Elm Tree Gazette: September 2020

Updates from Jo-Ann Lovejoy

Director of Alumni Advancement

September 25, 2020

September Back to School!

Greetings from Lawrence Academy where masked, socially-distanced students, faculty, and staff are returning to school as fall has arrived with the excitement of a new school year and a clean slate. The entire campus was thoughtfully planned as a series of “one way” traffic patterns to keep our community and their families safe, healthy, and inspired. When asked about how LA was handling “back to school” my response has been to consider it a “one way train ride” through campus; stopping along the way to sanitize one’s hands and greet passing friends - assuming you are recognized! But that is where our new name tags have come in handy.

While some students are learning remotely and some are on campus in person, the excitement and buzz is palpable to teachers and students alike. We have implemented classroom technology to support both in-person and virtual learners from all parts of the world. Check out this year's orientation highlight video.

#GoLASpartans: More from campus...

Celebrating #ArtsatLA - Dancing With the Students
The “New” LA Classroom - A Mixed-Access Approach
From The Hillside - Photo Galley

New to the Alumni Advancement Team

Welcome Prudence Glover as she joins the Alumni Team as the Program Manager for Alumni Advancement and Trustees. Pru joined the LA Advancement office in May of 2018 after working in the advancement office of her own alma mater, Middlesex School. At Middlesex, she was responsible for the annual fund programs for the parent committee, alumni giving and engagement, class agent program and leadership giving. Pru has previous experience in a global equestrian catalog company and is herself, a dedicated equestrian enthusiast tending to her 3 horses. Pru started her career working in the computer networking field as a product marketing manager and was thrilled to transition to a school community environment.

Tamara Belmonte joined the Advancement Office as an Alumni Leadership Advancement Officer in August. She brings over 20 years of experience in fundraising and volunteer management to LA, and was most recently the Senior Associate Director of the Wharton Fund at the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to that role she was a Leadership Gifts Officer at Bentley University and an Associate Director of Special Gifts at Boston College. A Massachusetts native, Tamara received her Bachelor’s degree in French and history from Tufts University and her Master’s degree in Administrative Studies from Boston College. She is excited to be back home, closer to family and friends, as she begins her new adventure at LA.

You’re Invited

October 15, 2020 5:30-6:30 EST

DEI Community Summer Read

Alumni Book Discussion

The Sun Does Shine

by Anthony Ray Hinton

Led by Raquel Majeski

Assistant Head for Equity and Community Life.

Please RSVP to Pru Glover

if you wish to join the book discussion.

Zoom link to follow.

Anthony Ray Hinton will also be the school’s featured speaker for MLK day this year.

All alumni will be invited.

Save the Dates: LA Reunion, June 11-12, 2021

We are looking forward to celebrating all 2020 and 2021 reunion classes together this year for one combined event! Reunion Committees are forming now. The weekend plans are as follows, with more details to come.

Friday night June 11^th - Class specific gathering for each class (or two classes together if there is interest).
Saturday June 12^th - We will offer a full day of campus events followed by a community dinner, where alumni will be seated with their classmates.

Reunion Classes celebrating this year are: 2015, 2016, 2010, 2011, 2005, 2006, 2000, 2001, 1995, 1996, 1990, 1991, 1985, 1986, 1980, 1981, 1975, 1976, 1970 & 1971.

Golden Alumni: 1965, 1966, 1960,1961, 1955, 1956, 1950, 1951, 1945 & 1946.

If you’d like to host your class gathering on Friday night, June 10^th there is opportunity to do so! In fact, please be in touch with me directly if you have an interest to serve or support your class reunion this year in any way at all.

Wondering What to Wear to Reunion?

Get Your LA Gear Here

Show your school pride and get outfitted for the season! Many have asked for the "virtual bookstore" information, since the "brick and mortar" school store is closed this fall. So, we are happy to share this link where you can find all of your LA apparel. And be sure to send us a photo of yourself wearing your favorite LA swag (and why) and we will publish the most creative and inspiring photos in the spring issue of the The Academy Journal!

Inquiring Minds Want To Know...

What Are You Up To?

Thanks to all who have been sending us their updated emails and addresses, not to mention all of those marvelous class notes and photos! The fall edition of The Academy Journal will be published in late October. We can’t thank you enough for helping to make this edition so special with your shared and inspiring stories of your lives; your special milestone moments and what matters most to you now. YOU ARE LA!

We are already working on the spring edition of The Academy Journal, so don’t miss the chance to be included in the magazine. Please share your class notes, news, photos, books you’ve published and what inspires you most these days with Pru Glover today. We are excited to publish your news in your class notes and celebrate your lives as LA alumni.

Sincerely,

Jo-Ann Lovejoy

Director of Alumni Advancement

A Note From Carolyn Balas-Zaleski '84

Alumni Council President

Please join us!

The Lawrence Academy Alumni Council

is pleased to present

Alumni For LA: A Career Panel Series

"Careers in Financial Services"

Moderated on Zoom by Alumni Council Members,

Patrick Donoghue '06 & Victor Howell '08.

Streaming on October 8, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Click here to learn more & RSVP!

As the team in the school's Alumni Advancement Office grows, we also look to strengthen the all-volunteer LA Alumni Council. We are in a big push to increase our capacity before 2020 closes with alumni, from all years, who want to impact our community. The team is strengthened by having geographic, professional and background diversity. We are looking for expertise in legal, tech, startups and data management, yet all professions are welcome if you are willing to help us create an alumni networking and mentoring community to which we all belong. Please email me if you have any questions, comments, or nominations.