Our Wildwood, Summer 2017, Volume 41

“

“

COLLEEN: Yes, and they are advocates for the school. . I think the institution loses something if the door shuts because a child graduates or one’s tenure on the Board . is over.. One of the things I’m curious about is how we create . an effective pathway that allows for the continuation of involvement for trustees, alumni, and parents. Wildwood . will turn 50 soon. And compared to East Coast schools, some of which are 200, even 300 years old, turning 50 seems like toddlerhood, I’m sure. When one looks at the older schools, it’s apparent that the various alumni groups make a real difference to the institution. Wildwood continues to build its alumni connection. It just takes a . while to do that. COLLEEN: Alumni have wisdom and pride. Even those who aren’t in touch for years after graduation start to come back. In the past 10 years, we’ve seen alumni from the early elementary years come back as parents at the elementary school. Soon, we’ll see our earliest graduates from Wildwood’s upper school begin their families. Perhaps some will return to the school as parents, too. Growing generations of Wildwoodians are one of the signs of a mature institution. That’s exciting!. As a longtime development gal, I’d be remiss not to call out the fundraising aspect of a multi-generational community. Alumni care about the school and often can support the school financially. When you look at many of the older schools, the majority of their philanthropic support, particularly during capital campaigns, comes from alumni families and alumni. But, as I said before, it takes a while to get there and making and continuing connections is important to us all. ANNIE: Yes, it does.

underpinning for why the school intentionally prepares graduating seniors by exposing them to things they’ll be presented with in college: midterms and finals, for example. Considering the Habit of Convention, it’s one example . of how a Habit can be applicable in the 13th year of a student’s education. . The Habits are an architecture that very broadly encompasses the kinds of skills, behaviors, ethics, and values vital to the development of young people. I hope that when my grandchildren come here, the same architecture is present. Q/ a . ANNIE: I love the fact that you’re mentioning grandchildren because that indicates your lifelong commitment to this institution. It’s a useful connection just thinking about trustees staying involved over the long term, even if they are no longer on the Board. Why do you believe that’s important? Or why is it important to you? COLLEEN: Well, I think there are two aspects to that question. One is why is it important for trustees to stay involved with this school. The other is why is it important for alumni, parents of alumni, former teachers—really anyone once affiliated with the school—to stay involved. . When you initially serve as a trustee, you’re not only present at the school as a parent, but you’re also taking on responsibility and learning more about the inner workings of the school to help steer it successfully during your tenure. Trustees are very future-focused—looking forward 10, 20, or 30 years. When one’s tenure ends, it could be helpful to maintain some continuing relationship between the school and former trustees so as to not lose that wisdom and institutional memory. ANNIE: The former trustee or Wildwoodian’s wisdom and point of view are valuable, even just to know the school’s history.

{

ANNIE: Well, there you have it, another Habit—the Habit of Connection.

COLLEEN: Exactly.

WW