Friends Advancement Updates

July 2026 Edition

Looking Back with Gratitude, Looking Forward with Purpose

At this time of year, I find myself reflecting on the many moments of connection, generosity, and community that have defined this year at Friends. Throughout the year, our team in Advancement and Alumni Relations have welcomed alumni back to campus, gathered with graduates across the country, celebrated class milestones, and heard stories that remind us of the enduring impact of a Friends education. Thank you for keeping Friends close to your hearts!

One of the greatest joys of this work is meeting alumni and learning about the many paths you all have taken since leaving Friends. Whether reconnecting with classmates at Reunion, attending regional gatherings, mentoring current students, or supporting the school through philanthropy, Friends alumni demonstrate the mission of the School in action.

Throughout the year, we have also been reminded that connection and philanthropy go hand in hand. When alumni reconnect with Friends, they reconnect with the relationships, experiences, and values that shaped them. That sense of belonging strengthens our community and helps ensure that today's students have access to the same transformative opportunities that generations of alumni experienced before them.

This summer also marks an important transition for our community as we say farewell to Michael Mudho. Over the past five years, Michael has served Friends and our alumni community. We are deeply grateful for his service and wish him every success as he begins his next chapter.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to creating meaningful opportunities for alumni to connect with one another, with current students, and with the broader Friends community. In the new school year, we look forward to welcoming Chris Singler, our new Head of School, who is eager to meet alumni, hear your stories, and learn more about the experiences that have shaped your lifelong connection to Friends. Alumni perspectives play an important role in understanding the school's history, traditions, and aspirations for the future, and we look forward to creating opportunities for those conversations to take place. Look out for opportunities in the coming months to connect with Chris, share your experiences and hear his vision for the School.

We will continue listening, learning, and building upon the strong foundation established by generations of alumni volunteers, donors, and school leaders in the coming year as we embrace our new head of school. Together, we can ensure that Friends remains a vibrant and connected community for current students, alumni, families, and future generations.

Thank you for your partnership, your generosity, and your belief in this community. Your engagement helps ensure that Friends remains strong today while preserving the values and traditions that have defined Friends Seminary for 240 years.

We look forward to continuing this journey together. Enjoy this issue of the newsletter.

In gratitude,

Marjorie Jean-Paul

Director of Institutional Advancement