment in support of the school’s operations, financial aid, and special programs. Please stop by the Alumnae Courtyard when you are on campus next.
Class of 2002 Reunion
The Class of 2002 celebrated their 20th reunion at Mijares Mexican Restaurant in September.
The
Pandora's
NOVEMBER
JANUARY
For
join us on Zoom
Alumnae Readers
Club
discuss
variety
selections this fall and winter, including:
14, 2022
Satanic Mechanic by Sally Andrew
16, 2022
Jar: Women in the Greek Myths by Natalie Haynes
18, 2023
That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley's Sack, a Black Family Keepsake by Tiya Miles
more information about the book club and spring selections, contact Barbara Davis Reynolds ’72 at bwdr@pacbell.net. 40
Pictured, from left: (top row) Lauren Gibbs, Victoria Willams, Debbie Bush, Elizabeth Fielding, Rachel Broderick, and Liz Phelps; (bottom row) Tara Friedlander Dunlap, Lisa Paez, Caroline Nasella, and Jenna Olsen Shempp
Pictured, from left: Akila Gibbs, Lauren Gibbs ’02, Albert Gibbs, and Jenna Olsen Shempp ’02
Pictured, from left: Galeen Roe ’90, Jennifer Lyons ’90, Nicole Rabaudi ’90, and Julia La Grua ’71
ALUMNAE PROFILE
Elizabeth Russell ’69
When Elizabeth Russell ’69 first began working in healthcare, she was often the only woman at the corporate table—something she came to see as both as an asset and a challenge. But when she discovered that she was earning 50% less than her male peers, Russell decided to do something about it.
She went back to school and earned her M.B.A at USC and afterward, steadily worked her way up the healthcare corporate ladder, from SVP to COO, and eventually all the way to CEO. She started her own healthcare consulting agency (advising at the highest levels with seven of the top 10 healthcare companies in the U.S.) and as the capstone to her career, was one of the founding employees of Agilon Health, a successful start-up that went public last year.
Russell traces her success to the education she received at Westridge. “People would ask me; how did I move up so fast? Why do people listen when you talk? Why aren’t you intimidated speaking before a room full of men?”
“I came to understand that my time at Westridge taught me to speak up without fear. Westridge taught me to speak confidently, with facts and data to support my positions. I think that’s what allowed me to climb the corporate ladder, not just as an employee, but as a woman.”
During her years in healthcare, Russell devoted time and effort to promoting other women into leadership positions. “I wanted to be a leader myself, but I also wanted to serve as a mentor and a partner to other women.”
Now semi-retired, she maintains several philanthropic interests, including funding housing for the underserved, devising new strategies to fund such projects, and growing support for financial aid at Westridge.
Russell co-founded the Forever Fund Endowment for financial aid, which seeks to ensure that future generations of students have the means to attend Westridge. To date,
the Fund has raised more than $800,000, and has set the goal of raising $1 million by 2024. She also joined the Madeline Society, the group of donors who have named Westridge as the beneficiary of a planned gift, adding Westridge to her estate plan.
Russell sees her support of Westridge as an opportunity to pay it back, while also paying it forward.
“As I reflected before my 50th reunion, the connection between my education and my success became clear. These thoughts fueled my desire to give back what I received and give this opportunity to girls that could not otherwise afford the gift of a Westridge education.
As I grow older, I still want to change the world, but we need younger women to help support the changes we need to see. My goal is to create more Westridge women. This will change the world.”
Fall 2022 / 41
Fall 2022 / JOIN ELIZABETH AND OTHER ALUMNAE IN SUPPORTING FINANCIAL AID AT WESTRIDGE BY SUPPORTING THE FOREVER FUND. www.westridge.org/foreverfund
MOLLIE HOWELL ESCHEN ’44
Mollie passed away peacefully at her home on May 2 surrounded by her family. After Westridge, she studied philosophy at UC Berkeley and was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority. Mollie spent her life exploring a variety of interests, including traveling, tennis, volunteering, gardening, and portrait photography. Mollie is predeceased by her husband Jim, brother Arthur, and nephew Ned. She is survived by her three children, Andrea, Nevill, and Jake; five grandchildren; her niece and nephews; and her beloved companion, Osborn Howes. Mollie is remembered for her love, optimism, and friendliness.
When surrounded by her family at the end of her life, she said many times, “I’m so happy.”
PAULINE (POLLY) HIXON
HUNTER TURPIN ’45
Polly passed away on December 15 at the age of 94. She and her sisters, Betsy ’50 and Barbara ’50, were known as the “Hunter girls” and were
amongst many in their extended family who attended Westridge. Polly’s late mother, Betty Hixon Hunter, Class of 1920, attended Westridge, as did Betty’s sisterin-law, Adelaide Hixon ’36, Polly’s daughter, Brier ’75, and nieces, Debra Geiger ’72, Devon Geiger Nielsen ’70, and Natalie Graham Gordon ’94. During her time at Westridge, Polly developed a lifelong love for golf and was crowned the Plum Lake Golf Club Ladies Champion when she was 13 years old. She was also a member of Annandale Golf Club and the Valley Club of Montecito, where she captained golf teams, won club
42
THE SCHOOL HAS LEARNED OF THE DEATHS OF THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY
championships, and celebrated five hole-in-ones over the years. After Westridge, Polly studied political science at UCLA. In 1951 she met her future husband, George Turpin, to whom she was married for 64 years. Together they raised their three children, Paul, George Jr. ("Gebb"), and Brier ’75. Later, Polly returned to Westridge for 13 years as a member of the Board of Trustees and spent many years as the chair of the Finance Committee. She was also a founding member of the Madeline Society, which recognizes those who include the school in their estate plans. In 1988, she received the Mary Lowther Ranney Distinguished Alumna Award, an award annually given to “an alumna whose life embodies the spirit of the Westridge motto, Surgere Tentamus.”
LILA SWIFT MONELL ’47
Lila passed away peacefully at home on January 8 at the age of 92. She attended Westridge School and Miss Porters, later majoring in English at Bennington College. With her husband Donald, she began crafting contemporary metal and leather furniture, and selling the pieces in Boston showrooms. A writer and a poet, Lila’s last publication was a book of poetry, "Split Image Focus," in 2004. She was predeceased by her husband Donald, her brother Carlton, and her sister Josie. She is survived by her husband Peter; sister Harriett; children Alexander, Stephen, Marcus, and Francena; and beloved nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.
KATHERINE (KAY) SWAN ’48
Kay, daughter of beloved Westridge Glee Club director, Howard S. Swan, passed away in Pasadena on her late father’s birthday, March 29. After graduating from Westridge, Kay attended Pomona College, where she met and married her husband, Clifford Schwarberg, in 1952. During their 56-year marriage, they raised three children, Lynn, Craig, and Ann. After Clifford’s passing in 2009, Kay married Philip V. Swan (no relation) in 2013, whom she had known since their Sunday school days at Pasadena Presbyterian Church. Kay continued her involvement with Westridge as a member of the Alumnae Board and as a devoted class representative. In addition to her work with Westridge, she volunteered for the College of Marin and the San Francisco Symphony and sang in the choir at Calvary Presbyterian Church in San Francisco. She is survived by her daughters Lynn Lubbock (Craig) and Ann Gaillard (Lee), five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
SALLY LEWIS ’49
Sally passed away on January 27 after battling complications associated with long-time chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. From a young age, Sally had a
passion for music, and throughout her life, she became known for her beautiful singing voice, sense of humor, and kind words. Following Westridge, she earned her B.A. in sociology from Stanford University. In the ’80s and ’90s, she worked as one of the popular public faces of Pasadena’s premiere florist, Jacob Maarse. She is survived by her four children Carey, Tom Jr., Julie, and Rebecca; former husband Thomas; grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and friends.
ELIZABETH KELLY MORGAN ’49
Elizabeth passed away on June 22 in Highland Springs, Virginia. After graduating from Westridge, she attended Bennett Junior College. Elizabeth loved gardening, working outside, and traveling the world. She worked for Ryan Homes for over 16 years. She was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, sister, and grandmother. Elizabeth was predeceased by her husband George, her mother Georgina, and her father, Brigadier General Paul B. Kelly. She is survived by her children Laura and George; siblings Georgina, Sarah, and Steve; and grandchildren Jeffery and John.
CAROLYN SHAW ’53
Carolyn was 86 years old when she passed away in December. After her career as a school librarian in San Francisco, Carolyn was a regional California landscape painter focusing on the San Francisco Bay Area. Carolyn’s paintings were featured in a solo exhibit at the Peninsula Museum of Art.
Fall 2022 / 43
JENNITH KNOX ’55
Jennith passed away on December 7, 2021, after battling a long series of health problems. She was part of a strong Westridge family legacy including her mother, Anne Richardson ’27, sister Linda ’62, and two daughters Dana ’77 and Deborah ’79. As an adult, she returned to Westridge to serve as a board member for eight years. She also continued to stay in touch with her Westridge classmates, hosting her 60th reunion dinner in 2020 and meeting with a group of classmates for over 45 years for an annual Christmas lunch.
LAURIE COCKBURN
MORRISON ’57
Laurie passed away peacefully on March 6 with family by her bedside. While at Westridge, she became a star tennis player and won the prestigious Ojai Tennis Tournament. She continued her tennis career at UC Berkeley where she earned her degree in art history and was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She also attended JFK University where she earned a master's degree in vocational counseling. On the tennis courts in Golden Gate Park, she met her husband Dick Morrison, with whom she had two sons, Richard and Peter. Together, they traveled to all seven continents, enjoyed fly fishing, playing tennis, hiking, golf, and sharing romantic sunsets. Laurie also loved singing and volunteering at the Gardens at Heather Farms.
Those who were close to Laurie know she radiated kindness and caring everywhere she went.
KATHLEEN GEIERSBACH ’61
Kathleen passed away from pancreatic cancer at home on April 30. Following Westridge, she earned her bachelor’s degree in biology at Wellesley College and a master’s in classics at Brown University. She then began a long career in education beginning at Rocky Hill Country Day School in Rhode Island, where she taught for 25 years and held administrative leadership roles. She became the academic dean at Fountain Valley School in Colorado and the founding head of Hidden Springs Community School in Boise, Idaho. Later, Kathleen trained in computer programming and spent six years working as a data analyst at Holy Family Hospital in Massachusetts. Upon retirement to Hyde Park, Vermont, in 2006, Kathleen and her husband became volunteers at Lanpher Memorial Library, and in 2021 she earned the Spirit of Community award for her work. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Kenneth; six children; and seven grandchildren.
VICTORIA KETELSEN FLETCHER ’68
Victoria passed away on February 19 at her home after a long battle with skin cancer. Growing up, she enjoyed horseback riding at the Flintridge Riding Club before finding a love for tennis. She played in high school,
college, and on the open circuit where she became a nationally ranked player. She was always a tomboy and a great athlete. Being of British heritage, her mother called Vicki "her little English rose with thorns." She was an avid skier and during one of her ski trips, she met Hale Fletcher, whom she married in September 1983. They later moved to Buellton, California, where she began coaching the girl’s tennis team at Santa Ynez High School, and continued to give private tennis lessons for many years. Vicki is survived by her husband, their son Christopher, her brother Jeremy, and many cousins.
MARY STIMSON MCNAMARA ’68
Mary passed away peacefully at her home in Georgia on January 26 surrounded by her family. After Westridge, Mary received her B.A. in neuroscience from Wellesley College. In 1972 she married Read McNamara and together they started a life spanning five countries on three continents. No matter where they lived, they always made it back to their beloved summer cottage in Popham Beach, Maine. Mary was active in Rochester, NY as a member of The Chatterbox Club, Country Club of Rochester, and Genessee Valley Club, and her love of gardening was channeled into The Rochester Garden Club. Mary is survived by her husband of 50 years, Read; five children; and eight grandchildren.
44
Have you included
in your will?
The Madeline Society recognizes those who have provided for Westridge School by leaving a gift from their estate or through other deferred gifts.
If you have not already made arrangements to include Westridge School in your estate, consider speaking with your estate planning attorney to update your documents or to create your will.
Please notify us of your
Please inform us of your gift so we may thank and recognize your generosity and be sure your gift is used in the manner you intend.
Questions?
Please reach out to Fan Wang, director of alumnae engagement, at 626.799.1053, ext. 244, or fwang@westridge.org.
We want to honor you as a member of the Madeline Society!
estate gift!
Westridge
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage P A I D Pasadena, CA Permit No. 1986 ELIZABETH J. MCGREGOR on her June 2022 retirement! Surgere! To commemorate the anniversary, we revisited an article written by Director of Athletics Melanie Horn on its 30th anniversary in 2002. Here is a quote from that article: Female athletes are redefining social norms and gaining recognition for the right to be powerful, aggressive, intrepid, and competitive.” This year marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the federal civil rights law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education.