Dear Friends,

 

As the ancient Chinese proverb goes, “One generation plants the trees; another gets the shade.” We are fortunate at Friends Seminary to be living in the shade of the trees planted generations before us, and we are ever mindful of the work we must do to provide for the generations to come. The 2015-2016 school year was punctuated with hard work, historic change and significant accomplishment. Upon separate incorporation from the New York Quarterly Meeting, we fully embrace our own destiny, charting a vital course to guide Friends Seminary into the future with renewed energy and commitment to the essence of our core Quaker values.

 

The Light the Future Campaign is that commitment manifest. As we near completion of Phase 1 of our Campus Redevelopment Project, we pause to acknowledge the gifts received thus far, reaching $31,650,500, or 79% of our campaign goal. The Redevelopment Project will create facilities to provide a teaching and learning environment in support of our vision of a 21st century education. In addition, contributions to the Friends Seminary endowment will provide the financial strength and stability to ensure that future generations of students receive a forward-thinking and vibrant education, grounded in Quaker values.

 

On our journey forward we continue to be guided by our strategic plan, Reimagining this Place Called School. Supported by your contributions, our global education program features four international trips for students and faculty annually.

 

We are deeply grateful to each and everyone one of you for the generous gifts recorded in this Annual Report. Last year was another record year of giving, with parent participation in the Fund for Friends reaching 92%, and the Senior Class Gift hitting a new high of $317,600. In total the Fund for Friends brought in $2,308,000, providing vital funding to support the School’s operating budget and relieving pressure from tuition.

 

We also are sincerely appreciative of all members of the Friends community who gave their time to the school as volunteers. From alumni reaching out to former classmates to encourage attendance at reunion, to phonathon callers, to the members of the Parents Association — our community’s strength lies in your commitment to service to the School. Thank you to our alumni, grandparents, parents, faculty and staff, parents of alumni, and the corporations and foundations who have honored our community through philanthropy. We are truly grateful to each and every one of you, and Friends flourishes because of you.

 

While we continue to be stewards of the trees planted generations before, your continued support and engagement ensures our ability to plant new trees for the generations to come. Let’s grow together!

 

In Friendship,

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Robert “Bo” Lauder

Principal

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Elizabeth Enloe

Co-Clerk, Board of Trustees

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Matthew Annenberg ‘83

Co-Clerk, Board of Trustees

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