scheppconnections LEOPOLD SCHEPP FOUNDATION / VOLUME 1, NUMBER 4, 2001

Transitions: From Barbara Tweed Estill to Barbara McLendon

n May 30, 2001, Barbara Tweed Estill died in her continued her education at Smith College. Upon graduat- O home at 10 Gracie Square. She was 93 and had ing from Smith, she traveled in Europe, then danced for a served as a trustee of the Schepp Foundation since 1938. time with the Isadora Duncan Dancers. She eventually From 1973 on, she was president of the Board. Before returned to live at ‘Gernda,’ the Staten Island estate, to she died, Barbara enthusiastically endorsed the election of care for her aging grandparents and bachelor uncle. And Barbara McLendon to succeed her at the head of the long so began in earnest her life of service to others. table around which the trustees reg- In 1938, she was asked by Miss ularly meet to discuss the state of the Florence Schepp, the only daughter Foundation and award scholarships. of Leopold Schepp and a longtime Barbara Banning was born in friend of the family, to become a City on March 8, 1907, trustee of the Foundation. As the the daughter of Kendall Banning, a years passed, Barbara married poet, writer and editor, and Hedwig Harrison Tweed, a New York , von Briesen Banning. When she was raised their daughter, Barbette, and two, her mother died and Barbara became involved with other welfare was sent to live with her maternal organizations such as the Federation grandparents, who divided their time of Protestant Welfare Agencies, the between an apartment in Manhattan Big Sisters, the Women’s City Club, and an estate on Staten Island, near and the Elder Craftsmen. But her the present site of the Verrazano work for the Schepp Foundation was Bridge. Her grandfather, Arthur von Barbara McLendon and Amy Hunt, always the dearest to her heart. granddaughter of Barbara Tweed Briesen, was a lawyer who had Estill (and the Foundation’s During her long tenure as trustee founded the Legal Aid Society and at office assistant). and President, much changed in the an early age, Barbara was intro- world of higher education and under duced to the idea that one has a responsibility to others Barbara’s wise and able leadership, the Foundation was less fortunate than oneself. It was an idea that was to able to evolve to accommodate those changes. Much shape and motivate her entire life. changed in Barbara’s personal life as well. Her daughter Childhood summers were spent in Walpole, New married, moved to Los Angeles, and had three children. Hampshire, in the big colonial house of her paternal Harrison Tweed died and, at the age of 70, Barbara mar- grandmother, Mrs. William C. Banning. After attending ried Holland Estill, a fund raiser for charitable organiza- the Brearly and St. Agatha’s schools in New York, Barbara tions, who died in 1987.

INSIDE: Remembrances of Barbara Tweed Estill • Notes From the 75th Anniversary Party • Interview with Barbara McLendon • Letters • Ed Linville Memorial • Scholars’ Condolences to NYC SCHEPP CONNECTIONS

Advancing age in no way dimin- in Manhattan and at her summer deeply about life and how best to ished Barbara’s abilities. Up to the house in Montauk, high on the cliffs live it and death and how best to age of 91, she remained very much overlooking the Atlantic. But when face it. In the end, those of us she left at the helm of the Foundation and death came, Barbara was ready for behind can say with certainty that continued to live independently both it. During her 93 years, she thought Barbara lived well—and died well. n

Fond Memories and a Lasting Legacy: Three Remembrances of Barbara Tweed Estill

DELIVERED AT HER MEMORIAL SERVICE, JUNE 14, 2001

ust a short time before coming Jhere I told Mr. Barrett, our vice president, that I found the letter he had read to the trustees of the Leopold Schepp Foundation on October 11th, only eight months ago. Barbara had handwritten it and the writing was clear and strong.

Dear Trustees: It is with a sad heart that I must resign as President of the Leopold Schepp Foundation. Due to a disabling stroke I am unable to function normally or to give the Foundation the attention nec- essary. I joined the Board in 1938 and have been blessed by the interest of the Board members and their dedi- cation. I have worked with four exec- utive directors, selected Edythe Bobrow, the very best, and know she will serve as long as she can and keep everything and everybody in good order. With best wishes to all. —Barbara Tweed Estill

Well, she did serve as long as she

Barbara Banning Tweed Estill, at her ‘aunt’ Florence Schepp’s home in could and kept everything and every- Nantucket, circa 1925, the year the Foundation was started. body in good order. SCHEPP CONNECTIONS

The first time I met Barbara was believe Barbara learned and loved the Times editorials, the presidency (hers when I was in the process of inter- role, expanding it into a mature and that of the incumbent in the White viewing for the position of executive “woman to woman” experience. She House) scientific research and the cost secretary of the Leopold Schepp set aside the blocks of time needed for of higher education. We were able to Foundation. That was 25 years ago. It those visits to Barbette and her family in laugh and often marvel at choices was a dark and stormy day and I was California and, in return and more fre- made by children and grandchildren— pretty damp by the time I got to 10 quently, the visits from Barbette and her not all did she or I necessarily agree Gracie Square. It didn’t take me long husband, Peter. It was very clear to me with. That included political views and to figure out that prior interviews I had that she was able to leave this world in social inclinations. with the executive secretary and three peace because she knew Barbette Our conversations stopped only a trustees were meaningful but not con- was right there, with her when it was few weeks ago and I miss them. clusive. Although Barbara always time to do just that. —Edythe Bobrow insisted that decisions were made by As I was gathering my thoughts consensus it was evident to me who together in preparation for today, I the consensus builder, mover and received a phone call from Mrs. From The Book of Proverbs shaker really was. If you were a bridge Wallach, the former director of the VERSE 31 player you might say she lead from Jewish Foundation for the Education of strength. I believe she truly earned the Women. She had read the sad news A woman of valour who can find? designation “civic leader,” given by the and wanted to tell the family and the For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband does New York Times last week. The trustees how fondly she remembered safely trust in her Schepp Foundation, The Women’s City her earlier meetings with Barbara and And he has no lack of gain Club, The Protestant Welfare Agency, with her own president, Hazel She does him good and not evil The Elder Craftsman, The Big Sisters, Seligman Goldmark, sister of Eustace All the days of her life. The Committee on Modern Courts— Seligman, a contemporary of Harrison She considers a field, and buys it; all constituted a part of her life. Tweed. Hazel and Barbara had been With the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She didn’t take those roles lightly, friends over many years. Mrs. She stretches out her hand to the either. As president of the Schepp Wallach commented on the numerous poor; Foundation she insisted that every civic responsibilities Barbara had Yea she reaches forth her hands to meeting be preceded by a “tech assumed and how each impacted so the needy. rehearsal,” invoking her son-in-law positively on the social institutions in Strength and dignity are her Peter’s method of a theatrical run this city. Barbara’s history is indeed clothing; through. So we wrote out the script, well etched in a collective memory. And she laughs at the time to come. rewrote it and ran through it and in I had a remarkable relationship She opens her mouth with wisdom; 25 years we both came away from with Barbara. She was there as a And the law of kindness is on her our meetings satisfied that we had leader, a teacher and a friend. She tongue. covered all the bases. came to the hospital when my husband She looks well to the ways of her Barbara had many remarkable was stricken, she encouraged him in household, experiences in her life but perhaps the his recovery and they often shared bits And she eats not the bread of her idleness. most meaningful was that of mother to of German conversation and transla- Her children rise up, and call her Barbette. Perhaps, because she missed tion. When it became too difficult for blessed; her own mother who died when Barbara to visit the Foundation, we Many daughters have done Barbara was a child, the role of mother had long and energetic telephone con- valiantly, held more curiosity, more challenge. I versations covering the New York But thou excels them all. SCHEPP CONNECTIONS

can only speak of Barbara will be something I shall forever Barbara’s husband, Harrison Tweed. At I Banning Tweed in very personal remember. one point during the evening, I found terms. She was the best of friends I first met Barbara at a reception at myself standing beside Mr. Tweed and and always good company. Her the law firm of Tweed, where in an effort to make conversation, said ability to accept what life has to I worked, probably around 1962. “I understand that Mrs. Tweed once bring, especially as age advances, One of the founders of the firm was danced with Isadora Duncan.” Mr. Tweed was not prone to small talk, and he simply said: “Come with me” and, taking my arm, delivered me to Remembering a Happy Time Barbara. I soon came to know her well. I While we remember and celebrate those who have left us, let’s also remember a celebration—our 75th anniversary bash, held on April 16, began to do legal work for her and 2000, at The New York Academy of Sciences. The party, like the lives of Harrison, drawing their wills, represent- Barbara Tweed Estill and Edwin Linville, was an affirmation of all the ing her in the sale of her Montauk sum- Foundation has accomplished since Leopold Schepp first realized his mer house, Tick Hall, to Dick Cavett, vision of helping others achieve their dreams through education. Over then as Executrix of Mr. Tweed’s estate, 400 trustees, staff members, and former and present Schepp scholars and so on over the years. attended the festivities. From all accounts, the party—planned by trustees, scholars, and staff—was a rousing success. One of the things Barbara used to do with great success, was to involve friends and acquaintances in worthy pursuits. In my case, it was The Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies. Barbara first involved me with the Committee on Youth and Community Services, and from there it went on to many other things, including service on the Federation’s Board for more than 20 years. That experience altered my entire view of . For those of you who were around in the late 1960’s, you will recall that New York was not a placid place. There was a fear of race riots, especially as summer came on. Areas now among the trendi- est in the City were places one went to with care. Street gangs were a pres- ence and many of us had experienced personal threats, or knew friends who had. It would have been easy to pull up the drawbridges and to descend Edythe Bobrow (center) pictured with sisters Carolyn Dutkowski Pennock into an “us versus them” mentality. My and Kathy Dutkowsi Fanese, both Schepp Scholars. Ms. Fanese made the cake for the occasion. service with the Federation changed all SCHEPP CONNECTIONS of that for me. The people I worked particular edge to it. For example, Much later, after Harrison Tweed’s with at the Federation came from all Barbara would tell of walking on the death, she was very lonely. But she levels of life in New York City. I soon street with her aunt when she was didn’t talk much about that. She simply came to recognize the greater talent seven years old. They encountered a moved on with life. In 1979 she present throughout the City, and the woman they knew who turned her married Holland Estill, and she greatly dedication and intelligence people back on them in a plain snub. It was enjoyed the companionship that brought to solving its problems. 1915, and they were German. marriage brought to her life. But in the Barbara was there along with me, She would talk of life on her grand- end, she was once again alone. and she was among the most dedi- father’s estate on Staten Island. It was Barbara continued to accept what cated. Most of you know the long list composed of 13 acres overlooking life brought her, even as hers drew to of the organizations to which she the Narrows of New York Harbor. In a close. Her mobility was increasingly devoted her efforts. They included not her uncle’s words, she was “chate- restricted, but she embraced life as only the Federation, which gave her laine” of the house, and she ran it for best she could. I felt badly that I did its Keystone Award, the Women’s her uncle and cared for her grand- not get to see her as often as I would City Club, of which she served as mother. In the 1930’s all of the Ocean have liked, but when you visited her President, but also the Big Sisters and liners bound for New York passed there was no complaint that you did The Leopold Schepp Foundation— through the narrows, and Barbara not come more often. She was glad again serving as President of each. knew them all. Many friends and to have her visitors come whenever And her work with these organizations acquaintances visiting from abroad they could. She remained very much was only part of her life of community were brought to New York on these herself to the very end. service. liners. The family always told them that We shall miss her very much. It was fun knowing Barbara. Her their house was the first on the left as In closing, I would like to read a mind was active and she was always you enter New York Harbor. Later, poem that a friend sent to me. It is by up to date. Even in recent months, as when the estate came to be hers, Lucille Clifton, a former poet laureate of the end of life came on ever more Barbara gave it to New York City. The Maryland, and is to be included in a relentlessly, Barbara remained in house is no longer there, but von new volume of her poetry soon to be touch. When you went to see her, Breisen Park (the family name) is— published. new books on serious topics were right next to Fort Wadsworth. BLESSING THE BOATS (AT ST. MARY’S) always stacked on the coffee table. I don’t think Barbara would have may the tide And they were being read. described herself as brave, but I have that is entering even now One of the best parts of talking always thought of her that way. She the lip of our understanding with Barbara was the window she certainly faced life straight on. Perhaps carry you out gave you on the past. She would talk this was learned from her childhood. beyond the face of fear of New York as it was during the Her mother’s early death meant that may you kiss first 50 years of the 20th century. she was raised by others, partly by her the wind then turn from it Barbara’s roots on her mother’s father, partly by her grandparents, and certain that it will side were German/American. The partly by her mother’s sister. When she love your back German/Americans have been so was a senior at Smith, her aunt died, may you thoroughly absorbed into American and it was then that she came to keep open your eyes to water society that now they are rarely a home for her bachelor uncle and her water waving forever and may you in your innocence viewed as a distinct group. But that invalid grandmother. I have never sail through this to that wasn’t always so, and sometimes heard her suggest that any of this was being German/American had a difficult, but it must not have been easy. —Squire N. Bozorth

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arbara and I shared a lot of won- questions about everything—about accumulated wisdom, and great B derful times over the years. the mind and the spirit—about how courage helped her overcome obsta- There were memorable dinners at to live largely and generously and cles and do what she believed 10 Gracie Square, diving into her wisely—and she never stopped look- needed to be done. famous baked hams—long, glorious ing for answers: Barbara knew how to give— summer weekends out at Montauk— time, encouragement, support, loy- our annual 4th of July pilgrimages to alty, and love. She was not, how- the theater festival at Williamstown— ever, nearly as good at receiving. I and various hallmark birthdays—70, once brought a bottle of wine to din- 80, 85, 90, and finally 93. ner at 10 Gracie—which Barbara One vivid memory stands out in wanted to pay for. When I refused, particular—an image of Barbara, she forced a $20 dollar bill into my looming in the small kitchen in hand. After dinner, I slipped the Montauk, raising a hammer high over money under a book on the coffee her head as she prepared to attack— table when she wasn’t looking. not an intruder or an alien invader— Three days later, I received an enve- but a platter of innocent lobsters she lope in mail with no message had just cooked to perfection. The inside—just the $20 dollar bill. hammer came down with surprising When Barbara was determined, force and accuracy. Again and again there was no stopping her. she struck the lobsters like a frenzied Just a few months before she died, murderer, intent on doing away with Barbara, who generally read heavy the meal we’d been looking forward works of nonfiction, told me that she to all weekend. But when the carnage felt that she had neglected fiction—so was over, the lobsters were revealed, she picked out “The Golden Bowl,” their shells cracked wide open, the Barbara Tweed Estill one of Henry James’s longest and succulent meat ready to be enjoyed— most difficult novels—and read it start without the slightest effort—by her n in the stacks of books piled to finish. guests. on every available surface at She was never one to leave any Barbara devoted her life to mak- 10 Gracie Square stone unturned. ing things better for other people, n in the countless people— To have lived a long, full life is in from taking the struggle out of a lob- of all ages and backgrounds— itself an accomplishment. To have ster dinner—to tutoring women in the in whom she took a deep interest lived that life in the pursuit of making tough prisons of New York City and n in religions, philosophies, the herself a better person and helping helping three generations of young streets of New York, and the wide others . . . is an inspiration to us all. people realize their dreams of a view of the sea from the cliffs at To paraphrase the Chinese phil- higher education. Montauk osopher, Lao-tzu: To Barbara, the idea of taking a taxi in a city which has a perfectly Though she had wonderful stories She held nothing back from life; good bus system was ridiculous. of the past—of trips and people and therefore she was ready for death, She didn’t believe in luxury or self- places long gone—Barbara lived as a person is ready for sleep indulgence. There were far more intensely in the present. She read after a good day’s work. important things in life—like know- everything, thought about everything, ledge and understanding. faced everything. Thank you, Barbara, for everything. Barbara was not one to simply Like all of us, she had her fears accept things as they are. She had and self-doubts. But her keen mind, —Banning Repplier SCHEPP CONNECTIONS

Heartfelt Notes From Schepp Scholars Around the World

We recently asked Schepp Scholars (past and present) to update us on their lives, including their academic and career pursuits, and the amount of feedback we received was astounding. However, in light of the tragedy of Sept. 11, we have decided to hold the scholar updates until the next issue of Schepp Connections, and instead highlight some of the touching words of hope and care sent to not only the Schepp Foundation, but to all the people of New York City. Some of you may recall the stunning view from the Foundation’s wood-paneled meeting room, which faces the South end of Manhattan and once included both the Empire State Building and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Sadly, the Towers, which were once a thrilling sight to share with potential Schepp Scholars and interviewees, are no longer there, but the hope, determination, and dedication of the Leopold Schepp Foundation and its Scholars remains. If there is any doubt about this, one only needs to look over the wonderful words of past and present scholars.

Dear Ms. Bobrow, I’m in Denmark now and doing quite well. The purpose of this letter is not to update you on my activities, however. I wanted to offer my condolences to you, the board, and all other New Yorkers. I’m sure all of your lives have been deeply affected by this tragedy . . . The people of Denmark have shown nothing but sympathy and support for the United States. J. Scott Parker If possible I would like to ask that you donate the money allocated for me this year to the clean up efforts. There isn’t much I can do directly to help, but I would like to help out somehow. I hope that there is enough warmth and kindness to allow your lives to continue on without a permanent shadow of sorrow and regret. Sincerely, J. Scott Parker

Dear Ms. Bobrow, My family and friends are grieving and sad for your city. We have been praying for you all and know this must be terribly difficult for you. We are doing what we can in Texas through blood donations and charity events. Our prayers are with you, those who have lost loved ones and for our great nation of America. George Koehl Sincerely and gratefully, George Koehl Midland, Texas

Dear Ms. Bobrow, My family and I were leaving for Miami to attend my grandfather’s funeral when the news of the attack on the World Trade Center broke. My grandfather was a policeman for thirty-one years, and I thought of him when I heard about all of the policemen and firemen who died trying to save others. I know that he would have been there to help if he could. I hope that you and everyone at the Schepp Foundation are safe . . . The attack happened in New York City, but it was felt by the whole country—really by the whole world. Joel Schimek I am holding all of you in my thoughts. Sincerely, Joel Schimek Gainesville, FL SCHEPP CONNECTIONS

Barbara McLendon: Profile of our New President

BY ROB WILLIAMS, SCHEPP SCHOLAR

he afternoon that I met with Committee and is now one of the would trade anecdotes about a partic- T Barbara McLendon was unusu- longest serving trustees. When I asked ularly promising candidate: the stu- ally gray for the end of August. I was a her how she became involved with the dent’s remarkable volunteerism or per- few minutes early so I decided to cross Foundation, she paused, smiling, as haps his or her intelligent, respectful the street and take a look at Gracie if replaying a wonderful memory in rapport during the interview. It was Mansion (the first time I had ever seen her head, and relayed that it was a Barbara Estill, Mrs. McLendon told me, it, despite two years in New York good friend from church, Priscilla who was instrumental in implementing City!), whose yellow eaves and shrub- Perkins, who asked her if she was the rating system changes as well as in bery were shadowed by a curtain of interested in being a trustee of the picking new trustees. “I love the way clouds. The large, dark clouds, how- Schepp Foundation. the Foundation works. Bringing won- ever, didn’t diminish the sunny, charm- derful people like you,” she said, ges- ing disposition of Mrs. McLendon, turing to me, “to enable you to continue who welcomed me enthusiastically into your education, hopefully with less her lovely East Side residence. We stress and financial worries. This was sat down in her spacious living room important to Barbara Estill, and it is still with its piano and exquisite view of important to me. Why would I want to the river and the Triboro Bridge. I change something that has already don’t know if it was the iced tea she worked so well for so long? I want to promptly served me, or the fact that carry on the good works that Mr. she is from Georgia and went to Schepp, his daughter Florence, and Wesleyan College in Macon, but especially the beloved Mrs. Estill immediately I felt as if I were sitting on worked for so diligently.” When Mrs. a country porch, talking with a dear McLendon said this, I was reminded of friend. Mrs. McLendon, with her shoul- my own interviews at the Foundation der length red hair and warm smile, Barbara McLendon with Ben Phillips and Edythe Bobrow. was less an interviewee and more a I again sensed the same feeling of comfortable, witty conversant. The Foundation, she says, is con- pride that I had sensed during those Mrs. McLendon came to New York stantly fine-tuning and improving the interviews, because this pride, this City soon after college, and her first interview and rating system “to make enthusiasm for youth and the future, job was with the Yorkville Youth sure that we find the most deserving, was so winningly conveyed by Mrs. Council. “I have always loved working most hardworking applicants. We McLendon. with young people,” she told me, and don't want a good student to fall While there is little that the new this is indeed evident in her involve- through the cracks.” It is the interview president would change about the ment with not only the Youth Council, process and getting to know the stu- Foundation and the way it works, Mrs. but also with the Girl Scouts and dents that Mrs. McLendon finds the McLendon did say that there are dis- Greer-Woodycrest Children’s Services. most rewarding, something she had in cussions about special scholarships in Amazingly, Mrs. McLendon’s associa- common with the previous President, honor of Mrs. Estill, perhaps designat- tion with the Leopold Schepp Barbara Estill. Mrs. McLendon and ing the top undergraduate candidates Foundation goes back to 1980. She Mrs. Estill often shared a cab to the “Barbara Tweed Estill Scholars.” In any remains co-chairman of the Graduate Foundation office, and during the drive event, she intends that the Leopold SCHEPP CONNECTIONS

Schepp Foundation will continue its her walks through this park, along the Foundation President, Barbara awards to worthy and dedicated stu- same river, in this same wonderful McLendon, and most especially proud dents for many years to come. city of New York. Perhaps she had of the many students whose lives will When I had finished my interview stopped at one of these benches to be touched, altered, and made so with Mrs. McLendon, I again walked reflect on a student she had inter- much more rewarding, by the amazing to Gracie Mansion, through Carl viewed or a meeting she had over- generosity of Leopold Schepp. n Schurz Park and down John Finley seen. I thought surely she was Walk along the river. Somewhere in watching over us now, proud of the Rob Williams is a Schepp Scholar my notes I had written that Barbara continuing work of the Foundation, from Columbia University where he is Estill had lived nearby, and I imaged of the promising tenure of the new in a MFA Creative Writing program.

We’ll Definitely Keep Andrew in Mind—He probably Will be President

Dear Sirs: TheAmericanPresidents.com. I met I read in a book that you may My name is Andrew Fuller. I am 10 the President on my birthday June have some scholarships available. and going into the sixth grade. I want 7th at the White House when he Can you send me information and to go to a special naval school called signed the tax bill. I plan to be see if I qualify? Admiral Farragut Academy, and am President in 2028 and am already an looking for help with tuition. I am very expert on the Presidents. I know all Sincerely, smart. I skipped two grades in school. of them in order with their dates and Andrew S. Fuller I also am an expert on the Presidents trivia about them. I am called the Owner, The American Presidents and have my own website called Presidential Whiz Kid. I love politics! June 18, 2001

Hail to the Chief

On May 23, 2001, at a luncheon held at the Harvard Club in New York City, Barbara McLendon was officially installed as 6th president of the Board of Trustees of the Leopold Schepp Foundation. The luncheon was attended by trustees, staff, and the new First Man, Robert McLendon. Beth McLendon, daughter, lives and works in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Honorary Trustee Priscilla C. Perkins and Foundation secretary Kathleen C. Smith.

Trustees Susan Brenner, Betty David, Sue Ann Dawson, William L.D. Barrett, Trustees Kathryn Batchelder and Carvel H. Cartmell. Mrs. Dawson and Mr. Barrett are Cashman and Andrew Butterfield. vice presidents. Ms. Cashman is a vice president.

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A World Without Borders

BY JOHN KATEN, SCHEPP SCHOLAR

mages of forty-plus countries and four New Year’s Eve). It was only one of the Americans fail to seize the opportunities I continents raced through my mind as many times that I would find myself the that the “world classroom” provides. I sat in the back of the Syrian police car, beneficiary of an amazingly unique hos- I was fortunate to have stumbled into speeding through the ancient, twisting pitality, generosity and sense of commu- my first travel experience back in 1991, streets of Homs, in central Syria. There nity that could only exist in a country choosing, at the advice of a professor was nothing in my previous travel expe- with no cell phones, no internet, no and somewhat on a whim, to spend a riences, or in my guide book for that ATMs, and certainly not a trace of semester studying in Cairo (and yes, as matter, that could have prepared me for Western materialism. And to think that if a Schepp Scholar, the Foundation this. Foremost in my mind was the un- I had heeded my own fears I would helped make this opportunity financially certainty that had gripped me on the have missed one of the most rewarding possible). Those of you who have spent trip from Athens to Damascus. There and eye-opening experiences of my life. time abroad can appreciate what a had been an instinctive voice in my I should have known better. It was 1999 learning experience that really was. It head warning me not to come here, to and I was a seasoned traveler—when was complete immersion in a foreign the heart of the Middle East. Boy, was I would I learn? culture. It was the challenge of learning wrong. In the United State we tend to think a new language, and of learning to live I had only stopped on the street to of learning in the context of the class- within and appreciate a new set of ask the officer for directions. In the coun- room—high school, college, graduate social norms and customs. It was the try where there is virtually no tourism, school, executive seminars. Somehow opportunity to learn an entirely new per- and English is not widely spoken, strug- the emphasis on travel as a learning spective on world history, current politi- gling through simple phrases in Arabic experience, which is so embedded in cal events and the origin of world reli- was a challenge in itself. In a gesture of the European and Australian thinking, gions. It was the opportunity to stand classic Syrian hospitality, the officer not has escaped our culture. Maybe it is before the Sphinx and the Pyramids at only insisted on driving me to my desti- because we can travel 3000 miles Giza and contemplate the origins of civ- nation (the bus terminal), but also made without leaving our own borders or ilization itself. sure that I was directed to the proper encountering the need to struggle The value of this type of experience bus (Syrian bus terminals tend to be through a language other than English. to the undergraduate mind is arguably about as orderly as Times Square on Regardless, the fact remains that many unequaled. Although I know many life- long travelers who have long since traded backpacks and youth hostels for Leopold Schepp Foundation Concord flights and private guides, I Awards summary have yet to find someone who doesn’t consider their “semester abroad” as one 1925-2001 of the most rewarding experiences. As adults with most of our formal Student Category # of Awards $ Awarded education behind us, travel still offers us Endeavors (1925-1932) 3,922 $ 784,400 uncountable opportunities for continued High School Youth learning. For the undergraduates that College/university 16,974 18,274,510 the Foundation supports, a first travel

Research/post doctoral 151 1,636,815 experience may be the catalyst to a life- time of continuing education. With that May 23, 2001 21,047 $ 20,696,725 said, should the Foundation begin con- SCHEPP CONNECTIONS

sidering the undergraduate educational abroad to current Schepp Scholars to promote a broader learning experience experience in a more holistic sense by encourage them to take advantage of to these students, by encouraging study actively encouraging the out-of-class- this extraordinary part of their complete abroad programs. Doing so will help room experience? Could the Foundation undergraduate experience? these students build skills and experience offer additional, small stipends to cur- The Foundation is in a unique and necessary to be successful in the border- rent Schepp Scholars who would like to enviable position. With a mission of less world of the 21st century. Which travel abroad? (Even $500 goes a long choosing bright and promising students reminds me of the time my cross-border way in some countries). In a mentoring and giving them financial support to help train was canceled and I got unexpect- sense, can the Foundation recommend them achieve their educational goals, the edly dropped in Bulgaria—but that’s a and promote the concept of a semester Foundation also has the opportunity to different story. n

Ed Hodges on Ed Linville

here are times in the life of each But Ed’s most important qualification T of us when the world we have to those of us who knew him well was known seems to be forever changed by his love of learning as well as teaching, a single event. The year 2001 will long which manifested itself throughout his be remembered by the staff and Board lifetime. He was elected to the Schepp of Trustees of the Leopold Schepp Board immediately after retirement from Foundation because of three such events his profession in 1972, and quickly that occurred in alarming succession. endeared himself to his Schepp associ- The first was the passing of our beloved ates with his vibrancy and enthusiasm president of many years, Barbara for the Foundation’s purpose, his intel- Tweed Estill. The second was the death lect and character—and especially for Suzanne and Ed Linville of a long-time, highly esteemed, totally the twinkle in his eyes that spoke of mer- delightful Board member, C. Edwin riment and good humor. His evaluations Foundation and its scholars: “We enjoy Linville. And, of course, the third was the of applicants were invariably insightful, our work, our companionship, and national tragedy of September 11 that wise, and a joy to read. Applicants and almost everyone we interview. . . . will profoundly effect the way many of scholars working on their doctoral the- Perhaps some higher authority should us relate to the city and its people. ses or doing post-doctoral studies were present all who serve (the Schepp I will deal with the loss of our friend of very special interest to him because Foundation) honorary post-doctoral and compatriot, Ed Linville. Ed’s educa- he could learn much from them about degrees! Schepp is itself an institution tion and career alone would have qual- their esoteric fields of work and study. of higher learning.” How right he was! ified him well for work with the Intent on adding life to his years So our thanks go to our scholars, past Foundation and its scholars: his under- after retirement, Ed became a writer and present, for all they teach us through graduate degree was from Princeton and lecturer, and held leadership posi- their dreams and courage, their studies and his Master’s was from Rutgers. His tions in his church as well as in various and achievement. And our memories of four years in the U.S. Army as an intelli- cultural organizations in his hometown Ed Linville and his persistent glow will gence officer during World War II were of Scarsdale, New York. For the sheer remain strong, reminding us of how followed by 35 years of teaching and joy of it, he continued to ride his bicycle blessed we at the Schepp Foundation administration in the New York City around Scarsdale until an accident a were by his presence among us. Indeed, Public School System. And he had two few years ago suggested it was time to he added life to our years. n sons for whom a good education was stop. He wrote something in 1995 that undoubtedly a high priority. defined well his feelings about the Ed Hodges is an honorary trustee. Board of Trustees 2001-2002

Barbara McLendon, President Dressing for Success—Schepp Style William L. D. Barrett, Vice President Kathryn Batchelder Cashman, I want to tell you about my own (rather Vice President personal) Schepp connections. Sue Ann Dawson, Vice President I grew up on a farm in Rockland James G. Turino, Treasurer County, New York during the depres- Linda B. McKean, sion. When the price of milk fell to 2¢ Assistant Treasurer-Secretary Louise M. Bozorth a quart, my father switched from Susan Brenner cows to corn and apples but we Andrew W. Butterfield, PhD always had a hard time making ends Carvel H. Cartmell meet. Raising the money for college Anne Coffin tuition was a major hurdle until Miss Emily Crawford Ann Hayes, a family friend and Betty David Schepp Trustee suggested that I William G. Gridley, Jr. apply to the Schepp Foundation. Dr. Sylvia Diehl and husband Ken Diana P. Herrmann Benjamin Phillips, PhD Happily, I was accepted. For seven Elizabeth Stone Potter years (three at Mount Holyoke farmer’s daughter). I remember a Robert F. Reder, MD College, and four at Columbia Univer- fine grey wool daytime dress, cut on Banning Repplier sity’s College of Physicians and the bias, a faun-colored soft woolen George R. Walker Surgeons) the Foundation provided coat and a black panne velvet dinner Edythe Bobrow, Executive Director me with scholarship help, encour- dress. Almost 50 years later, I still agement, advice (“Redouble your wear the black velvet (see photo). Honorary Trustees efforts” was a frequent admonition), Miss Schepp had style: classic, and invitations to Florence Schepp’s timeless. Rob Caples P.S. Now that my medical career C. Edwin Hodges elegant Fifth Avenue apartment for is winding down, I finally have time Priscilla C. Perkins the holiday tea parties. Samuel Thorne In 1953, I started a rotating intern- for volunteer activities. Dress for Eugenia B. Willard ship at Strong Memorial Hospital for Success, an organization which pro- vides free work-appropriate clothing Paul Marks, MD, Science Advisor which I received a stipend of $15.00 a month. Again, Miss Hayes to the to low income women entering the work force, is a major commitment. Editorial Staff rescue! She arranged for Miss Schepp to pass on some of her As my father would say: “The apple Banning Repplier, Editor and clothing to me—to my delight. (Hand- falls not far from its tree.” Contributing Writer Kris Tobiassen, Graphic Designer me-downs were nothing new to this —Sylvia Diehl, MD, Schepp Scholar (Schepp Scholar) C. Edwin Hodges, Contributing Writer Robert R. Williams, Contributing Let’s Celebrate the Holiday Season Writer (Schepp Scholar) Edythe Bobrow, Coordinator Please join us at the Foundation offices for our annual holiday celebration. Barbara McLendon, Advisor This gathering will be especially meaningful this year in the wake of so Benjamin Phillips, Advisor many losses, both for Foundation and for our country as a whole. Leopold Schepp loved New York and would be proud of the way New Yorkers have Designed and produced by responded to the recent tragic events. Let’s show him we’re going Kris Tobiassen. Portfolio online at: www.baxsie.com/ktobiassen strong—and still full of optimism for the future.

Printed by Binding Together, WHEN: WHERE: RSVP: A non-profit organization Wednesday, Leopold Schepp Foundation the Foundation Leopold Schepp Foundation December 12 551 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3000 212 692-0191 551 5th Avenue, Suite 3000 4 to 7 pm New York, NY New York, NY 10176-2597 (212) 692-0191