On May 5, more than 500 parents, faculty, alumnae and friends gathered in the Graduation Garden to celebrate Headmistress Maureen E. Walsh, one of Bryn Mawr’s longest serving heads. Under a decorated tent, guests enjoyed special performances and tributes as well as globally-inspired cuisine to honor Walsh’s commitment to global programs at Bryn Mawr.

During her 15-year tenure at Bryn Mawr, Walsh helped raised more than $40 million both to support the school’s annual needs as well as to invest in important capital projects. She had the vision and drive to improve and renovate every division, including the arts and athletics. Walsh’s pledge that each student is to be known and loved on Bryn Mawr’s campus became the foundation of the new strategic plan, The Bryn Mawr Way: A Contemporary Vision for What Girls Need to Thrive.

Walsh has also championed many capital projects and program enhancements, but perhaps none more so than the effort to expand Bryn Mawr’s global programs. Under her leadership, Bryn Mawr now offers students extraordinary international experiences with new global partners in the UK, the Czech Republic, South Africa and Istanbul, as well as programs in Cuba, South America, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim. To honor her legacy at Bryn Mawr, trustees and members of the community created the Maureen E. Walsh Fund for Global Programs, which will provide funding for future students to participate in global programs.

“After 15 exceptional years, Maureen has certainly taken her place alongside the great leaders of The Bryn Mawr School,” said trustee emerita Jennie Lee Williams Fowlkes ’65. “Her commitment to ensuring that tradition, excellence and joy are central to each girl’s Bryn Mawr experience has strengthened our school in every way.”