In This Issue

News from Campus

On September 12, Head of School Steve Murray shared a reflection on the start of the new school year with the Lawrenceville community, featuring a video recap of the opening days. Read the full letter here.

l10 student video news: house olympics special

Get a glimpse inside the every day at Lawrenceville with L10 News, Lawrenceville’s student-led video news program.

HEAD OF SCHOOL MURRAY SETS TONE FOR 2023-24 WITH CONVOCATION & INDUCTION ADDRESS “ON BEING KIND”

Lawrentians gathered in the Circle Sunday evening for the School’s annual Convocation and Induction ceremony. After an invocation by new School Chaplain Rev. Dr. Violet L.D. Lee and the presentation of new students by Greg Buckles (Dean of Enrollment Management), Head of School Steve Murray set the tone for the 2023-24 academic year with his address, “On Being Kind.”

“The quality of life in a given community is directly determined by how frequently each of us takes advantage of the small, daily opportunities to follow our hearts – to show kindness,” Murray noted. He shared stories of transcendent moments in his life, times when he realized how important even the smallest acts of kindness can have.

“You just never know what a person is going through. A small gesture of unkindness can land far harder than you intend – and there is no taking it back – and by the same token, a small act of kindness can do far, far more than you anticipate,” Murray said.

He encouraged students to “build our community one act of kindness at a time” this year. “We don’t even need to overwhelm the world – we just need to shape our corner of the world – we just need to make Lawrenceville into the best possible version of itself – and I know we can do this.”

Following Murray’s address, Interim Dean of Students Blake Eldridge '96 H'78 '12 presented the top residential life prizes. Carter House won the Chivers Cub, presented to the House with the highest grade point average. Kirby House took the Green Cup, given to the House with the most improved grade point average. For their tremendous commitment to community service, Stephens House earned the Adams Cup. McClellan took the House Cup, presented to the residence with the most School spirit.

The ceremony concluded with the singing of the School Song, “Triumphant Lawrence” and a benediction from School Rabbi Lauren Nemiroff Levy.

Watch the ceremony on Vimeo and view more photos on Lawrenceville’s Flickr page.

Welcome to our newest Lawrentians, the Class of 2027

Zaheer Ali Attends Hutchins Forum on Affirmative Action

Zaheer Ali, Executive Director of the Hutchins Institute for Social Justice, recently attended the 2023 Hutchins Forum, a significant gathering of social justice leaders. Hosted by Glenn '73 and Debbie Hutchins along with Henry Louis Gates, Jr., the event took place in Edgartown, Massachusetts, known for its historic African American heritage. This year’s forum, moderated by Charlayne Hunter-Gault, explored “The Rise and Fall of Affirmative Action” with prominent panelists discussing its relevance, especially in education, post the Supreme Court’s decision. The panel showcased diverse opinions on affirmative action’s impact on social mobility for Black individuals. Ali emphasized the importance of understanding affirmative action’s history and its impact on creating a more equitable society. He also cherished the opportunity to connect with leaders from other Hutchins initiatives, highlighting the Hutchins Family Foundation’s vital role in advancing social change. For those interested, the Hutchins Forum was livestreamed by PBS NewsHour and is available on YouTube.

Photo, left to right: Debbie Hutchins (co-founder, Hutchins Family Foundation), David Wessel (director, Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy, Brookings Institution), Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (director, Hutchins Center for African & African American Research, Harvard University), Zaheer Ali (executive director, Hutchins Institute for Social Justice, Lawrenceville School), and Glenn Hutchins '73 (co-founder, Hutchins Family Foundation). Credit: A friend of the Hutchins Center.

LAWRENTIANS HONOR LIVES LOST ON 9/11/01

On September 11, Lawrentians gathered at the School Peace Pole to remember those who perished in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pa.

The bells of the Edith Memorial Chapel rang out just before 9 a.m. as School organist Tom Goeman called the community to attendance by playing “Going Home” (Largo from “The New Symphony). Religion and Philosophy teacher Phil Jordan began the ceremony. The School has gathered this way for 22 years in honor of “fallen Lawrentians, whose friendships and lives brimmed the same way as ours under skies the forerunners of these.” Before students read the names of Lawrentians lost on September 11, 2001 (listed below), Jordan explained that Buddhists would call our time and place “an intimate web of becoming.” He asked the School community to “pause now to trace these threads into the past with fresh filaments, forming a future all must weave together to co-create, planning peace, from the place where we now stand.”

School Chaplain Rev. Dr. Violet Lee, also a religion and philosophy teacher, next shared Amanda Gorman’s poem “The Hill We Climb,” and later played “Oh, Danny Boy” in there ceremony’s interlude. Nuri Friedlander, director of equity and inclusion/religion and philosophy teacher, was the morning’s final speaker. “We remember to honor those who died on this day and the way recent events and the wars that followed shaped our world. We remember not to return to the past, but to co-create a better future in which we can love together in harmony and according to prophets of peace.”

Lawrentians left the ceremony to the sound of Goeman’s concluduing song, “Pie Jesu” (from Re Lulum by Facie).

Lawrentians Lost on September 11, 2001

You can learn more about each of the victims in the New York Times Portraits of Grief feature.

Arthur T. Barry

Barry was a New York City firefighter for seven years, a member of Ladder Company 15 near the South Street Seaport. His colleagues frequently relied on him to repair elevators during high-rise fires. He was the uncle of Matthew '07 and Laura '12 Poss.

Swede K. Chevalier

A landscaper as well as an equities trader, Chevalier (brother of Tylia '00) loved to play hockey and to mountain bike. His motto was, "Gamble big, lend happily, love fully, never sit still."

Catherine Chirls P'03

Chirls told her son Nick '03, who was the number one squash player in his age group at Lawrenceville, "Never limit yourself." Nick, a day student, and his mom did the dishes together each night, talking about sports and politics.

Keith E. Coleman '86

Coleman, a wrestler who lived in Kinnan House, came to Lawrenceville as a postgraduate student. Called a quiet leader and a family man, he was married to Eloide, father to Vaughn and Neva, and brother to Scott Coleman '89.

Scott Coleman '89

Coleman was a three-sport varsity athlete at Lawrenceville (soccer, track, and baseball) and an accomplished cellist. He had a quick mind in the classroom as well as astounding speed on the playing field.

Jonathan Connors P'02

Connors had a zest for life. He loved Ireland; the quick pace of his work; his wife, Susan; and their sons Jonathan and James '02. When anyone asked him how he was, he always replied, "Tip top."

Bradley J. Fetchet

Fetchet was a quiet person with a wide smile who played hockey and lacrosse. He was a deft athlete and a role model of generosity of spirit and surprise. He came often to Lawrenceville to watch his brother Wesley '00 play lacrosse and cheer on the team.

Karen Hagerty

Hagerty was funny and inclined to take charge. She organized Christmas presents each year for a homeless shelter in the Bronx, N.Y. Her office got stuffed with all of the donated presents. She was the stepdaughter of J. Linzee Whittaker '61 and sister to James Hagerty '93.

Charles W. Mathers P'98

Mathers served in the Navy and, for 25 years, was a volunteer firefighter in Sea Girt, N.J. Father of Charles '98, Mathers loved every minute of his work.

Charles A. McCrann '64

McCrann was an honors student at Lawrenceville and a hard worker with a puckish sense of humor. Married to Michele, McCrann was father to a daughter and a son, and boasted a six golf handicap.

Christopher Newton-Carter

A native of England, Newton-Carter was Associate Director in charge of Information Technology at Sandler O'Neill & Partners, L.P. He developed computer systems for the investment bank. He was the uncle of Katya '09 and André '12 Danko, brother-in-law of Keith Danko '77.

Michael San Phillip '63

A devoted alumnus to Lawrenceville, he was a starter for Lawrenceville coach Ed Megna's State Champion basketball team and for Big Red coach Jack Reydel's "single wing" football squad. Married to Lynn for 35 years, San Phillip had two daughters and a granddaughter, Mikki.

Richard H. Stewart, Jr. '85

At Lawrenceville, Stewart was president of Cleve House, a captain of the varsity ice hockey team, and a Class Agent. After his long week as a broker at Cantor Fitzgerald, he spent each Friday night serving supper at a homeless shelter.

History Teacher Jenn Parnell P'23 Quoted in The New York Times

When The New York Times was looking for a teacher to interview for its “On Tech: AI” column, Lawrenceville history teacher Jennifer Parnell was the perfect choice. In the August 24 edition, Parnell discusses how she’s incorporated A.I. chatbots into her honors U.S. history and environmental science classes. “I’m fascinated by the potential of this technology, albeit a little terrified,” she said.

While Parnell told the Times she has concerns about the use of A.I. tools (notably bias, privacy, and academic honesty) she believes the possible benefits outweigh the downsides. “A.I. has pushed teachers to think more intentionally about the purpose of education and specifically assessment,” she said. “As a teacher, if I’m asking questions that are easily answered by A.I., am I asking the best questions?”

News from the Alumni & Development Office

Coming soon! Watch your mail or email for a detailed summary of the Emerge Transformed campaign and its impact on Lawrenceville. The most successful fundraising campaign in independent school history, Emerge Transformed has ensured an even brighter future for our School. Read more about it, and join us in celebrating your impact.

“Being back at Lawrenceville has been a surreal experience. I’m excited to rejoin such a vibrant community and cannot wait for what these next two years will bring.”

Bri Thompson '18 started her two year Penn Teaching Fellowship at Lawrenceville this fall as she works towards her master's degree in education at the University of Pennsylvania. While back on campus, Bri will be teaching IBES, the IInd Form Science course, coaching J.V. girls soccer, working with the Ropes Course, and will have house duties in McClellan! Welcome back, Bri!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Room Block Information:

Hilton Garden Inn Princeton Lawrenceville

$259/night

Room block closes at 12 a.m. on March 22, 2024.

Get Involved:

Be a part of making this year’s reunion the best one yet! Volunteer for your Reunion Committee to get your classmates excited about the big weekend, or as a Reunion Class Agent to lead your class’s reunion fundraising efforts. We’d love to have you on board! Email alumni@lawrenceville.org to learn more and join the team!

For more information, visit our Alumni Weekend 2024 webpage.

STAY CONNECTED

Lawrenceville Black Alumni Association

Lawrenceville Finance Society

LGBTQ+ Alumni Association

Actively recruiting leadership committee members

Lawrenceville Real Estate Council

Actively recruiting leadership committee members

LEARN MORE >

To learn more, please contact Molly Edwards at medwards@lawrenceville.org.