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Founders Day 2024

9/27/2024

The Bryn Mawr School community gathered inside the Katherine Van Bibber Gymnasium to celebrate its annual Founders Day. This year’s event focused on celebrating school’s 140 years of teaching and learning.

Librarians Katie Hammond ’97 P’31 and Christine Roberts spoke about the history of the school over the past 140 years, including lesser-known, but equally important figures throughout the story of the school, such as Dr. Kate Campbell Hurd—the school physician hired in 1889 who was also the first resident physician in an independent school in the United States. Like the founders, she believed that women could achieve more than society would allow them to in the 1890s and championed women’s health including the benefits of exercise and the rigors of learning.

Throughout their speech, Mrs. Hammond and Mrs. Roberts encouraged students to use their bold voices to carry on the tradition of challenging societal norms and becoming the leaders of tomorrow. They closed out their remarks by asking, “what do you hope future Mawrtians will learn about you in another 140 years?”

Founders Day also brings the community together to celebrate the tireless efforts of faculty and staff who contribute to the founders' vision for the school every day through awards and recognitions for years of service to the school.

The Alumnae STEM Chair was awarded to Claire Sargo for her work teaching all 183 Middle School students across all three grades, updating her curriculum at the speed of technological advancements and inspiring her students to consider a career in STEM.

The Robert G. Merrick Sr. Chair in History was presented to Dr. Sandy McCain for her outstanding contributions to our academic programs, as well as her ability to lead and innovate cutting-edge courses.

The Blanche and A.V. WIlliams Master Teaching Chair was awarded to Señora Marisa Pérez. Sra. Perez develops creative and immersive lessons for her students, organizes P5X sessions and ensures that all voices in our community are heard.

The Cynthia Leboutillier Teachership was awarded to Shebrae Dixon, as a recent college graduate starting her teaching career with passion and creative leadership. Ms. Dixon’s teaching extends far beyond the classroom, into the Lower School affinity group Bryn Mawr Black Girl, Bryn Mawr’s Dance School and Gateways where she shares her joy with students of all ages.

The Apgar Award for Teaching Excellence was given to Little School teacher Terri Doughney. Through her patience and excellent listening, Ms. Doughney models kindness, empathy and open-mindedness to the littlest learners on Bryn Mawr’s campus.

The Blair D. Stambaugh Award was presented to Director of Security Jeff Coleman, who truly does it all, whether coaching, leading a Spirit Day parade, maintaining the safety and security of the campus or directing traffic.

The Ella Speer Colhoul & Elizabeth Atkinson Reynolds Fund was awarded to the leading expert on artificial intelligence Anjulee Bhalla. Ms. Bhalla is a dedicated chief advisor, teaches across multiple grades in the Upper School and guides students through building robots, all with a smile.

The Patricia A. Dieter Staff Award was given to John Williams for his work refreshing and reimagining our beautiful campus and his tireless work ethic as he leads the school’s Operations Department.

The “37-45” Award was presented to Kate Stratton. Known for having one of the biggest hearts on campus, Ms. Stratton gives valuable advice, with an honest perspective while also constantly seeking to grow as a person and a professional.

This year, we also celebrated a combined 355 years of service to the school, including three employees who celebrated their 30th years working at Bryn Mawr.

5 Years

Ann Barron Carneal

Hannah Klarner

Diane Nichols

Sapna Pandit
Karen Parsons

Tynaya Quickley

Rob Quinn

Ann Marie Strauss
Maggie Wheeler

10 Years

Deb Baum

Kristen Hall

Melissa Segall