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Founders Day 2023
Founders Day on Sept. 22, 2023, marked Bryn Mawr’s 139th school year as the community gathered to commemorate the history of the school and the founders’ vision for educating girls and celebrating the efforts and service of faculty and staff.
In her Founders Day remarks, Head of School Sue Sadler reminded the community that since Bryn Mawr’s founding, the school has believed in the power of a rich and challenging curriculum in the hands of extraordinary teachers. “Together we believe that the time invested in teaching and learning is noble work. Together we find joy and excitement and hope in that journey. Together, we believe that a young woman with strong values, vision and voice can move mountains,” she said. “There is staying power in that shared belief. That aspiration endures.”
Upper School English teacher Georgia Summers ’01, last year’s recipient of the Nancy L.R. Bucher ‘31 Master Teaching Chair, spoke about “the work worth doing,” and how every member of the Bryn Mawr community is a part of that work each time they pay attention to each other, both in teaching and learning.
Her concluding words reminded us that as quickly as the world changes, some things remain, “the passing of the seasons, the work worth doing, our human need to have attention and to give it to others. Hold on tightly to each other to prepare for the good work ahead.”
Her full remarks are available here.
Her full remarks are available here.
Each Founders Day, Bryn Mawr also honors faculty and staff for their contributions to the school, both through years of service and outstanding involvement in the community. Read more about this year’s award winners:
- The Apgar Award for Teaching Excellence was given to Kate Bradley for her calm demeanor and ability to encourage all students to appreciate math while also coaching three sports.
- The Blair D. Stambaugh Award is given to the faculty or staff member who contributes the most to the overall wellbeing of the community. This year, Farah Hinds Evans ’98 was honored for her tireless effort as the director of student support services. Farah not only supports the Bryn Mawr community, but gives back to her professional community as a mentor for counseling interns so that future students can continue to benefit.
- The Millicent Carey McIntosh Chair in the Humanities was awarded to Leandro Mendaro. A Renaissance man with an endless love of learning, Sr. Mendaro also established the new faculty mentorship program to help new members of the community acclimate to the culture and practices of the school
- The Robert G. Merrick Sr. Chair in History honors a faculty member who is distinguished in their profession with an outstanding service record. Dr. Irina Spector-Marks ’04 received this master teaching chair for her unparalleled work at all levels of history instruction, as well as serving as a faculty secretary for the Cum Laude Society, writing divisional newsletter inserts and documenting the history of the school.
- Little School faculty member Kim Dorsey was awarded the Ella Speer Colhoun and Elizabeth Atkinson Reynolds Fund for her work outside the classroom as she builds positive relationships with students, families and co-workers. She encourages exploration and risk-taking while maintaining a safe learning environment and honoring each child’s individual personality and needs.
- Renee Etzel was awarded the Patricia A. Dieter Staff Award. Renee’s hard work and insight, as well as her attention to detail ensures that every event she plans runs smoothly.
- And Dr. Dan Levitov was the recipient of The 37-45 Award for his professionalism, creativity and tenacity as he builds a program that truly is the epitome of excellence in the arts. He navigates schedules in three different divisions, he brings out the musicality and individuality of his students.
Sue Sadler also recognized over 20 faculty and staff for significant milestones of service, including Jeanette Budzik who was recognized for her 40 years of service to Bryn Mawr.
Following the ceremony, “Edith Jamilton,” the in-house employee band, performed in the Senior Quad for everyone to sing, dance and share a cookout lunch.
