THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE, STUDENTS, FAMILIES, AND FRIENDS OF THE BALDWIN SCHOOL

BALDWINECHOES

SPRING 2014 | BALDWIN BOOKSHELF | FRENCH EXCHANGE PROGRAM | GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

usic has always been animportant part of a Baldwineducation. The Baldwin B-Flats, a select vocal ensemble, hasbeen performing a repertoire of classic to popular a cappellaarrangements for generations.

In honor of Baldwin’s 125thcelebration, a young composer from Yale, Jeremy Lloyd, was commissioned towrite a new song for the B-Flats. Afterattending their August retreat to hear thegirls sing, discover more about the school,and learn about the girls’ experiences,Lloyd went home to put it all together. Hiscreation, “Make a Wish,” is a great tributeto the “seasons of traditions” at Baldwin,and will be recorded by the B-Flats andperformed for alumnae during Baldwin’s125th Anniversary Celebration Weekend,May 2 – 4.

1950s Baldwin Glee Club

B-Flats, 2013

MTHEN&NOW

Editor: Lisa A. Algeo

Design: acquireVisual.com

Photo Credits: Katie Brogan, Lisa Algeo, Carrie Hill Photography, CRDF Global, Mindy Hong, Susan Dorfman, Jay Gorodetzer, Norah Maxwell, Alexa Bartels ’17, Kenny Delio, Dewey Media, Stacy Gallagher, Vicky Gold, Penny Lisk ’77, and Christian Hopkins.

All photographs are identified left to right unless otherwise noted.

We welcome letters regarding the contents of the magazineand/or issues pertaining to the school. Letters must besigned. The editor retains the right to edit at her discretion.

Lisa A. Algeo, editor, EchoesThe Baldwin School701 Montgomery Ave.Bryn Mawr, PA 19010lalgeo@baldwinschool.org

For general alumnae requests or information, please contactthe Development Office: Amanda Parlett ’95, director of alumnae relationsaparlett@baldwinschool.org or 610-525-2700, ext. 240

Echoes is printed on recycled paper.

ECHOESCONTENTS

FEATURES

Beyond Baldwin: GlobalLessons from the DesertKeenan (Kenni) Durkin Crane, PhD ’62is an assistant professor at HamdanBin Mohammed eUniversity in theUnited Arab Emirates (UAE). She hasbeen privileged to watch and be part ofthe growth of education in the UAE.

Making a Difference:A Labor of LoveAmy Saler Ostroff ’85 is the co-founder and president ofLove to Langa, a charity thatraises funds for the educationand well-being of orphans anddisadvantaged children in thetownships surrounding CapeTown, South Africa.

ON THE COVER:Postcards from across the globe decorate Baldwin Middle School HistoryTeacher Stephanie Wujcik’s classroom. They hang creatively over thechalkboard, encouraging students to read the messages and learn abouta different culture. Wujcik and her students are using Postcrossings.com,a website that enables you to send and receive postcards across theglobe. To date, they have received more than 50 responses from Ukraine,Russia, Thailand, India, South Africa, China, Germany, Spain, Israel,Japan and the United Kingdom – to name just a few.

facebookfacebook.com/baldwinschool facebook.com/baldwinalumnaefacebook.com/baldwinathletics

Twitter@baldwinschool@baldwinathletic

YouTubeyoutube.com/baldwinschool

Alumnae Groupow.ly/cdGas

DEPARTMENTS2 UPFRONT

5 ALUMNAE NEWSMAKERS

6 ACADEMICS

8 ARTS

10 ATHLETICS

12 BALDWIN BOOKSHELF

22 CLASS NOTES

40 CLOSING THOUGHTS

ne of the hallmarks of a Baldwin education is an emphasis on the global community. Baldwin students have many opportunities to broaden their horizons, to look beyond whatthey know and understand, to appreciate differences, and to embrace global citizenship. A Baldwin education guides students to become knowledgeable and resourceful and to have eyes open to the world, enabling them to be compassionate and make a difference.

Our featured alumnae in this spring edition of Echoes are wonderful examples of this.Keenan (Kenni) Durkin Crane, PhD ’62, is currently in Dubai serving on the faculty of theBusiness School of Hamdan Bin Mohammed eUniversity, while Amy Saler Ostroff ’85, is co-founder and president of Love to Langa, a public charity that raises funds for theeducation and well-being of orphans and disadvantaged children in the townships surrounding Cape Town, South Africa.

Baldwin is a school known for its diverse student body from many different cultures, religionsand backgrounds. This diversity, combined with the intellectual curiosity of our students, has

enabled Baldwin to design a unique Global Partnership Program with organizations in fivedifferent countries: Denmark, England, France, India, and Tanzania. In addition, thereare travel and service opportunities in Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Europe.

Earlier this year, I traveled to China with Assistant Head Mindy Hong to meet withboth alumnae and the parents of current students. Although the trip was a truewhirlwind, it was highly successful and allowed me to meet Alumnae NewsmakerMarjorie Yang ’70 (see page 5).

A Baldwin education begins with opportunities, encouragement and support, in the hopes of cultivating in its students the desire to remain learners throughout

their lives and the compassion to extend themselves to others, both here and abroad.

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125 YEARS OF EXCELLENCEBaldwin is thrilled to release a short film created tohonor and celebrate 125 years of Baldwin’slegacy featuring Heads of School Sally Powell, BlairStambaugh, and Anne Shoemaker, as well asalumnae, students, faculty, and friends. You canview the video at http://bit.ly/Baldwin125video.

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UPFRONTYOUNG ALUMNAE TEAThis January, more than 25 of Baldwin’smost recent alumnae came back tocampus over the winter holiday toreconnect with their classmates, Baldwinfaculty and staff, and Head of School SallyPowell, at the annual Young Alumnae Tea.

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CANSTRUCTION PROJECTIn celebration of Baldwin’s 125th anniversary, the School embarked on an innovative service project. Last fall, Baldwin began thelargest can drive in its history, collecting more than 3,000 cans of food. The cans were chosen based on the needs of the food bankand their nutritional value, with brands then selected to match the colors needed to create a replica of the central portion of TheResidence. We thank Terry Steelman (P ’16 & ’18), Baldwin Trustee and Principal at Ballinger, for donating the time of his architectKirin Kennedy ’09 to design the model. Upon completion, the cans were donated to the Ada Mutch Community Center at ElderNetin Bryn Mawr. Ada was a member of Baldwin Class of 1922. A time-lapse video of the “canstruction” can be seen atwww.baldwinschool.org/BaldwinCanstructionProject.

SHYAMALAN VISITS BALDWINBaldwin was pleased to welcome M. Night Shyamalan toour campus to discuss his new book, “I Got Schooled: TheUnlikely Story of How a Moonlighting Movie MakerLearned the Five Keys to Closing America’s Education Gap.”More than 350 people from the Baldwin community andthe general public joined us for a lively discussion and booksigning. Head of School Sally Powell was the evening’smoderator.

MLK DAY OF SERVICEIn honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Middle Schoolstudents and their families participated in the Stop HungerNow Project alongside students from The Haverford School.In an effort to provide aid to families suffering from thedevastating effects of Typhoon Haiyan, the group packaged20,000 meals to be sent to the Philippines. Students from ourUpper School worked with City Year Greater Philadelphia’sproject volunteering at Overbrook High School in an effort tobeautify the campus. Students painted murals, performedlight construction and worked with individuals across theGreater Philadelphia area to improve the educationalenvironment for students in West Philadelphia.

SPRING 2014 ECHOES

Pictured: Terry Steelman (P ’16 & ’18), Kirin Kennedy ’09, Claire Bunting (P ’18),and Emily Klebanoff ’85.

Students from all divisions helped to construct The Residence replica, includingthose from the Lower School.

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ALUMNAE REGIONAL EVENTSIn celebration of Baldwin’s 125thanniversary, alumnae regional eventscontinue. In February, alumnae gatheredin Sarasota and Jupiter, FL.

CIRQUE DU BALDWINThe annual Parent Gala and Auction, celebrating Baldwin’s 125th anniversary, was a record-breaking success. More than 300 guestsenjoyed an evening of Cirque du Soleil-themed entertainment, cocktails, dinner, and dancing. The live auction was conducted byRobbie Gordy, an auctioneer from Christie’s. Auction items included a once-in-a-lifetime royal experience in India, a chef’s tastingdinner for 10 guests with wine pairings at Volver, Chef Garces’ new restaurant at the Kimmel Center, and the opportunity to build yourown luxury tree house in your backyard. This year’s “Raise the Paddle” supported a new, state-of-the-art Bermuda grass field that willplay host to new bleachers, scoreboard, team benches, and landscaping to replace Upper Field. Photography courtesy of Weld Photography,except alumnae photo.

The Sarasota event was hosted by Elissa Getto ’65 (center), joined by (from left) Director of Development Stacy Gallagher, Marguerette Sheridan Smylie ’46, Diane JorgensenSchmidt ’70, and Elizabeth Barrett ’66.

Gala Co-Chairs Molly Rouse-Terlevich,Stephanie Cohn Schaeffer ’85,Sharna Liggett and Susana Lambour-Smotkinpose with Sally Powell (center) during a successful Cirque du Baldwin.

Row 1: Lenka Holgren,Sheena Singh, Molly Rouse-Terlevich, GloriaDichter, Kathy Douglas,Paula Durlofsky; Row 2: Vicki Markovitz, SharnaLiggett, Julia Fleischner,Sejita Page, Kathleen Marr;Row 3: Brenda McBride ’84,Ingrid Herrera, LindaHallinan; Row 4: NicoleCohen, Michele Davey,Beverly Morse.

Girls from the Lower Schoolentertained Gala guestswith their fun rendition ofthe song Be a Clown.

Numerous alumnae were in attendance:Row 1: Natanya DiBona ’91, Julia Dranoff Gutstadt ’96, Becky Best Amis ’01, Brenda McBride ’84,Amanda Parlett ’95, Emily Klebanoff ’85;Row 2: Margaretta Walton ’97, Alexis Egan Cohn Schaeffer ’85, Amy Saler Ostroff ’85, Rochelle RudolphWeiss ’85. In attendance but notpictured: Marcia Krane Reiver ’78.

The Jupiter event was hosted by Robin Blum Smith’57. Pictured (from left): Margot Wheelock Schlegal’46, Eleanor Shockley Gordon ’52 and husbandRobert Gordon, Sally M. Powell, head of school andhusband Frank Powell, Robin Blum Smith ’57, Barbara Rucker Seaton ’55, and Mimi FairchildBoulden ’53. Other attendees who are not picturedincluded Barbara Rothfeld Marod ’69, GerryFrankel ’76, and Valerie Lenard Rawicz ’88.

HENRIETTA H. FORE ’66On Nov. 6, 2013, Baldwin alumnaHenrietta Holsman Fore ’66 washonored with the prestigious GeorgeBrown Award for International ScientificCooperation, given annually by CRDFGlobal, an independent nonprofitorganization that promotesinternational scientific and technicalcollaboration through grants, technicalresources, training, and services.

Henrietta has served as the Director ofThe United States Mint, Under Secretaryof State for Management, Administratorto the United States Agency forInternational Development, and theDirector of United States ForeignAssistance. She is now Chairman of theBoard and Executive Officer of HolsmanInternational, a manufacturing,consulting, and investment company.

She was chosen for this award for her “scientific and humanitarianachievements, and critical workadvancing international cooperation.”

Henrietta always has had a curiosity andaffection for science, even at a youngage. She credits Baldwin for helpingdevelop her deep love of the sciences.She is grateful for the education shereceived and is committed tostrengthening educationalopportunities across the globe. Shebelieves that “science and inventionneed to be paired with education and policies to build and protectintellectual property, with business andentrepreneurial infrastructures, withcapital markets and legal courts incountries throughout the world.”

Baldwin recognized Henrietta at herreunion in 2006 with The Baldwin SchoolAlumnae Award. In this celebratory year,Baldwin also has honored her as a Circleof Achievement Recipient.

ALUMNAENEWSMAKERS

SPRING 2014 ECHOES 5

Henrietta Holsman Fore ’66 is presented with the 2013 George Brown Award for International Scientific Cooperation by CRDF Global Presidentand CEO Cathy Campbell.

MARJORIE YANG ’70The December issue of Hong Kong Tatlermagazine featured Baldwin alumna,Marjorie Yang ’70, and her daughter Dee Poon on the cover. The feature articlecelebrates Marjorie’s company, Esquel, on35 years as a successful textile business.Marjorie has had significant impact onthe company, helping to transform it intoa billion dollar business. In January,Marjorie was named one of Tatler’s 2014List of Hong Kong’s 500 Power Elite, andwas also featured in a series titled “Voicefor Change,” which highlights some of Hong Kong’s residents who are“steadfastly working for a better world.”

Marjorie and her daughter are advocatesfor women in the workforce and arguethat it is harder for women to get aheadtoday than it was several years ago.Marjorie explains, “I was accepted intoHarvard Business School partly because

I was a woman. Everything was in myfavor. But today, I don’t think womenhave as much in their favor. On the otherhand, they carry as big a burden as theboys. They didn’t expect me to makeanything of my career. Today, they expectyou to be beautiful as well as reallysuccessful, and also take care of yourfamily. Never have there been so manywell-educated women. I take my hat offto young women.”

Marjorie has also founded Esquel-Y.L.Yang Education Foundation, which aimsat promoting children’s education toadvance their communities.

She credits Baldwin with instilling in herthe confidence necessary to become asuccessful woman in business. Baldwinalso helped her to recognize the power ofeducation.

When asked whatadvice she has forcurrent Baldwinstudents and whatkey skill sets theyneed to succeed inglobal industry today,she responded, “Theleaders of today mustlearn ethics and theability to stand up forthese values.”

This January, Head of School Sally Powell traveled toHong Kong to visit with Marjorie Yang ’70.

AcademicsBALDWIN TRAVELS TO MODEL UNDespite snow and ice, 20 intrepidmembers of the Upper School ModelUnited Nations team attended the NorthAmerican Invitational Model UnitedNations (NAIMUN) annual conference inWashington, D.C., over Presidents’ Dayweekend. Group members representedEgypt on the Disarmament andInternational Security Committee;Special Political and DecolonizationCommittee; Social, Humanitarian andCultural Committee; the World HealthOrganization; the UN MillenniumSummit; and the Sixth Committee Legal.They also acted as members of the BritishHouse of Commons and in historicalsimulations involving the ConstituentAssembly of Tunisia, 2011, and theFrench National Assembly of 1789.

Pictured: Carolyn Wong ’14 and Daria Harlamova ’14

Pictured, from left: Haley Weiss ’14, Musu Taylor ’14, Michaela Leuzzi ’14, Tristen Thompson ’14, Grace Zhan ’14

2013-14 BALDWIN SCHOLARS Launched in 2012, Baldwin Scholars is an exceptional opportunity for Grade XIIstudents to pursue advanced work in their selected fields of interest. Funded by PamelaKenworthey Harer ’51 and her husband, Benson Harer, each girl designs her own year-long course of study, including both academic research and work in the field,culminating in a final presentation.

Five Scholars are participating this year. Michaela Leuzzi is exploring the contributionsand work of women in the field of medicine. Musu Taylor’s research is in the area ofpopular music and vocal performance. Tristen Thompson is exploring documentaryfilm as a storytelling tool and as a means of communicating the human experience.Haley Weiss is studying Holocaust education and outreach. Grace Zhan is researchingthe intersection of mathematics and finance.

GRADE VI SHOWCASES SCIENTISTSMiddle School Science Teacher Graham Phillipsencourages his students to uncover interestingfacts for the Grade VI Famous Physical ScientistShowcase. Scientists included Galileo Galilei,Isaac Newton, Blaise Pascal, Evangelista Torricelli,Marie Curie and Benjamin Franklin, to name justa few. “We’ve been doing this science project fornine years,” he explained, “and I learnsomething new every year. The girls are able touncover great stories about their scientists.”

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SPRING 2014 ECHOES 7

THUG BUGS BUT FEW DRUGSBaldwin's Science Departmentwelcomed Dr. Julie Gerberding to campusto speak to our Grade VIII - XII students.Dr. Gerberding is the current President ofMerck Vaccines and former Director ofthe Centers for Disease Control andPrevention. She is responsible for Merck’scurrent portfolio of vaccines, planning forthe introduction of vaccines from thecompany’s pipeline, and acceleratingefforts to broaden access to Merck’svaccines around the world. Herpresentation, “Thug Bugs but Few Drugs,”discussed emerging viruses and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and the fight againstthem. Students prepared for the talk inscience classes prior to the presentation byreading various articles on meningitis andsmall pox.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVESAs juniors and seniors, Baldwin studentsmay choose electives that allow for deeperinquiry into specific areas of the variousdisciplines. One English elective, “GlobalPerspectives in Contemporary Literature,”explores the concepts of individuality andhumanity by reading stories about peoplefrom various parts of the world. This year,students will analyze short stories by GishJen, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, andJhumpa Lahiri. While many of thesestories take place in China, Nigeria, andIndia, students also read about immigrant,transnational, and biracial protagonists.And rather than defining the cultures theyrepresent, the characters in the storiesoften resist definition within economic,national, racial, gender, and religiousboundaries. Students learn there is no onestory that characterizes any one place. Inthis elective, students are asked to addressthe global achievement race, pressures onyouth, global identity, and how to findtheir place in the world as they prepare forthe world beyond Baldwin.

BALDWIN GIRLS CODEAs part of the annual ComputerScience Week and in conjunctionwith the “Hour of Code” eventcreated by Code.org, Baldwin hosteda “Girls Code: Learn How" event inthe DREAM Lab™. It was a one-hourintroduction to Computer Science,designed to demystify “code” andshow how anyone can learn thebasics. Baldwin students fromKindergarten to seniors in highschool showcased their coding androbotics projects.

SENIORS PRESENT SCIENCE RESEARCHSix seniors presented their researchduring the second annual Senior ScienceResearch Symposium. Kennedy Johnson,Eleanor Pressman, Rachel Coler, RebeccaHaley, Abby Lemmon, and Alice Douglasall shared their tremendous work whiledemonstrating their completeunderstanding of the science theyresearched and the techniques they usedto gather their data. All of our researchersworked in one way or another with smallsegments of DNA in the hopes ofdiscovering more information about drugaddiction and behavior, treatment ofgenetic disorders, stopping canceroustumor growth, or the connectionbetween sterol metabolism and infertility.These six seniors had a tremendousexperience and hope to pursue scienceand research in the future. None of thiswould have been possible, however,without the scientists who welcomed ourstudents into their labs and mentoredand taught them while instilling a love ofscientific discovery.

GRADE IX ITALY TRIPInspired by images, landscapes, andartifacts they saw in Italy, Grade IXstudents kept journals; they jotteddown impressions, wrotedescriptions, responded to works ofart, and relaxed by reflecting quietlyon their experiences. Each journalbecame an individual art form filledwith mementos, notes, and freehandsketches—all revealing the uniqueperspective of each student-traveler.From the surplus of journal entriesand memories, the students draftedoriginal poems. Students also createdmedia essays as an interdisciplinaryproject between English and history.The girls were instructed to reflect onhow their learning at this liminalmoment in their lives would affecttheir broader education.

I journeyed to Hadrian’s empireOutside Agrippa’s preserved pantheonI drank from the place of a championIts corroded metal body looks like it’d

put out a fireA bird’s head emerged from either sidespewing out water from the mountainscrowded by tourists who

were waiting aroundI drank from the hands of

ancient romansI journeyed to Hadrian’s empirethe water tasted cold and pureFor a moment I traveled to

Perito Morenothough it was truly worlds awayI had drank from the hands of

ancient romansbut my time was over,

I came back to reality— Caroline Schaeffer ’17

To read more poems and view the media essays, visithttp://bit.ly/GradeIXEnglishProject.

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Arts

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STONE SOUPGrade I girls performed the play “Stone Soup,” adapted from a 1947 children's bookby Marcia Brown. This old folk story tells the tale of travelers who come to a villagecarrying nothing more than an empty cooking pot. Initially the villagers are unwillingto share any of their food, and start by dropping a large stone into the pot. Eventually,the villagers each share a bit of their food and seasoning. Finally, a delicious andnourishing pot of soup is enjoyed by all. The story is usually told as a lesson incooperation.

BUDAPEST & VIENNA PERFORMANCE TOURStudents who are members of the Baldwin Upper School Chorus, B-Flats, Eliza-B-thans,Belles and Bronze, and Firenze, Jazz Band, and Orchestra came together and formed atotal of four new groups for a performance tour that took place in Budapest, Hungary,and Vienna, Austria. The girls traveled March 21-29 during their Spring Break to performat various venues, including Jezus Szive Templom (The Church of the Heart of Jesus),Normafa Senior Center and Prater Senior Center.The girls also experienced an exchange-typeprogram in Hungary with students from theKodaly School, where they attendedmorning music classes with the Hungarianstudents. The Baldwin musicians had anopportunity to give a short presentationabout their lives in America, and the groups all performed for one another.

DISTRICTS & REGIONALSThree outstanding Upper SchoolStudents made a name forthemselves in Chorus, Orchestra,and Band this winter. MadeleineCarré ’16 participated in thePennsylvania Music EducatorAssociation’s (PMEA) District 11Chorus. Weiwei Wang ’16 and AliciaSong ’15 performed at the PMEADistrict 11 Orchestra. During thefestival, Weiwei performed on theflute, while Alicia played the violin.In addition to making the DistrictOrchestra, Weiwei also made DistrictBand and she moved on to becomethe first Baldwin girl to qualify forRegional honors. While Baldwinperformances in Budapest preventedher rise to State honors, Weiweiproudly represented Baldwin at theRegional Orchestra and BandFestivals in March.

Pictured: Alicia Song ’15 (left) and Weiwei Wang ’16 (seated) performed in theDistrict Orchestra, while Madeleine Carré ’16sang in the District Chorus.

9SPRING 2014 ECHOES

FIRST AT ZAK-PACIn November, Mary Morris ’14 participated in the Zak-Pac Convention for Performing Arts, anintensive theatre training program for 7th–12th graders providing up-close and personal instructionby professionals from top regional theatres, universities, Broadway, and television. During the two-day event, Mary took master classes and had a Q&A with professional artists who perform regionally, on Broadway and inHollywood. The classes she took included drama, theater dance, acting and improvisation, and speech. After attending these classes,Mary entered the Monologue Competition and performed a piece from Medea, playing the role of Medea, and won first prize.

INTER-AC ARTThis year’s Inter-Ac Art Exhibition,hosted by The Shipley School,featured Upper School artists fromBaldwin. They showed paintings,drawings, printmaking, ceramics,photography, sculpture, andjewelry.

STUNNING CERAMICSA number of students inthe ceramics enrichment programin Baldwin’s Lower School, GradesI-V, exhibited their work inFebruary at Ludington Library inBryn Mawr. The girls displayed self-portrait sculptures, a tea pot,ceramic flowers, and a mosaicmirror, to name just a few of the pieces.

RECENT ALUMNAE ART ON DISPLAYEarlier this year, artwork from recent alumnae was on view in TheResidence Art Gallery. Presented were paintings, photographs, prints,drawings, interior design, furniture design, and fashion design. The

exhibitors included Tori Gundrum ’11, MaryParker Jessup ’09, Margit Johnson ’11, JuliaPedrick ’11, Ashley Pride ’09, Christina Salvitti’11 and Carly Stains ’09. Also on display thiswinter was art work from former facultymembers, including Ruth Fackenthal, SusanLeshnoff, Janice Merendino, Barbara Mungall, Jan Pethick, Ro Pethick, Terry Sherwin, and Michael Williamson.

WIZARD OF OZThe Baldwin Middle School players celebrated the 75th anniversary of the film “The Wizardof Oz” by putting on a theatrical production of the famed story. A talented cast and crewworked for two months, through multiplesnow closings and against all odds, to bring thismagical, mystical story to the stage. PerformedMarch 7-8, the girls brought “Oz” to Bryn Mawr,wowing audiences and filling the children inattendance with wonder and amazement.

Julia Pedrick ’11 (left) and Margit Johnson ’11pose during the recentalumnae art show.

An interior design byChristina Salvitti ’11.

EXCELLENCE IN CLAYNellie Shields ’14 and Sam Dewey ’16 participated in the “ClayPrograms of Excellence” exhibition at the Tyler School ofArt in Philadelphia. “Clay Programs of Excellence” is aregional exhibition consisting of outstanding workfrom high school ceramic and sculpture studios.

A drawing by Julia Busby ’15.

A mosaic mirror created by Tessa Pearlstein ’21.A strawberry created by Alexandra Weiser ’24, a flower by Edith Lank ’23 and a self-portrait by Isabelle Kauffman ’21.

A painting by Jasmine Greytok ’17.

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Athletics

VARSITY SQUASH HAS STELLAR SEASON2014 was another season to remember for the varsity squash program. The teamcaptured their fifth consecutive Inter-Ac League championship along with theirfourth consecutive Mid-Atlantic Squash Association championship. Additionally, the team placed third at the U.S. Squash High School Team National Championships.Varsity completed the season with a 15-1overall record and amassed a total of 107match victories. The team was led bysenior co-captains Selena Maity andCashel McCarthy. Fellow senior RyanMorgan also provided strong leadershipto the youthful team. Both Maity andMorgan will be continuing their squashcareers at the NCAA I level. Maity iscommitted to Yale University andMorgan will attend Drexel University.

Selena Maity ’14 will continue her squash careerat Yale University, while Ryan Morgan ’14 will attend Drexel University on a squash scholarship.

Pictured: Top (L-R): Ryan Morgan ’14, Alexa Horwitz ’15,Selena Maity ’14, Cashel McCarthy ’14, Nicole DeLuca ’15,Olivia Horwitz ’16, Angela Luo ‘16

Bottom (L-R): Morgan Steelman ’16, Kristy Wong ’16,Grace Steelman ’18, Sumi Mudgil ’17

UNDEFEATED SEASON FOR MS SQUASHMiddle School squash went undefeatedduring the regular season and finished insecond place at the Mid-Atlantic SquashAssociation championships, narrowlylosing in the championship match. Theteam’s overall team record was animpressive 9-1.

MS SWIMMING MAKING WAVESMiddle School swimming finished theseason with a 7-2 overall record. Theteam was undefeated against all its Inter-Ac opponents. This was the fourthstraight year the team earned a winningrecord. A total of five school records werebroken this season. Seventh graderTaylor Trapp was involved in all five ofthe broken records. Trapp set records inthe 50 backstroke, 50 fly, 50 freestyle and100 freestyle. Additionally, Trapp teamedup with Christina Wang ’18, FrancesWilson ’20, and Savannah Naib ’18 tobreak the 200 freestyle record.

BALDWIN PRESENTS AT CONFERENCEIn February, Philadelphia played host tothe National Conference on GirlsEducation, where hundreds of educationleaders attended this prestigious event.Baldwin was well represented with astellar presentation on “Building LeadersThrough Coordinated Approaches inHealth, Physical Education andAthletics,” by Deb Surgi, director ofathletics; Jessica Spatz-McNeary, Lower School psychologist; Liz Strauss,counselor for both Middle and Upper Schools andShelley Lapinski,athletic trainer.

Frances Wilson ’20 sets her sights on a strong finish.

Pictured: Top (L-R): Margaret Fleischner ’20, Isabella Tyminski ’19, Mia Bezar ’19, Meghna Sreedhar ’20, Abigail Dichter ’18, Head Coach Bruce Kelly

Bottom (L-R): Saachi Singh ’20,Sasha Nainani ’20, Alexa Lenfest ’19,

Alexis Shatzman ’19,Sara Syed ’18, Angela Yang ’18,Karly Terlevich ’20

11SPRING 2014 ECHOES

VARSITY SWIMMING SUCCEEDS Varsity swimming finished in third placein the Inter-Ac League for the secondconsecutive season and had a strongshowing at the Inter-Ac SwimmingChampionships winning 11 medals. Theteam captured three first place and threethird place medals. Junior Val Yoshimuracaptured first place in both the 50 Freeand 100 Free. Senior Maddie Pujadasearned first place and set the Inter-Acrecord in the 100 Breast. She alsofinished fourth in the 200 IndividualMedley. Senior Katie Edwards placedfourth in the 100 Breast. Junior SaranneLouth placed third in the 100 Back.Louth, Pujadas, Yoshimura, and Edwards finished third in the 200Medley Relay and in the 200 Free Relay.The team finished in seventh place atthe Eastern Interscholastic SwimmingChampionships held February 21-22 at La Salle University.

Junior Val Yoshimura ’15 looks out at the pool. ALEX WAKE SAVE THE DATESATURDAY, MAY 3, 2014: 9 A.M.5K Run & 1 Mile Family Fun Walk

INDOOR TRACK MAKING STRIDESIndoor track made great strides duringthe 2014 season. Head Coach Ije Iheomahas developed a strong group ofcommitted and determined runners. TheBears participated in weekly DelawareValley Girls Track Association meets onFriday nights at Lehigh University andfared well against the state’s top publicand private schools. On February 7, Ellie Greenberg ’16 made the finals of the 60m dash and ran a new personal besttime of 8.32. She qualified for the prestigious Meet of Champions. Jennifer Dietrich’17 had a great performance in the 200m, finishing first in her heat and running atime of 28.59. Dietrich beat the school record by two seconds, which was formerlyheld by Rachel Zachian ’15. Sarah Park ’16 ran the 400m in a time of 106.1, whichgave her third place and was her personal best as well as a new school record. OnFebruary 12, the team concluded the season at the Swarthmore College indoormeet. Greenberg won the 55m in a time of 7.5 and received a gold medal. Dietrichfinished third in the 200m with a time of 28.6 and received a bronze medal.

Ellie Greenberg ’16, Rachel Zachian ’15, Coach Ije Iheoma, Sarah Park ’16 and Jennifer Dietrich ’17 showcase their medals.

STUDENTS INITIATE JV SQUASH TEAMWith the interest in squash dramatically increasingand limited spots available on the varsity squad,Baldwin students took it upon themselves topropose a JV squash program. Gabriel DiClaudio’17, Haley Moller ’17, Pallavi Sreedhar ’17 and MegFrantz ’17 took their plan to Athletic Director DebSurgi, who recognized the need. In their inauguralyear, the JV team consisted of five experiencedplayers and five novices who wanted to learn thegame, and they finished a successful 3-3 for theseason.

VARSITY BASKETBALL WINSPROGRAM'S FIRST STATETOURNAMENT GAMEVarsity basketball won theprogram’s first ever gamein the PAISAA StateTournament. The #10seed Bears traveled to#7 seed GermantownFriends School and defeated the Tigers 40-33.

SPIRIT NIGHTOn January 31, the Athletic Department and Upper School Athletic Associationsponsored its annual Athletics Spirit Night, which featured a JV and Varsitybasketball game against Episcopal Academy. The evening attracted more than 200 fans to the Athletic Center for a night of sports, school spirit, food, and fun.The atmosphere was festive and included a halftime performance by the danceteam and singing of the National Anthem by the B-Flats.

Senior Co-Captain Jen Motterdrives for a lay-up.

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JOY WIELLAND ’54 DINNERS WITH JOY: A COMPLETE MENU COOKBOOKCreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform,2013

Dinners with Joy: A Complete MenuCookbook by Joy Wielland ’54 aims atsimplifying and alleviating stress fromthe process of planning and preparingweekly family meals. This uniquecookbook provides full recipes for anentire week, each including a protein andtwo side dishes for four. Each weekfeatures a chicken, beef, pork, fish,casserole, international, and casual meal

recipe and includes theshopping list for allentrees and side dishesfor the entire week. Allrecipes are conscious of their nutritionalbenefit with regard to fat, oils, andcarbohydrates.

Dinners with Joy: A Complete MenuCookbook is a clear reflection of Joy’s lovefor cooking. Growing up in a familythat appreciated food and loved totravel the world, Joy developed anearly respect and understanding forcooking. Her passion for cookingturned into a profession in 1999when she joined the United StatesPersonal Chef Association andopened Suddenly Supper PersonalChef Service. Joy’s admiration forpeople trying to balance their careerswhile maintaining a traditional homeinspired her to write this cookbook and guide.

Joy Wielland ’54 is also the author of two eBooks, Baking Basics and Options:Tips on Alternate Ingredients and How toUnderstand Carbohydrates: So They Don’tGo to Waist.

FARAH JASMINE GRIFFIN ’81HARLEM NOCTURNE: WOMEN ARTISTS &PROGRESSIVE POLITICS DURING WORLD WAR IIBasic Civitas Books, 2013

Harlem Nocturne: Women Artists &Progressive Politics During World War II tellsthe story of three female artists:choreographer and dancer Pearl Primus,composer and pianist Mary LouWilliams, and novelist Ann Petry, livingin Harlem during World War II. All threewomen moved to New York to find aspace to flourish artistically and thefreedom to express their politicalconcerns. Harlem Nocturne: Women Artists& Progressive Politics During World War II

details the lives of thesewomen whilehighlighting the culturaland historical movementsof the time period for allAfrican American women.

Farah Jasmine Griffin ’81is the William B. RansfordProfessor of English,

Comparative Literature, and AfricanAmerican Studies at ColumbiaUniversity. She is also the author ofClawing at the Limits of Cool and If YouCan’t Be Free, Be a Mystery.

Celebrate with Farah as she is honored asa Circle of Achievement recipient on May4, 2014, during Baldwin’s 125thAnniversary Celebration.

MARTHA CRAVEN NUSSBAUM ’64POLITICAL EMOTIONS: WHY LOVE MATTERS FOR JUSTICEBelknap Press, 2013

Martha Craven Nussbaum ’64 exploresthe nature of emotions and how theyrelate to social justice in Political Emotions:Why Love Matters for Justice. She arguesthat feelings of love and public emotionsstemming from love can support unitywithin a society and that humans can use characteristics ingrained in theirpsychology to develop a sustainableliberal culture. This insightful andstimulating read challenges the way wethink about emotions in political life.

Martha Craven Nussbaum ’64 is anAmerican philosopher and Professor ofLaw and Ethics at theUniversity of Chicago.She has been listedamong the world's Top100 intellectuals byForeign Policy andProspect magazines.Martha is also theauthor of The Fragility ofGoodness; Sex and SocialJustice; The Sleep ofReason; Hiding From Humanity: Disgust,Shame, and the Law; and Frontiers ofJustice: Disability, Nationality, SpeciesMembership (The Tanner Lectures onHuman Values), among many others. Shewill speak at the Ruth Hochberger ’68Speaker Series during Baldwin’s 125thAnniversary Celebration on May 3, 2014.

BaldwinBookshelf

13SPRING 2013 ECHOES

FRANNE MCNEAL ’78SIGNIFICANT! FROM FRUSTRATED TO FRANNE-TASTIC Significant Business Results LLC, 2013

Franne McNeal ’78 sets out to helpwomen find their story in Significant!From Frustrated to Franne-Tastic.She worked with Dorothy PotterSnyder '78 to create thisinspirational book that providesinsight on how career-seekingwomen can remain positive,confident, and become the bestversions of themselves in a timewhere unemployment is on therise. Filled with practical advice andapplicable stories, this guide will help anywoman identify her strengths, embraceopportunities, and become a leader.

Franne McNeal ’78 is a motivationalspeaker, coach, and self-proclaimed “serialentrepreneur.” She founded SignificantBusiness Results, an executive coachingpractice, to help her clients gain newperspectives when tackling businessproblems and remain consistent withtheir brand while increasing profit andperformance. Franne has been honoredwith awards such as the 100 MostInfluential Black Women in PhiladelphiaAward, and Baldwin is thrilled to have heras one of the speakers during its 125thAnniversary Celebration on May 3, 2014.

ROSALIND WHITE WILLIAMS ’53WHAT??: HAVE YOU HAD YOUR “EARRING” TESTED CreateSpace IndependentPublishing Platform, 2013

This lighthearted booktells the story of theresistance to growing old.From misunderstandstories to refusing to gethearing aids, What??:Have You Had Your “Earring” Tested is ahumorous look at Rosalind’s experienceof “old age” growing pains.

JUDITH B. PROWDA ’69VISUAL ARTS AND THE LAW: A HANDBOOK FORPROFESSIONALSLund Humphries Pub Ltd., 2013

This new edition of Judith Prowda’shandbook for art professionals and

collectors provides an insider’sglimpse of importantprinciples in art law andserves as a guide to legal rightswhen buying, selling, andcollecting art in the globalmarket. Discussing amultitude of topics fromspecific laws relating to

auctions and the relationships amongthe auction house to how the statutes oflimitation apply to works that have beenstolen or whose legal title is otherwisechallenged, Visual Arts and the Law: AHandbook for Professionals is an essentialread for anyone involved in the art field.

Judith B. Prowda ’69 has a privatepractice specializing in art law, copyrightand entertainment law, and serves as anarbitrator and mediator. She is also aprofessor at Sotheby’s Institute of Art inNew York City where she teaches Art Lawand Ethics & Policy in the Art Profession.Judith alsoauthored an essaytitled “The Art ofResolving ArtDisputes: a Casefor Mediation,”for the AppraisersAssociation ofAmerica.

Correction: In the Spring 2013 edition ofBaldwin Bookshelf it was incorrectly statedthat Suzanne Selby Grenager ’60 visited anashram in Nova Scotia. While she hasspent a significant amount of time in NovaScotia, no ashram was involved. Suzannewas the Mid-Atlantic Regional Leader forthe now world-renowned Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, MA.

DISTINGUISHEDALUMNAE TO SPEAK DURING REUNION WEEKENDPlease join us for the Ruth Hochberger ’68 Speaker Seriesduring the 125th AnniversaryCelebration and Reunion Weekend on Saturday, May 3.

Featured speakers include:ALICE TEPPER MARLIN ’62Founder and President of SocialAccountability International, a standardsetting organization for improving workplaces and communities

MARTHA CRAVEN NUSSBAUM ’64 American philosopher, author, and professor of Law and Ethics at the University of Chicago

MARGARET “SCOTTIE” ROBINSON ’69Professor of Molecular Cell Biology at theUniversity of Cambridge and Fellow of theRoyal Society

FRANNE MCNEAL ’78 Entrepreneur and founder of SignificantBusiness Results, an executive coachingpractice

RUTH DAVIDON RODGERS ’82 Two-time Olympian and Director ofPerioperative Services at the University of California in San Francisco

SARA SCOTT ’96 Creative Executive at Universal Pictures, a division of NBC Universal

LAUREN WALKER ’04Special Assistant to Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter

14

Beyond Baldwin: Global Lessons from the Desert

Dr. Crane enjoys a camel ride while visiting“her beach” at Jumeriah Beach Residence(JBR) where she lives.

W hen I think of Baldwin I can not help but remembermyself as a 14-year-old girl scared and excited all atthe same time, coming into the dark entrance way and

wondering, “What in the world is in store for me as a new boardingstudent?” There are no longer boarding students at Baldwin, and Ilater went on to be a day student, but it is those first memoriesthat stick in my mind. I was living with a group of girls who camefrom places “far away,” at least in my mind — like Pony, Montana,and countries I had never heard of before. I remember going intoeach other’s rooms at night by running along the ledge outside thewindows on the fourth floor of The Residence — an adventure Ibelieve was very unsafe but quite fun. I learned to sing hymns Ididn’t know at Sunday Evening Prayer and to set tables and servetea. But most of all, I learned to take chances and to seek newlearning opportunities.

So, you may ask, what am I doing in the Middle East teachingEmirate students from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a countrythat is just coming out of its infancy — 41 years to be exact? Theanswer is embedded in some of those early experiences atBaldwin, especially in the boarding school with Miss Cross. I wasfascinated by the differences in the way people spoke, what thingsthey valued, and the way they dressed. I wanted to always be in anenvironment where I could learn through these differentperspectives, tastes, and thought processes and to be with people who share that insatiable same curiosity.

SPRING 2014 ECHOES 15

By Keenan (Kenni) Durkin Crane, PhD ’62

16

I have been working in a university in the Middle East in theUAE, and more specifically Dubai, where the Crown Prince is ourPresident and the administrators are from the Dubai Police. Thismay sound a bit strange but it’s important to take a step back andbegin to understand the culture here. The police of Dubai were thefirst to use Total Quality Management (TQM) practices and beganan educational process that has been adopted by all in the UAE.This led to the formation of a university, Hamdan Bin MohammedeUniversity, which was founded by the Sheikh to continue thiseducational perspective and to help raise the educational standardsof the Emirates (who make up only about 18 percent of the totalpopulation of the UAE; the remaining are expats from more than200 countries). I was recruited to come to Dubai at that time in2009 when the University began.

I was recruited because I have a varied background as aneducator and consultant to business in organizational development.I have a Ph.D. in that field from Temple University; a master’sdegree in counseling and human relations, and a master’s degree inexperimental psychology, both from Villanova University. All ofthese degrees were acquired while working and raising two sons.

I teach in both the undergraduate and graduate programs, andduring the last five years, I have been privileged to watch and bepart of the growth of education in the UAE. I especially amimpressed with the Emirate women who have skyrocketed in theirconceptual understanding and their ability to apply information intheir jobs all while working full time and raising children. Theyseem to possess a confidence and presence that one could onlyhope to have. Most of the women and men have gone to same-sexgovernment schools until they pursued an undergraduate degree.When many students come here to Hamdan Bin MohammedeUniversity, they most likely have never been in the presence of theopposite sex other than a very close relative.

The blended-learning approach used here in the university(www.hbmeu.ac.ae), with both physical and virtual classes, has

proven to be a challenge for me to make the subjects I teach comealive with both platforms. The courses are OrganizationalBehavior, Team Work, Change Management, Leadership inQuality, Organizational Consulting, Psychology, KnowledgeManagement, Social Responsibility, Business and Society. Thecourses that address the intersection of people and systems arewhat I would call the “fun” courses. And it is “fun” to introducetopics that are at first very new but embraced quickly by thisgeneration. All classes are in English and the “learners,” as they arereferred to, have to pass a proficiency test in English beforeentering. English is taught from a very early age, and my meagerattempts at Arabic are wasted because the students are anxious tospeak English. Because I have been the only native Englishspeaking person in the University for its first four years, I noticethey like using their “American–Cinema” English with me.

In addition to teaching, much of my time is spent advising anddoing research. There is also a great deal of administrative workthat comes with a new university that has 17 academic programs.In my role as faculty member, I have focused on developing newcourses in Leadership and in Life-Long Learning; createdworkshops for students in communication, time managementand teamwork; and served as faculty representative on theUniversity Council, Academic Council, and various conferencecommittees. The best part of my job is involving students in newways to think critically while being self aware, developing socialintelligence, and applying these skills to their real world activities.

Recently, I had the opportunity to volunteer in a governmentgirls’ school with a mentoring program to help developinterpersonal and leadership skills for a select group of 10th and11th graders. This has been a great break from the universityworld. The girls here remind me so much of my days at Baldwin,as they live through that in-between age with all its awkwardness,angst, and curiosity. It is here that my background as a therapistbecomes very useful.

“I wanted to always be in an environment where I could learn through these differentperspectives, tastes, and thought processes and to be with people who share thatinsatiable same curiosity.”

I am so fortunate to be working with a group of faculty who aremy colleagues, but also my extended family. Everyone comes froma different country – Mauritius, Pakistan, Egypt, Syria, Palestine,India, Iran, Portugal, Iraq, France, and Lebanon to name a few.Everyone speaks and teaches in English but with different accentsand the students, who are used to such diversity, are quite good atunderstanding everyone, better than I at times. In getting to knoweveryone’s stories, I have learned so much. For instance, from mycolleague Dr. Ahmed Al Nakeeb, I’ve learned how in his late teenshe had to flee his country Iraq and how the ravages of war canleave real scars on the psyche. Yet, he has coped by writing poetryand maintaining a wonderful sense of humor that keeps us alllaughing. In the midst of all these varying perspectives, I havecome to understand much about globalization and different“Gulf” views (there is not just one, as many Westerners have atendency to believe).

While working here with the local Emirate population, I havelearned as much as I have taught as educator and advisor in theBusiness School. The gracious and welcoming nature of the peopleand the environment here in Dubai and the UAE has made thetransition of my skills and background relatively easy. I enjoy theenergy of the undergraduate students, as well as the seriousness ofthe graduate students in their endeavors to raise their educationallevel while ensuring they will contribute in a leadership role to astrong future for Dubai and the UAE.

I strongly believe that by being here, in my very own smallway, I am making a contribution to world peace or at least worldunderstanding. I know there are so many misunderstandings weall have about each other, and although I hardly represent allAmericans, I hope I give an impression that I truly care and amwilling to listen, learn, and share what I have to teach. I havelearned that when you peel away all the facades, we are more alikethan we are different.

Baldwin, I thank you for instilling in me a foundation andappreciation for learning of all kinds. I am trying to honor you bypaying it forward.

Keenan (Kenni) Durkin Crane, PhD ’62, is an assistant professor at Hamdan BinMohammed eUniversity (HBMEU) in the UAE. For more than 20 years, Dr. Crane hascoached leaders in Fortune 500 corporations, family businesses, and not-for-profitorganizations to develop leadership, interpersonal, and social skills while facilitatinga smooth transition during corporate and cultural changes. Her background includesa successful career as director of organization and management development atCIGNA Property & Casualty, where she helped restore distressed profit centersthrough leadership, coaching, counseling, and group development. Before joiningHBMEU, she was a professor at Villanova University, Drexel University, and WestChester University. Dr. Crane's areas of expertise include executive coaching andcounseling, group and system effectiveness, change management, leadershipassessment and development, culture and needs analysis, individual and groupeffectiveness, 360° feedback assessments, and program design and customization.

17SPRING 2014 ECHOES

Hamdan Bin MohammedeUniversity (HBMEU) celebrates its first graduating class.

“The girls here remind me so much of my days at Baldwin, as they live through that in-between age with all its awkwardness, angst, and curiosity.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: A LABOR OF LOVEBy Amy Saler Ostroff ’85

“Shadows of Change,” a photo taken by Jon Ostroff withfaceless volunteer construction workers standing behindchildren who are the future of South Africa, signifying ourcommitment to making a difference for this community andothers in the coming years.

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19SPRING 2014 ECHOES

Just the other day, I was laughing with Karen Zeitlin Grant ’85and Emily Klebanoff ’85 about my pathetic athletic abilities. Istarted Baldwin in the ninth grade and spent the next four yearstrying to avoid getting whacked by hockey sticks or breaking anail in volleyball. My fellow non-athlete classmate, RochelleRudolph Weiss ’85 and I took it as a badge of honor that wewere the only seniors in volleyball class. You see, back then there was A, B and C squad … and class.

Of course, those days are now far behind Rochelle, whois now conquering many athletic challenges. Maturity hasearned me a bit more confidence than I used to have, but Iwonder how things would have developedif all the incredible options that Baldwinoffers today were available back then. Iwould have loved the dance team or golf.

Baldwin may not have groomed me fora Division I scholarship, but the school hashad such a tremendous impact on somany other areas of my life. I consider myBaldwin classmates among my dearestfriends. I spent five great years working inthe Advancement Office, and Baldwinalumnae have become an integral part ofmy most recent endeavor of starting Loveto Langa, a public charity that raisesfunds for the education and well-being oforphans and disadvantaged children inthe townships surroundingCape Town, South Africa.

I came to Baldwin a bit shell-shocked by the public juniorhigh school experience. I wasintimidated to speak up in classand was shy around boys.When I visited Baldwin, itstruck me as a safe escape fromthe social pressures that werebuilding around me. It took mea while to gain my footing andvoice, but senior year found meas an editor of the Hourglassnewspaper and comfortably partof the crowd. We were lucky that

our class cametogether and thespecial magichappened, whereeveryone drops theattitudes and startstruly enjoying each

other. Upon arrival at Northwestern

University for a journalismdegree, I was surprised at howmany of my bright classmatesstruggled to put an essay together.My Baldwin training was furtherevident when I would look aroundat hands raised in classes and rarelysaw other female hands joiningmine.

After graduation, I lived in NewYork City for several years doingpublic relations at a financialservices company that is now CreditSuisse and marketing at Prudential

Securities. I met my ex-husband andmoved to New Hampshire where I hadstints in magazine editorial work and salesbefore getting a great job as marketing andcommunications director at United Way.When my marriage ended, I was sevenmonths pregnant and my boss had justgiven me the terrific news that he wouldallow me to work from home three days aweek after my maternity leave. It was agreat deal, but all I wanted was to come“home” and have the baby near my

Amy Saler Ostroff ’85 and Blessing, a student at Philippi

Children's Centre.

Completed Love to Langa classroom

Participants in Love to Langa’s Photography for

Change program.

Love to Langa’s South African board member Kissmea Adams, Jon Ostroff andAmy Saler Ostroff ’85 outside the Love toLanga classroom prior to completion.

family. Trying to make the best of a badsituation, I also decided to give myselfthe gift of a year off of work to be withmy son.

When Charlie was eight months old, Iwas just starting to think about what Iwould do next when Stephanie CohnSchaeffer ’85 called to tell me about anopening in the Baldwin Alumnae Office.If you know Stephanie, she can be prettypersuasive, and the next thing I knew, Iwas sitting in former Head of School BlairStambaugh’s office. It didn’t feel like aninterview but rather a warm visit with afamily friend. Clearly, coming “home”included Baldwin.

I loved my years as Baldwin’s AlumnaeDirector, even as colleagues teased meabout my green juice to ward off illnessdue to reunion-planning stress. Despite theheadaches, I gained a lot of satisfactionfrom bringing alumnae back to Baldwin,especially those who had never come backbefore. More often than not, they wouldfind their return to be both healing andjoyful. It was not an easy job, but it hadmany rewards.

When Charlie was five, I married JonOstroff, who was living a bit further than Iwanted to commute, so I left Baldwin andspent the next few years as a volunteer forArt Goes to School and as the PTOpresident at my son’s elementary school. Iwas keeping an eye out for the next thing,but wasn’t sure what it would be.

The seed for my charity, Love to Langa,was germinated in 2008 when Jon and Ifirst visited South Africa. We spent time inLanga Township near Cape Town and werevery taken by the spirit of the people there— especially the children. We also wereimpressed with the increased impact thatour dollars would have in South Africa. Wemet a woman who had taken up to 35AIDS orphans into her home and wantedto help her.

The following year, we took our ownthree children back with us to experiencefirst-hand how good it feels to help others.We raised money from family and friends,collected coats and other items, and took agroup of children from the orphanage on afield trip to the Two Oceans Aquarium andto lunch at a restaurant. It was a spectacular

experience for everyone and we knew wewere onto something. When we returnedhome and told friends and family about thetrip, many wanted to continue tocontribute financially, but the offer oftencame with a question: “can I get a taxdeduction?” That was really the impetus forstarting the charity. It happened organically,not out of any grand plan. I got a familyfriend to help me file the registrationdocuments and Love to Langa officiallybecame a U.S. 501(c)3 public charity in2010 under the original legal name,Organization to Aid African Orphans.

Things were great with the orphanagefor a while and we funded several projectsthere, including an annex to their building,vehicle repairs, a garden, and scholarships.We also were able to sponsor anothermeaningful field trip for a group of 50 fromthe Township to Robben Island, the WorldHeritage Site where Nelson Mandela wasincarcerated. None of the children orgrannies that participated had ever beenthere and the tears were flowing for all.

Sadly, despite all my best intentions,serious communication issues arose.Because I was only able to travel to SouthAfrica once a year, it was difficult to havethe complete confidence I needed toensure proper stewardship of our donors’funds. Over several months of tryingdesperately to make things work, theorphanage director and I had a devastatingand complete breakdown in ourrelationship. I have since learned that asfrustrating and heartbreaking as thesituation was, it was far from unique. Inimpoverished communities whereresources and money are scarce, it is always

difficult to regulate how donations arespent. In a situation where beneficiarieshave no business background and struggledaily with securing a number of basicneeds, the necessity of financialaccountability can be lost in translation. Itwas certainly a learning opportunity andhighlighted the importance of developinga relationship with an established localNon-Government Organization (NGO)with the resources, connections, andexperience to avoid such pitfalls in thefuture and ensure that Love to Langa’sefforts, time, and energy are optimized.

Thankfully, we connected withSouthern Africa Sustainable DevelopmentInitiative (SASDI) when we were in SouthAfrica in 2012 through a recommendationfrom Habitat for Humanity. We knew fromthe start they were the answer to ourchallenges. Initially, we hoped they wouldhelp us work more effectively with theorphanage, but once it became clear thatthe relationship had to end, we realizedthat perhaps the goals of the organizationmight need to shift a bit.

Fundamentally, our dream to help asmany children as possible would beachieved through this partnership. SASDIis driven by motivated Southern Africanswho are committed to developing theregion in a transformational manner. Theywork in partnership with local andinternational corporations, NGOs,churches, and other organizations todevelop and implement high impact SocialInvestment Projects that delivermeaningful results to all stakeholders.SASDI focuses on fundraising, projectmanagement, and leadership

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“Any time I am in thecompany of otheralumnae, I am energizedby the warmth andintellect that surroundsme. We are smart,engaged, and capable women!”

Amy Saler Ostroff ’85 and Carmen Lennon ’95 at Love to Langa’s advanced screening of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom on Dec. 16, 2013.

development, as these are three crucialskills, often found lacking in thedevelopment sector. Their projects areusually construction-based and seek toeither improve or expand the facilities ofan organization or individual doingphenomenal work in the community. Thegoals for their projects are to work toalleviate poverty, develop the community,and build leadership.

Last April, Jon and I were part of a SASDIteam build with The PRINCE2 for AfricaFoundation from the Netherlands, whichrenovated and expanded an early learningcenter in Philippi, a poor farmingcommunity. Boy, was it hard work! Pushinga wheelbarrow full of bricks over unevenground, loading, and unloading in the hotsun was a little much for us. Our agingbacks could only endure a couple days of itbefore we happily took SASDI DirectorStuart Hendry up on his invitation for Jonto speak to his Entrepreneurship class at theUniversity of Cape Town. The highlight,however, was knowing that our donors hadfunded a classroom at the school.

This has all truly become a labor of lovefor me. I am fortunate that I don’t need tocontribute financially to my family, so I amable to run Love to Langa on a volunteerbasis. I make every effort to pinch thepennies as much as possible so our donors’funds are maximized. Frankly, I reallydidn’t know what I was doing when Istarted, but I knew I could figure things outand look for help when I needed it.Baldwin taught me the tenacity to keepgoing and look for alternatives whenthings didn’t seem to be working out. I’mso thrilled that I kept at it, as we are doing

so much more than I everthought we would.

My Baldwin connectionscontinue to play a role in mylife and with Love to Langa.Classmate Ellen AndersonRoney ’85, who works for Nikein Portland, OR, recommendedus to GlobalGiving, Nike’scorporate giving partner. Thatwas a couple years ago, and nowI’m happy to say that Ellen isLove to Langa’s Treasurer.

We gained another Baldwinalumna as a board member when I saw aFacebook post from Carmen Lennon ’95,who was lamenting the end of a rewardingvolunteer assignment at a nonprofit inCalifornia. Carmen is now Love to Langa’svice president. And that’s not all. Love it orhate it, Facebook can do great things.Stacey Englander Turner ’88 wasvolunteering at a University ofPennsylvania program in Botswana a fewmonths ago when she contacted me aboutvisiting our projects in Cape Town. She hascaught the “Love to Langa” bug, and hasexpressed interest in getting involved withour projects.

I really had no idea as a Baldwin studentwhat an incredible continuing resource theSchool would be throughout my life.Baldwin truly is a network, and you onlyhave to reach out to realize its power. Anytime I am in the company of otheralumnae, I am energized by the warmthand intellect that surrounds me. We aresmart, engaged, and capable women!

For the students of today, my advicewould be not to worry about your career ifyou don’t have a clear idea of what youwant to do yet. You have all the tools youneed to jump on your passion when itfinds you. Keep your eyes and heart open.Don’t be too proud to admit you don’tknow how to do something and ask forhelp. Everything you do will lead you towhere you are supposed to be. Just watchout for those hockey sticks and you will befine.

Amy Saler Ostroff ’85 is the co-founder and presidentof Love to Langa. To learn more about this charity, visitlovetolanga.org.

Other Love to Langa projects include:

PHOTOGRAPHY FOR CHANGE WORKSHOP:This program brought at-risk teensfrom three different Townshipstogether for a six-week exploration ofdifferent themes such as home,community, and dreams. The resultingphotographs are being assembled into acoffee table book and will be featured atan exhibition we are planning forSeptember in Philadelphia.

TEACHER TRAINING WORKSHOPS: Many Township early childhoodteachers are uneducated themselves.They are hungry for opportunities toincrease their skills and provide a betterlearning experience for the children intheir care. A generous donor sponsoredLove to Langa’s first ReportingWorkshop for teachers on January 30,and it was a tremendous success.

SCHOLARSHIPS: With many parents making theequivalent of $200 a month, $30 amonth in school fees is beyond reach.We are currently sponsoring fivechildren to attend school and arelooking to expand this program.

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTRES: We continue to fundraise for acommunity hall at the PhilippiChildren’s Centre that will provideincome to the school as well as aresource to the community. Someday,we hope to build a school of our own.

21SPRING 2014 ECHOES

Baldwin Class of 1985. Ellen Anderson Roney ’85 is first row,first on right. Amy Saler Ostroff ’85 is second row, first on right.

Tell us about Baldwin’s FrenchExchange Program.Every other year, Baldwin’sUpper School French studentsexperience total immersion inthe French culture by travelingto the Lyon region of Francefor two weeks to live with afamily and attend Notre Damede Mongré High School.Excursions are arranged to visitLyon, the Beaujolais, andProvence. A three-day stay inParis also is planned, inaddition to visiting le Châteaude Versailles.

Students experience first-handlife in France while living withFrench families, attendingclasses and touring the country.The following year, the Frenchstudents come to live with ourstudents, attend Baldwin, andexperience the same type ofcultural exchange. Theconnections between theFrench and Baldwin familieshave developed into long-lasting friendships.

How has the program evolvedover the years?Conceived in 1989, theprogram continues in itspopularity. While thecoordinators and studentshave changed over time, theessence of the programremains vital and strong. Eachexchange year has its own feeland personality. For example,one year, we were touring theCathédrale Notre-Dame deParis, when I noticed all theBaldwin girls gathered in acircle with a great sense ofexcitement. I discovered thegirls recognized andsurrounded the Americanactor, Justin Long, with whomthey were posing for pictures.

What is unique about our FrenchExchange Program?The special friendship and thelong-term relationship bondour schools together in aprofound way. Through thiscontinual shared experience,the coordinators andchaperones from each schoolhave developed strongprofessional relationships, fondmemories, and enduringfriendships. Our Frenchstudents eagerly await theirturn to participate in thisexciting program, beginning inMiddle School. As a result, the

French Exchange Program hasbecome a tradition and ahighlight of their Frenchstudies.

What are some of your specialmemories from the exchangeprogram?I will always remember theexpressions of awe on the facesof the students who wereseeing France for the first timeand the impeccable behaviorof our Baldwin girls—I receivednumerous compliments fromthe parents of the Frenchcorrespondents regarding howwell-mannered and matureour girls are. They are trulyambassadors for Baldwin. Ialso have fond memories ofhaving my daughteraccompanying me since theage of five and her excitementin traveling with these “older”girls and building wonderfulmemories.

What lessons do our Baldwin girlstake away from this experience?The students are able toexplore and live in France, aswell as experience all theyhave been learning in classthrough French language andliterature. They discover adifferent culture throughlanguage, art, history, food,and music. They seize

countless opportunities forpersonal growth and maturity,as they navigate their waythrough this life-enrichingexperience. They are in a totalimmersion experience, and asa result they achieve growththrough living as part of aFrench family.

What lessons have you takenaway over the years? Our students thrive to learnbeyond books. They are alwayswilling to take risks, get out oftheir comfort zone, and applyall they learn at school wheninteracting and speakingFrench with their hostfamilies’ members. I havelearned the importance offriendship beyond borders andam always impressed with theopenness of our students whogenuinely embrace others andare willing to experience adifferent way of life.

40

CLOSINGTHOUGHTSDuring this 125th year celebration, The Baldwin School’s French Exchange Program is also celebrating a milestone.For 25 years, Baldwin has co-sponsored this program with Notre Dame de Mongré in Villefranche, France, working with our neighbors at The Shipley School. Josiane Mariette, Baldwin’s French coordinator and Upper School French and Arabic teacher, shares her thoughts on the program’s past, present, and future.

Josiane Mariette posing at BateauMouche on the Seine with her daughterMichelle Mariette ’17.

Students pose in front of Notre Damede Mongré High School in March 2013during their French Exchange program.

Contact Kaitlin Devine, director of The Baldwin Fund,at kdevine@baldwinschool.org or 610-525-2700, ext. 275 for more information.

Celebrating 125 Years of Baldwin

Every day at Baldwin, we celebrate bright, independent thinking girls. In theclassroom, on the field, on the stage, in thelab, and everywhere else on campus, our exceptional facultymembers are teaching students through outstanding programs and with remarkabletechnology. Baldwin embraces advancement and progress while remaining true to its history.The tradition of excellence in education is as important today as it was in 1888.

The 125th Anniversary is the perfect time to celebrate the faculty, classmates, and friends whocontinue to influence your life; the environment that was both challenging and supportive; andthe bond all Baldwin alumnae share.

Celebrate Baldwin today by ensuring the tradition of excellence continues. Gifts to The Baldwin Fund enhance academic and student life, support faculty salaries and ongoingprofessional development, further campus improvements, and allow for cutting-edge technology upgrades.

Please make your gift to the 2013-2014 Baldwin Fund today by returning the enclosedgiving envelope or online atwww.baldwinschool.org/gift.

Thank you for your generosity!

Nonprofit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 13

Conshohocken, PA701 Montgomery AvenueBryn Mawr, PA 19010

CELEBRATE WITH US! Alumnae, students, parents, parents of alumnae,

grandparents, former and current faculty, and Baldwin friends — ALL are invited to join the celebration of Baldwin’s 125th Anniversary Celebration, May 3, 2014.

Don’t miss this spectacular day. There is still time to RSVP. Visit baldwinschool.org/reunion_2014 or contact Jackie Harkins at jharkins@baldwinschool.org,

610-525-2700, ext. 231. Be a part of Baldwin’s history and come celebrate with us!

› 11th Annual Alex Wake 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk

› Parade of Decades with Mummers, horses, and classic cars!

› Spring Festival featuring Best of Philly foodtrucks, mini-golf, moon bounce, obstaclecourse, carnival games, antique photos, Baldwin build-a-bear, and much more!

› Ruth Hochberger ’68 Speaker Series

› 125th Anniversary Affair: A Party 125 Years in the Making!