Home Away from Home

Dear Portledge Alumni,

I recently stumbled upon the speech I wrote for my Senior Class Dinner in June 2013. I forgot that I had spoken at my senior dinner when I first found it. As I reread it, I noticed a few key themes: Portledge “lifers,” “home away from home,” and most importantly, personal growth and acceptance. This Spring marked 10 years since my graduation from Portledge, and I can truly say that not much has changed.

For 14 years of my life, Portledge was my home and the place I felt most comfortable. Going to Syracuse University was my dream, which became a reality upon graduation. When I first arrived at Syracuse, I was in shock. I was starting over at a large university where no one knew me. As the year progressed and I began to step outside of my comfort zone, I realized Portledge provided me with the foundation to do so. I slowly began to get involved in different academic and social organizations, meet new people, study abroad, and more. I wouldn’t have been able to do all these things without the foundation that Portledge provided me. Portledge has always encouraged individuality, relationships, and personal growth.

As I entered the next stage of my life and my early professional career, I greatly enjoyed my involvement with Portledge and, more specifically, the Alumni Association. The alumni community is incredibly strong and approachable. The ability to connect with anyone, whether someone you knew in passing or a close friend, has been incredibly valuable. From a professional view, the Portledge network is strong and one of a kind! To this day, many of my closest friends are former classmates, and it’s been amazing watching people I’ve known for more than 20 years go through all walks of life.

As we have progressed into this “post-Covid” life, I have greatly enjoyed attending many alumni events, such as the Athletic Hall of Fame awards, Founders Day, the Alumni Holiday Party, and so many more. I have reconnected with classmates I have not seen in years, and I love walking down memory lane with some of my closest friends. The alumni community continues to grow and thrive as Portledge does. Once a Panther, always a Panther. I’m extremely excited to watch the school grow as we enter the next school year!

Alumni Council President