VISIONS WINTER 2022
Jennifer Burns Leonard ’97 Chief Innovation Officer & Executive Director, Future of the Profession Initiative, University of Pennsylvania Law School | Lecturer in Law, University of Pennsylvania | Law School | BA, Pennsylvania State University | JD, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
Jen Burns Leonard practiced law for over 10 years and now holds a number of positions at Penn Law, but she admits that she initially pursued a law degree “without knowing much about what lawyers really do. I didn’t have lawyers in my family, so my main exposure was from watching Law & Order and studying To Kill a Mockingbird in Mr. Small’s American Literature class. Popular culture always portrayed lawyers as seeking the truth, advocating for justice. These are all admirable dimensions of legal work, and I had the privilege of working with many lawyers who embodied the ideal lawyer.” However, when Jen takes a good look at her family, she sees “that education was the throughline all along. My Dad was a Philadelphia public school teacher for 40 years, my Mom spent her career working at Bryn Mawr College, and my aunt was the director of a childcare center. Amy Lazor Miguel ’97 and I would turn my basement into a classroom and pretend to be schoolteachers.” Jen came to discover her true passion: “helping developing learners—whether they are three years old or 30 years old—find their path and grow their skills.” So, she started pursuing a Master’s degree in education at night while working as a lawyer during the day. Jen now serves as Chief Innovation Officer & Executive Director of the Future of the Profession Initiative at Penn Law, but she is also a Professor. She shares, “The incredible educators who helped shape me during my ND years continue to inspire my work as an educator … Every teacher I had the privilege to know was exceptional. From project-based learning to individualized learning plans to scaffolded learning environments where we felt challenged and supported, I draw from their example every day.” Jen is inspired daily by her students. She explains, “Our students are brilliant, eager to change the world for good, and excited about the many ways the legal profession is changing to be healthier, more innovative, and inclusive. On days when I feel tired or not at my best, 10 minutes with a student over coffee or after class will lift my spirits and push me to be even better.” Education is also always changing, but the values and dynamics remain the same, especially at schools like Notre Dame. At a recent gathering, Jen shares, “We were talking about the virtues of attending an all-girls’ school. I recalled that, when I got to college, one of my female professors encouraged the women in the class to participate in equal measure with the men. It never occurred to me until that moment not to participate equally. Notre Dame recognized that the world is complex and presents young women with many challenges. But the educational philosophy Notre Dame promotes helped us grow stronger to meet those challenges head-on instead of lowering our hands and quieting our voices.”
However, some things are very much the same. Many of the faculty that taught me are still here today – Joan [Turner], chair of my department, was my history teacher in Middle School. I still remember her lesson on John Locke vividly; she's one of the reasons I became interested in history as a student. Many departments have at least one faculty member that was one of my teachers, and that's a special connection that I value. What does Suzanne enjoy most about working at Notre Dame? “I love having so much in common with my students. Although I graduated in 2007, they have a lot of the same teachers, take a lot of the same classes, and engage in the same traditions (like Spirit Day - go yellow class!). Being able to connect with my students over these shared experiences is really valuable.”
very much alive within the gates. My ND friends and I always looked forward to going to school, and that same enthusiasm from students is still present. Students are still laughing, skipping up and down hallways, smiling (even behind masks), and being their goofy selves. The faculty and staff are still incredibly supportive, engaged, and motivated to see students succeed. “While a lot is still the same, Notre Dame is physically different. The campus is even more beautiful compared to when I was a student, which I didn't think was possible. Another big difference is that there are more opportunities and resources offered to students. Since I was a student, the academic, extracurricular, and athletic opportunities, resources, and offerings have expanded and grown tremendously. Honestly, sometimes I wish I could take some of the classes that are now offered.”
Kara Schultheis Brown ’08 ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF UPPER SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
“Notre Dame is the same community it was when I was a student. There may be some new faces; however, the energy, spirit, and community are still
What does Kara love most about working at ND? “The community (Coco included)! This wonderful community is warm, welcoming, supportive, and fun, celebrating each other’s successes and supporting each other through challenges.”
Julia Tully ’08 DIRECTOR OF CAMPUS MINISTRY
“What stands out to me as feeling the same is the experience the girls are having. While there are updated facilities and new faculty faces, the girls are still getting to know each other, plotting fun Advent Angel surprises, and growing into women who want to make a difference in the world. They know that they're cared for by their teachers, and the feeling of fun and camaraderie in the hallway is the same.” What does Julia enjoy about working at her alma mater? “I love watching students grow and find a sense of passion! I have gotten to watch students push themselves out of their comfort zones to lead Kairos or speak at Community Prayer, and I love getting to give students a space to share themselves with our school community. When a student comes into my office to chat about a meaningful service experience or an idea for something new, I love to see her energy.”
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