musicians as they simulated a piece called “Mothership” by young New York composer Mason Bates using percussion, keyboards, and iPads. The goal, says Mead, is to have the piece performed by the PSO. Abu Hamad is thrilled by these musical endeavors, and also by her ability to truly make a difference. “In Lebanon, we have a culture, most of the time, where you feel you cannot change anything. Here, I learned, if you persevere, if you just give time and effort, you can get somewhere,” she says. She recalls her first visit to enroll her eldest son, Samir, at The Campus School upon moving to Pittsburgh from Lebanon in 2005. “I felt the spirit of Carlow through Sister Mary Paul,” recalls Abu Hamad, “and I feel that same spirit today working with Mrs. Peduto and everyone at Carlow. It’s a special place.” Today, Samir is a student at Georgetown University, and Abu Hamad’s two younger children, Sari and Sarah, are in fifth and eighth grades, respectively. Abu Hamad says she’ll do anything to help the school. “There is a wonderful atmosphere at Carlow,” she says. “You feel like it’s one big family. All one. And we’re working for one main purpose. I am honored to give my kids my time.”
Top, left to right: Nayla Abu Hamad, Monique Mead, Michelle Peduto. Bottom: Carnegie Mellon University’s C Street Brass Quintet.
CARLOW UNI V ER S ITY 15