Greetings from the Hilltop Y
ou may recall, after hearing author David Epstein speak at a CAIS (Connecticut Association of Independent Schools) conference last April and subsequently reading his book, Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, I opened this current school year with remarks to our faculty and staff that centered on the concept of range*. The basic premise of Epstein’s revelatory research—and the correlations I drew to our School—is that true excellence emerges from a broad and deep diversity of experiences. As I read through this issue of PALLIUM, I once again found myself marveling at the extraordinary range of the Canterbury family. As we continue to celebrate 50 years of coeducation, I invite you to consider the range of experiences of a family whose history with our School dates back to its opening in 1915. Few families have witnessed more changes at Canterbury than the Carmodys, and it was a pleasure to hear Trustee Carol Lovell Carmody P ’18 and her daughter Nelle ’18 reflect on what that evolution has meant to their family— an evolution of a school that continues to honor the history and traditions of its Catholic founding while also being a dynamic, inclusive, interfaith community (page 10). Similarly, to recount a major event such as our Steers Center ribbon cutting (page 6) and dedication of the Ragland Commons juxtaposed with the great Class of 1971 celebrating its 50th Reunion (page 14) is an inspiring example of how the range of past and present continues to merge on our campus and create exciting momentum for our future. Throughout this issue, you will also encounter stories that illustrate how Canterbury’s core values resonate with graduates long after they leave our hilltop. Margaret Smith ’06—who launched our Women’s Leadership Speaker Series this fall—brings the concept of servant leadership to bear in her role as Global Head of Talent at Compass, Inc. (page 16). Terry Meehan ’66 has effected real change to eradicate world hunger, receiving a lifetime achievement award for his work (page 20). Sherley Arias-Pimentel ’19, who is elevating the voices of those in need, credits Canterbury with helping her find her calling to serve (page 36). Shaped by his time here, Jay Snyder ’01 is working with his wife and business partner, Paralympic Gold Medalist Mallory Weggemann, to represent and tell the stories of people with disabilities (page 38). While each experience is different, they all spring from the same commitment to moral leadership that has long differentiated our School. Moreover, their stories underscore the far-reaching impact of our alumni on the world around us. You will read about the range of talents and pursuits of three impressive young alumni—Ellyn Fritz ’18, Gregory McKenna ’19, and Joyce Gao ’20—who are writing for their college newspapers and carrying forward core competencies that are bedrocks of our academic program (page 22). Likewise, we are humbled and proud to announce this year’s Society of Alumni award recipients, Duchess Harris, Ph.D. ’87 and Katie Grill, Ph.D. ’10, who will be formally recognized during the upcoming Alumni Weekend in June (page 18). Finally, just as I noted in my remarks at the start of the year, the collective range of our faculty is nothing short of extraordinary. The spectrum of knowledge, passions, and life experiences they share with our students—not to mention the remarkable agility they demonstrated in these past two years—ranks them among the finest educators in the boarding school world. Notable among them is Associate Head of School for Academics and Dean of Faculty Sue Roberts P ’24, whose story spans 23 years as a respected teacher, mentor, and academic leader at Canterbury (page 24). And so, I invite you to read on and enjoy these stories and many others in this issue of PALLIUM. Indeed, the pages are filled with a range of joy and gratitude associated with teaching and learning, service and philanthropy, legacy and success—so much of what defines the excellence of our extended Canterbury community.
Rachel E. Stone P ’23, ’24 Head of School * An abbreviated version of my 2021-22 Opening Remarks can be found in Head of School Reflections on cbury.org. PAGE 5.
