Good afternoon! I am thrilled to be a part of this historic occasion. Today, I have the distinct pleasure of welcoming Julie Faulstich to Westover.

Transcription

1 1 ROBIN CRUZ Good afternoon! I am thrilled to be a part of this historic occasion. Today, I have the distinct pleasure of welcoming Julie Faulstich to Westover. Before agreeing to become our seventh Head, Julie spent a great deal of time getting to know the school. She met with students and faculty, spoke to parents, Trustees and Governors, and visited the campus repeatedly. I sat next to Julie at a dinner where she confidently answered so many questions that I don t think we gave her the chance to eat even a single bite. Julie came to Westover because of its wonderful attributes as well as its potential. I know I speak for everyone here today when I say we are delighted that she has joined our community. She will work alongside engaged and committed faculty members, curious students, active parents and supportive alumnae. All on our beautiful, pastoral campus. It sometimes feels as if nothing ever

2 2 changes inside these yellow walls. But, of course, change is unavoidable and always welcome here. When I started at Westover in 1981, exchange programs were rare, we practiced the "Basic" programming language in a subterranean computer lab, and paddle courts resided behind the infirmary. When I brought my daughter, Scott, to start her freshman year in the fall of 2014, we learned that the school offered programs everywhere from Kentucky to Rwanda, each girl had a laptop, robotics was a competitive sport, and the state of the art Fuller Athletic Center had become a centerpiece of the campus. Once upon a time, we called home from pay phones in closets at the ends of the corridors. Now the girls text and their parents and are seldom separated from their mobile phones, despite the terrible cell coverage in Middlebury. My classmates and I enjoyed fascinating electives for in depth study of Robert Frost, Shakespeare s Sonnets or Baroque music and art. Today, the academic options have expanded endlessly and are capped by

3 3 signature programs such as WISE, Invest In Girls, and the Online School For Girls, to name only a few. Westover has changed in so many ways, largely for the better. However, in the most significant ways, Westover remains just as I left it. West and Over rallying is still a high point of every new girl's fall term, Freshmen still read The Odyssey, and the girls still line up for chapel each week. More importantly, the mission and spirit of the school remain intact. Our students are encouraged to embrace history while taking steps forward academically, socially, and athletically. This is an institution with endless beloved traditions Dorcas, ring ceremonies, AA Germans yet it continues to develop and advance with the times. I believe that our traditions create a feeling of security that, in turn, gives our students the freedom and the courage to experiment with who they will become. Westover is a safe place for young women to try new things, to ask questions, to make themselves uncomfortable. All in the pursuit of learning.

4 4 I was struck, as a 16 -year old physics student, by a comment from my teacher, Terry Hallaran. I had a terrible time memorizing formulas. In conference after a test he said, "Robin, you never follow the exact method I showed you in class, but you always get to the answer." He gave me full credit because he valued my effort and knew that I was thinking and learning, not just reciting back formulas. That is what we should wish for all of our daughters. Teachers who help students learn to think. A school that appreciates young women who are finding their way, thinking for themselves and coming to solutions, whatever the process. A place where young people feel safe and supported, even as they are encouraged to challenge themselves, to work hard and to share their talents with the school and the world. A place like Westover. I know that our new Head of School appreciates the many things that make this school so special. Its intentionally small size creates intimacy. Its students pursue academic excellence and revel in their personal accomplishments. Its

5 5 experienced faculty members value curiosity and growth. Its alumnae provide strong support, volunteering and participating at levels far beyond those of other schools. Its campus juxtaposes old and new in a beautiful and inspiring environment. No matter the changes in its physical plant, its curriculum, or even in its Head of School, Westover will always be a place for and about the students, where every leader, every star of the play and crew member, every dancer and softball player, every artist and athlete, every scholar is a remarkable young woman. Julie has entered a world of innovation and tradition, joining a community of supportive individuals who strive to excel. We are fortunate to have her leadership at this exciting time in Westover's history. Please join me in welcoming Julie and the new era that begins today.