BISHOPS Issue2-2025-COVERwFEATURES-forISSUU

A MAGAZINE FOR THE BISHOP’S SCHOOL FAMILY AND FRIENDS | ISSUE 2 | 2025

P 10 A Deeper Look at Justice P 12 Four Domains of a Meaningful Life P 16 Faculty Reflection for Seniors

A Blessing for the Class of 2025 P 23 Middle School Tennis Salute to T-Day P 30 2025 ELLS Speaker Dr. Dana Mathewson ’09 P 36

FEATURES 2

A Quick Trip Around the Quad Second semester highlights

10 A Deeper Look at Justice The core value theme for 2025-2026 12 Four Domains of a Meaningful Life A philosophical platform for the senior chapel curriculum 14 Faculty Reflect on the Four Domains Words to remember 16 On the Importance of Listening Dr. Lydia Lundgren shares an overview of her chapel talk to seniors.

18 What Will Seniors Miss Most?

The Class of 2025 at Commencement Day 20 Scenes from Commencement 2025 Special moments captured 23 A Blessing for the Class of 2025 Sending seniors on their way 24 Family Matters Class Notes, ELLS Speaker Dana Matthewson ’09, Jill Sugar ’77 brings T-Day fun to middle school tennis, Career Day 2025 and more! Tell us YOUR news!

40 Remembering the 1983 Dedication of the Eva May Fleet Athletics Center Susan Fleet Welsch ’63 shares fond memories.

BISHOP’S

A magazine for The Bishop’s School community ISSUE 2 | Vol. 22

Credits Editor Cathy Morrison Assistant Editors Arielle Bader Nico Waters Contributing Writers Arielle Bader Ron Kim Dr. Lydia Lundgren Yvette Luxenberg Cathy Morrison The Rev. Nicole Simopoulos-Pigato Nico Waters Contributing Photographers Arielle Bader John Davis Dune Media Yvette Luxenberg Cathy Morrison Dave Siccardi Michael Spengler, Studio M Photography Nico Waters Graphic Design Design Perspective, Inc. Printer Neyenesch Printers, Inc.

The Bishop’s School Head of School Ron Kim Chief Advancement Officer Emily Hassig Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving Lori Boyle Bishop’s is published twice a year

by The Bishop’s School.

We welcome your feedback.

Please send story ideas to news@bishops.com or contact us at (858) 875-0710.

The Bishop’s School 7607 La Jolla Boulevard La Jolla, CA 92037-4799 Phone: (858) 459-4021 www.bishops.com Mission Statement Bishop’s is an Episcopal school that nurtures students of intellect and character to think independently, learn collaboratively, grow their sense of self and act with greater purpose.

This Page: Our Class of 2025 graduates and families celebrate on Commencement Day, May 30, 2025, photo by Michael Spengler, Studio M Photography Front Cover: Class of 2025 graduates silhouetted in front of the Bishop’s Tower on Commencement Day, photo by Cathy Morrison Back Cover: The Class of 2025 tosses their caps, photo by Michael Spengler, Studio M Photography

ON THE QUAD WITH RK

“Success is in the eye of the beholder, while significance is about how others view you. Success is what happens to us; significance is what happens through us.”

Last spring, Shane Walton ’98 shared this wisdom with the seniors, the Class of 2025, as part of his chapel talk in a series of reflections offered by our faculty.

To understand why we offered this series of chapel talks to our seniors, let me take you back a few years.

Five years ago, I had the opportunity to work with the board on revising our mission statement and creating a strategic plan. From that process, we articulated a mission statement that culminates with this hope for our students—that they will act with greater purpose.

Similarly, one of the pillars of our strategic plan is to help students “cultivate a sense of greater purpose.”

We believe that when young people understand the impact that they can have on others, it drives intrinsic motivation and enhanced well-being.

At the same time, we don’t expect students to have discovered a fully articulated purpose, nor do we want to add “purpose” to their long list of things to achieve. So, how do we help them along this path of discovery and recognition of their unique gifts and purpose? One element was the creation of this chapel speaker series

by The Rev. Nicole Simopolous-Pigato and her invitation to her colleagues to share their thoughts on the “four domains of a worthy life.”

Inside these pages, I welcome you to learn more about how we cultivate a sense of purpose with our students and how our alumni have led lives of significance.

Ron Kim Head of School

2 | AROUND THE QUAD

L-R, Ben Brown ’25, Summer Hu ’25, Nora Bitar ’25

Three Tower Student Journalists Win Prestigious Leadership Award from the National Scholastic Press Association

Robert Mulgrew Poetry Series Hosts Blas Falconer and Kazim Ali

Nora Bitar ’25 joined The Tower in tenth grade. Nora shares, “I’ve learned so

The 15th annual event welcomed the award-winning

much about our campus…I’ve gone to performances, talked to teachers and done

poets on May 13. Ali and Falconer conducted their

research on what feels like infinite topics.” She adds that student journalism

reading as a call-and-response, where one recited

“has made me a more thoughtful, more educated and more perceptive person.”

a poem they wrote and the other responded with

Nora aspires to write for the Tufts Daily.

a poem from their own collection.

Ben Brown ’25 joined in ninth grade, ultimately serving as co-editor-in-chief.

Ali is a poet, prose writer, editor, and professor of

He also started Animal Spirits, the economics/political science research journal at

literature and writing at the University of California,

Bishop’s. Ben says journalism helped him “connect with and appreciate Bishop’s

San Diego. Falconer is a poet, editor and professor of

for all it offers. Journalism has undoubtedly enriched my Bishop’s experience.”

poetry at San Diego State University. Between them,

In addition, Ben interned with Harvard University’s publication The Harvard

they have authored more than 20 books of poetry,

Crimson, published two guest op-eds in the San Diego Union-Tribune and

prose and translation, including Ali’s latest, “The

wrote weekly articles for the La Jolla Light last year. Ben hopes to return to the

Voice of Sheila Chandra” and Falconer’s latest,

Harvard Crimson.

“Rara Avis.”

Summer Hu ’25 spent four years with The Tower and became co-editor-in-chief.

English teacher Adam Davis says, “These

She also co-founded and produced The Tower’s “Two-Knights Show,” a student

collections call us back to our shared humanity

broadcast. Beyond Bishop’s, Summer attended various journalism programs,

through poems rich in worry and wonder. As they

including the California Scholastic Press Association workshop and the Student

encompass everything from the celestial to the

Television Network Conference. “Journalism itself, is an outlet for leadership,”

quotidian, their poems are spells that can break or

she says. Summer plans to major in journalism at Northwestern University’s

be broken.”

Medill School of Journalism, Media and Integrated Marketing Communications.

AROUND THE QUAD | 3

Guest Speakers Discuss Wildfires with Environmental Science Classes

City of Encinitas Fire Captain Marco Garcia P ’27, ’27, ’31 discussed the January 2025 fires in Los Angeles, changes he has seen in fire behavior and his general experiences fighting wildfires. Shawn Caine, a wildland fire lawyer and specialist, and Jim Garrett, a wildland fire battalion chief, criminal and civil investigator, covered how wildfires start and what happens after the

Guest Artists Teach Dance Students

fires are out.

Bishop’s science teacher

four guest artists in spring 2025, broadening their

“It’s really important for

understanding of world dance forms and how the

the environmental [science]

power of dance can connect us. Bessie Award-winner

classes to have field trips

Shani Collins-Achille directed students on West

and speakers to expand

African technique and choreographed a section

the material.”

of the spring dance concert finale.

Students heard how fire

Kumu Hula Edieann Heali`i O Nalani Stanley

departments pair “boots

(“Aunt Edie” to AV Coordinator David Gore P ’29)

on the ground” with

graciously taught “Ulei Pahu,” a Hawaiian dance

science and technology

in the ancient style as a surprise for longtime admin

to fight fires. Kaitlin

assistant and Hawaiian dancer Ms. Cora Lautanen,

concludes, “We’re really

who retires in December 2025. Through our

fortunate to have members

community resources, dance brings our Bishop’s

of our community

family closer, celebrating our diverse heritages and

give their time and put

modeling our value of inclusion.

together these amazing

Master Kathak teacher Meenal Chakradeo and

presentations,” providing

Master Bollywood teacher Urvashi Mishra rounded

an opportunity for students

out an amazing cultural tour exploring these two

“to hear about different

Indian dance forms, one classical and one modern,

careers, see people in

as students ended the year reflecting on how much

different roles and broaden

the various world dance forms they had learned have

the horizons for topics

in common and how they have transformed us into

that we’re studying.”

more well-rounded dancers.

Read a first-person account of the Palisades fire on p. 25 in Class Notes.

4 | AROUND THE QUAD

Students in Bishop’s Dance program worked with

Kaitlin Ritsema says,

Charlie Fredberg ’27, Isaac Hoang ’27, Grayson Blatt ’27 and Ryan O’Donovan ’27 win top prize – $2,500 for Mission RECALL, helping dementia patients and their families stay connected through stored and recorded videos, enhancing personal bonds, preserving familiarity, providing comfort and reducing loneliness.

Fifth Annual Social Innovation Competition Inspired to make a positive change in the community and beyond,

Emelyn Huynh ’27, Eseosa Bello ’27, Jasmine Ren ’27, Kate Bennett ’27 and Serena Abraham ’27 win second place and $1,500 for Saving Skin, promoting skin cancer prevention with touch-free sunscreen dispensers in schools, offering an easy and convenient way for students to access and apply sunscreen.

seven groups of 23 Bishop’s students embarked on a journey of social innovation.

On April 11, the seven groups presented their unique, innovative projects to a panel of judges, competing Shark Tank-style for funds to help support and advance their ideas.

The panel of judges included Michael Balog PP ’22, ’24, P ’28, Co-Managing Partner of Off Piste Investment Management; Moe Zarabi, County of San Diego Senior Land Use and Environmental Planner and Gillispie School Board Member; Kaitlin Ritsema, Bishop’s Chemistry and Environmental Science teacher; Will Shea, Senior Program Manager of The Lucky Duck Foundation; Kurling Robinson, Board of Directors of Startup San Diego and CEO of Fokcus.

Tie for third place (left): Luming Wang ’27 and Madison Chen ’27 win $500 for Harmony, a multi-faceted solution including social media, licensed professionals and resources like infographics and art workshops to help combat mental health issues affecting the Asian American Pacific Islander community. (Right): Bella Bravo ’26 and Kalia Roper ’26 win $500 for Set4School, providing support for dyslexic learners, resources for students and parents and training strategies for teachers.

AROUND THE QUAD | 5

La Jolla Historical Society Hosts Bishop’s Student Art Exhibition

Broadway Music Director Patrick Sulken Visits

Showcasing creative talent and unique perspectives April 29 – May 8,

While New York-based music director and orchestrator Patrick

the exhibit celebrated artistic expression through a diverse range

Sulken was in San Diego directing the musical “Regency Girls”

of mediums, including a clay vase by Ema Valdes ’27. She used a

at the Old Globe, he visited Bishop’s on May 8.

glazing technique called terra sigillata to create her piece, noting

Bishop’s Performing Arts teacher Lara Korneychuk studied

“it was put underground to let the ash cover it.” Other art forms on

music with him at Northwestern University. Patrick’s Broadway

display include paintings, drawings, sculptures and mixed media.

credits include “& Juliet,” “Pretty Woman,” and “Kinky Boots”

Visual Arts Department Chair Elizabeth Wepsic says, “It’s truly an honor to celebrate the creativity, the talent and the dedication of

and the first national tour of “Peter and the Starcatcher” (PATS), among numerous theater, television and film productions.

our young artists. This event represents not only the incredible work

At Bishop’s, Patrick observed a rehearsal for the middle school

of our students, but also the growing connection between Bishop’s

production of PATS and offered feedback, later sharing that PATS

and the La Jolla community.”

“was my first big gig” after graduating college and moving to

Joyfully, Sydney Whitman ’27 ventures, “It helps me expand my

New York.

confidence as an artist. Sometimes it’s hard for me to really put my

Patrick’s career has taken him around the country, including

art out there and have people look at it. So having it here with all

on- and off-Broadway, where he has played piano, arranged music

the other artwork makes me feel good.”

or orchestrated for productions like “Little Shop of Horrors,”

La Jolla Historical Society McKenna Clifford Yahyai remarks,

“Beetlejuice” and “Mean Girls.” When asked about Broadway,

“I’ve been so impressed by their creativity and thoughtfulness

Patrick says, “I would recommend it if you have a lot of grit and

reflected in their work.” She adds, “The La Jolla Historical Society

fortitude and are ready to commit to things that are both

has been preserving and sharing stories of our community since

rewarding and hard.” He was candid about how one prepares

1964 through exhibitions, programs and partnerships like this one.

for changes that come, including when a production is wildly

We aim to connect the past with the present in meaningful and

successful and when a show might close. “It’s an up-and-down

engaging ways.”

lifestyle. But I love it, and I think it’s worth it.”

6 | AROUND THE QUAD

Bishop’s Musical and Actress Nominated for Broadway San Diego Awards On May 25, Broadway San Diego’s local high school musical theater competition featured two nominees from Bishop’s. The School’s spring musical “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” was a top-five finalist for the 2025 awards Best Musical category, and Mira Singh ’25 was a top-10 finalist in the Jimmy Awards category for Best Actress.

Performing Arts Department Chair Dr. Kristen Tregar says of the production, “It’s challenging, musically; the actors play not one character but two, and the choreography is more than basic.” She shares her pride in the team of students, their hard work and the culture they created. “I think this recognition from an external source validates that sense that we are doing good work in a way that is meaningful to us,” adding, “It’s about telling the story and being part of the community that was telling the story together.”

Dr. Tregar also shares, “One of the features of a great actor is that they are selfless in their attempts to bring a character into being in a way that feels real and truthful and serves the story. For Mira, everything she does is always in service to the art, the form, the playwright, the music and the character.”

AROUND THE QUAD | 7

L-R, Alex Pfister ’25, Natalie Marvin ’25

Natalie Marvin and Alex Pfister USA Lacrosse All-Academic Honorees

L-R, Andres Zagursky ’25, Ryan Qin ’25, Madeline Lane ’25

CIF All-Academic Team Honors—Spring 2025 Section Scholars, Boys’ Tennis, Coastal Conference Co-captains Ryan Qin ’25, Andres Zagursky ’25

Natalie also won the USA Lacrosse All-American Award and the Jackie Pitts Award.

Health and PE Department Chair and Varsity

Section Scholars, Girls’ Swimming, Coastal Conference Captain Madeline Lane ’25

Lacrosse Coach Meghan Carr states, “I’m so excited and incredibly proud of Alex and Natalie for their

According to the CIF website, “The purpose of the All Academic Teams

outstanding leadership both on and off the field.

and San Diego Section Scholars is to honor students who excel not only

Being recognized by USA Lacrosse is a tremendous

athletically, but academically as well. The programs recognize some of the

honor and a true testament to their hard work and

very brightest students in San Diego, Imperial and Riverside Counties.”

dedication as student-athletes.”

The USA Lacrosse High School Girls’ All-American Award honors “more than 500 of the nation’s best players for their accomplishments” during the 20242025 school year.

The Jackie Pitts Award is named after a legendary National Lacrosse Hall of Fame player. Recipients of this award are senior players who went “above and beyond in service to her team, school, and community” during the 2024-2025 school year.

Sixty-three players nationwide received this honor.

8 | AROUND THE QUAD

Two Spring CIF-SDS Division Championships for the Knights Bishop’s Softball Team won the 2025 CIF-SDS Div. 4 Championship in a May 31 game at UC San Diego’s Triton Softball Field. This was the first softball title for Bishop’s since 1993. Head Coach Joe Moreno ’12 says, “To see their hard work culminate in a championship—after everything they’ve been through—is something I’ll always be proud of. I’m just grateful I got to be a part of their journey. I watched them evolve from individuals into a true family, and that transformation is why I love coaching.”

Bishop’s Boys’ Golf Team won the 2025 CIF-SDS Div. 3 Championship. TJ Gibbons ’26 and JT Cochrane ’28 each earned the opportunity to continue their runs in the SoCal Regional Championship in Chino Hills.

AROUND THE QUAD | 9

“The most important and beautiful gift one human being can give to another is, in some sense, to make life a little better to live.” } Ellen Browning Scripps

OUR COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE IN 2025 WITH A DEEP SENSE OF PURPOSE, AND OUR EPISCOPAL VALUES AS THE GUIDE AND STARTING POINT FOR OUR WORK, WE FOCUS ON ONE OF THESE CORE VALUES AS OUR ALL-SCHOOL THEME FOR THE YEAR. THIS YEAR’S THEME IS JUSTICE.

By The Rev. Nicole Simopoulos-Pigato, P ’26

A

s we think about our commitment to justice, and what it means to us, both as individuals and as an educational institution, we affirm that our pursuit of justice is deeply connected to our

Episcopal tradition and our founder’s vision for our School.

The Episcopal Church has long been committed to the work of social justice through its baptismal vows: to seek and serve Christ in all persons, to love our neighbors as ourselves, to respect the dignity of every human being, and to strive for justice and peace among all people (Episcopal Book of Common Prayer).

When Ellen Browning Scripps, along with The Right Rev. Joseph Horsfall Johnson, founded our School, she articulated a vision of a life of meaning and purpose that includes a commitment to “make life a little better [for others] to live.”

Our current statement about our commitment to justice reads: “We respect the dignity and rights of every human being, and we act courageously to make life a little better for others to live.”

This statement highlights a few things that are important.

First, it affirms the dignity of every human being. Created in the image of God, we believe that human life is sacred, and we affirm that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society.

Second, our statement recognizes that the work of justice is fundamentally rooted in love: love for our neighbors, and love especially for the most vulnerable. Defined not as a geographical concept but as a moral one, the Judeo-Christian concept of a neighbor includes what is known as the “quartet of the vulnerable”: the poor, the widow, the orphan and the migrant (Zechariah 7:9-10a). Every religious tradition calls its followers to care for the most vulnerable in society.

Finally, our commitment to justice requires courageous and compassionate action, and it begins with asking two simple questions: What kind of world do we want to live in? How can we work with others to make that dream become a reality?

Ellen Browning Scripps believed in the power we each possess to mend the part of the world that is within our reach. While we may not complete the work in our lifetime, we can—incrementally, generation by generation—use the gifts we’ve been given to create a world marked by God’s unconditional love, boundless compassion and justice for all people.

WHAT MAKES LIFE MEANINGFUL? THE FOUNDATION OF THE SENIOR-YEAR CHAPEL PROGRAM Inspired by the work of Leon Kass, a professor of social thought at The University of Chicago, The Rev. Nicole Simopoulos-Pigato designed a senior chapel curriculum called The Four Domains of a Meaningful and Worthy Life.

Rev. Simopoulos-Pigato says, “Kass has spent his life thinking about the ‘big questions’ of life, and he wrote a book titled “Leading a Worthy Life.” Rather than waiting until much later in their lives, she asks seniors to imagine what they might say, think or feel decades from now.

Introducing the concept to students, she notes, “After you graduate from Bishops, and over the next four years, you will begin to craft— to shape—your own life separate from this community and separate from the families in which you have been raised. And in your quest to build a life of meaning and purpose, you’ll want to consider your answers to some important questions in each of these domains.”

Rev. Simopoulos-Pigato invites faculty to give a chapel talk based on their lived experiences to the seniors. Speaking about “how they have discovered and created meaning in each of these domains, our hope is that students will leave Bishop’s mindful that living a worthy life requires a level of intentionality and investment, and they will graduate with some ideas percolating in their minds about the shape they want their lives to take,” she explains.

❖ THE FOUR DOMAINS OF A MEANINGFUL AND WORTHY LIFE ❖ “Every generation harbors desires for a worthy life. Every human being hopes to live a life that makes sense— a life of purpose, a life of genuine human flourishing, a life of deep human connection. But most of us never really think about what makes a life worthy and meaningful, or we wait until the end of our lives to ask ourselves if the life we’ve lived is a worthy one.” } Dr. Leon Kass, “Leading a Worthy Life: Finding Meaning in Modern Times”

❖ VOCATION OR MEANINGFUL WORK “The most important and beautiful gift one human being can give to another is, in some sense, to make life a little better to live.” } Ellen Browning Scripps

❖ SERVICE AND CONTRIBUTING TO THE GREATER GOOD “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” } Frederick Buechner, “Wishful Thinking: A Seeker’s ABC”

12 | FOUR DOMAINS

❖ LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS “There are certain people who can fly wing to wing when the sun is shining and everything is merry, but can this person get in the boat and row against the stream when things are tough?” } Leon Kass, “Wing to Wing, Oar to Oar: Readings on Courtship & Marrying”

❖ FAITH AND THE PURSUIT OF WISDOM “For me the life of faith has never been about what one believes but rather how one lives. I’ve only ever wanted you to choose day by day—in your words and deeds—to live a life shaped by the two things all of the world’s religions call us to: love and justice.” } The Rev. Nicole Simopoulos-Pigato

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ❖ How do I choose a vocation that will have meaning—work that gives me a deep sense of purpose? ❖ How do I choose friends who help me to be a better person? ❖ What kinds of things are important to me in a life partner, and what kind of partner do I want to be? ❖ What do I believe? ❖ How do my beliefs and values give shape to my life? ❖ What practices do I want to pursue that elevate my soul and deepen my connection to the sacred, to God?

FOUR DOMAINS | 13

❖ FACULTY REFLECT ON THE FOUR DOMAINS ❖

d

“ Home is often thought of as a place—four walls, a familiar street, a childhood memory. But what happens when that place is lost, unstable, or never truly felt like home to begin with? Home is more than a physical space; it’s the people who make us feel seen, the relationships that ground us, and the moments that shape who we are. It’s found in friendships that endure hardship, in mentors who believe in us, and in the strength we build through life’s challenges. No matter where life takes us, home is not just something we leave behind—it’s something we carry with us and create wherever we go.”

d

•••

••• “ You are on the threshold of a time when you can, if you wish, embrace the life of the mind.” } Dr. Clara Boyle, English faculty

•••

14 | SENIOR CHAPEL SERIES

} Nicole Uhland, Spanish faculty

“ I believe it is so important to learn how to listen. In whatever way makes sense to you. To recognize that sometimes our best-laid plans do not result in our best-lived lives—to being our most authentic selves. Sometimes, we don’t know what we need to know, we don’t know what our next step ought to be. But like my Uncle Bud encouraged, we can approach this challenge without fear.” } Dr. Lydia Lundgren, English faculty

•••

◆◆◆ “ Choose wisely, lead well, be good stewards of our planet—there is no other better planet within reach.

What would Vandal do?—Wag his tail. Meet each day with excitement and curiosity. Strive to accept each person for who they are. Be kind to others; be kind to yourself, as well—all make mistakes.” } Dr. Pamela Reynolds, science faculty

“ Success is in the eye of the beholder, while significance is about how others view you. Success is what happens to us; significance is what happens through us.” } Shane Walton ’98, Head Football Coach, Director of Student Athlete and Coaching Development

◆◆◆

◆◆◆ “ In the end, life is not measured by the problems we solve, but by how bravely we stand beside those who suffer, even when solutions seem impossible. Each of us has the extraordinary power to offer dignity, understanding and support to someone facing their darkest moments. That is never failure. That is always strength. That is forever worthwhile.”

“ Here are some things I want to leave you with: A life with God is so much better. It’s not easy, and happiness is not promised, but walking with Him has made the impossible possible. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you and will add value to your life.

Bad friendships will corrupt your life. Think about the legacy you want to leave behind—not just here at Bishop’s, but also the one that will outlive you.”

} Dolores Williamson, math faculty

} Matthew Valji, history and social sciences faculty

◆◆◆

“ As you head off into the next chapter of your lives, I hope that you will embrace the ‘Miracle’ that is you. That you will not shy away from the messier parts and that you will seek to love big, to love honestly and to love joyfully. I discovered that I deserved it. I deserved the Miracle. And my wish for you is that you’ll discover you deserve it too.” } Meagan Broderick ’98 LMFT, Director of Counseling

#

A

“ I thought I had failed in a way that was permanent. But here’s what I didn’t understand: Sometimes what looks like failure is really just a detour to a life you hadn’t imagined yet. And sometimes refusing to follow the blueprint of success—the perfect timeline, the carefully laid-out steps—does something even more important: it sharpens your independence, deepens your conviction, and teaches you that your life is yours to live—not a performance for others. It took years before I truly understood what Ralph Waldo Emerson meant when he said, ‘I will not sell my liberty to save your sensibility.’ Not exactly a message you get from your college counselors, but trust me—it’s worth remembering.”

} Amy Allen, English faculty

SENIOR CHAPEL SERIES | 15

On the Importance of Listening

By Dr. Lydia Lundgren, English Faculty

Originally, I wrote this talk with the seniors in mind when I was asked to speak in one of their senior chapels. As I think about our students venturing into their next academic adventure, I hope they all leave this place valuing themselves, because I know from my experience teaching them that every one of them has so much to be proud of and something so very special to contribute to this world.

I also hope they come to appreciate what people call authentic living, being true to one’s unique and special self.

Many say living authentically is the best way to live, especially because it produces numerous positive outcomes. Ancient philosophers and current researchers tend to agree on this, which is rather compelling. But what does this really mean to live authentically? How do we know the best path to being our best and truest selves?

Researchers measure authentic living in many ways. I find the most nuanced measures track both what they call “trait” and “state.” Psychologist Anna Sutton (2017) describes this well: “Trait means a congruence between one’s internal states: awareness and expression. State means authenticity within a particular role or context.” In other words, we take stock of how we feel versus how we express ourselves. When the two line up, we feel authentic. Our insides align with our outsides. But it is also a matter of the community in which we do this.

Integrating the various theses, one way to think about the maximal feeling of authenticity would mean that we feel like ourselves, we express that self outwardly, and we find the community that appreciates that version of ourselves.

And all that apparently leads to a number of great outcomes.

But how do we attain that?

In my talk, I share my winding path toward a better understanding of an authentic life, the difference between accomplishment and authenticity, and the importance of listening. I am so grateful to have found a community at Bishop’s where I feel authentic, in large part because of our stated values, which sometimes we live up to, and sometimes we don’t. But they are always there to guide us and remind us of the ways we ought to live and act toward one another.

It is our honor to teach these students, to get to know each of them, and we look forward to seeing all they do with their unique and special selves.

Dr. Lundgren shared her reflection at the April 16, 2025 Parents’ Association Meeting. If you begin the video at the 12-minute mark, you’ll see Head of School Ron Kim’s introduction of Dr. Lungren, followed by her talk.

It’s well worth the ~16 minutes!

16 | SENIOR CHAPEL SERIES

SENIOR CHAPEL SERIES | 17

What Will the Class of 2025 Miss Most About Bishop’s?

Arielle Bader in the Marketing and Communications office caught up with seniors on Commencement Day to ask them what they appreciated about their time here. From Milk Break to campus to teachers and friends, they took a moment to share. Fellow alumni, what do YOU miss most?

Audrey Lin One thing I’ll miss most about Bishop’s is definitely the teachers.

Special shout out to Mr. Valji, Dr. J. [Jaiclin] and Dr. Keller.

Zane Borkar I’m going to miss the lunches the most.

Kendall Kearney I’m going to miss seeing my best friends every day and the tight-knit community.

Carl Murfey I’m going to miss Milk Break.

Nicholas Koura I think I’m going to miss the teachers most here.

CLASS OF 2025 | 19

Tali Ben-Yehuda One thing I think I’ll miss the most about Bishop’s is definitely my amazing friends.

Max Payne I’m going to miss the free chocolate milk the most.

Selene Wang Definitely the people; for example, those assembled right here with me today, they are some of the most lovely, kind and intelligent people I have ever met in my life.

Serena Liu Taking naps on the Quad.

Lucy Marek The teachers, I feel like they really care about me.

Ryan Zhu I’ll miss the food and the people.

Ben Brown I think I’ll miss the way this community uplifts people—everyone’s aspirations and dreams.

It’s just really a community that supports each other.

And I’ll miss that a lot.

Ehiosa Bello I’m going to miss going to school with my little sister.

Timothy LaBrucherie I’m going to miss The Dungeon.

Pars Findikoglu I’m going to miss all the lunch hangouts.

Gabby Gaspar I’m going to miss my friends and the community here at Bishop’s.

20 | CLASS OF 2025

CL ASS OF

2025 OUR NEWEST ALUMNI

David Lai I think the one thing that I will miss the most is the teachers. Because they really care about the students.

Summer Hu I’m going to miss all my friends and classmates at Bishop’s and the teachers. They’ve been so fundamental to my journey at Bishop’s Nora Bitar I’m going to miss my teachers most of all.

Shout out to two of my favorite teachers, Ms. Rem [Remingati] and Ms. Woods.

A BLESSING FOR THE CLASS OF 2025 May there be peace within you today.

May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you never forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith and hope.

May you use the gifts you have received, turning your knowledge into wisdom, your strength into passion, and your love into justice.

And may the blessing and presence of God be upon you and remain with you always, empowering you to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly all the days of your life. Amen. *adapted from a prayer by St. Thérèse of Lisieux

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DEDICATED IN 1983, THE EVA MAY FLEET ATHLETICS CENTER HOLDS MEMORIES FOR MANY THE LOBBY RECEIVED A WELCOME REFRESH IN SUMMER 2025 While the emerging Lead with Purpose campaign will provide for the School’s future, Bishop’s is also investing in the present and grateful for critical support received in the past.

For example, the lobby of the Eva May Fleet Athletics Center underwent a renovation in Summer 2025. Work commenced on June 2, and was completed in September, in time to host the inaugural Bishop’s Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Key project elements: ❖ Athlete Recognition Awards Case ❖ Improved Lighting ❖ Repainted Walls ❖ Fully Renovated Bathrooms Alumna and current Trustee Susan Fleet Welsch ’63 shares some historical perspective. Her inspiration for a gym at Bishop’s came after the Reuben Fleet Gymnasium dedication at Culver Military Academy in Indiana. Two of her brothers and her father were Culver alumni.

She determined, “The Bishop’s School needed a gymnasium too; five of Dad’s daughters and granddaughters attended Bishop’s.”

The Eva May Fleet Athletic Center was dedicated on May 6, 1983.

Susan recalls, “My mother thought it would be exciting if the dedication event was about sports and not about her, so we invited four celebrities: ❖ Robert Young, well-known actor in the TV shows ‘Dr. Marcus Welby’ and ‘Father Knows Best,’ whose four daughters and granddaughters attended Bishop’s; ❖ Football legend Ron Mix, former Charger and USD law school alumnus, who also played in the 1963 AFL Championship; ❖ Steve Garvey, Padres’ first baseman and MVP in the 1981 World Series; ❖ Smokey Gaines, basketball coach at SDSU and ex-Harlem Globetrotter. Smokey brought three of his players to play with our players. What a hit that was!”

Susan’s family foundation provided key funding for this 2025 update.

She explains, “Our family has a special feeling for the Eva May Fleet Athletic Center as it bears my mother’s name and we want to keep it always looking its best. When we heard about the new lobby renovation, the EMF Foundation was excited to help. The lobby will be a showcase for the many awards our students have earned.”

The showcase includes an interactive touchscreen for visitors to learn more about the Bishop’s Athletics Hall of Fame and its members, and fun facts about Bishop’s Athletics history. Be sure to stop by the next time you are on campus!

What is your fondest memory from the Eva May Fleet Athletic Center? Tell us about it at news@bishops.com by Jan. 1, 2026.

We’ll share your stories in the next issue of Bishop’s Magazine.

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