Recent Events
Paul Taylor Dance Company
Elisabeth Robert ‘91, Head of School Bo Lauder, and Director of Institutional Advancement Marjorie Jean-Paul
Bertram and Nell Gibson (Bertram Gibson, III '87)
Friends Seminary is grateful to Elisabeth Robert ‘91, for facilitating an extraordinary evening at Lincoln Center which featured performances by two of Mr. Taylor's classic pieces: Arden Court set to Boyce and Esplanade set to Bach. Recess by resident choreographer Lauren Lovette and Claire de Lune by Jody Sperling were also performed.
2024 Alumni Soccer Match
On Saturday, November 30 over 30 alumni players braved the cold for the School’s Annual Alumni Soccer match at Pier 40. This is the 21st year of the Alumni Soccer match. It is an initiative that varsity coach and PE teacher Warren Salandy and former players brought to life, and each year attendance has grown, fostering a special bond among alumni. Prior to the match, everyone introduced themselves, sharing employment information, personal and professional updates, providing a great networking opportunity. Following the match, Warren, the players, and supporters gathered for food and drinks. I encourage all soccer and sports fans, as well as those interested in connecting with many Friends alumni, to come play or watch the match when it returns next fall. This grassroots effort initiated by alumni has stood the test of time. We in the alumni office are always looking for new ways to keep alumni connected and involved. Are there any sports or other activities that you would like to see offered for the Friends alumni community? Please let me know.
Upcoming Events
We are excited to announce the details of Peace Week 2025, taking place January 21-24. For nearly two decades, Friends Seminary has set aside this special week to reflect on the Quaker testimony of Peace. This year’s theme, Growing Together through Silence and Dialogue, aligns with our school-wide focus for the 2024-2025 academic year. Throughout the week, we will explore how intentional silence and meaningful dialogue can be transformative tools for fostering peace in our communities and the wider world.
We are thrilled to welcome Meredith Evans ’90, Director of the Carter Presidential Library in Atlanta, as our keynote speaker. Many of you may recognize Meredith from her moving contributions to the Larry Carter Legacy Fund video. Meredith, the first Black woman to direct a presidential library, was appointed to this role in 2015 by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). In her work, she emphasizes civic engagement, the role of the presidency in public policy, and expanding access to the records of President Carter and his administration. Meredith’s expertise spans the acquisition and preservation of diverse collections, community engagement, fundraising, and staff development. She is also an accomplished writer and speaker on the value of museums, libraries, and archives. Meredith holds advanced degrees in library science, public history, and a doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She will deliver her keynote on Thursday evening, January 23, at 6 PM and will also engage Upper School students in a lunch discussion earlier that day. To attend this evening event, please click here. This event is free and open to the greater Friends community, and will be preceded by a reception starting at 5:30 PM in the Common Room.
In addition to Meredith's visit, our Peace Week student assemblies on Friday, January 24, will feature two inspiring speakers:
Lesa Cline-Ransome, a beloved children’s book author, will lead presentations for Lower School students and Grades 5-6.
Dylan Marron '06, a critically acclaimed writer, actor, and podcaster, will address Grades 7-8 and Upper School students in two separate sessions.
Throughout the week, students across all grades will engage in classroom activities, division-wide programs, and all-school events that deepen their understanding of core values, social and environmental responsibility, and their role in bringing about a more peaceful world. Look out for more details in the coming weeks!
Experience the Skyspace at Sunset
Early sunsets in January are an ideal time of year to experience the Skyspace. Two sessions are available to members of the community: Tuesday, Jan.14, 2025, at 4:53 pm and Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, at 5:02 pm. Click here to reserve a place. Capacity is limited and reservations are honored on a first come, first served basis.
Calling All Art Aficionados, Contemporary Artists, and Collectors!
Friends Seminary has always been intertwined with New York City's vibrant art culture. For generations, our school has educated artists and their children, fostering creativity within the community we call home. Today, we proudly continue this tradition, welcoming and encouraging members of the creative community to join our family.
In February, Friends will host our highly anticipated Contemporary Art Auction, an integral part of the spring Benefit. Proceeds from this event will support the Artists for Artists Fund, a scholarship dedicated to empowering students from the families of art practitioners and strengthening our commitment to equity and representation.
We invite you to be a part of this legacy! By donating a piece to the auction, you help us celebrate 239 years of creative spirit while supporting the next generation of artists in our city. Your contribution makes a meaningful impact on both Friends and the broader artistic community.
Let's continue to inspire, nurture, and grow together. For inquiries and questions about the process, please reach out to Director of Special Events, Ashley Shaw.
Thank you for supporting art, education, and the enduring creative spirit of Friends Seminary!
Ann Sullivan Memorial | Saturday, January 11, 2025, 2-5 PM | Meetinghouse
*To attend, please RSVP here.
Peace Week | January 21-24, 2025
Keynote Address with Meredith Evans '90 | January 23, 2025
Contemporary Art Preview Reception | February 20, 2025
Contemporary Art Auction | March 6, 2025
Alumni Career Symposium | Date TBD
Reunion | Friday through Saturday, May 16-17, 2025
Contact mmudho@friendsseminary.org for more information.
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