Sem Snippets Summer at Sem
Summer 2009
Bidding Adieu
A
s I write this note in the early June morning, the school is quiet. But the momentary silence in the hallways belies the bustle of activity happening at Sem this summer. “Summer at Sem” begins on Monday, June 29th, and 90 little girls will roam the hallways each week. Many of them will come to love their time here and will explore the possibility of enrolling at Sem as they approach high school. In fact, nearly 50% of the students arriving at Sem this fall participated in "Summer at Sem". In addition to the arrival of campers, construction work has begun on the Athletic Center renovation, and soon the new squash courts, fitness room and locker areas will take shape. Already we can see that the new space will surpass our expectations. Just down the road on Bidwell Parkway, two homes are being cleaned and readied for our house parents and students. Twelve young women from across the country and around the world will arrive for orientation at the end of August. Director of Admissions Carrie Lyons Auwarter '96 and her husband, Kevin, will be house parents in one home, while art teacher Katharine Simonds will live next door. We are all eager to welcome our new students.
Amy Habib Rittling '86
A
s the 2008-2009 school year comes to a close, so do Amy Habib Rittling's six years of service to Buffalo Seminary's Board of Trustees. During her 2007-2009 tenure as Chair of the Board, the school has completed a strategic plan, started a residential program, and initiated a renovation of the gym into a modern Athletic Center complete with squash courts, fitness areas, and renovated locker room and office space. Amy has led by example. She has demonstrated sound judgment, determination, and a willingness to listen to all sides of any issue. Her work ethic is extraordinary. As Board Chair, Amy is technically a member of all committees, and she has managed to stay on top of the issues in all areas of the school. Her passion for Sem and her attention to detail make a difference in every committee. Perhaps most impressive has been Amy’s concern for people. She made a commitment to tackle some difficult issues of school governance and still ensure that all constituents had an important voice in planning the future of Sem. Her efforts to improve faculty salary and professional support have been impressive in difficult financial times. Her concern for the alumnae of Sem reflects her own determination to make a difference for her school.
As I began my tenure as Head of School, I could not have asked for a more thoughtful, competent, and compassionate Board Chair. I will miss her mentoring and leadership more than words can express. Undoubtedly, Amy will remain actively involved with Buffalo Seminary as an alumna, but I will miss her presence on the Board. We all thank Amy for her commitment, dedication, and guidance.
All of this activity reflects the vision outlined in our new strategic plan adopted by the Board of Trustees at its June meeting. Since 1851, Buffalo Seminary has empowered young women to become leaders and to make a difference in their communities and in the larger world. The renovation of the athletic facilities and the addition of a residential program reflect a commitment to excellence that is guided by the mission and powerful history of this fine school. The world that our graduates enter now has seen the transformation of communication and the explosion of access to information through the internet. We can not know all that will happen in the world even four years from now; however, the strategic plan has been prepared to ensure that the next generation of Buffalo Seminary graduates will have a strong foundation grounded in tradition, yet guided by visionary teaching and an innovative curriculum. I look forward to sharing the excitement of our new plans and our renovations as the next school year begins. Best wishes for a wonderful summer!
Outgoing Board Chair Amy Habib Rittling ‘86 with incoming Board Chair Kevin O’Leary