Letter from the Director of Alumni Relations

Dear Friends,

While the winter chill might still be lingering on campus, the energy within our halls over the past two months has been anything but cold. We started 2026 with a whirlwind of reflection, celebration, and travel as we kicked off the second half of the academic year.

I had the joy of stopping by Adia’s Kindergarten dance class to share insights and reflections on my home country, Kenya. I even taught the students a few words in my native language too! That said, we recently wrapped up a fantastic Regional Visit to California with gatherings in Los Angeles and San Francisco. It was wonderful to connect with alumni across four generations and share memories of 16th Street. 

I love hearing where life has taken you. Whether you’ve started a new job, moved cities, or simply have a fond memory to share, please reach out! I hope you’ll join us at an upcoming Regional Visit: Boston (New England region) on March 11, and Atlanta (The South) on March 26. We hope you can make it!

In mid-January, the community joined together to participate in our annual Peace Week programming. Our keynote speaker, Willie Perdomo '85, read his poetry and shared reflections from his time at Friends and his subsequent transition into a celebrated poet and educator. You can read more about Willie’s return to Friends in this newsletter.

The month concluded with a vibrant Lunar New Year celebration. Each year this community celebration brings our families and students together to share in the cultural traditions, as well as remember our first Asian American alumni, Henry Lee. This special tradition takes on an added significance as proceeds from this event support the Henry Lee '43 Memorial Scholarship Fund.

As the first Asian American student to attend Friends Seminary, he created this endowment in honor of his 50th reunion. Since his passing in 1995, his family has continued to grow the fund into the largest named endowed fund at Friends, providing essential financial assistance to Asian American students. This year’s event was particularly special, as a Henry Lee scholar, Stefanos Tai '13 spoke about how the fund helped support his own education at Friends.

The School marked the 100th anniversary of Black History Month with programming across all divisions. Upper School students from the Black Culture Club came together for a community coloring project. In Middle School, students took part in “Turntable Thursday,” featuring inspiring quotes from Black historical figures, games, and a curated playlist. Black historical figures, games, and a curated playlist. As we move toward the brighter days of spring, I am grateful for the enduring warmth of this community and the many ways you carry the Friends light with you.

What does it truly mean to be a learner at Friends?

Over the past two years, Friends Seminary faculty, students, and alumni have reflected on the habits of mind and values that define learning in our community. The Portrait of a Learner is a living document rooted in four core attributes: empathy, critical thinking, collaboration, and integrity. These attributes shape who we are and how we live with and for one another.

Our alumni are the living expression of our School's mission. We invite you to reflect on your experience at Friends and share how your Friends Seminary education continues to influence your life, leadership, and work. Please complete this Google form and join this exciting project to share your story!

In stewardship,

Michael Mudho

Director of Alumni Relations