Commencement 2013 - Remarks by Michael J. Schafer

7/12/2013

Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Remarks by Michael J. Schafer P’12,’15, H’13

Students, parents, family members, alumni and friends, faculty and staff, trustees and distinguished guests, and most of all, graduates of the Class of 2013, welcome to the 196^th Commencement ceremony at the Academy in our 200-year history.

I would like to recognize the honored guests who have joined us in the processional and are seated in the front row. Immediately to the left of the Reverend Gregory-Davis are members of the Board of Trustees, our commencement speaker, Mr. Don Lowery, class of 1973, Mr. Jeffrey Cutts, Class of 1973, Mrs. Kathy Munro, parent of members of the Classes of 2011 and 2013, Mr. Hans Olsen, Class of 1981,

Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs, Mr. David Weidman, and assisting with the conferring of awards and diploma, past parent, former senior master, and Director of Alumni Relations, Mr. Michael Taupier.

I would also like to call your attention to the ladies and gentlemen seated to the left and right of the class - the Kimball Union faculty whose talents, commitment, dedication and passion for young people model our Mission: mastery, creativity, responsibility, and leadership. Please join me in me in thanking our faculty for all they do to prepare and inspire our students year-in and year-out, and day-in, and day-out.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the faculty and staff, and the Class of 2013, we also give thanks to those of you seated before us, parents and grandparents, family and friends, for entrusting the education of your loved ones to our care, and to all Kimball Union’s families and friends for your encouragement, friendship, and support in our partnership to prepare and inspire these talented young people to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Seniors, your final year with us began with our bicentennial convocation ceremony, a time to gather around The Quad to set the stage for what has been certainly in my memory one of the best years on The Hilltop we have experienced.We have heralded this year’s theme as one of “gratitude” and you have embraced all that this important statement means as you have led us into our Third Century. And as much as we have tried to bring this theme “gratitude” into focus for you, in turn, you have abundantly shared your interpretations of gratitude with us by your good work and service.

We thank you for your purposeful efforts during your time here, your selfless attitudes, and the joyful reciprocity with which we have exchanged ideas, stories, and camaraderie that will endure. Your many accomplishments and your “attitude of gratitude” – individual and institutional – will be part of our history, and like the gathering circle on The Quadrangle you leave for us as your class gift, you have laid a foundation for our bright future.The Class of 2013 has to lead from the front in so many significant and memorable ways – in the classroom, on the fields, in the sporting arena, on stage, and in all areas of school life – the spirit of KUA is in you, and is clearly evident and in view through you on full display in this gorgeous campus setting on The Hilltop.

You have embraced each day, each challenge and each other with an unusual amount of energy and talent and eagerness – passion and compassion – that has left a legacy of learning and leadership and growth for those who will succeed you here on The Hilltop.You will always be the Bicentennial Class. With each successive reunion, even as you approach those seemingly long, far off milestones of your reunions, you will have this legacy to remind you and us of this special place in time.

Once you were students and now you are learners, doers and leaders. KUA has asked much of you in this leadership year and you have given your all in return. The gifts of KUA will be with you forever and you with us, as you head on to tackle the challenges before you on the next hilltop.

Before I introduce our Valedictorian, I have the privilege to confer three honorary degrees this morning. Each has given service to Kimball Union and on behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am so pleased to recognize them today, and bring them into your class circle as honorary members of the Class of 2013.

First, Jane Carver Fielder. This year Jane celebrates her 25^thanniversary as an employee of Kimball Union. Her time on The Hilltop began long ago as a newborn faculty child, the daughter of KUA’s 14^th headmaster, Frederick Carver, and Jessie Carver English. Her brothers Dave ’57, Doug ’61, and Jim ’56,who is deceased, all attended KUA, as did Jane’s children David ’90 and Abigail ’91. Jane could not attend KUA because it was an all boys’ school at the time, so she attended Gould Academy and graduated in the Class of 1962. Jane returned to work at KUA and since 1987, served in the publications office; she also served as an advisor and mentor to countless students, as a dorm parent and coach of field hockey and tennis. Most recently she has served as the school’s Archivist. The school’s bicentennial book, On The Hilltop, is based largely on Jane’s extensive, research, and her mother, Jessie Carver English’s many recollections of life on The Hilltop. Jessie, who recently passed away at 97 years of age, (1915- 2012) received the Kimball Union Medal in 2009.

This morning, we honor Jane. You and your family have given us many gifts, but the most special gift, our history, you have preserved and revealed to us all with great pride and love, beauty, and joy. You have steadfastly championed the role of women in our history, and your careful stewardship of our archives all these years have left us a treasure trove of memories to cherish and preserve at all costs. Your attention to our KUA people and place – to our story – is a gift to all the generations past and present, and with that, we now confer on you a KUA diploma, making you a graduate of KUA, and an honorary member of the Bicentennial Class, the class of 2013.

Our second honorary member of the Class of 2013 is Kathryn Munro. Kathy often says although she didn’t attend KUA, she married KUA when she wed former board chair and one of KUA’s most loyal alumnus and dedicated volunteers, former Chairman of the Board, Allan Munro ’55. Since then Kathy, has made the KUA community her own. Both her children, Amy ’11 and Jonathan who is a member of the class of 2013, attended KUA and as did, by my count, 8 Munro’s. Like all the Munro’s, Kathy has answered the call to support KUA in so many ways. As a tireless volunteer, serving on the Parents’ Association, as a trustee, as an organizer of the wonderful 25^th anniversary of the Cullman Scholar Program, and most recently rising when I shamelessly asked Kathy to serve as volunteer Bicentennial Steering Committee Chair, which it is fair to say has been more than a full-time job for the past 24 months. Kathy’s pride and love for KUA is felt in every alumnus, student, and faculty heart. She is at the very core of this institution. Our success in celebrating our history is attributed to her love and devotion to KUA. With all of this, and with the support of the Board of Trustees of the school which you serve so faithfully, it is my privilege to grant you, Kathy, an honorary diploma, joining your son Jonathan, as a member of the Class of 2013.

Our third recognition is Tom Gosselin. Tom, a loyal member of the Class of 1958 and two-term trustee of the Academy, passed away in 2012 from cancer. As a student here, Tom filled his time with a variety of activities.Tom would say to me that he grew up at KUA and at KUA grew into the man he would become. He learned how to work hard, to think clearly,and take responsibility and contribute. Tom was a principled, disciplined man who cared deeply about KUA maintaining its traditional curriculum and our emphasis on teaching values in today’s ever changing world. Tom was all about doing things the right way, treating people right. Even in his Hilltop days, Tom’s future direction in business was uncannily revealed when he was voted by his class as “Best Dressed.” As a trustee, even at the more casual Saturday meetings, Tom would always be in a jacket and in a tie, as he would often say, “out of respect for the institution.” We heard his granddaughter Abby’s beautiful tribute to Tom at last week’s Relay for Life luminaria. Tom’s influence on and love for his school stands only second to his influence and love for his family.

Tom’s Kimball Union ties extend to his daughter, Nicole, a graduate of the class of 1985, and continues through another generation of his family in his granddaughter, Abby Rosen, graduating today as a member of the class of 2013.

After graduating from Kimball Union, Tom attended Boston College and graduated in 1963 with a degree in Business Administration. He returned to the Upper Valley to partner with his brother to own and operate an Upper Valley landmark until it was sold in 2006. With a similar commitment and careful attention, he has helped build this campus into what you see today as Chairman of the Buildings and Grounds Committee.

Tom was very proud of his family, his KUA legacy, and equally proud of the historic beauty of the campus and landscapes of the Academy. As a Trustee and Chairman of the Board’s Buildings and Grounds Committee from 2006-12, Tom was very aware of the many unique challenges of preserving and improving our historic 200 year-old campus. A sound businessman with an eye for detail and a careful approach to the bottom line, his approach to all building projects was the same – plan the work, and work the plan – and use what you’ve got. In these past six years under Tom’s leadership as Chair of the Building and Grounds Committee, Tom oversaw the largest building renovation and restoration projects ever in our history.

Under Tom’s leadership as Chair, close to $25 million of building projects have been undertaken and Tom was at the center –– from boilers to steam lines, roofs and technology infrastructure, to Carver Courtyard, and The Quad, to all our landscapes and hardscapes, and Pope Field and lower fields project, the purchase and renovation of faculty homes, including MacLeay House, 1813 House, Brewster House, Annie Duncan House, and Dad’s House, the construction of the Barrette Campus Center, Phase 1 of Miller Bicentennial Hall, and The Barn. Just imagine the amount of volunteer time such an undertaking requires. He would be so pleased to know that this summer we will be in the ground for Phase 2 and 3 of Miller, the library and learning center addition which was his long term goal for the campus, creating an integrated learning space for all kinds of learners, like him.

Tom always thought ahead – and long-term – by building an intentional campus master plan and supporting education like few ever in our KUA history. His handprint and sensitive touch will be felt for generations of students to come. Last fall after Tom’s passing, the Board voted, in honor of Tom, a simple gift of remembrance in his honor to commemorate his time as a Trustee and his enormous generosity, not with a building, but perhaps even more fittingly and symbolic, practical, understated yet beautiful bench at the entrance to Barnes Admission, where, as Tom said to me, his best education started. How fitting for Tom’s influence to carry on in such a way in the hearts and minds of student and faculty – to contemplate how pragmatism and idealism can preserve and enhance a place, and change the direction of a young person. Tom is with us today and always on this campus. It is my honor to present to his devoted wife Maureen, an honorary degree for Tom as a member of the Class of 2013, to a great son of KUA, husband, father, and grandfather, Tom Gosselin.

The honor of saying farewell to a class by a classmate each year goes to a student whose academic, social, and creative talents are most exemplary, and who in the opinion of the Cum Laude Society, exemplifies the Mission of Kimball Union, mastery, creativity, responsibility, and leadership. The academic performances of many in this extraordinary class are deserving. This year, one student, by quiet force of her intellect as much as her outside-of-the-classroom engagement, has demonstrated – in addition to her intellectual and academic performance – a mastery, creativity, and leadership that has risen above even the most precise, impeccable and esteemed.

It is in all areas of school life that our valedictorian has distinguished herself, in the most difficult and varied course selections across the widest breadth of our offerings – “on or behind stage” – and in her natural and warm relationships with students from all walks and faculty alike. Constantly making connection to ideas and people, a lover of learning and deep discussion, independent and active, mature, and a fun loving, positive person, she is a beacon of what it means to be truly conversant in the realm of ideas. Her teachers describe her as a “curiosity magnet,” “a critical thinker,” “a constructive activist,” “in the top ‘one percent’ of my experience as a teacher ever” – “outstanding, gracious, honorable” – One teacher wrote, “she is simply splendid” – Ladies and Gentlemen, the valedictorian of the class of 2013, Sarah Porter.

It is a Commencement tradition at KUA that the graduates of the class vote to select a class speaker to represent them. Often, the person selected views this honor as a kind of mixed blessing, because after all, delivering an address in front over a thousand people would make most people slightly nervous. And never knowing exactly what the speaker is going to share with us, it often makes me and the faculty a little nervous too, – not that it does any less this year, given this year’s speaker’s loquacious nature and penchant for sharing his ideas with us whether sought or advised, I have every reason to believe that this year’s speaker actually may have lobbied for this opportunity, perhaps by even voting for himself.

The young man we are about to hear from represents his class with endearing qualities. A young man of substance and charm in all the right ways, he, like many in his class, makes us laugh, and at times, yes, he makes us … well cringe. Casey Miller balances his wit with, what one of his teachers wrote, a “legitimate emotional intelligence.”Anyone who has had Casey in class or has watched him compete athletically knows he has a sharp mind and an intuitive social and spatial awareness – “thoughtful, sensitive, and poised and purposeful.” A confident student – engaged and self-directed, wholehearted in his efforts, always willing to take on a challenge whether in class, or in dance and on ice. There isn’t a pass he fails to see or a shot that he fails to take – Casey Miller.

We were honored once already this year by his remarks at Martin Luther King Day, and following his presentation to the school, there was no need to look beyond for our Commencement Speaker in this special year. We are grateful that Don Lowery, class of 1973, trustee, and distinguished graduate, returns to campus in this year of celebration of Kimball Union. In so many ways, it is truly fitting for this class to hear again from Don, who so embodies the spirit and essence of KUA. Those familiar with KUA’s history will know that KUA was founded as a school to prepare poor and pious men for the ministry – and that certainly pre-dates Don – but maybe there’s a future in it for you? Your ministry is of a different sort, as you have dedicated your volunteer work to the service of others. Since our founding, KUA has produced young men and women from all walks of life who came to The Hilltop searching for a better chance. Even in our earliest years, KUA educated both young men and young women here in Meriden who came here on foot, on horse and buggy, later on steam ship and rail. In the earliest years of our founding, KUA was an aider and proud abettor of the abolitionist movement, graduating free slaves and sons and daughters of freed slaves, and native Americans as we still do on this day, and for most of our history from our founding until 1935, women, and returning to co-education in the early 1970’s. Don is a wonderful example of Kimball Union’s long standing reputation as a school that makes every effort to make an education such as ours possible for students from all backgrounds.

As Don returns yet again next week to celebrate his 40^th reunion, he is a more recent example of this uncommon history – and throughout his years following his four years here, Don has never forgotten his alma mater. He has served KUA admirably as a member of the alumni council during the 1990’s and as a member of the Board of Trustees since 2005, and as chair of the Academic and Student Life Committee.

Don came to KUA as an ABC – A Better Chance – student himself from the south side of Chicago in 1969 and spent 4 years on The Hilltop. And today, Don is on our board and on the board of the A Better Chance Program which just celebrated its 50^th anniversary, and at which KUA was named a recipient of an award for having graduated over 50 ABC students since 1963. At KUA, Don sang and performed on stage, and played baseball, football and ice hockey. On this day some 40 years ago, Don was the recipient of two commencement awards himself, the Henry Mann Silver Award, as voted by the faculty, and the class of 1920 award – as voted by his classmates.

From KUA, Don went on to Wesleyan University and graduated in 1977 and now serves on Wesleyan’s alumni council. In addition to his service on our board and on the ABC board in New York City where he lives, Don has served on multiple non-profit educational boards such as the Steppingstone Foundation and the Big Brother Big Sister Association as well as Boston Partners in Education, and the Associates of the Boston Public Library. Professionally, Don went into broadcasting and became a reporter, a director of editorials and public affairs for WHDTV in Boston, and was an economics reporter for the Boston Globe where he received two Emmy’s. He has held other public relations roles – including Director of Public Relations for the New England Patriots. Don was a station manager for Channel 38 in Boston and now is at Nielsen Corporation where he is Vice President of Government and Public Affairs.

In this special year as we honor this class and this school in our 200^th celebration, it is only fitting that we have Don Lowery here with us today to speak to our graduates. Please join me in welcoming Don Lowery, class of 1973, on the occasion of his 40^th reunion, back to Kimball Union.

Now it is my pleasure to present the graduation awards to individual members of the Class of 2013 as voted by the faculty.

Henry Mann Silver Awards - 1867

Dr. Henry Mann Silver, graduate of the Class of 1867, donor of the Silver Gymnasium where the plaque in his brother’s memory reads “Mens Sana in Corpore Sano” established a prize to be awarded at Commencement, as voted by the faculty, to three students who best exemplify the ideal of sound mind and sound body. Each recipient has, in his or her own unique way, contributed to his or her school by this ideal. Each, in his or her own right, is truly deserving of the Henry Mann Silver Award for a commitment to the principles of “sound mind in sound body”. These three recipients have contributed enormously to the school community as boarding students, athletes, artists, and student leaders over their combined eleven years. Will the recipients come to the podium together to receive this award? They are: Matt Donovan, Maura Doyle, and Doyle Somerby.

The Class of 1895 Award

The Class of 1895, the 77^th graduating class, instituted this award to be given to a member of the senior class for the attainment of high scholastic merit together with high conduct of citizenship.

Her commitment to academic excellence and to engaged citizenship in this community has left an indelible mark on the Academy and the teachers and friends who know and love her. Intellectually and spiritually, she has shined brightest, and over her time here she has emerged from the background to the foreground in all areas of school life as a leader and a connector of people and ideas. A 19^th century German Philosopher and Poet wrote, “it is in the quiet places and moments when character is revealed.” From Germany she came for one year and thankfully stayed for three, and we are the better for having her here with us. The Class of 1895 Award recipient, by vote of the Faculty, is: Debbie Burdinski.

The Royal Burnham Townsend Class of 1911 Award – Established in 1912

Mr. and Mrs. Townsend gave this award in memory of their son who died in 1911 while a student at the Academy. A memorial window in the Pope Chapel in Baxter Hall with the inscription "Consider the Lilies" also commemorates Royal Burnham Townsend. The Royal Burnham Townsend Prize is awarded by the faculty each year to a senior who is most deserving because of “courtesy of conduct and cleanliness of life.”

A lanky leader, a dedicated student, driven by genuine interests and pursuits, and a burning desire to contribute to his beloved school, he is the epitome of “courtesy of conduct and cleanliness of life.” He embraces challenge and seizes opportunities with a sense of purpose and promise, in a true spirit of collaboration, with a warm sense of humor as he leads from the front. With an abiding and guiding love for people, for community, and for the school he has led as Student Body President with grace and honor, we have watched him grow tall and grow in confidence on stage, on the courts and in the classroom. For the personal sacrifice he brings to all that he does, The Royal Burnham Townsend Class of 1911 Award is given to Ian Gregory-Davis.

The Porter Award - Established in 1966

The Porter Award, by vote of the faculty, is given to a member of this year’s senior class who, after the fashion of Mr. and Mrs. Porter, members of the faculty from 1935 - 1965, unselfishly has given time and effort to the benefit of Kimball Union Academy.

As much as the Porter Award is about unselfish giving, and so aptly fits this year’s recipient in this context alone, the Porter Award is also our “true-to-oneself-award” that recognizes such a person among us who by his or her deeds inspires us to be and do just that. This year’s recipient has generously shared her abundant academic talents, her purest intellectual curiosity, her beautiful musical and theatrical expression and her warmth and wisdom, with us year in and year out. She has the courage of her convictions combined with the right balance of grace, and persuasiveness to call others to her causes; her innate and mature understanding of our - of everyone’s - humanity is humbling and inspiring.

The Porter Award is given to Katie Firstenberger.

The Mikula Award

Given in honor of the sixteenth headmaster, Thomas Mikula, who served the Academy from 1974 – 1989, The Mikula Award was established in 1987 by Allan F. Munro, Class of 1955, past Chairman of the Board, and Chairman of KUA’s Impact Campaign. Mr. Mikula, Headmaster Emeritus, and honorary member of the class of 1989, was instrumental in bringing talented and deserving students from diverse backgrounds to the Academy through the “A Better Chance” program, where he was a fellow at Dartmouth prior to his lengthy tenure as Headmaster Emeritus at KUA.

To simply mark the journey of this young man from Sierra Leone sells short our Mikula Award recipient. From the time he began here with us as a student – as his adoptive parents and our students and faculty well know - and now on to graduation – has been a story of persistence, and resilience, the likes of which few can ever imagine turning out so wonderfully positive. His is a story of war and suffering, and of love and support – and from there to here, and to this day, of grit and determination, trial and effort. He has taught our community with quiet kindness, and more publically, soothed us all through his music. He inspires us with his tenacity. As much as he has learned here, he has given in return.

The essence of KUA, what Don and others have spoken of today, is in evidence in all, and in abundance in this young man. A gracious and humble young person who fills us with pride and honor as we consider our larger challenges and purposes. This year’s recipient of the Mikula Award is Senie Hunt.

The Class of 1920 Award

The Class of 1920 Award is given annually by vote of the graduating class and awarded by the class to one classmate, their own, who, in the opinion of the class represents our shared Kimball Union values and who personifies how they would like their class to be remembered.

Described by his peers as “remarkably wholesome, bright minded, and engaged”, he exudes honesty, he exemplifies our ideals – whether it be community service, or service of any kind – as a head tour guide, athlete, certain scholar and community activist and leader – he is always positive and sees the good in all – and he loves his school – right down to his orange shoes. The Class of 1920 Award goes to the All School President, Ian Gregory-Davis.

The Charles Alden Tracy Class of 1893 Award

The Charles Alden Tracy Award is given in honor of the twelfth headmaster Charles Alden Tracy who served as Headmaster from 1905 - 1935. It is the Academy's longest standing Commencement Award and is given by vote of the faculty, to the graduating senior whose character, scholarship, and citizenship best represent the ideals of the Academy.

Mastery, Creativity, Responsibility and Leadership – the integrity of our mission – define this exemplary young woman. The Charles Alden Tracy Award, by vote of the faculty, is given to our valedictorian, Sarah Porter.

Headmaster’s Award:

Each year, at Commencement, the Head of School, has the opportunity to make a recommendation to the faculty about this award for their approval. It is not always given, and in my ten years, I have only given this award once. This year, the faculty actually made their recommendation to me! The Kimball Union faculty sees the uniqueness and best in all our students first and foremost. In each and every graduate there are stories of triumph and challenge that we – and you as parents – can point to as pivotal moments. To quote former faculty member Steve Bishop, “there are some students whose optimism and good nature strengthens the community because of who they are and not simply because of what they have accomplished”. This year’s recipient is just that person. It might be that I would be giving this special recognition award simply for his good nature but in his case, there was indeed one pivotal moment.

Late one Saturday in April last year, I received a call informing me that one of our students was in a serious car accident. A beautiful day in April turned into a nightmare. The baseball team took the day off to get ice cream together, and later after that afternoon, this young man drove home – alone – for the weekend and fell asleep at the wheel less than a mile from his house. The accident was horrible – he suffered severe head trauma and multiple broken bones – was in a coma for 5 days. His future was uncertain should he survive this terrible accident. It was a miracle he was alive – and yet this miracle was followed by subsequent other pivotal moments and miraculous milestones – from his condition – critical to serious to stable, to months of arduous sessions in physical therapy, learning how to talk again and walk unassisted, to today, a full recovery. That he could walk up here and receive this award and this diploma and be ready to attend college next year was so far from our expectations, it is a story of true love and determination. For those of us who watched his comeback with such amazement, it wasn’t his physical stamina and resilience that impressed us the most, it was his inherent and inherited sense of optimism that is the most inspirational to us all … There is no better time in this year of gratitude – through his own words as being “the luckiest”, and we say the “happiest kid” in the world to give the honor of the Headmaster’s Award to James Estabrook.

Charge to the Class of 2013:

So seniors, there is left one short charge before I hand you your diploma. You have heard many themes today, and we have before us an example of a wonderful class that has emerged at KUA at this historic year in our history.

My charge to you is not as the Bicentennial Class, but as individuals who as a class have shared similar, and nevertheless uniquely, meaningful experiences together. You have in common this happy coincidence that we know will be with you always – and most importantly, you share this special gift of education. And with this comes yet another responsibility I know you will embrace – to ensure that an education such as this will continue to be available to those who succeed you here, and it is a charge to you as you head to college. As you have heard me say before, the refrain at the Academy’s 100^th centenary anniversary was “education is the answer” and today I proclaim that in fact, “education is still the answer.” I hope this stays with you always as you consider what this refrain has and will mean for you in your future lives. Often we are posed difficult questions on our journey and in our answers we look for love and friendship, we look for resources, or tools, skills and habits and at the root of it all is your education – because the best answers to life’s most difficult questions begin with our human understanding.

Not long ago, I was asked by a trustee to put into simple words why schools like KUA continue to exist. We know that from the start, KUA was formed out of a need, prior to a time when public education was not mandated. Daniel Kimball laid the first stone for the building of such an institution with his own hands, and with his wife Hannah’s vision, it carries on today in a similar and different fashion, but with the same purposes, for you, and for society. I think about the many places and traditions in the world that you have come from to this learning community. Near and far – from Asia and Southeast Asia, Africa, Alaska, urban areas and rural communities next door and miles and miles away.

So when I was asked why these schools – this school – continues to exist and continue to be important in our lifetimes and our lives, my thoughts turned to all these promising young people on stage today to bring the world and its people closer together each day. When I meet graduates of Kimball Union each year in my travels – I see you in them, making your way in this world, and making a difference – doctors, lawyers, business leaders, environmentalists, trades people, teachers, coaches, nurses, researchers, engineers, parents, and grandparents. A few years ago, at Grandparents’ Day, a grandmother came up to me following a student panel to say – “would that all children have the benefit of this kind of community and this kind of education, this kind of learning, in this truly unique environment.” She was a member of the Class of 1935 and a local teacher, who was in failing health. She alerted me that she would be leaving KUA in her estate to support the education of deserving students long after she was gone by establishing a million dollar endowment to support the education of students at Kimball Union to ensure a permanent KUA. There is wisdom in our predecessors, in our history, and we are standing on the shoulders of those who came before us to have this opportunity – and you now, we now, you now, hold that confidence in trust that you now can and will do “your thing” in the world to contribute to whatever communities you join. There must always be a future for KUA. Yes, we will change, and still we must preserve the essence of KUA – that learning in fundamentally social, based in strong relationship to self, others and ideas. And while you may not know it now, you young people hold the key to this once and forever unique story of permanence and education – to create the never ending story of KUA. Indeed, KUA will be here long into the future – a permanent KUA – in whatever forms we might take – because you – and we will make it so.

So in this special year, my final charge is not mine. It is drawn from lessons of another grandmother, Jessie Carver, the wife of the Academy’s 14^th Headmaster, whose granddaughter summarized the lesson Jessie taught her – universal as they are – at a recent ceremony honoring Jessie and the long standing, two-century old relationship between the Congregational Church and Kimball Union and on the occasion of the church’s founders day 223 years ago, that co-pastor Susan Gregory-Davis shared with the congregation with love, “Ten Simple Lessons on Life that Jessie Taught Me:”

Be gracious. Just say thank you and show appreciation. Gratitude is a virtue. Sometime it truly is easier to give than to receive. Learn to say thank you without guilt and criticism.
Fill your life with good books. Talk about them. Share them. Find books that inspire.
Learn something new. It’s never too late to learn an instrument, play a sport, start a book group and write a book. Never stop learning.
Be a good listener. Everyone has a wonderful story to tell, if we would only take the time listen.
Find joy, choose happiness. Being happy and positive is a choice. It’s hard work, but it is also contagious.
Savor your memories, tell your stories. Write them down. Take photos, cherish each memory for it all changes so quickly.
Celebrate life. Have a party! Meet new people. Live life to its fullest.
Put your best foot forward. Have your own style. Don’t be afraid of color.
Be helpful and kind. Think of others before self.
Last but not least, don’t forget where you came from. Wherever we go in this world, carry your family and your history and education in your heart and in your mind. It’s who we are. Appreciate your own history and be proud of your family. Family makes us who we are.

God speed, Class of 2013 – KUA will always be with you, and you with KUA.

Link to YouTube video - Charge to the Class of 2013

Back