PRINCIPIA

PURPOSESUMMER ’11

Also in this issue:

Speaking Up

Behind the Scenes of Math and Science at the College Photos by Julie Furbush From the Chief Executive

SUMMER 2011, Issue No. 364 Dear Readers, The mission of Purpose is to build com- munity among alumni and friends by sharing news, “The world best knows Principia through those who updates, accomplishments, and insights related to are known as Principians.” Founder Mary Kimball Principia, its alumni, and former faculty and staff. The Principia Purpose is published twice a year. Morgan shared this idea in a talk to the graduating classes of 1935. It’s still true today. Marketing Director Gretchen Newby (C’86) A tree is, indeed, known by its fruit. And Principia’s Content Director harvests have been abundant for more than a Kathy Coyne (US’83, C’87) century! Our graduates are making valuable Senior Writer / Purpose Editor Trudy Palmer (US’72) contributions across the globe.

Art Director / Purpose Designer You can read about some of the many remarkable Principians in these pages. Joshua Van Horsen This issue’s cover story focuses on women alumni who have achieved leadership Staff Writer positions in the fields of law, science, engineering, management consulting, and Marla Sammuli journalism. You will also find profiles of six members of the Class of 2011, three Staff Designers from the School and three from the College. Kamren Charpentier (US’95, C’00) Stephanie Johnson (C’93) Mrs. Morgan intended Principia to be a school for both boys and girls. When Contributing Photographers Principia’s policies were developed, Policy 14 took an unequivocal position Kindra Holmsley (US’87, C’91) Andrew Parsons (US’10, C’14) that Principia “shall be a coeducational institution in the fullest meaning of the Cooper Stock (US’10, C’14) term.” Graham Thatcher (C’11) Joshua Van Horsen The policy goes on to state that everyone at Principia will be eligible for Contributing Writers responsibilities and opportunities regardless of sex. In the 1940s, when the Lee Fletcher-McGookin Doreen Joffe policies were written, gender discrimination was common, so this was a strong Heather Shotwell (C’84) stand for the principle of equal opportunity regardless of gender. Peter Stevens (US’76, C’79) Glenn Williams Mrs. Morgan was very clear on the spiritual basis for equality between the David Wold (US’79, C’84) sexes: “We should let Principle form our basis for decisions, and there is not one Address Changes The Principia Principle for women and another for men” (Education at The Principia, p. 13201 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63131 115). It’s invigorating to serve an institution with this value as a cornerstone. E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 800.277.4648, ext. 2868 As you dive into the magazine, you’ll read about experiential learning in math Subscriptions and science at the College. You will find out how public speaking skills are Voluntary subscriptions of $15/year to help defray publishing costs are greatly appreciated. fostered at all levels of the School and how attention to character unfoldment Please make checks payable to The Principia. characterizes the Principia experience. As you’ll see, all of this takes place within Submissions the context of recognizing the unlimited potential of all our students. If you have an article idea for the Purpose, please send a query to [email protected]. At Principia, we embrace limitlessness on a daily basis. Thank you for supporting The Purpose accepts no responsibility for un- solicited manuscripts, artwork, or photographs. this work! Materials will not be returned unless accompa- nied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Reprints Requests for permission to reprint any portion of the Principia Purpose should be sent to [email protected] ideas and opinions Jonathan W. Palmer expressed in the articles do not necessarily Chief Executive reflect those held by The Principia or by the writers or editor of the Purpose.

© 2011 The Principia Contents Features Departments

1 From the Chief Executive

3 Letters 6 4 School News Ceilings and Ladders: Women Leaders’ Route to the Top 5 College News

41 Advancement

44 My Principia Story

2622 46 Awards and Achievements Meet a Few of This Year’s Graduates Behind the Scenes of Math and Science at the College 48 in Action Women Leaders’ route to the top 32 37

Memorable Moments Speaking Up

42

Have Wings, Will Fly: College Track Team Sets Records Letters

Enjoyed reading the recent [Winter ’10] e-reader with full Internet access, he or she and marketed, and those are the significant issue of Purpose and the articles on the can log on to the College Web page and “costs” of producing a book. Whether it digital files/books at the library. Have access the digital collection in the same finally gets printed on paper or zipped two questions: way computer users do. through the Internet is (almost) financially irrelevant. 1. The books in the library, did you buy them or digitize books you already had? Good e-books are created by real publishers On page seven of the [cover story by If yes, who or how did you do this? (and their editors and marketers) who Ron Charles in the] Winter ’10 Purpose, have real expenses that have little to do 2. Will any e-reader work? Does Prin the statement is made that most of the with paper and shipping. It’s certainly true have a preferred or standard e-reader? publisher’s costs are fixed and unrelated that it costs less to produce and distribute to paper or shipping. Very hard to believe! Thanks in advance for your responses. an e-book than a hard copy one, but the There is no storage of paper in a digital production/distribution phase of publishing Robert Reiner system, so no cost of warehousing for is a small fraction of the overall process, Response from Carol Stookey, Director of paper, cardboard, and binding materials. small in terms of both time and cost. the College library No printing presses and ink, and personnel and space for above. I know College library patrons (current faculty, presses cost well up in the hundreds A comment confirming the sentiments staff, and students) access, or “borrow,” of thousands. No assembly costs to shared in “At Home in Howard House” in e-books instead of purchasing them. The manufacture books. No storage costs the Winter ‘10 issue. collections of e-books the library owns for printed books. No shipping costs or subscribes to are not designed to be I’ve had many homes in my life— for the books. In fact, what are the “downloadable.” Instead, patrons access places of growth and family and remaining costs? Only two items: editors material through the College webpage, lessons learned—and Howard House is to read incoming manuscripts, and order which verifies (through ID numbers and certainly one of them. The grandeur of clerks to send out the digitized books. passwords) that the user has permission the architectural space, the freshman Must be a fraction of the former space, to access the College’s digital collection. mentoring by upperclassmen, the good equipment, and personnel requirements. Patrons use their computer to access these humor or chiding of friends when you What am I missing? e-books from anywhere in the world with did something thoughtless, it helped an Internet connection. The library does G. Trefor Thomas (US’46) us begin discovering who we are. (And not use e-readers because those currently I’m still working on that!) Not a week Response from Ron Charles on the market for individuals are geared goes by that I don’t recall something of toward downloading (or purchasing) It’s true that when “books” go directly from my days and friendships at Prin and feel materials and reading the material offline. the author’s computer to a reader, they grateful for those blessings. cost essentially nothing to produce. But for The library has not done any in-house the most part, nobody wants to read those Peggy (Goodrich, C’77) Moretti digitizing of its collections. Digitization of books! (Seth Godin is the only exception I some key Principia publications, specifically can think of, though some romance authors The Sheaf and The Blade, are in process are starting to deliver e-books directly to with an outside vendor. their readers, too.) To date, the library has not purchased Most people still want books that have e-readers for the reasons mentioned above. been purchased from an author, then edited If, however, a patron has an iPad or an PURPOSE Summer 2011 | 3 School News

The wrestling team had an outstanding Music Festival a Success season, sending eight qualifiers to the Last February Principia School hosted State Tournament and bringing the 30th annual ABC Solo and Ensemble home two of the top three awards—a Music Festival with more than 350 6th– third place finish for Jake Roometua and 12th grade contestants from ABC League a first place finish for his brother, Josh schools. Principians brought home a Roometua, who was an Upper School number of awards, listed below: student at the time. Other notable state The Upper School varsity girls’ basketball rankings include Remington Lutz (US’12), Upper School ABC League team celebrates a successful season. who finished in the Top 8, and Garrett Ensemble Trophy Winners Moulton (US’12) and Ben Stolfa (US’12), Strong Seasons Clarinet Ensemble—Bethy Diakabana who were Top 12 finishers. in Several Sports (US’13), Stephen Hanlin (US’13), Cum Laude Honors Summer Switzer (US’11) For the first time in Principia history, (The Purpose went to print prior to this activity.) the varsity girls’ basketball team won Vocal Ensemble—Stephen Hanlin, Gabe sectionals, defeating the 2009 state On June 4, nine Upper School students Stringer (US’13), Aaron Switzer (US’12) champs and 2010 runner-up—Cardinal will graduate with cum laude honors. Outstanding Soloist Awards Ritter High School—with a score of All of them have maintained an excep- 43–40! In addition, Liz Gilman (US’12) tionally high academic level of achieve- Sarah Bell (US’12), viola and Kara Johnson (US’12) were named ment and an excellent citizenship Melissa Frank (US’14), flute to the All-District Team. record during their junior and senior Amanda Fulton (US’11), flute years. Here are the names of this year’s Meredith Hamilton (US’13), vocal honorees: Stephen Hanlin, vocal Several members of the girls’ swim team earned spots on Metro Wom- Carrie Elizabeth Blanton Middle School ABC League en’s Athletic Association (MWAA) Cameron Scott Douglas Ensemble Trophy Winners All-Star teams: Ross Alan Furbush Woodwind Ensemble—Cecily Hibbs, James Christopher Jarvis 1st Team for the 50 Freestyle— Jennifer Ritter, Amanda Roberts Christian David Thomas Dani McKenzie (US’12) Gavin Kenneth Thomas Outstanding Soloist Awards 2nd Team for the 100 Butterfly— Garrett Deland Wells Jennifer Ritter, oboe Dani McKenzie Holly Morgan Wilder Lily Oyer, vocal Honorable Mention for the Jessica Rae Wingert 500 Freestyle— In March, 34 upper schoolers competed Moriah Early-Manchester (US’12) at the District Solo & Ensemble Festival. Finally in April, the following 14 students, Dani McKenzie also qualified for state, all of whom received superior ratings at competing in the 50 Free and 100 Fly. the district competition, went on to the Though she didn’t wind up qualifying State Music Festival (those with an * also for the finals, she beat her season best received a superior rating at state): Jessica in the 50 and improved on her MWAA Alford (US’12), Sarah Bell*, Bethy Diaka- finals time in the 100. bana, Melissa Frank, Annika Fredrikson (US’12), Amanda Fulton*, Meredith Ham- Dani McKenzie ilton, Stephen Hanlin, Dani McKenzie*, Hayley Scheck* (US’12), Kim Sheasley*, Gabe Stringer, Aaron Switzer. 4 | PURPOSE Summer 2011 College News

Commencement College Debuts Musical A New Press Box (The Purpose went to print prior to this activity.) Version of a Dickens Tale and a Strong Season

On June 5, Torkel Patterson will bring a In May the Theatre and Dance Starting with this past season, all home global perspective to commencement Department presented the first-ever baseball games have enjoyed new as the College’s featured speaker. collegiate production of Jill Santoriello’s facilities, including a press box and A graduate of the A Tale of Two Cities: The Musical. permanent stadium-style seating. The Naval Academy, he served under Set just before and during new press box provides three administrations in a variety of the French Revolution, the professional, weather- government posts, including Special story traverses the depths proof workspaces for the Assistant to the President for Asia, and heights of human announcer, statistician, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for nature, uncovering loyalty, scoreboard operator, and South Asia, and Senior Country Director treachery, forgiveness, and PIR broadcasters. for Japan in the Office of the Secretary of sacrifice in its course. And there was plenty of Defense. Friday night’s performance news to broadcast this Patterson also worked at Raytheon included a “talk back” season! The baseball team Company for several years, focusing with Santoriello, the won 20 games—a new on international business development playwright, lyricist, and record since entering the and serving for part of that time as composer. Santoriello St. Louis Intercollegiate president of Raytheon International readily acknowledged Promotional poster Athletic Conference (SLIAC) Inc. He is currently president of the challenge of staging in 1990. (Twenty wins ties U.S.–Japan MAGLEV, LLC, a U.S. her production, describing it as “huge the pre-SLIAC record for total wins set in company partnering with Central and hugely difficult.” But she clearly 1986.) The team also won 12 conference Japan Railway Company to market and thought the College was up to the games, setting another College record. deploy the world’s fastest train and its task. Beaming, she said she was “really environmentally friendly technology to impressed!” The audience’s standing international markets, including the U.S. ovation confirmed that assessment.

And the Records Came Tumbling Down!

In athletics, breaking a record or two a year is cause for celebration. To break a dozen in a single season is almost unbelievable, but that’s exactly what happened this winter. The indoor track team set 12 new College records in two months! Men’s Indoor Records Set Women’s Indoor Records Set

400m Jacob Meier (51.11) 800m Casey Powell (02:24.1) 800m Drew Clark (01:52.3) Mile Casey Powell (05:20.7) Mile Drew Clark (04:12.2) 800m Relay Hayley Cooke, Natasha Post, 3000m Wylie Mangelsdorf (08:44.8) Julia Suber, Cristina Post (02:02.0) 5000m Wylie Mangelsdorf (15:42.9) 800m Relay Cameron Price, Frederick Ochieng, Alex Clapp, Clayton Harper (01:40.8) For more information on the track team, 1600m Relay Jacob Meier, Jeff Strickland, Derrick Fleming, Drew Clark (03:27.4) see p. 42. 3200m Relay Jacob Meier, Derrick Fleming, Wylie Mangelsdorf, Drew Clark (08:01.7) Distance Medley Relay Wylie Mangelsdorf, Derrick Fleming, Jacob Meier, Drew Clark (10:13.8)

PURPOSE Summer 2011 | 5 Women Leaders’ Route to the Top women in leadership

As part of our review of women in leadership, the Purpose spoke with David Wold, the director of Principia’s new Leadership Institute.

Over the years we’ve heard a lot about A great example is the case of Howard versus a “glass ceiling” that prevents women Heidi. A Columbia Business School professor from reaching leadership positions. Is presented students with the profile of a that barrier still in place? successful venture capitalist who leveraged personal and professional networks to close Well, when you look at women in leadership deals. For one group of students, the venture in the U.S. on a relative basis, there has been capitalist was named Heidi. For the other significant progress. Compared to 25 years group, the name was changed to Howard. The ago, there are four times as many women students saw the two as equally competent, in Congress and 15 times as many female but while they saw Howard as likable and CEOs in the Fortune 1000. That sounds pretty effective, they viewed Heidi as selfish and impressive, right? But the dramatic increase is said they’d be reluctant to hire her. due to the fact that there were so few women leaders to begin with. In 1985 there were just That sounds like a no-win situation. 25 women in Congress and only two female A woman has to work within the CEOs in the Fortune 1000. established power structure, but when she does, it makes her seem less In absolute terms, women are still very much likable. underrepresented in the leadership ranks. Fewer than 3 percent of the Fortune 1000 Right. Because the masculine model is so companies have female CEOs. And I believe prevalent, women often feel forced to prove only 16 percent of congressional seats are held they can be as masculine as men—a posture by women. that’s both unnatural and uncomfortable for many women. And even when women What are some of the reasons women do assume a more masculine leadership haven’t made more inroads? posture, they’re often labeled as aggressive I think there are a number of factors. One is and abrasive. While success and likability that women face a real Catch-22. The power are positively correlated for men, they’re structures in most organizations are based negatively correlated for women. In other on masculine models where the currency words, women are much more likely than is assertiveness, decisiveness, and self- men to have to risk being unlikable in order promotion. But when women express those to achieve success. This dynamic is one of the qualities, they’re seen as either too aggressive reasons cited for women opting not to pursue or trying to be like a man. leadership roles.

PURPOSE Summer 2011 | 7 You’re saying women are Some might argue that’s because So how do you explain the lack choosing to stay away from women just aren’t as ambitious of confidence? leadership roles? as men. Do you think that’s There’s often what’s called a valid? Yes, that’s one of the issues being “recognition gap.” Researcher and raised these days—that women are No, I don’t think so. However, I do think author Ana Fels found that women taking themselves off the leadership women may be less motivated by the receive less praise for their work than track for different reasons. traditional trappings of power. Taking men and, over time, start to believe possession of the corner office may not their accomplishments have less value. What kind of reasons? hold as much appeal for women, but I When recognition is missing, confidence One of the primary reasons is having think they’re as ambitious as men when is shaken and ambition stalls. a family. A report for the Center for it comes to making a difference, being That may also explain why women and Work-Life Policy found that 44 percent influential, etc. The real difference men view the path to leadership very of highly qualified women who had may be more about confidence than differently. left their jobs did so to care for family ambition. members, yet only 12 percent of men What do you mean? left their jobs voluntarily for that reason. And even if they stay in their job, women Women tend to undervalue their ability shoulder a bigger share of childcare and question their readiness to lead. As . . . companies with duties. Estimates are that women spend an example, a study of MBA students two to three times as many hours caring revealed that 70 percent of women higher numbers of for children as men do. rated their performance as equivalent to their co-workers, while 70 percent of women in leader- How does that impact their the men rated themselves higher than leadership? their peers. ship positions Women feel less able to pursue Is that just perception, or is there leadership roles. As one female enjoyed better evidence that women are less executive put it, women “lean back” capable leaders? when leadership opportunities arise organizational because they’re not sure they can The research I’ve seen shows that assume additional responsibility while women are definitely as capable and financial also meeting their family’s needs. In as men. In fact, the consulting firm one survey 38 percent of the women McKinsey & Company did a report performance. said they’d opted for positions with less entitled “Women Matter” and found responsibility than they were qualified that companies with higher numbers of for in order to meet family obligations. women in leadership positions enjoyed better organizational and financial performance.

8 | PURPOSE Summer 2011 women in leadership

How so? within their company, women often lose out to their male peers. A study of Well, if recognition isn’t forthcoming, top performing CEOs found that women the road to the top probably feels a lot were nearly twice as likely as men to steeper. Men tend to view positioning have been hired from outside the firm. themselves for promotion as a kind of game, whereas women see it more That sounds less like a glass as running a gauntlet—which may be ceiling and more like there are due in part to the lack of sponsors for rungs missing on the ladder. women. That’s a great way to put it—and a What do you mean by sponsor? key point. Many women argue that “glass ceiling” is the wrong metaphor. A mentor offers advice and support, but They contend that rather than simply a sponsor is someone at the senior level breaking through a barrier at the top, who provides access to key executives, women have to negotiate a whole points out leadership opportunities, different route. and endorses you for leadership roles. While women tend to have as many mentoring relationships as men, they have fewer sponsors. Without sponsors

Board Games 2010 is just one way to tackle leadership issues and share Leadership the Leadership Institute is helping ideas. The Summit will include a guest students address leadership issues speaker, skill-building sessions, small- Institute and develop leadership skills. Over group exercises, and discussion. the last year the Institute has worked Update with student government leaders, Future plans include additional work- athletic team captains, house boards, shops, panel discussions, leadership Last fall, on the day before classes resident assistants, and student trips, and the development of a started, some 100 College students clubs. Discussion topics have covered leadership certificate. Look for news gathered on the Chapel Green for an everything from moral courage to about these activities in upcoming afternoon of friendly competition called motivating others. Feedback has been e-mails and publications. You can Board Games 2010. For several hours quite positive. As one of the team also get more information about the nine teams competed in different events captains remarked, “This was one of Institute and find our Facebook page at such as Blind Polygons, Team Radar, and the most useful things I’ve done at Prin. www.principiacollege.edu/leadership. Land Barge. It was play with a purpose, It taught me a lot about leadership, produced by the Principia Leadership myself, and life.” ~ David Wold, Director Institute to get house boards thinking Principia Leadership Institute more as a team—learning to cooperate The Institute has a Leadership Summit and communicate—and to give leaders planned for fall semester, bringing an opportunity to test their skills. together a cross section of students

PURPOSE Summer 2011 | 9 Photo by Duncan Studio Inc. Photo by Graham Bothwell Photo courtesy of SHRM

partner with Pathfinder Engineers mmediately following graduation urrently a consultant and inter- A and Architects LLP, in Rochester, I from the College, Mary Brownell C national speaker on leadership , Lynn Gardner Bellenger Bothwell (C’73) began work as a and human resources, China Miner (C’71) is a nationally recognized member of the technical staff at Jet Gorman (US’74, C’78) recently leader for energy projects ranging Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at stepped down from her post as chief from comprehensive energy audits to Institute of Technology. Three decades operating officer for the Society for multidiscipline design for institutional, later, she was managing nearly 700 Human Resource Management (SHRM), industrial, and commercial buildings. employees and $150M–$175M/year the world’s largest HR professional She is also the first woman president projects, overseeing the development association with over 250,000 members in the 116-year history of the American and delivery of instrument technology, in more than 140 countries. Prior to Society of Heating, Refrigerating and flight instruments, and science data joining SHRM, Gorman was president of Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). processing and archiving systems DBM North America, which specializes for both NASA and non-NASA space in global outplacement and leadership Bellenger has received two ASHRAE missions. development. Before that, she was service awards, two first-place ASHRAE president of Lee Hecht Harrison, a Technology Awards, and the Lincoln Bothwell’s awards include a NASA global leader in the field of talent Bouillon Membership Award. She Exceptional Service Medal, a NASA development. majored in mathematics at the College, Individual Achievement Award, and holds an MS in environmental science JPL’s Award for Excellence. She majored Gorman currently serves on the from Rutgers University, and is a in physics at the College and has an boards of the Council for Adult and licensed professional engineer. She and MBA from the University of California, Experiential Learning and Jobs for her husband live in Pittsford, New York. . She and her husband live America’s Graduates. She is also editor- in Pasadena, California, where she is at-large of SmartBrief on Workforce. now a Christian Science practitioner. Gorman majored in English literature at the College and has completed the coursework for an MS in management at National-Louis University. She lives with her husband in Las Vegas, Nevada.

10 | PURPOSE Summer 2011 women in leadership

“We opened the door”—Alumnae Leaders Reflect, Assess, Anticipate by Trudy Palmer

Meet four alumnae who shattered the glass ceiling, rising to high-level leadership positions in Photo by Romaguera Photography science, engineering, law, and management consulting. fter receiving her JD from Tulane A University Law School, Sharon In each case, the road to success involved being the only Perlis (C’66) served as law clerk at woman in the room or the first female the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Louisiana before entering private (fill in the blank). As you’d expect, initiative, energy, law practice in 1972. She is currently resourcefulness, and self-reliance are abundantly evident president of Perlis & Associates and is an active arbitrator and mediator. among the group. Formerly, she was an administrative law judge for the State of Louisiana and the But what’s absent speaks volumes as well. In particular, attorney for the Louisiana Insurance the absence of bitterness tells of the grace and humility Rating Commission. that led these women to the top. Perlis’s list of business and board involvement is extensive, including serving on or chairing the Port of New Like Perlis, Mary Bothwell was a rarity, Orleans Commission and the regional Pioneers on an describing herself as “one of the very chamber of commerce, as well as the few technical women working at JPL boards of bank and trade commissions uphill path at the time.” China Gorman and Lynn and import/export councils, among With one brief anecdote, Sharon Perlis Bellenger also had few women peers, others. Along with serving on non- captures the dramatic change in the not to mention women role models profit boards (e.g., she is the current landscape of opportunity for women in leadership positions. In addition, chair of WYES, the local PBS station), interested in law. “I was one of three Gorman was usually the youngest her civic participation includes a wide women in a class of 120 at Tulane in the room, sometimes by a couple range of work in education, economic Law School,” she explains. “It was a of decades. What is it, then, that development, international trade, and tough interview process, very tough repositions women from anomaly to advocacy for small businesses. Perlis and very anti-female. But now more head of the pack? In a word (or two): has also received numerous awards for than 60 percent of the class is female. hard work. her leadership and business accomplish- We opened the door and by example ments, as well as Principia’s David K. demonstrated that women could be Everyone spoke of having to achieve Andrews Distinguished Alumni Award. good students and lawyers. Now it’s more than the men in their field in order Perlis majored in French at the College. unquestioned and assumed, and I think to be counted as their equal. “There She lives in New Orleans, Louisiana. that will continue to happen.”

PURPOSE Summer 2011 | 11 was tremendous pressure on me to meeting—was asked to take notes, Pride isn’t all these women chose prove myself,” Bothwell notes. “I had to she was not happy about it. “I was so to forgo. They also opted out of work harder than the men and produce mad,” she says, “but I was also pretty motherhood, and most of them say more.” Gorman much intimidated their career choices influenced that found a similar For all the success by this room full decision. Bothwell comments, “I didn’t double standard of older men, so think it would be fair to the children when a man who’d these women have I took notes and with the kind of career I envisioned and just promoted her tried to do a good ultimately had.” Perlis and Bellenger acknowledged achieved, there’s job.” A few hours express similar sentiments, but Gorman outright, “If I later as people sees it a little differently. She doesn’t have two people not a lot of ego were leaving the believe her decision not to have children even semi-equal meeting, the man was “driven by [her] career,” but she in qualifications evident. who’d directed her acknowledges that her career might and one is a to take notes asked have developed differently if she’d been woman and one is a man, I’ll pick the if she’d like to chair the committee a parent. “There was a period of time,” woman every time. She’ll work twice someday. Sure enough, a year and a she explains, “when my career offered as hard and create three times the half later she was chair. relocation opportunities every 18 months results for half the money.” (For the in order to increase my leadership Bothwell also found humility essential record, Gorman later confirmed that development and responsibilities. My to her success—and her peace of mind. her promotion hadn’t come with only husband and I may not have elected to She offers this example: 50 percent of her male counterpart’s accept those promotions if we’d had salary.) I used to get very frustrated children at home.” because I’d be in a meeting Bellenger also found hard work and and I’d have what I thought Aiming for mainstream impeccable skills essential in gaining was a great idea, and I’d lay it clients’ confidence—and their business. As pioneer women leaders, these on the table and they would “There would be times throughout alumnae chose the road “less traveled,” ignore me. Then pretty soon my career,” she comments, “when a and as Frost’s poem promises, “that some guy would come up with client might seem skeptical initially, has made all the difference”—not only exactly the same idea, and but as soon as it was obvious that I for them but for those in their wake. suddenly it was a great idea. understood the systems in the building These women were trailblazers, but that and what needed to be done to save But I learned not to be wasn’t their objective. “We were just energy, that would disappear.” insulted by that. I came to getting the job done,” Bothwell says, trust the fact that the right echoing the others. In fact, they all Letting pride and answer would always be there, chafe a bit at the label “woman leader.” tradition go and I learned that it really As Gorman puts it, “Gender is a non- didn’t matter what human starter as an issue. I’m a leader. I don’t For all the success these women have being came up with it. My think I’m perceived as a female leader. achieved, there’s not a lot of ego evi- relationship with God was I think I’m perceived as an effective dent. That speaks to their character, unbroken, and I could either business leader.” no doubt, but also to lessons learned experience that relationship Most of the other women agree, to from patience, perseverance, and right then, or I could get the point of downplaying or even trust in God. Early in her career, frustrated. discouraging participation in what Perlis when Bellenger—the only woman calls “subgroups,” whether they’re at an ASHRAE technical committee

12 | PURPOSE Summer 2011 women in leadership

based on gender or race or whatever. “I don’t think it’s needed,” she com- The Liberal Arts: ments. “I don’t think it’s healthy. My objective was always to be mainstream. Essential to Leadership I’m just a leader, not a woman leader. I tried to take that approach mentally as All four alumnae agree that a liberal arts education was vital to their best I could.” success. Bothwell emphasizes the communication skills she gained, especially the ability to listen, analyze, and write. “One of my career As the first woman president in loves,” she explains, “was writing proposals—working through the ASHRAE’s 116-year history, Bellenger tensions between engineers and scientists and getting to something has a slightly different perspective. everybody could agree to.” Though she keeps gender from being the focus of her presidency, she doesn’t Gorman underscores the importance of strong communication skills deny its relevance. “The influx of as well. “I’m frequently shocked at people’s inability to use good women into mechanical and electrical grammar and to construct sentences that say something,” she laments. engineering has been especially slow,” “It’s getting difficult to find even very senior executives who have the she says. “ASHRAE has certainly ability to write.” But writing is only one aspect of the communications supported opportunities for women, package she’s looking for. “It’s the listening, it’s the analysis, it’s the but it’s one of the last professional writing,” she says, “but at the bottom it’s about creating relationships organizations of its type to have a and connections with people so that you woman president. What’s significant to can get the job done. I learned how to “Principia me is that the men are equally excited do that at Principia.” as the women about having a woman Building on that idea, Perlis appreciates made me president.” having been exposed to a wide range of people at the College. “Principia was multidimen- Looking ahead ahead of the times with the emphasis on Times are changing, thanks in large an international community,” she notes. sional and part to women like these alumnae. And “It’s vital that you can communicate they see more progress on the horizon. with other cultures. Principia made me I’m much “There is a systemic movement,” Gor- multidimensional and I’m much richer man says, “to ensure that the best of the for it.” Concurring with all of the above, richer for it.” best—regardless of where they come Bellenger adds, “The emphasis on from or what their background is—are the whole man and developing all aspects of your individuality was able to rise to the top with appropriate certainly fundamental to sparking interests that led me in the direction levels of support.” She finds this move- of energy management.” ment not only appropriate but necessary Summing up, Perlis offers this anecdote confirming the value of the given most companies’ increasingly liberal arts: “When I was on the New Orleans Federal Reserve Board, diverse customer base. Technology also I asked bank presidents and CEOs over the years, ‘Would you prefer to fuels diversification, Gorman points out: hire a person with a liberal arts background or a business or finance “People are con-necting to their career degree?’ They all to a person said they wanted people with a liberal arts development in new ways, such as social education because they’re literate; they have the sciences, the history, media, and that has positive impacts on the frame of reference.” everybody, including women.”

PURPOSE Summer 2011 | 13 Learn your businessLearn inside out. and Be alifelong learner. Be agreat team player. foreffectiveness. areputation Establish China Gorman zone. your comfort Work outside Treat respect. with everyone Always kind. be notblame. but the Share credit the Lynn Bellenger tips. afew along pass to willing were they Nevertheless, recommend. they strongly process by others,a observing self-training leaders tobe learned with spoke we alumnae the part, large In Tips for Effective Leadership 14 |PURPOSE ways; they’re transparent.” more Perlis in at different look problems They ing. kindof think- adifferent bring they women have come into workforce, the fun,” more workplace “As she says. also make the productive—and place is to going make useven work- in the “Diversity performance. to improved office in the calendars jokes girlie and dirty more no from many brings benefits, workforce verse Bothwell’sIn di- amore experience, in and business.”scene, in politics, international the on emerging leaders anymore, we’ll women more see isn’t echelon upper aswell insulated the As power structure. outdated old, the protects cracy, bureaucracy and world makes bureau- forless flatter greatare levelers,” Perlis “A notes. “The information technology and age Summer 2011

mor e Trust your intution. indecisive). (i.e.,don’t be Make decisions sense of right. in your accord with highest Act they’re valued. Value know let them and people in your mind. own everything Question Sharon Perlis enough). (i.e., recognize something is good when enemy of the good be Don’t let better Don’t ever give up; there’s always asolution. Be humble. Listen. Bothwell Mary they come from. come from. they like whatlook they matter where or to embrace“the no of best” the best into asuperhighway enough broad widens women other leaders and by these way narrowpathtrod asthe under subtle significantshifts but woman at hints the president first collaboration ASHRAE’s comes from call to movewide silos from to industry- That such ahigh-profile, beginning of process. the the from together working engineers and chitects to a“collaborative approach” ar with atraditional “silo from says, approach” she must shift, process ency. design The transpar and openness World—urges aSustainable theme—Modeling Bellenger’sIndeed, presidential justare naturally open.” more “Women asleaders adding, agrees,

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the Union with Candy Crowley anchor of and Statecorrespondent of CNN’s award-winning chief political political conventions. Currently, she is covered all of national one but the nomination of , she has since presidential And the others. Ronald and Reagan,Obama, among Edward Kennedy, Kerry, Barack John Jackson, Dole,Jesse Bob Howard Dean, H.W. W. Bush, George Bush, Bill Clinton, of Patcampaigns Buchanan, George covered United the States presidential US’66) Crowley has (Alt, Candy of all stripes. leaders ing with interact- of by years experience shaped just acasual truism. It’s aperspective it that equally are effective.” That’s not variations aremany ofthere different “Leadership is asingular but noun, Trudyby Palmer Crowley with Candy A Conversation .

Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda / CNN women in leadership

So when Crowley says, “Leadership Of course, reporters do have opinions. people but actually liking them. The best is one thing, but it’s really a million Crowley would say that’s stating the politicians I know love their job because different things,” she knows firsthand obvious: “None of us comes to this job they really like people.” what she’s talking about. Quickly without a background, a family in which ticking off a few examples, she notes we grew up and formed our opinions. The road to equality that former President Ronald Reagan Every journalist comes to the table Clearly, there’s no male or female ad- was “a very broad-view leader with a with a bias in so far as your bias is your vantage to being “people people,” and few specific visions and goals as his background.” How, then, does one keep Crowley resists categorizing leadership focus; he didn’t get bogged down in one’s bias in the back- characteristics accord- the details.” On the other hand, she ground (pun intended)? ing to gender. “I really describes former president Jimmy Carter Here’s Crowley’s ap- “Sometimes hate saying, ‘Oh, yes, as “incredibly detail-oriented.” proach: “The keys to men and women are good journalism are un- people mix

Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda / CNN Photo by Edward Asked which approach works best, so different,’” she says, derstanding where your Crowley sees the merits of each. “When “because I can find you biases are and having up what a you’re talking about the presidency of many, many exceptions a good editor that can the United States,” she says, “it may on both sides, but by squeeze them out if they reporter does be that a more detail-oriented person and large, the women show up in a story.” gets bogged down because there are and what bias leaders I have known just too many details. However, I would A passion for are more practical, argue that President Carter’s detailed actually is.” more goal orientated. knowledge of the Middle East served people They’re trying to make him well in bringing about a Middle what we’ve got better—or to make it Unfortunately, people are quick to claim East peace agreement.” work at all—whereas men tend to want bias in today’s hyperpartisan world. to recreate the system.” And questions—one of the main tools Servant, not leader at a reporter’s disposal—often get Crowley believes society is still adjust- Few would deny that the news media pegged as proof of bias. “I think we’re ing to women’s increased presence in influence public opinion, but Crowley afraid of questions now,” Crowley politics. “I think it’s gotten better,” she doesn’t think of herself as an influencer comments. “So many people write me notes, “as people get more and more or a leader. “My job,” Crowley says, and say, ‘How dare you ask so-and-so used to women in leadership positions. “is to figure out what’s going on and that question? It shows you’re biased.’ It takes a while for change to happen report it as truthfully and fully as I But the question is just the question. in people’s heads. We can get it into possibly can. I don’t consider that Sometimes people mix up what a the language pretty easily, but it’s leadership; I consider it service.” She reporter does and what bias actually is. harder to change hearts and minds. continues, “I don’t want to lead people I’m a journalist; I love questions!” That takes time. That takes evolution.” into their opinions. I want to say, ‘Here’s As slow as that may sound, Crowley A few of Crowley’s other passions come something you ought to think about, is hopeful, downright cheerful even, through in conversation as well. She loves and here’s this other thing you ought to about people’s capacity to grow. “I getting to the heart of a matter and has think about, and oh, by the way, if you am bullish,” she says, “on our ability to a passion for people. In fact, she advises think that is the right answer, have you look up one day and say, ‘Oh, there’s a emerging leaders to be “people people.” considered this?’ My goal is to provide leader,’ instead of ‘Oh, there’s a female’ Elaborating, she says, “Leadership is information not so that you know what or ‘There’s a male’ or ‘There’s a white about understanding the people around my opinion is but so that you know guy’ or ‘There’s a black guy.’ Evolution you, getting to know what makes them what your opinion is.” is going to take care of all of that.” tick and how to get the best out of them, and that takes not only understanding PURPOSE Summer 2011 | 15 Mary Kimball Morgan’s Loving, Leading, Lasting Leadership and Giving

“What a wonderful work is the unfolding of Christian character!” Early Their All on a summer morning in 1891, sitting on her mother’s porch in Denver, by Marla Sammuli , Mary Kimball Morgan wrote this profound statement in a letter to her husband, William, putting into words a unique educational concept that would prove fundamental to the school she would Principia is full of establish seven years later. leaders. You might Inspired insight was a central feature of Mrs. Morgan’s leadership—a leadership rooted in an earnest desire to ensure that every step resulted even say leadership from listening “almost breathlessly for the still, small voice of divine guidance” (Education at The Principia, p. 117). Not driven by a desire to is commonplace create something of significance or to achieve a particular professional or social stature, she kept her focus squarely on gaining and sharing a here, but some are clearer sense of what was later termed “the Christ-idea in education.” uncommonly good At a time when women were rarely in leadership roles, Mrs. Morgan opened a vanguard of possibility that others could follow. And others at it. Although did follow! In Principia’s first 25 years, what started in her carriage house progressed to a 17-building campus on 10 acres. First an they’d never Upper School program was added and then a Junior College in 1912. Enrollment grew from 16 students in 1898 to 632 by 1924. William, volunteer to be a prominent businessman, dedicated his time, money, and eventually the family home to his wife’s vision. Clarence Howard, the well-known highlighted, we’d industrialist, put great faith and trust—and much of his fortune—in Mrs. Morgan’s hands. Parents sent their children to Principia sight like to celebrate a unseen from as far away as Australia. few of the School’s Mrs. Morgan’s educational ideals, steadfast commitment to Christian Science, and gentle insistence on “the honorable right way” laid the talented student foundation for an institution still committed to the mission she established over 110 years ago. That is successful leadership! leaders. There are

(You can learn more about Mrs. Morgan’s ideas and leadership in the many, many more. collection of her writings entitled Education at The Principia.)

~ Peter Stevens Chief Administrative Officer

16 | PURPOSE Summer 2011 Jessica Wingert (US’11) Kimberly Sheasley (US’11) Susie Bonwich (US’11) Leading by Teaching Leading by Inspiration Leading by Hard Work Susie started preparing to be senior At the beginning of the year, choir The only thing Kimberly loves more than class president when she was in director Holly Barber had a problem. Christian Science is sharing it. Inspired seventh grade. “I already had my Both the Concert Choir and Chamber by her brothers at a young age, Kimberly campaign speech ready,” she admits. Singers needed direction at the same nurtured her practice at camp, served on All that preparation paid off this year as time. In stepped Jessica, Principia the DiscoveryBound National Leadership Susie spurred the Class of 2011 to raise School’s first student director. Helping Council, and supports friends and class- more money than any other senior class to select music, lead rehearsals, and mates at the Upper School who come to in Upper School history! All the while, organize the group for performances her for prayerful help. Kimberly plans to she was taking a full load of AP classes, were among her duties. Jessica loves major in religion at Principia College, and managing the baseball and volleyball music and is considering a teaching although she doesn’t know what form it teams, and becoming the youngest career, so it was a perfect fit. And if will take, she plans to serve the Christian manager in the region at her job at you’ve heard the Chamber Singers Science movement. She explains, “For me, Five Guys Burgers and Fries. Guidance perform, you know Jessica has a talent it’s all about giving everything you have, counselor Craig Frederickson says of for both. loving, and having a positive outlook.” Susie, “It’s her ability to move people, her organization, and her tremendous Christian Thomas (US’11) Connor Savoye (US’12) follow-through that make her a great Leading by Example leader.” Susie is much more humble: “I Leading by Serving had a lot of people backing me. We all An athlete, scholar, senior class vice contributed. I just realized how much A member of the Philanthropy/Community president, and all-around Principian, can be accomplished.” Service class for three years, Connor has Christian played basketball, soccer, and emerged as an impassioned spokesperson baseball all four years of high school, for the value of service learning. He has serving as soccer captain for two years played a key organizational role in many and baseball and basketball captain service projects, including this year’s big this year. Always modest, he says, “The event—Prin Giving Day. After a stormy teams really were self-governed. When weather report came in the evening needed, I’d give a nudge in the right before, he and the adult leaders pored direction.” Christian is known for his over their list of venues to come up with talent at nurturing younger players: a “Plan B.” The next morning, Connor “I would guide them along and help stayed behind to man the phones and them with their problems,” he shares, e-mail, ensuring everything worked following the example of “the two harmoniously as students happily leaders I admire most—coach Travis provided service to local organizations. Brantingham and my dad.” Christian Asked about the rewards of service, he is also recognized as a leader beyond muses, “I’d describe it as a different kind Principia. Along with being chosen for of deeply satisfying happiness—helping the All-Conference Team in all three of others who really need help.” his sports this year, he was elected team captain for each of them as well!

PURPOSE Summer 2011 | 17 For more information or to arrange a visit, call 800.218.7746, ext. 3162, or e-mail [email protected].

Is the spot we’re holding yours? If you’re ready for a school that nurtures and challenges students—but doesn’t limit them—consider Principia. It’s not too late to apply, but don’t delay! Classes start at the end of August, and pre-season training for fall sports begins even sooner.

13201 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63131 www.principiaschool.org Take a Peek at

he Upper School jazz band spent the first part of spring break in sunny Southern TCalifornia on the School’s sixth Arts on Tour trip. Led by band directors Martha Stitzel and Mike Griswold (US’80), the group shared music and the Principia spirit with alumni and friends. School administrators, parent chaperones, and the trip coordinator, Merrilee McFarland (US’99, C’03) from the Alumni & Field Relations

DIRECTIONS TO CLAIRBOURN SCHOOL Office, also accompanied the group.

From west of San Gabriel: From the 210, take exit 29A towards San Gabriel Blvd. and make a slight left at La Tierra St. (.2 miles). Right on N. San Gabriel Blvd. The five-day tour included performances for Principia Clubs, Broadview (a Christian Go 1.8 miles and left at Huntington Dr. Clairbourn School is on the right in .3 miles at 8400 Huntington Dr. Science nursing facility), and Clairbourn and Berkeley Hall Schools. In all, more than From east of San Gabriel: From the 210, take exit 30 toward CA-19 S/Rosemead Blvd. Right at E. Foothill Blvd., and 1st right on N. Rosemead Blvd. Go 1.4 700 people heard the band perform. miles and right at Huntington Drive. Go .8 miles, make a U-turn at Sunnyslope Dr., and enter Clairbourn School parking lot immedi- ately on the right at 8400 Huntington Dr.

DIRECTIONS TO OASIS SENIOR CENTER But music wasn’t the only art form on tour. Framed photographs of ten visual

Coming from Los Angeles: Take the 405 S/San Diego Fwy south and merge onto CA-73 S artworks by current Upper School students were displayed at the performances. toward San Diego. Exit 14A and merge onto MacArthur Blvd. toward Newport Beach. Turn left on San Joaquin Hills Rd. Make the 3rd right on Marguerite Ave. Left on 5th Ave., and left on We aren’t able to share a CD of the band’s music with you, but turn the page Narcissus Ave. The Oasis Senior Center is 801 Narcissus Ave. Left into the parking lot. and you’ll find the images of paintings, drawings, and sculpture that toured Coming from south of Orange County: Take I-5N to I-405 N Fwy north to exit 7, Jamboree Road. Left on MacArthur Blvd. toward Newport Beach. Left on San Joaquin Hills with the band. Rd. Make the 3rd right on Marguerite Ave. Left on 5th Ave., and left on Narcissus Ave. The Oasis Senior Center is 801 Narcissus Ave. Left into the parking lot.

Featuring the To read more about the trip, see “Jazz Band Makes a Splash in Southern DIRECTIONS TO BERKELEY HALL SCHOOL Upper School Jazz Band

From 405 north and south: California” at www.principiawire.com. At the end of the article, you’ll Take the Skirball Center Dr./Mulholland Dr. exit. Left on Skirball Center Dr., left on Mulholland Dr. Berkeley Hall School is located at find a link to a blog post by Don Ingwerson, the Christian Science Committee on 16000 Mulholland Dr., approximately .5 miles on the left. Publication for Southern California. The post is titled “I’m a better person because Program cover they came by . . .” and tells about the students’ visit with Don and his wife Lona Ingwerson, a Christian Science practitioner.

PURPOSE Summer 2011 | 19 Mandie Fulton, us’11 pottery

Dylan Steedman, us’12 digital art

Gavin Thomas, us’11 etching

Lakiera Poole, us’12 plexiglass print

Shaan diin Cedar, us’11 Self-portrait, oil painting

20 | PURPOSE Summer 2011 Juliette Roy, us’13 drawing

Anna Tarnow, us’12 pen and ink

Catherine Binford, us’11 oil painting

Perry McVey, us’14 concept drawing

Richard Bonsi, us’12 pottery

PURPOSE Summer 2011 | 21 22 |PURPOSE for left to if Prin they returned and forthemselves thingsaround turned have reallyhealings students where “I’ve explains. he wonderful seen of sense compassionstrong for others,” medevelop a which helped board), discipline (aBoard faculty and student Reconciliation the on “I also served plan each chapel. Mondaymorning speakers and select helped Garrett chair of Chapel Committee, the As much.”so I’vemean them with “The spent hours halls fill the who here,” says. Garrett people good-natured forthe School “I willPrincipia Upper remember most the jazz band during spring break. also traveled to California Garrett with musical. spring forthe orchestra in the clarinet to play the in learned order he and jazz in and band, band saxophone year.nia next has He played alto the Claremont McKenna College in Califor- for well feels prepared Garrett istry, classes in English, calculus, chem- and Having taken Placement Advanced on deep. and broad both has been School Wells’sGarrett involvement at Upper involvement Across-the-board Garrett Wells Shotwell by Heather Meet aFewofThisYear’s Graduates Summer 2011 they learned. learned. they aslideshow whatpresenting about before seaworthiness its to test hoped researching and ideas design were busy They Anderson. Waters Jordan and fellow with Nate seniors raft pontoon a planning his senior project—building was Garrett this was written, When dinner.” dining the after room outside area grassy the on aFrisbee toss asmile.with “A of bunch ususually also play alot of Frisbee,” says Garrett Baker, awesome. that and has been I (Bigger, Faster, Stronger) Coach with conditioning and in BFS strength on zone. Iworked winter During term my comfort really meoutside pushed has is my favorite, country cross but played tennis the on team. “Tennis and also country ran cross Garrett people.” notionspreconceived about aside of putting importance the me a while. taught This experience g SCHOOL UPPER r a du a te turn, Holly has ways found to giveturn, back of commitment.” my COCA portive In sup- so thatappreciate has Prin been six I days aweek. als fourhours, are Dancedemanding. classesrehears- and ing abalance is very schoolwork with Yet “Find- to admit, Holly first is the an artist.” inspired challenged and meto growas have teachers and choreographers guest she “The notes. world-renowned me,” has offered COCA opportunities performance the especially appreciated “I’ve modern. and jazz, ballet, dances companies in St. Holly Louis, Eclectica highly acclaimed Ballet and COCAdance Now, of the performance. asamember she fell in lovestudent, dance with young ballet asavery onto astage stepped time Holly Wilder first The Let’s dance! Holly Wilder SCHOOL Gr UPPER a du

a te

Photo by Bob Morrison UPPER ’11 I developed as a leader. It was an to Principia by inviting COCA dancers to SCHOOL Graduate awesome experience.” perform on campus two years in a row to support fundraisers sponsored by the Sports haven’t been Leif’s sole focus, Community Service class. however. He sang in the choir and was in production this year. Reflecting Holly has also served on student on the latter, he says, “I wish now government at the Upper School, and I had been in the cast all four years she choreographed one dance that because it was a great experience, but the senior class performed at the fall I’m grateful I had the opportunity this icebreaker and another that the senior year.” Leif had a remarkable physical girls performed at a recent fundraiser. healing during the days leading up to “I feel so connected to Prin because of opening night of the show. An ankle the small classes, wonderful teachers, injury placed him in the auditorium and the great friends I’ve made here,” seats watching rehearsal rather than Holly says. Leif Carlson participating, and it seemed that his Last summer Holly took part in the stage appearance was questionable. From the soccer pitch to Complexions Contemporary Ballet But with an expectation of healing the stage Summer Intensive in New York City. “It and the support of a Christian Science was my first time living on my own, and I Leif Carlson made the varsity soccer team practitioner, he was able to participate fell in love with New York!” she exclaims. his freshman year and has developed fully—dancing and singing on stage. into an outstanding player. “I’ve learned Holly will attend Boston Conservatory Leif has a keen interest in history that hard work pays off,” he says. “The next year and is thrilled with the and attributes much of his thirst for discipline we learn is not only good for opportunities awaiting her because of the knowledge to Upper School history the soccer pitch, but transfers to real professionalism of the program. “I’ll be teacher Keith Preston. “His enthusiasm life. Practices can be pretty tough, but studying dance at the next level and will for the subject is amazing,” says Leif, we gelled as a team and got very close, have many opportunities to perform,” who is considering a double major mostly because we supported each other she explains. “Also, I am excited to be in in business and history next year. “I during the long runs.” the great city of Boston and just a few am super excited to attend Principia blocks from The Mother Church.” Leif also played on the tennis and College in the fall,” he says. “I’ll be basketball teams. “Tennis is such playing soccer, of course!” a mental game,” he explains. “I’ve learned to stay calm and focus on each point. In basketball, I wasn’t the best player on the court, but I feel PURPOSE Summer 2011 | 23 COLLEGE Graduate to think deeply about how I can make a difference.” (This fall, Kristen will be a post-graduate teaching intern in the College’s Sociology Department.)

Kristen has also completed two minors, religion and Asian studies. Her interest in the latter grew out of her partici- pation on the India abroad her junior year. For her independent research topic, Kristen studied Indian marriage practices. After her return, she and COLLEGE Graduate another student presented their research papers at an anthropology conference at the University of Kristen Wisconsin, Madison. Godfred Rosen When she’s not studying, there’s a good Fianu chance Kristen is singing or dancing. Challenged to make Valuing the liberal arts She has performed in the winter dance a difference production since her sophomore year Godfred Fianu was admitted to a highly As co-director of the Public Affairs and recently joined Plus One, an a specialized engineering program in his Conference on human trafficking this cappella group. “I love that Principia native Ghana, but he chose to attend spring, Kristen Rosen worked to bring a allowed me to get involved in such a Principia for a liberal arts education. healing thought to a dark topic. “It was wide variety of activities,” she says. He’ll graduate with a BS in chemistry, very inspiring to bring the community “I feel I’ve been able to embrace every- with minors in math and religion. “The together, hear the speakers, and discuss thing that Prin had to offer, and it has academic program,” Godfred explains, ideas during the conference weekend,” taught me incredible lessons about the “along with participation on the solar she notes. “I also learned that when kind of person I want to be.” car team, dance production, the track work has a deeper purpose and tangi- Reflecting further, she adds, “The team, and the Pan African Conference ble outcome, it really does not feel caliber of friendships I have made here have given me a full Principia like work!” is so unique. I value how naturally experience.” Kristen came to Principia College with- Christian Science is lived and shared, “I love the sense of peace I feel on out a preconceived plan for a major, which is something I would have this campus,” Godfred continues. but that didn’t last long. “I took a sincerely missed if I had attended “I really have made Christian Science couple of sociology classes and simply another college.” my own here. For example, before could not stop,” she says. “I love I came to Prin, I fell sick a lot. After that the department offers academic my arrival here, I developed a deeper classes with a social and cultural understanding of Christian Science conscience. They have challenged me

24 | PURPOSE Summer 2011 and how to apply it to my life. I soon understanding of these countries and realized I was experiencing consistently the world,” she says. good health.” In her capacity as president of the During his freshman year, Godfred’s Energy Coalition, Lauren helped test professors encouraged him to work on for the potential of a wind tower on the solar car, which he did. He then campus, and the club successfully became involved in other pursuits for advocated for the use of CFL light a few years but returned to the solar bulbs across campus. Lauren also car this year. “I love the team motto— helped form a sustainability council ‘Glorify God and do your best’—this is that includes staff from dining services, truly what solar car is aiming for,” he COLLEGE facilities, and purchasing, as well as Graduate says with a smile. student representatives. Photo by Ally Read (C’11) Photo by Godfred has also choreographed and An art major, with an emphasis on danced in several pieces in two dif- Lauren graphic design, and a business adminis- ferent dance productions. He notes, tration minor, Lauren has her sights on “I actually arrived here as a very shy Powers opening her own stationery store with person, but no one would believe that a custom invitation service. (She already Lifelong connections now. At first I was quite nervous about has a small business selling her photog- dancing in front of an audience, but raphy in the form of greeting cards.) Lau- “As I look back on my four years at then I realized it was not about me, and ren is a member of the Entrepreneurship Principia, I’m most grateful for the the nervousness just dropped away.” Club, and as president of the Camera friendships I’ve made,” Lauren Powers Club, she organized a photography show During several school breaks, Godfred comments. “Going to college with in Holt Gallery. About 150 students and worked as a Christian Science nurse at Christian Scientists meant that I had faculty attended the opening. Tenacre in New Jersey. Since he found common ground with every single that the patients often mirrored what person on campus, and it allowed “I appreciate the relationships I have he was seeing in them, he was alert to me to build deeper relationships right formed with my professors,” Lauren bring an expectancy of good to work away.” As proof, she notes that some of notes, “particularly in art and business. each day. her closest friends are people she met Faculty members are very knowledge- during freshman orientation, people she able, and they truly love to teach. I also Godfred plans to attend expects to be her lifelong friends. feel comfortable talking with them out- for chemical engineering after working side of class. What may begin as a con- for a chemical company to gain practical Lauren had the opportunity to go on versation about an accounting problem experience. two abroads while at the College, to or how to complete a drawing has often Greece and Turkey her sophomore year turned into a deeper conversation.” and to Prague in the Czech Republic this spring. “These trips expanded my artistic practice and deepened my

PURPOSE Summer 2011 | 25 Behind the Scenes of Math + Science at the College by Trudy Palmer empty classrooms are something to celebrate! They mean teachers and students have fled the building into the field for hands-on research. (In math and computer science, research usually takes place indoors in a lab, but it’s experi- ential learning nonetheless.) Enjoy this look at a few of the ways math and science students are putting what they’re learning into practice.

Predicting (and filming) fractals

During winter quarter, three advanced approach to the subject, generating using a video camera, projectors, and a math students and their intrepid profes- fractals using a video feedback loop simple feedback loop.” sor, Dr. Andrew Parker (US’88, C’92), instead of a computer, which is the With the help of Multimedia Services, filmed part of their math seminar on more typical way to create manmade the class created a video feedback fractals. They won’t be submitting it to fractals. loop by pointing a camera toward a the Sundance Film Festival, however— Parker explains how the experiment projection of its own output. Specifi- in part because most of the judges, came about: “We had studied the the- cally, three projectors were aimed at if they’re anything like this writer, ory of iterated systems (a mathematical a wall, and a camera was set up on a wouldn’t know a fractal if it were sitting function system with a feedback loop), tripod behind the projectors. The output on their dinner plate or clogging their and the students and I had been writing from the camera was then routed to all driveway during winter. Which, it turns computer programs to generate a class three projectors simultaneously. out, are two things fractals do. You see, of fractals using broccoli and snowflakes are fractals, as different methods.” are crystals, ferns, Queen Anne’s lace, But Parker likes to male peacocks, pineapples, sea urchins, have students put and stalagmites, to name only a few of theory into prac- the fractals found in nature. tice—his PhD is in But natural fractals weren’t the focus applied mathemat- of Parker’s seminar, so there were no ics, after all—so peacocks preening on screen. The class he decided “to try took a technological rather than natural to generate fractals

26 | PURPOSE Summer 2011 Go, Panthers!

Why are we talking about the Panthers in a spread on math and Behind the Scenes science? Because Principia fields competitive teams in academics as well as athletics. For example, of Math + Science at the College at the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) International Parker continues, “Now, if the camera projectors or camera or both has on the Collegiate Programming Contest is aimed at a flowerpot, you get three eventual image. The students were able last fall, Principia’s Programming copies of the image of the flowerpot on to recreate several fractals that we had Panthers—Ross Vincent (C’12), the wall. But if it is aimed at the same studied on paper and in a computer lab, Vladimir Darmin (C’12), and Kelsey wall at which the projectors are aimed, while discovering many new self-similar Meidell (C’11)—placed third out of a video feedback loop is created. In images in between.” ten teams in the St. Louis area and other words, you have created an Asked to sum up the course as a whole, 22nd among the 138 teams of the iterated function Parker comments Mid-Central Region. system: the output on the nature of of the system Since the ACM does not bracket Parker likes complexity: “Often becomes its own contestants according to the size of the complexity we input, and thus the their institution, the College’s team to have stu- see or experience projection system was up against much larger schools, in the natural world is iterated.” such as Washington University and dents put can be modeled and the University of . Undaunted, What were explained very simply the Panthers placed ahead of the results? theory into in the language of Vanderbilt and St. Louis University, Seemingly infinite, mathematics, and as well as the state universities of elaborate, and practice . . . in particular using a Kentucky, Arkansas, and Northern yet predictable self-referential, iterated Alabama, among others. patterns. As Parker describes, system. Self-reference can be a driving “Remarkably intricate patterns can force behind complexity.” During the contest, teams are be created this way, and exactly given five hours to solve between So where does the movie come in? which patterns are created can be eight and twelve challenging “Much of our session was recorded predicted by the mathematics (the programming problems. Their using the camera itself,” Parker angle and size of the projections and solutions must perform perfectly explains, “so we have a video of our camera, the number of projections, against unseen data sets. A single experiment and our experience.” What and so on).” That predictability was character out of place can sink more fitting tribute to self-referentiality central to the lesson. “Part of our a potential solution, requiring a could there be . . . except perhaps a objective,” Parker explains, “was to resubmission and penalty. peacock? verify the effect (which we had already Since 1990, Principia teams have determined in theory) that rotating the placed almost without exception in the top third of their region and twice in the top tenth. Here’s to a winning 2011 season for the Programming Panthers and their coach, Dr. Tom Fuller. Go, team!

PURPOSE Summer 2011 | 27 An Eye into the Sky

Did you know Principia’s observatory is powerful enough to detect planets beyond our solar system? During his senior year, Mark Evans, a 2010 grad who’s now the physics lab coordinator, used the telescope at the College’s observatory to detect an extrasolar planet—a planet much like Jupiter or Saturn orbiting a star hundreds of lightyears away. Working with physics professor Dr. Jonathan Langton (US’97, C’01), Evans used the “transit” method to detect CoRoT-2b, one of some 500 (and growing) known exoplanets. CoRoT-2b is 800 lightyears from Earth and orbits its parent star every 1.7 days.

Over the course of a night, using a CCD (similar to a precision digital camera), Evans took hundreds of images of the star CoRoT-2b orbits and its neighbors. Later, he and Langton used a computer to measure the brightness of the star in each picture and graphed its brightness over the course of the night. (When a planet moves in front of a star, the star’s level of brightness drops, so even though you can’t see the planet, you can tell it was there.)

Having detected a planet beyond our solar system, the Physics Department now hopes to discover one. Fortunately, Principia’s observatory is up to the task!

College Chemists at Work

Textbooks have their place, of course, In addition, one of the introductory lab, students identify the ink used to but whenever possible, chemistry classes examines the composition of produce a document in order to de- students get out of their seats and gasoline. After taking samples of the termine its age and authenticity. They into the lab, which in three main grades of can also identify the accelerant used to some cases is the great gasoline (with octane start a fire, which is similar to an arson outdoors. For 20 years Some days ratings of 87, 89, and investigation. now, introductory 93), students use gas Given all the experiential learning going and environmental this class re- chromatography to on in the Chemistry Department, it’s chemistry classes have discover how octane no surprise that students earning a BS been gathering data sembles the levels affect the makeup in chemistry are expected to conduct on local streams and of gasoline. independent experimental research. rivers and comparing popular TV Then there’s Instrumen- This year’s senior research projects pollutant levels over tal Analysis, a more include isolating eugenol (a natural time. These classes show CSI . . . advanced course. Some product from cloves), monitoring the regularly collect data days this class resembles the popular degradation (or fading) of colors in from the , the creek TV show CSI: Crime Scene Investiga- artwork, and working on a way to in Elsah, Mill Creek, Piasa Creek, and tion—without the all-star cast or the purify water that could be used in poor sometimes from the Illinois River. blood and gore. In Principia’s forensic countries like Haiti. This last project—

28 | PURPOSE Summer 2011 Out of the Classroom and into the Outdoors

Given the variety of ecosystems ongoing research. For example, Booth rehabilitation center in the U.S. through at the College, Principia students has involved students in a California- a contact Eckert established. And in don’t have to wait for the occasional based project where he and colleagues 2012 students in his sea turtle biology field trip to conduct research. Instead, from Alaska and Mississippi are using lab course will spend a week in Trinidad professors build their classes around molecular techniques to discover working with one of the world’s largest the research opportunities readily avail- which fungal symbionts develop in colonies of the leatherback sea turtle. able on campus. As Dr. Michael Booth Monterey pine trees at different stages In the meantime, Eckert is supervising (US’94, C’98), chair of the Biology and of forest development. (This helps a biology major studying the habits of Natural Resources Department, puts it, them understand the structure and peregrine falcons nesting on campus, “Our biology majors have a sustained function of the forest.) Students have and another student researching the presence in the field, practicing the also worked with Christine McAllister, effect of external temperature on craft and art of data collection and another professor in the department, timber rattlesnakes (also on campus). management, and learning to ask whose research in population genetics intelligent questions about the data.” involves canvassing genes in tallgrass All this activity isn’t just a way of prairie plants to understand how these making learning interesting. It’s In addition to the fieldwork built into species develop drought tolerance. crucial training for the future. Booth is their courses, students sometimes convinced the extensive field experience assist faculty members with their Students have even been able to at the core of Principia’s biology curricu- conduct marine research thanks to Dr. lum gives students a leg up as they Scott Eckert (C’79), a recent addition move on to graduate programs and to the department. Eckert is a research research labs. The department’s track scientist at Duke University and serves record placing majors in interesting as director of science for the Wider jobs and top-flight graduate programs Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation bears that out . . . but that’s a story for Network (WIDECAST). This summer by Sarah Peck—was inspired by a another issue of the Purpose. a student will intern at a sea turtle summertime trip to Haiti, where Sarah worked with volunteers to restore drinkable water. (Interest- Dr. Scott Eckert wipes ingly, one of the people she worked sand from the ID tag with was alum Feli Zulhendri (C’07).) on this leatherback sea turtle’s flipper on Matura Beach in Trinidad, where It’s worth noting that, as with the students will study with other sciences, many chemistry Dr. Eckert next spring. majors take advantage of studying at a liberal arts college to investigate non-scientific subjects as well, grad- uating with minors, if not second majors, in religion, Asian studies, and so on. Like the compounds they study, Principia’s chemistry majors are an interesting mix!

PURPOSE Summer 2011 | 29 Base camp for the Mongolia abroad group: from here, students climbed Malchin Peak (far left) and studied the geology of the adjacent Potanin Glacier. Photo by Ken Baughman (C’12) Photo by Ken

What’s Up Underground?

The answer is . . . well . . . mammoth, literally and figuratively. traveled to various parts of this diverse country to study dif- In 1999 an Ice Age mammoth was discovered six feet under- ferent geologic features. She describes a few such sites: ground between Rackham Court and Gehner. The area soon In the Hangay Mountains, we climbed up into an extinct became a paleontologic excavation site, presided over by volcanic cone, observed features formed by glaciers, Geology Department chair Dr. Janis Treworgy (C’76). She and swam under a beautiful waterfall cascading over a describes this unique learning opportunity: “Students get basalt cliff. We drove into the Gobi Altai Mountains to the valuable hands-on experience excavating for bones and south to see fissures in the ground and a huge landslide working in the lab to remove the dirt (matrix) from bones caused by a large earthquake over 50 years ago, and then already discovered, sometimes finding more bones in the traveled farther south into the desert steppes and Gobi process.” They also have opportunities to reinforce what Desert exploring for fossils. We also trekked in the high they’re learning by teaching others, since, as Treworgy notes, Altai Mountains in the northwestern part of Mongolia “part of the course involves giving tours to school and adult where we camped next to glaciers that flowed down the groups that come to visit.” valleys between the peaks; we were separated from the glaciers by a high moraine of mixed sediment. We later Field sites off campus and bathed in a large lake carved out by glaciers. around the globe Fortunately, this one-of-a-kind learning experience isn’t But a 17,500-year-old mammoth isn’t the only thing Principia’s reserved exclusively for hard-core science majors. Treworgy geology students get their hands on underground. This winter, accommodates students’ varying backgrounds, in part, Treworgy took her Environmental Geology class to a surface through individual projects. “Students had topics they coal mine to observe mining and reclamation techniques, and researched and presented to the rest of the group at the to a waste water treatment facility in Godfrey to learn about appropriate time,” she explains. “For example, one student cleaning up sewage. And this spring, her Nonrenewable Re- told us about volcanoes while we were in the volcanic cone; sources class visited a working underground coal mine. another talked about rivers while we looked down on a river basin. This kind of peer teaching can be a very effective way Periodically, students also have the opportunity to study geol- of learning.” ogy much farther afield on the popular study abroad program in Mongolia, which Treworgy leads. Last summer, the group Ice Age mammoths, coal mines, volcanoes, and glaciers— effective experiential learning, indeed!

30 | PURPOSE Summer 2011 A College for Christian Scientists Come for a visit!

Year 2011–12 School nds for the Visiting Weeke Don’t let money stop you Spring Semester 2012 from visiting. In most cases, Fall Semester 2011 Feb. 9–12 Principia will pay all but $50 Sept. 15–18 Feb. 23–26 of your travel expenses.* Sept. 29–Oct. 2 April 5–8 Oct. 27–30 *A few restrictions apply. April 19–22 Nov. 3–6 Dec. 1–4 right for you nd out if it’s College—Fi Visit Principia

800.277.4648, ext. 2804 • www.visitprincipiacollege.com Memorable This spring, the Purpose contacted Moments dozens of former faculty members from both campuses requesting a brief description of one of their most memorable teaching moments at Principia. We were open to fun- ny, poignant, surprising, silly, or inspiring moments, and we got all of the above. Many faculty members responded, so we’ll be spreading responses over the next few issues. Enjoy!

Dr. David Foltz (C’60) College Spanish Professor

During a span of 44 years teaching Spanish language and culture to college students—28 years at Principia and 16 years at Indiana University of Pennsylvania—I conducted, taught in, and directed a total of 15 study abroad programs. I can honestly say that Principia’s abroads go out of their way to build a learning structure for both students and faculty wherein life-changing experiences take place. I saw it happen over and over—students really becoming engaged in the language and culture of another people.

Take the student who took it upon himself to do a different walking tour around every day for weeks on end. And there was the young woman who studied the penal system and won herself a guided tour of a model penitentiary. A young man trained for seven weeks in order to be competitive in a 10K race around Mexico City. And a group of students delved into the textile cottage industry near Lago de Atitlán, Guatemala.

On Principia abroads, experiential learning really happens. Students and teachers alike learn to be “citizens of the world.” Imagezoo/Imagezoo/Getty Images

32 | PURPOSE Summer 2011 Dr. Archibald “Jeff” Carey Dr. Carol Freund (US’42, C’48) Preschool Teacher College Philosophy Professor Science is not my strong suit, but I was trying. While prepar- The particular philosopher I was teaching at the time was ing an experiment with my three-year-olds, I had to move a named Leibniz, who developed the theory of “monadology,” jar containing an old, dried-up cocoon in order to find the according to which everything in the universe is made up of food coloring I needed. As the experiment progressed, a child a vast quantity of “monads.” Each of us lives in a different quietly said, “Butterfly.” We proceeded with the experiment: monad. We think we see and relate to each other, but not placing celery, a white carnation, and a light-colored feather so! God sends each of us a separate package of information in different colors of water. including all the scenery and activity we all think we are experiencing in common. We are wrong, however, because, Soon, however, I realized that the group’s attention was on as Leibniz says, monads have no windows. the other jar, where a glorious Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly was gently emerging from the dark, crusty cocoon. It was I always used to get to class quite early, so my students were their discovery—their very own—and it filled me with great used to finding me there when they arrived. They had been excitement and joy. We released it on our playground and reading about the monadology of Leibniz for that day. When watched it soar. It remained in our area for a while. It was, I arrived, I discovered that a maintenance project had been indeed, a peace-filled experience. under way, and an enormous cardboard box had been left in the classroom. It was big enough to hold me, so I got inside it and kept very quiet. Soon the students started arriving, Lynne Evans including several visiting parents! Once the class was all there, Middle and Upper School muttering about where the professor might be and why he French Teacher was late, I spoke up from inside my box, in as booming a In my eighth grade French class, students were divided into voice as I could muster, saying, “Why am I like a Leibnizian four learning groups to prepare presentations. After three monad?” of the four groups had finished their work, the last group The answer, of course, was that I was in a box with no continued to modify theirs ad infinitum. When I called on windows. Several of them got it right away, and the rest of the members to finish up quickly, one of the students turned the class got the point so that at final exam time practically and said, in English, “Just a sec, madame.” I quickly retorted all of them remembered Leibniz and his monadology. without thinking, “No more secs!” There was a deadly silence until what had already dawned upon my students became evident to me. There were quiet harrumphs behind covered mouths at first, until we were all doubled over laughing.

PURPOSE Summer 2011 | 33 Brian Morse (C’61) Dr. Sarah F. Perkins (C’76) Upper School History Teacher College Biology Professor When I began teaching U.S. History at the Upper School, I One of my many cherished teaching moments happened in graded according to the traditional scale: 70%=C, 80%=B, New Zealand on a biology abroad. I had the opportunity to 90%=A. Earning a B supposedly indicated that a student assist a student in overcoming what seemed an overwhelming was capable of college-level work. After a couple of years, obstacle: swimming in very deep, open seas with dolphins. however, I realized that this scale was too lenient. Although The young man, from East Africa, was a diligent student and testing well, too many students received Bs who probably eager to be on the trip, and he was loved and appreciated by would struggle in college. So I created a new scale, upping others, but he was a non-swimmer. What could have seemed the requirements: C=75, B=85, A=95. an impossible venture became an inspiring and once-in-a- This was not a popular decision with the students, but when lifetime shared experience. the next term grades were calculated, I discovered there were The afternoon before our swim with the dolphins, my co- more Bs or better than in previous years—a good example of teacher and I spoke with our student prayerfully about swim- what happens when right demands are made! ming in the ocean. He was eager to face fear and doubt, and he Word got around about that grading scale, and when I visited trusted a process we had devised for introducing him to the use a fellow history teacher in his room, I saw on his blackboard of a wet suit, so we plunged into the sea for a practice float. that he had upped me one: his B was 87%! I wimped out and The next day as we headed into the open sea in our boats, we stayed with my easy B. shared truths about God’s wondrous creation, including the seas and all that lives therein. Once in the water, he relaxed. I Dr. Mary Lu Fennell stayed with him and an amazing thing happened. One dolphin College English Professor came right up to us, swam with us, and gently nudged him, staying with us for the duration of our shared swim. I was trying to teach discussion skills to one of my classes when my mind drifted off. Suddenly I realized the room was very quiet. I looked up and noticed that everyone was looking at me. A student had asked me a question and was waiting for an answer, but I’d gotten so distracted I hadn’t heard it. So much for teaching good listening skills!

34 | PURPOSE Summer 2011 There’s Still Time to Sign Up for Summer Session!

July 9–23 at Principia College Join us for one week or two • Classes to fascinate you • A vibrant learning community • Events to dazzle you • Gorgeous campus surroundings

Bring someone new TO summer session at half price!*

But don’t delay—many classes have only a few seats left!

See the full brochure about PACE programs on campus and on location at www.principia.edu/pace or call 800.277.4648, ext. 2829.

*Only one attends at half price, even if both are new to Summer Session.

principia adult continuing education Get to know God in new ways this summer. Join us at a camp for Christian Scientists

Adventure Unlimited Camp Bow-Isle Buena Vista, CO Bowen Island, 888.543.4849 British Columbia www.AdventureUnlimited.org 877.943.2442 www.BowIsle.ca

Cedars Camps Crystal Lake camps Lebanon, MO Hughesville, PA 417.532.6699 877.252.5437 www.CedarsCamps.org www.CrystalLakeCamps.org

Leelanau & Kohahna Newfound & Owatonna Maple City, MI Harrison, ME 231.334.3808 207.583.6711, ext. 202 www.Leelanau-Kohahna.org www.Newfound-Owatonna.com Speaking Up by Marla Sammuli Socrates and Shakespeare knew it. Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy knew it. Sojourner Truth and Martin Luther King Jr. knew it. Jesus certainly knew it.

What did these gifted leaders know? They all understood the power of speech.

tudents Learn and (“Speaking Well,” , Can I talk now? Practice the Essential Spring 2011). He also believes that speaking is “the language art we tend to Stories, Songs, and Sharing: SArt of Speech shortchange in schools.” But at Principia School, faculty work hard to ensure that Preschool Foundations Today, it may seem we spend more time the art of speaking isn’t shortchanged. reading and writing—newspapers, Children between the ages of two From the youngest Preschool students books, articles, memos, ads, e-mail, and six are full of ideas, questions, to our graduating seniors, learning to blogs, websites, posts, texts, tweets, and and occasional strong opinions about speak thoughtfully and confidently, more—than we do speaking or listening. everything from peanut butter to with poise and purpose, is an important But the reality is, speech is still king. It airplanes. When nurtured, all this instructional focus. Read on to learn remains our primary mode of relating to precociousness forms a natural more (or better yet, read it aloud to one another, whether on the playground, foundation for oral communication skills someone else and discuss). around the water cooler, through songs that will carry them happily through or film, or in diplomatic negotiations. life. Along with the everyday give-and- take between teachers and students, In a recent article in Independent carefully planned activities in the Early School magazine, teacher, author, Childhood Program help the youngest and educational consultant Erik pupils develop their verbal virtuosity. Palmer affirms the primacy of oral Junior kindergarteners, for instance, communication, even asserting that choose a skill or talent to demonstrate “people who speak well do better in and teach to the class. Photos of the life than people who speak less well”

Preschool teacher Rissa Arens admires a student’s presentation on somersaulting. PURPOSE Summer 2011 | 37 presentations show beaming faces What do I say? Formal public speaking takes a big jump exclaiming, “I can crack eggs!” “I in third grade when students spend can do a somersault!” “I can use a Developing Strong Speaking the winter studying notable African hammer!” Director Dorothy Halverson Americans and then preparing and (C’85) explains the value of this new Skills: Lower School presenting monologues about them to addition to the curriculum: “Not only classmates, parents, and guests. “This It’s true, lower schoolers are still a long do the children get to know each other is a wonderful project,” their teacher way from their first job interviews or town better, but they practice speaking Kathy Bailey (C’76) explains, “because hall meetings. But these are prime years in front of a group, being a good the children own every piece of it, from for them to develop the confidence to audience, asking appropriate questions, choosing a subject and doing the research stand in front of an audience and speak and responding with relevant answers. to writing the monologue, memorizing their mind. Opportunities to learn how They have to think on their feet.” and rehearsing it, and finally performing to organize their thoughts, conduct basic it—in character and in costume.” On Market Day, senior preschoolers research, and then craft and deliver an oral share what they’ve learned about the message is part of the curriculum at each While studying China, fifth graders country being studied that year (this time grade level. Here are a few examples. present a play about Chinese it was New Zealand). Another favorite traditions—even delivering some of First graders memorize and recite poetry is the annual Thanksgiving celebration their lines in Chinese! And as part of and collections of important facts, featuring Pilgrim and Native American the annual celebration that concludes such as the chronology of American demonstrations and songs. Do you know an in-depth study of Ancient Greece, presidents. They also present original how to catch a fish with a bow and students perform a play inventions during their arrow or construct a Wampanoag wetu? combining two Greek study of great American Senior kindergarteners do, and they can myths. After adapting inventors, describing “. . . art is not tell you all about it. the myths, students their inspiration for the work with their class- invention, how the item only a noun room teacher and a was created, and what theatre professor from it does. Meanwhile, the College on their their classmates keep but a verb . . .” delivery and fluency. busy listening closely and evaluating each presenter on voice An exciting year-end highlight, Art quality, clarity, and information presented Alive! is a talking museum. Each student researches the life of a famous artist, creates a replica of one of the artist’s Third grader Becky Ritter delivers a monologue as great works, prepares a presentation, Rosa Parks. and takes on the persona of the artist or a character from the artwork. When visitors strolling through the “museum” stop to admire an artwork, the student who created it delivers an informative monologue, speaking as the artist. “I want the students to understand that art is not only a noun (an object) but a verb (the creative process),” art teacher Louise Elmgren-Carlson (C’84) explains.

38 | PURPOSE Summer 2011 Um, like, I’m not good at talking in front of people. Becoming Powerful Communicators: Upper School

In the Independent School magazine article mentioned earlier, Erik Palmer shares that, when surveyed, Silicon Valley employers wished for job candi- dates with better speaking, presenting, Fifth graders rehearse their play about Greek myths. interviewing, and interpersonal skills. Evidently, being a good speaker is a Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Robert prerequisite for success—maybe even I have a lot of ideas Frost, and Shakespeare, among others. for getting in the door. This fact isn’t They regularly discuss and debate current lost on teachers or students at the and I love to talk. issues and also work to be fluid and Upper School. graceful readers, including reading aloud Speaking With Ease and from the Bible and Science and Health. All four years and in a wide range of courses, Upper School students practice Purpose: Middle School In history classes, the days of learning speaking well. Freshmen take a required from a dry, dusty textbook are over. In Middle School, public reading, Communications course. Economics Sixth graders, who study the American speech, dramatic interpretation, and students present their investment Revolution, write fictional interviews of addressing an audience with composure portfolios; French students are graded historical figures from Valley Forge and are key components of the curriculum, on conversations with the teacher; produce the interviews as podcasts. especially in language arts, drama, and Integrated Arts students make formal They also re-enact the Constitutional history classes. Drama teacher Becky presentations about celebrated artists; Convention, as a way of understanding Stevens (C’80) notes, “The fact that and advanced students of German the document’s complex language, and our students focus on these skills a few share their fictional bicycle trips through participate in a Bill of Rights debate. times a week over the course of their Germany—what they saw, who they Seventh graders write and record Middle School experience is extremely met, where they stayed, and what they speeches from the point of view of Civil valuable in creating comfort with public learned—in German, natürlich! War generals and also produce a “This is speaking.” Your Life” style of program showcasing In addition, debate is a new emphasis Stevens’ drama classes begin with games Captains of Industry from the Industrial in the Upper School. Freshmen learn and other speaking exercises, building Age. Eighth graders perform skits related the basics via Lincoln-Douglas style from there to public performances such to women’s rights, write and record debates that integrate content from their as the sixth grade play, seventh grade radio broadcasts about key events of the English, science, and history courses. monologues, and eighth grade one-acts. 1920s, and create and record memoirs For those itching to compete, the small about the Dust Bowl. These are just a but mighty Upper School Debate Club Language arts students practice and few examples of the experiential activi- recently established Principia as a force perform excerpts from the plays, short ties that get students thinking and to be reckoned with, garnering first and stories, and poetry of Langston Hughes, talking about their learning. second place finishes in two National

PURPOSE Summer 2011 | 39 Forensic League competitions this winter. “I still don’t know what my father does (See “Principia’s Great Debaters” at for a living.” www.principiawire.com for details.) “Mom, you do what you do. I’ll do what All this practice in classes and clubs I do. And I’ll catch you on the flip side.” helps prepare students for delivering a top-notch senior speech, a requirement “I Have a Voice” Eighth grade orators, from left: Jordan Van for graduation. Many students look Horsen, Merran Waller, and Austin Webster Being able to express oneself clearly forward to this opportunity to share and effectively is not only rewarding but with the community, but others admit Outstanding Outcomes deeply satisfying. From kindergarten they’ve “been scared [about it] since show-and-tell to our first date, job inter- eighth grade.” For those students, the in the Optimist view, work presentation, or testimony of experience is full of growth. “We believe healing, communicating with sincerity, it’s important for students to leave high Oratorical Contest purpose, and even beauty is something school knowing they have excelled at we all strive for. Principia has participated in the the challenge of presenting their own Optimist Club Oratorical Contest for thoughts to an audience,” English In the recent Academy Award-winning only two years, but both times resulted teacher Nancy Heimerl asserts. “It’s not film The King’s Speech, King George VI of in outstanding outcomes. Last year, easy, but it’s extremely valuable.” England overcomes a lifelong speech as an eighth grader, Kevin Ward took impediment. In a moment of triumph, It’s pretty fun for the audience, too. first place in the district competition, he practically roars, “I have a voice!” This year’s speeches covered a wide earning a $2,500 college scholarship Although few, if any, School students range of topics—everything from family from the International Optimist face that type of challenge, developing relationships to sports to summer jobs. Club. The topic that year was cyber- strong verbal communication skills takes Here are a few of the best lines delivered: communication. effort nonetheless. Fortunately, with the “Just try to act Italian.” support of teachers at all levels along the This year students responded to a way, Principia School graduates can also broader topic: If I were the leader of “Oh, no! I’m becoming my mother!” exclaim, “I have a voice!” the free world, the first issue I would address would be . . . (fill in the blank). Every seventh and eighth grader at Principia prepared and delivered a speech in front of classmates and a panel of School judges. Out of the ten finalists, seven competed against students from other schools at area Optimist Clubs. Three eighth graders— Members of the Jordan Van Horsen, Merran Waller, Upper School Debate Club and Austin Webster—advanced to the (from left): final competition. After an exciting final Gorota Afagbegee (US’13), Matts round, Austin Webster won second Wilcoxen (US’12), place and a $1,500 college scholarship. Corbin Sellers (US’12), Briggs DeLoach (US’11), To see Austin deliver his speech, go to Kevin Ward (US’14) www.principiaschool.org/optimist.

40 | PURPOSE Summer 2011 Advancement

Middle School Renovation: A Strategic Plan Priority by Glenn Williams

With its rolling hills, expansive playing teachers collaborate on a lesson about electrical and plumbing upgrades, and fields, and well-maintained buildings, the Civil War. Later, the combined the removal of hazardous materials. Principia School provides children from classes break into small writing groups Currently, $1.4 million has been infancy through adolescence a beauti- in the flexible classroom space, and committed toward the three-part, ful place to learn. But the School’s the drama teacher takes groups one $6.3 million Middle School renovation. functionality has not kept pace with by one to the outdoor amphitheatre to Support for this project is urgently its beauty; significant facility improve- rehearse scenes with Civil War themes. needed in order to begin Phase 2, which ments are needed And all this takes place includes a new vestibule and entryway, throughout the School. before lunch! multipurpose room, amphitheater, Far from a matter of Advances in In the afternoon, office space, and restrooms. The final mere brick and mortar, math teachers have phase will complete the renovation of renovations are re- instruction are opened a moveable additional instructional space. quired to keep Prin- wall to accommodate cipia abreast of best driving the . . . Enhancing and updating classrooms a larger-than-usual practices in education. to keep pace with teachers’ creativity study session, while in And nowhere is the renovations. and inspiration is a crucial component the recently relocated need more urgent than in Head of School Marilyn Wallace’s art studio brimming with natural light, in the Middle School, which expanded strategic vision students wrap up last year to three grades (6th–8th). for Principia work on their ce- School. If Advances in instruction are driving ramics projects. the Middle the need for—and design of—the Another class School project renovations. The Middle School faculty meets on the interests has developed an experiential, project- library’s outside you or you oriented, and team-taught approach patio, sharing would like to learning that necessitates flexible reviews of their more detailed classrooms for collaboration across recent best reads. The new library for Preschool through Middle School information disciplines and easy access to the out- about the renovation, please contact doors for everything from conducting Progress thus far me at 314.275.3524 or glenn.williams@ research to sketching in nature. Phase 1 of the Middle School principia.edu. renovation broke ground last summer Learn more about Principia’s strategic Where we’re headed and has been completed. Students plan by visiting us online at Imagine for a moment Middle School began using the relocated bookstore www.principia.edu/strategicplan. students gathering in the inviting during the winter and settled into the social center before school begins. new library this spring. The new art Glenn Williams is chief advancement Then, during first period, one class room will open its doors this fall. This officer for The Principia. conducts a chemistry experiment in the first phase also involved considerable expanded science lab, while down the infrastructure work, including updated hall, language arts and social studies HVAC and fire sprinkler systems,

PURPOSE Summer 2011 | 41 Have Wings, Will Fly: College Track Team Sets Records by Heather Shotwell and Trudy Palmer What’s better than a successful track team? A successful track team full of freshmen and sophomores! That’s the College’s enviable position: record-breaking runners with years of eligibility ahead of them. To make matters even better, the runners really like the coaches—and vice versa.

Head coach Chuck Wilcoxen (C’81) is and women,” senior Jeff Strickland the women’s outdoor 800-meter record especially appreciated, but the assis- says. Wylie Mangelsdorf, a freshman, had tumbled as well after standing for tant and specialty coaches receive concurs, “We are like one big family— nearly three decades. Sophomore Casey kudos as well. “The coaches are truly outside of track too. We look to each Powell broke it at a meet in Illinois with metaphysically prepared,” comments other for support in other areas of our a time of 2:20.84. Her performance Oyintari Aboro, who runs the 200 lives.” placed her fifth at that meet among all meters, “and they bring so much humor NCAA Division I, II, and III competitors. For many, that camaraderie has improved to the track, joking with each team A week or so later, at the Billy Hayes their performance. Sophomore Clayton member. Just before we head out to Invitational in Indiana, she beat her Harper explains, “Leadership comes in practice, Chuck usually says, ‘We are own best with a time of 2:19:85. all shapes and sizes on this team, not going to work hard today—go have just the most athletic. Humility is key. Those same meets were a success for some fun!’” Even the top runners have tremendous junior Drew Clark as well. In Illinois he And they do just that. As Aboro says, humility. Team members really get excited won the men’s outdoor 800 meters, “We get the about each and in Indiana he ran his season best work done, other’s races. in the open 1500-meter, finishing first and it is often This positive overall. Clark is ranked third nationally hard work. attitude has in Division III in the 800-meter run and But the team led to a lot holds the number two position on the levity gets us of personal College’s Top Ten list for that race. He through. We bests this track also anchors Principia’s 1600-meter really care season.” Relay and Distance Medley Relay (DMR) about each teams, both of which broke College Some of those other.” Time records during the indoor season. personal bests

and again, Wilder Photo by Duncan have been Clark also competed in the NCAA students Sophomore Casey Powell (center) College bests too. Division III Indoor Track & Field mention how Twelve—that’s right, twelve—indoor Championship in March, where he caring the team is. “I love the mutual records were toppled this year! (See finished sixth in the 800-meter run, respect for everyone on the team—men p. 5.) When the Purpose went to print, earning athletic All-American status.

42 | PURPOSE Summer 2011 In addition, Clark represents the Midwest A Glimpse into as one of only eight Regional Track Athletes Field Events of the Year for indoor Due to the many track records set this track. (Clark has also year, this article has focused on runners, qualified for the NCAA but athletes competing in field events Division III Outdoor are full-fledged members of the track National Championship, and field family. And in one case, the which takes place Photo by Duncan Wilder Photo by Duncan family ties are literal. Siblings Aean and after the Purpose goes Junior Drew Clark (left) Aubrey McMullin, freshman and sopho- to press. For coverage more respectively, both compete in the of his performance, visit toward fulfilling them. Some goals javelin throw, and both hit season-best www. principiaathletics.com.) relate specifically to performance marks in a mid-May meet in Naperville, (achieving a certain time or trying a For all of their accomplishments, Illinois. Aean’s throw was 36.58 meters new event); others are broader, like however, Powell and Clark are just two (120 feet). Aubrey’s was 24.99 meters using track as a way to apply Christian people on a team of equals. That’s the (81.98 feet); unfortunately, hers was Science to daily life. Wilcoxen ranks all tone the coaches set. Freshman Emily a scratch by a hairsbreadth. Like their goals equally, working hard to advance Osborne explains it this way: “We feel teammates, Aubrey and Aean give the each one. Of course, he’s happy when valued no matter the level of experience coaches high marks. “The coaches have team members win, and he does all he or athletic ability we have. There are made me want to keep going,” Aubrey can to make that possible. “The College no big egos. The coaches really set that says, “even on the days that are pretty is committed to giving students the example.” cold or too hot.” best opportunity to compete,” he says. Sure enough, when asked what role Last winter, that commitment included Freshman Gabrielle Schwenker offers coaching plays in the team’s success, taking Clark to a “last chance” meet in similar praise. “The throwing coach, Wilcoxen deflects attention away New York to help prepare him for the Geoff Hinchman (US’89, C’93), has giv- from himself to his assistant coaches. Indoor National Championship. en me so much support in my events,” For example, he she notes. “At one of our meets, the Wilcoxen’s love for describes Phil field area was very far away from the his team members Green (C’02), the “There are no track area, and he stayed with me the is obvious. lead assistant, entire time even though we had to wait Referring to them as “the brains of big egos. The a long time for my events. He even as “kids,” he the operation,” seemed really happy to be there, like sounds a lot like crediting him coaches really it wasn’t a burden. I got two personal a father. “They’re for helping with bests that day!” nuts,” he says with “everything from set that example.” evident affection. recruiting to “They work incredibly hard. They have training design to race tactics.” Chuck gives us fatherly guidance, but a lot of fun. And they take very good no yelling.” That type of respect for each indivi- care of each other.” They also feel his dual’s contribution defines Wilcoxen’s fatherly touch. As sophomore Calvin Aboro, one of the few seniors on the approach to coaching. He asks each Nyapele says, “I have seen many team, sums up the students’ feelings athlete to set his or her own goals and coaches of other teams yelling at their tidily. “There is only one Chuck,” he then guides—not directs—students runners. You will not see that here. says. “Thank God he’s at Prin!”

PURPOSE Summer 2011 | 43 My Principia Story

When the letter from Prin arrived, I ship and pay a minimum toward the ran down the street whooping with voyage. On board, the stewardesses excitement. I was living in Marseille, made me feel at home, and we worked , at the time, teaching at the together to keep the ship shipshape Berlitz School and and feed the 12 taking cruise ship When the passengers. When tourists on city tours. the northern lights Dr. Houpt’s letter said letter from Prin did their thing Summer Session was mid-ocean, it was in the bag if I could arrived, I ran scintillating, both manage to get there! the sight and sound. He didn’t say how . . down the street My first full day in Opportunity . like on a Norwegian New York, I walked freighter called the whooping with into Greenwich Leads to Black Diamond from Village and met an Rotterdam. But that’s excitement. officer of the Salva- Adventure how it indeed came tion Army leaving by Doreen Joffe about. Awesome! Plus, I found my way soon for South America to assist in up to Holland by hitching a ride from the aftermath of an earthquake. He I think it was 1960 when Dr. Theodore someone whom I happened to be put overheard me chatting about picking up Houpt, then director of admissions, in touch with as I was praying over some Spanish while working in invited me to a Summer Session scholar- the how and when and where of my and Alicante, so he asked if I could ship treat at Principia College. The way it departure for the USA. help him with a refresher course. I was all came about still intrigues me. In Rotterdam I spent time scouting the delighted, and I coached him for several About a year before this, I had met a harbor for just the right opportunity. days. In exchange the Salvation Army Principia abroad group in Italy. Several I was seeking a workaway passage, provided my board and lodging. of the students gave delightful testimo- which means you work while on the nies in church one night, and we all got together after the service. They were curious about this South African girl and her travels. I had been in Europe for the last five years, traveling during the sum- mers and working in various capitals during the winters. Perhaps they shared my story with Dr. Houpt when they returned to campus; I don’t know. I had also been corresponding with Principia PRINCIPIA BOSTON COLLEGE about the possibility of attending the NEW YORK College for a short term. Maybe he put 2+2 together, but again, I don’t know. I never investigated the details—I just rejoiced in the answered prayer.

44 | PURPOSE Summer 2011 My Principia Story

Before long, I headed to Boston for my The writing class with Colin Campbell At the end of Summer Session, I stayed to first visit to The Mother Church. Then gave me a hand up on composing volunteer, doing office work; then came I traveled, at last, to Principia with the stories. I even coined a word, which an invitation to join Alumni Weekend. Careys, whom I met through my hosts amused the group. Commended by the That, too, was a lot of fun, with so much in Boston. My share of the journey was teacher, I was encouraged. He told us to inspiration shared. I was also given names to look after their kids, compose every day, and I and addresses of more new friends who which was fun. All along wish I could say I do. requested that I visit them. Doing so the way, there were I’m still allowed me to cover a number of states Before classes, early new connections. From before returning to my home country. morning walks with Doc day to day dear people savoring I married a fellow South African, and Wanamaker gave me met my needs. What a we immigrated some years later to insights into the flora as blessing! my summer California. well as the many bird Once on Principia’s sojourn at varieties and their songs I’m still savoring my summer sojourn gorgeous campus above and sounds. Over the at Principia—a rare opportunity with the big river, I settled in Principia. course of the session, I many precious memories. It was the for two weeks in early also became familiar most cherished experience of my six August. The people were so welcoming with the campus and appreciated its years abroad. and the campus so inviting that I felt at favorable location atop the river bluffs. In 2008 I fulfilled a longstanding desire home instantly. The entire experience was a time to to give back to Principia: I established a treasure with so much to enjoy and In my Bible study course, taught by charitable gift annuity that lets Principia learn—and lovely folks to interact with. Iolani Ingalls, I got to know and love keep the capital while I receive a small the Bible anew. It was presented in There were also inspiring chapel monthly payment—a sweet reminder such an alive, modern manner that I felt services and talks, and I visited the each month of my love for Prin’s educa- my staid, traditional concepts fall away. quaint town of Elsah to attend a tional value to the world. The class laughed a lot too! Christian Science service. It was high- lighted for me by a memorable solo graciously sung by the dean of men at the College. What’s your Principia story? ROTTERDAM To submit a story about your Principia experience, send up to MARSEILLE 800 words to purpose@principia. edu. Submissions selected for publication will be edited with the author’s permission.

PURPOSE Summer 2011 | 45 Awards and Achievements

SCHOOL work by themselves; they must form, Corbin Sellers (US’12) and Matts Eagle Scout Honors manage, and lead a team to complete Wilcoxen (US’12) progressed through Two Upper School students—David the project. In both of these cases, many rounds of the Varsity Public Forum Ritter (US’12) and Ben Sleight considerable consultation was required Debate. For this contest, two-person (US’11)—became Eagle Scouts this as well­—with the School Facilities teams prepare two cases—one in favor year, the highest rank in the Boy Department, Town & Country’s Green of and one against the resolution—and Scouting program of Boy Scouts Team Commission (for the fence), and then argue one of these sides in front of America. Requirements include the School Athletic Department (for the of “citizen” judges. The resolution at progressing through five lower pitching mound). this tournament was a timely topic: scouting ranks and earning at least 21 “Wikileaks is a threat to national Earning Eagle Scout status marks merit badges in areas ranging from security.” After successfully arguing their the culmination of years of faithful environmental science and fitness to way to the final round, Matts and Corbin participation in scouting activities. world citizenship. Eagle Scouts must defeated a much more experienced team Congratulations to both boys for their also hold a troop leadership position for and captured first place! accomplishment! six months and plan, develop, and lead For information about Principia’s other a service project in their community. competitors and their accomplishments, Both David’s and Ben’s projects see “Principia’s Great Debaters” at benefited Principia School. David www.principiawire.com. built a fence around the community garden just west of Lasky Pond, and COLLEGE Ben built a practice pitching mound Professor Brings French with retaining walls for the baseball Musician’s Life to Light team. Scouts are not allowed to do the Andy Takao’s artwork As a doctoral student at Boston Artistic Achievement University, Dr. John Near (C’69), This spring a scratchboard of an owl William Martin and Mina Merrill Prindle created by Andy Takao (US’12) was Professor of Fine Arts and College accepted into the St. Louis Artists’ Guild organist, began researching the organ Young Artists’ Showcase, a prestigious music of Charles-Marie Widor (1844– and highly competitive exhibition 1937). He soon discovered, however, highlighting artwork from high school that Widor’s renown as an organist and Ben Sleight students in the St. Louis area. composer constituted only a fraction of his remarkable life. As Near says, “It Debaters Win First Place became clear to me that it would do At a February competition sponsored Widor a grave injustice if I considered by the National Forensic League, the him only from the single aspect of his nation’s oldest and largest speech career as an organist.” Thus began a and debate honor society, twenty-one nearly three-decade-long determination schools fielded teams with a combined to do justice to Widor’s life. total of 450 competitors. Undaunted, David Ritter with parents Janice and Joe Ritter

46 | PURPOSE Summer 2011 Awards and Achievements

For his dissertation, Near completed the 616-page illumination of Widor’s diverse Capitol. The fourteen teams competing first full-scale posthumous biography of accomplishments and contributions to came from community colleges, private Widor, which encompassed his entire the arts, the Institute of France, and colleges, and major state universities, work but highlighted his career as an civil society. Near’s book—which he including Eastern Illinois, Western Illinois, organist and organ composer. Next, Near describes as “a labor of love”—is part and Northeastern Illinois. Sarah and spent a decade untangling the knotty of the Eastman Studies in Music Series Tony’s success is especially impressive composition and publication history of published by University of Rochester since both were first-time moot court Widor’s organ music in order to publish Press. It was released on February 21 of competitors. To read more about the in 1997 a critical edition of his ten organ this year, Widor’s 167th birthday. competition, see “Moot Court Success” symphonies. Then, at the Philadelphia at www.principiawire.com. Strong Finishes for Moot Orchestra’s request, Near published a Court Competitors critical edition of Widor’s Symphony in G Minor for Organ and Orchestra, which Sarah Butson (C’13), a political was performed in 2002. science major, and Anthony Ackah- Nyanzu (C’12), a computer science Finally, then, Near returned to the major, placed third in the statewide work of further researching and writing moot court competition that was part the comprehensive biography he first of this year’s Model Illinois Government imagined in graduate school. Widor: A simulation held in the Illinois State Life beyond the Toccata is the result—a Sarah Butson and Anthony Ackah-Nyanzu

ALUMNI of the Unitarian Universalist Church, the nearly 3,000 names of those killed Peara used his acceptance speech to in the 9/11 attacks and the 1993 World Edgar Peara (C’47) promote peace. Trade Center bombing. The bronze parapets surround the two one-acre On April 14, Edgar Peara, an American, Susan (Herminghaus) sized pools that occupy the footprints of was honored with the National Order of McLeod, C’64 the Twin Towers. The memorial will be the Legion of Honour, France’s highest A research professor of writing at the dedicated on 9/11/11. military honor. Peara received the University of California, Santa Barbara, recognition for his service during World Jenna “JJ” Marston (US’09) Susan McLeod was recently honored War II as an officer in an amphibious with the title of Distinguished Scholar In January, Jenna Marston won the crew that prepared the way for Allied by her colleagues. prestigious John E. Wray award from forces in both the European and Pacific the Baseball Writer’s Association of theaters. Christine Corday America. The Wray award honors those (Schwartz, US’88, C’92) Though very grateful for the honor, with achievements in sports other Peara is now a pacifist and a member Artist Christine Corday is working with than professional baseball. Attending of Veterans for Peace, which seeks to KC Fabrications Inc., the company the dinner in her honor were current educate the public about the costs of chosen to fabricate and install the Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa and war. Even during his wartime service, National September 11 Memorial at first baseman Albert Pujols, along Peara avoided violence, finding peaceful Ground Zero. Architect Michael Arad with baseball legends Ozzie Smith and means whenever possible to accomplish chose her patina to blacken the bronze Whitey Herzog, among others. military objectives. A minister emeritus parapets of the memorial that inscribe

PURPOSE Summer 2011 | 47 Christian Science in Action

Supporting Character by Lee Fletcher-McGookin TRANSFORMATION

hen I first came to work at A good example of this occurred several career brought more and more evidence WPrincipia, I thought character years ago when a student was denied of a joyful, enormously giving attitude education consisted primarily of lovingly admission to the Middle springing from a desire trying to talk an individual out of some School due to a poor to grow personally and imposing mental suggestion. But I attitude. A year later, “No longer spiritually. No longer a eventually grew to realize that the more the student enrolled as loner, the student was powerful and effective demonstration a boarder at the Upper a loner, the grateful, gracious, and of character transformation came when School, but a couple of loving to all. I first quietly declared for myself that extremely tumultuous student was Character transformation the problem was a lie about God’s idea years followed. The starts from within and and that, in reality, there is nothing for student’s anger and grateful, is solely the result of our us to be talked out of and no broken rudeness toward adults, own individual spiritual person to fix. Mary Kimball Morgan along with extreme gracious, growth. It is imperative, suggests this when she explains char- self-centeredness, made of course, that we con- acter development as “the constant it difficult to even carry and loving front erroneous thinking erasing of the counterfeit and the on a conversation about wher-ever we find it, but I bringing into expression of the real” the many attitude and to all.” am learning not to spend a (Education at The Principia, p. 77). behavior problems that lot of time in conversation kept surfacing. House parents, coaches, At Principia, character unfoldment is trying to impose my own revelations on and teachers all worked together not realized first and foremost because others. Instead, I’m striving to be more to allow this rebuff of them and of all each of us is daily striving to entertain emphatic about knowing what divine Principia had to offer to influence their the Christ in our own thought, acknowl- Love, divine Mind, is revealing at that thought about this student. I, too, had to edging what God is knowing clearly at moment to me and to those involved. work diligently to hold in thought God’s that moment. This way, transformation This supports the opportunity for them innocent child whenever I was with and redemption are gently beckoned to wrestle with their own beliefs and this student so that I wasn’t tempted to forth—without words or verbal have their own revelations. In this way, throw up my hands in defeat. confrontation—impelled just by the Christian Science truly is in action, and expectancy and realization of good all Gradually, however, the student started true character unfoldment results. around us. Irma Eareckson, a renowned to give back to the community (helping Lee Fletcher-McGookin is dean of Principia English teacher of years ago, out at social events, for example) and students at Principia Upper School. once proclaimed, “All the teacher to excel in some activities (choir and can do is to make it possible for the athletics among them). The last two individual to work with himself.” years of this student’s Upper School

48 | PURPOSE Summer 2011 What does all this have to do with you? Everything.

Your contributions to the Annual Fund make all this—and more—possible. Each year, gifts from people like you enable us to provide students exceptional experiences in and out of the classroom. You helped us.

Thank you for caring about Principia students enough to invest in their academic and spiritual growth. Please help us again.

Your support is always welcome, whether you choose to give online at www.principia.edu/giving, by check, or by setting up automatic monthly credit card or checking account payments.

Learn more at www.principia.edu/giving. Or call Gift Services at 314.275.3523. Thank you for making a difference. Attend talks, panels, and working sessions Hear from scholars, visionaries, and conflict transformation experts Learn about key challenges to, and inspiring examples of, peace in the Middle East Leave with good reasons to have hope and a sense of where you fit in

Keynote speaker: Lawrence Wright, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11

More than a conference, this is a meeting of the minds where thought-leaders, policymakers, and peacebuilders from around the globe will share, strategize, and usher in a new way forward. Registration opens August 15. For more information euphratesinstitute.org and to learn about sponsorship opportunities, e-mail [email protected] or call 202.503.4634. OCTOBER 27 & 28, 2011 PRINCIPIA COLLEGE