CONNECTIONS
News and notes from the alumni community
Carrying the Vision Forward By Mitch Bradbury ’78; P’09 President of the General Alumni Association and Exeter Trustee
I
am excited to begin my work as a new trustee and General Alumni Association (GAA) president during a time of noteworthy change at Exeter. I look forward to assisting the Academy, on your behalf, with the transitions we face during the next few years. These include, of course, the departure of our beloved 14th principal, Tom Hassan, and our search for an equally outstanding leader. In my vocation as a clinical psychologist, I understand that managing such change is best done in a caring environment by clearly defined action. Exeter has emerged well from similar shifts over time and will continue to demonstrate its ability to adapt. In preparing for my changing volunteer role, I read the Academy’s original Deed of Gift written by founder John Phillips in 1781. It confirmed for me his vision of a stellar and lasting academic institution. It also shows that in the crosscut of goodness and knowledge is a school where deep and caring consideration for future generations is applied to transitions; not only simple transitions, but the hard confrontations of self and purpose that lead to the meaningful evolution of character. For me, and perhaps many of you, Exeter has been about transitions, transcendence, love and loyalty. This is how the Academy creates individuals of value to family and community. It is what inspires me, and hundreds of devoted alumni, to answer the call of service to Exeter. I look forward to being involved in this time of growth, and working with individuals with like minds and hearts who contribute to the strong character of this great institution as it evolves for years to come. E Mitch is part of a three-generation Exeter family including his father John D. Bradbury ’59, uncle Warren B. Bradbury Jr. ’52, and daughter Sarah Bradbury ’09. He lives with his wife, Barbara, and children Jonathan and Isabel in New Rochelle, New York. His clinical practice is in New York City’s West Village.
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