Summer 2007

PRINCIPIA PURPOSE

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P R I N C I P I A

Principia Update

Update

Principia-wide 3 Principia Update 4 Helping New Orleans the Principia way 6 Scholars of the second millennium16 Alumni Connection21 Education at The Princpia22 Spring sports: Women’s tennis makes it 13 in a row30 Retirements: Departing hence to scenes anew 32 Alumni news: Keeping in Touch

Principia College 5 Environmentalist, mountaineer speak at Principia 8 PAC looks at democracy: The good, the bad, and the ugly10 Young lacrosse club turns heads11 Abstract art exhibit shows off buried treasures13 College makes eco-friendly improvements 15 College seniors dig deep, emerge energized17 College Homecoming October 200725 College commencement talk: Your capacity to save a city26 Congratulations, College graduates!

The Principia School12 Friends, Romans, sixth-graders . . .14 Students savor the fun and fruits of hard work18 The Principia School explores development of some unused land20 Letter of gratitude from a 2006–07 German student24 Upper School graduation talk: Recognizing your present purpose28 Congratulations, Upper School graduates!29 Upper School alumni reunion October 2007

Alumni Association BoardToni Vecchione Kyriakakis C’69Blue Point, New YorkPresident

Hans Fredrikson US’84, C’88Friendswood, TexasVice President

Adam Messer C’02Highland Heights, KentuckySecretary

Jean Sellers L’Heureux US’75, C’80Hayward, California

Eric Nager C’89Daphne, Alabama

John Ranson C’71St. Louis, Missouri

Jeff Scott US’81, C’87San Diego, California

Joy Nickell Schwentker C’70Raleigh, North Carolina

The Principia PurposePublished three times a year by The Principia13201 Clayton Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63131Phone 314-434-2100, 1-800-218-7746Fax 314-275-3568Copyright © 2007 The Principia

StaffPeter Shays C’61, EditorNancy Mullen, Associate EditorLarry Coleman, DesignEllen Sprague C’93, Writer/PhotographerDoug Miner US’75, Writer/Photographer

Cover photograph by Ellen Sprague

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Reforestation experiment starts up at CollegeMembers of the Biology and Natural Resources Department, student vol-unteers, and students from the “Forest Resource Management” and “Forest Ecology” classes helped plant 12,000 native trees — red and black oak, Illi-nois pecan, and American plum — on 50 acres of Principia land formerly used for agriculture. The trees are grouped into one- to four-acre experimental plots — some with one species of tree, others with more than one. As the forests mature over many years, students will be able to examine how forests work and grow, and study the impact the reforestation has on various wildlife and vegetation popula-tions, including songbird habitats at the forest edges and the current overpopu-lation of deer on campus. The project is an initiative of the Great Rivers Land Trust, a local orga-nization which qualified for a grant to take part in a larger watershed improve-ment project. The trust is leasing the Principia land.

College juniors selected for leadership conferenceCory Sprague and Sonia Orwa, now seniors, were among 19 college women selected for the National Education for Women’s Leadership 2007 Summer Institute at the University of Illinois Chicago campus for a week in June. The conference, designed to increase women’s participation in all elements of public life, including elected office, focused on leadership education, policy skills, political savvy, and active learning. The active learning component was a group policy analysis project involving a mock hearing of House Bill 750, which is on funding education. Cory and Sonia met several local legislators, and a highlight was meeting Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. “The conference was a great opportunity to learn more about the

leadership style and experience of dif-ferent women and how they came to hold positions of power,” says Cory. “It established wonderful resources for both Sonia and me.”

Metanoia expeditions focus on spiritual growthCollege resident counselor JD Daugh-erty, three staff, and 17 students trav-eled to Puerto Rico during spring break for the sixth voyage of Metanoia Expe-ditions. A smaller group, led by junior Peter Swank, traveled to Colorado dur-ing the week after graduation. Since 2003, groups have also ven-tured to the Smokey Mountains and New Mexico. Daugherty began the trips after seeing a documentary show-ing the effectiveness of wilderness education. Away from the busyness of campus life, the students enjoyed solo time for spiritual study as well as play time in Puerto Rico, both of which con-tributed to the refreshment and growth they were seeking. The word Metanoia means “a shift of mind; a direct knowing of the Highest; of God.”

Senior projects showcase diverse talentsContinuing a 35-year tradition, 61 Upper Schoolers spent their final month before graduation working on indepen-dent projects of their own design. Their endeavors ranged from constructing a computer, to shadowing a Los Angeles documentary filmmaker, to building a deck outside the boys’ dorm. During graduation week the seniors shared their adventures, trials, and triumphs with an eager audience of parents and community members.

Principia hosts hundreds in sectional track meetOn the Saturday before the state high school track meet, Principia’s Jack Eye-rly Track and John Jamerson Stadium hosted athletes from 28 high schools in eastern Missouri for the Missouri Class 2 sectional track and field meet — the qualifying meet for State. At the meet, Principia boys went on to qualify for the state meet in the 800, 1600, 3200, and the 4x800 relay; and girls qualified in the 800, 4x400 relay, 4x800 relay, and the pole vault. n

CONTENTSSummer 2007, Issue No. 355

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A cast of 29 singers, dancers, and actors; an orchestra of 27 musicians; and a staff and crew of over 30 dedicated directors, sound and lighting technicians, set builders, painters, and others joined to mount a striking production of the 1980 Broadway musical “42nd Street” in May.

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P R I N C I P I A Principia–wide

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P R I N C I P I ACollege

Why green is good business

Even if concerns about global warming

weren’t reason enough to change the way we do business, profit margins certainly should be. E n v i r o n m e n t a l -ist Hunter Lovins, who spoke at the College in April, offered compelling evidence that companies striving to do business nature’s way — clean and green, with no waste — are giving a big boost to their bottom line. The founder of Natural Capitalism Solutions, who has been recognized by Time magazine as a “Hero for the Planet,” sees efficiency and sustainability as the keys to outstanding financial performance in today’s market. “We are an incredibly wasteful species,” Dr. Lovins pointed out. “The amount of stuff our economy digs up and puts through various resource-crunching activities and then throws away is about a half a trillion tons a day. And less than one percent of it is ever put into a product. All the rest is waste, so eliminating it is an enormous business opportunity.” Smart companies are already doing it, and prospering, she noted. PortionPac, for example, used to ship gallon jugs of cleaning solution around the country but now concentrates its prod-ucts so it doesn’t have to pay to ship water. “By reducing waste as well as eliminating toxic ingredients, this company is now win-ning contracts it couldn’t previously get.” Wal-Mart, just by eliminating waste packaging in one of its product lines, is sav-ing over $2 million a year. That represents a million barrels of oil, according to Lovins. DuPont has gone even further, pledging to get 10 percent of its energy and a quarter of its feedstocks from renewable sources by 2010. “They’ve already hit their target,” Lovins said, “and they’ve already saved $3 billion.” Even utilities are realizing the economic benefits of cleaning up their act. Osage Municipal Utility, in Iowa, helped its customers cut their energy bills through efficiency, saving the rural town over a million dollars. The lower rates have attracted more factories to move there, bringing more jobs as well as more business for the utility. Investors are taking note. “Companies on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index are outperforming the Standard & Poor’s, and have for 10 years,” she remarked. “The environmental leaders are outperforming the environmental laggards.

“Sustainability is the fastest-growing movement on the planet,” Lovins concluded. “If you want to be in business today, you’re going to be a part of it.”

Mountain: Impossible

When word got around that a blind man

was going to climb Mount Everest, veteran Himala-yan climbers were aghast. They said he would be a liability, that he would subject himself and his team to horrendous risk. Erik Weihenmayer, who lost his sight as a young teen, was undeterred. “Those guys who said I had no business going up there, they were experts on climbing and on Mount Everest, but they didn’t know anything about me,” he told Principians packed into Cox Auditorium in April to hear his talk, sponsored by the Donald L. Koch Foundation. Weihenmayer has made it his life mission to break through the limits imposed on blind people. He describes himself as an “alchemist,” someone who takes adversity — the lead of life — and transforms it into the gold of courage that propels him

forward to victory. “With an alchemist,” he said, “you can take away their resources, you can throw roadblocks in front of them, and they’ll still find a way to win.” Weihenmayer was introduced to rock climbing at the age of 14 and has become highly skilled at feeling his way up a mountain step by step. He knows, by the sound of his

axe tapping the ice above him, where it is stable enough to pro-vide a handhold and where it will crumble under his weight. He takes great care in choosing his climbing team and finds ways to be a fully contributing member. “What I love about climbing is that often you’re roped up, so if you’re a good team, you’re like a snake — you’re sort of wriggling up the mountain. All the pieces are in perfect sync, yet every-one’s doing something very different and vital to keep the team moving and functioning and safe.” When Weihenmayer and his team reached the top of Mount Everest in May 2001, he became the first blind person in history to summit the world’s tallest peak. Yet he empha-sized that he doesn’t see himself as a big risk taker. “I see myself as a problem solver, as an innovator. I’m motivated in the same way as the pioneers of the past . . . by a sense of discovery, by a sense of what is possible.” NM

Environmentalist, mountaineer speak at Principia

Hunter Lovins

Erik Weihenmayer

“I see myself as a

problem solver, as

an innovator.”

Since the devastation that hit New Orleans and other Gulf Coast areas in August 2005, over 50 Principians have traveled to the area to help individuals, families,

and churches in need — some as volunteers, others on an academic program. The first group — College and Upper School students, dads, and alumni — reached Hancock County, Mississippi, a couple of weeks after the hurricane. They took shortwave radio equipment and expertise to help coordinate various relief agencies and fire and law enforcement representatives in the storm’s early aftermath. Since then, Principia College stu-dents, faculty, and even families have traveled to New Orleans during every winter, spring, and summer break to help out however they could — from manual labor to spiritual support. Principia students also formed the Principia Humanitarian Relief club, which has since been honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, presented by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. Interaction with local Christian Scientists has been a highlight, including Thanksgiving and Easter dinners and everyday neighborly activities. “The church members made me feel at home right away,” says senior Avery Poindexter. Avery was with the most recent group of Principians. Ten students and three adults went to New Orleans for a nine-week academic field program designed and directed by English professor Elizabeth Toohey. After two weeks of instruction in Southern literature and the culture and history of New Orleans, the students embarked on internships around the city — a museum, an elementary school, a nonprofit that recycles building mate-

rials, a TV station, and other organizations and businesses. One of the group’s texts, French Quarter Fiction: The Newest Sto-ries of America’s Oldest Bohemia, begins: “Fires. Floods. Plagues. Ten wars. Six flags. But we’re still here and we still have stories to tell the world.” It was those stories — in the form of fiction they read, people they met, and cultural events they attended — that lit a fire in the Principia group’s learn-ing experience. Sophomore Paul Sander explains jazz as a metaphor for New

Orleans. “It can be upbeat and happy, it can be sad, it can be all over the place — yet it still has a bittersweet happiness that comes out of it. It’s representative of a culture and of a city that has great things to offer but a lot of issues to work out.” “The more one understands about a culture and com-munity,” says Dr. Toohey, “the more one can help it and be a part of it. There are deeper ways to contribute to a commu-nity like New Orleans.

“The students who signed on for this program had a deep desire to give. They were deep and earnest thinkers who wanted to find a way to be responsible citizens both in the world and in this country.” Avery and others learned a lot about the concept of “home” as they explored larger

questions such as, How and why should New Orleans be rebuilt? As a paralegal assistant at a large law firm downtown, Avery got an inside look at the issue. Her firm was opposing counsel to the tenants of one of the housing projects that has been empty and unlivable since Hurricane Katrina. “I walked through the homes with the surveyor, making sure he was being principled in the way he was acting and viewing things,” says Avery. “The students looked the problems straight in the eye,” says Dr. Toohey, trying to find “ways to extend a hand humanly and then support that work metaphysically.” This aspect was a continuation of what previous Principia groups had worked to achieve. “I think we felt guilty at first because we weren’t build-ing houses, yet people were thanking us for being there,” says Avery. “Then it hit us that what we were doing was being a mirror image for the people . . . just bringing that atmosphere of Principia to New Orleans. They were looking for that.” ES

Helping New Orleans the Principia wayLongtime New Orleans resident Sharon Perlis (C’66) helped facilitate many of the internships and invited the group to a crawfish boil.

“The students had

a deep desire to give.”

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P R I N C I P I AEducation for Life Education for Life

Third in a 10-part series profiling recent Principia graduates and how they have benefited from their Principia experience. Jacquelyn Field Star graduated from Principia College in 1997.

When Jacquelyn Field was checking out colleges and universities, she was told, “If

you’re going to be an athlete, be an ath-lete. If you’re going to be an academic, be an academic. You can’t do it all.” Jacquelyn decided to enroll at Principia College, and she did it all: eight-time All-American, NCAA Divi-sion III, in 1-meter and 3-meter diving; NCAA Division III Diver of the Year; plus advanced flute lessons and regular performances in musical ensembles. But she also had her sights on earning a master’s degree in civil engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. With a major in chemistry at Principia and advice from her profes-sors, Jacquelyn put in the time and effort to plan ahead in order to meet the prerequisites at Berkeley, including two courses she took during the sum-mer at nearby Southern Illinois Univer-sity, Edwardsville. “In graduate school,” she recalls, “it was really tough at first. I had never been on a campus where nobody gave a care about you. And I was with Cal Tech grads, Georgia Tech grads, and Stanford grads who had a tremendous amount of technical experience in their backgrounds. “But after a while, in interact-ing with the other students, it became immediately apparent how much my Principia College experience helped me. At Prin I gained confidence, a sense of integrity, a feeling of strength — knowing where my intelligence came from. “After the first lab report I turned in, my professor called me into his office and said, ‘Tell me where you learned to write like this! The presentation and the thought that went into this lab report is superior to anything I’ve seen from the entire class.’

“At Prin, in almost every class, we had to prepare a paper and get up in front to present it to the rest of the class, even in organic chemistry. As a result, I had a lot of experience in get-ting in front of a group and presenting my ideas.” Shortly after receiving her civil engineering degree, Jacquelyn was hired by oil company Unocal as a proj-ect manager. A few years later, she saw a posting by Unocal for a position in Indonesia. She and her husband Ryan had taken part in a Principia Abroad to China as students and leaped at the idea of another overseas experience.

According to vice president James McClure — then in charge of Unocal’s offshore shelf operations in Indone-sia — the company had two onshore facilities to ensure final separation of oil, gas, sand, and saline water, but the water was not quite clean enough for discharge offshore nor the solids clean

enough for onshore handling. Jacque-lyn was brought in to help solve the problem. As McClure described it, “Jacquelyn came in and quickly worked to assess the issues and learn the language. She requested a room at our field quarters and set up shop for several weeks. “When she returned for a briefing, I was amazed at how she had identified issues with historical work practices, identified necessary steps to move our operations toward excellence, and developed an implementation plan to make the change happen. “Also,” he added, “she was becom-ing proficient enough in the local Indo-nesian language to begin basic training exercises for our field operators. “Her start was viewed as outstand-ing. Her credibility with all involved was extremely high. Word spread beyond Unocal and into the Indone-sia Environmental Ministry branch of government. “Many other oil and gas companies in Indonesia asked for Jacquelyn to provide input on their bioremediation projects. And, finally, she was asked to present her work to many government agencies, which she did in the local language.” About three years later, it occurred to Jacquelyn that there would be a lot more international opportunities if she had an M.B.A. and moved into the finance side of the business. As it turned out, says James McClure, “given her high potential for future leadership, Jacquelyn was valued so much that Unocal created a program to sponsor her M.B.A., providing finan-cial assistance and a leave of absence for her to focus on her education in exchange for a work commitment. “Chevron, which purchased Uno-cal, has an individual in Jacquelyn who can achieve great things if given the opportunity,” says McClure. “Results matter in the business world, and Jac-quelyn gets results the right way — by building people up, not tearing them down. That is a great attribute in today’s competitive world.” PS

Fourth in a 10-part series profiling recent Principia graduates and how they have benefited from their Principia experience. Matt Sonnesyn graduated from Principia College in 1999.

“I had been thinking of applying to an Ivy League or other big-name school, but my weekend

visit to Principia College changed every-thing,” says alumnus Matt Sonnesyn. “I felt at home in the first hour. I discovered I might qualify for a Trustee Scholarship. And the classes I visited convinced me that academic rigor was alive at Principia.” Among other things, Matt’s Principia College experience included a double major in international rela-tions and Spanish; a Principia Abroad to Argentina; taking part in the Midwest Model United Nations; hosting a cam-pus radio station talk show; and serv-ing as president of his house, clerk of Principia’s Christian Science Organiza-tion, and co-president of Phi Alpha Eta Honor Society. One of his favorite activities, he says, was his involvement in three annual Principia student-run public affairs con-ferences that drew national and interna-tional speakers and delegates from other colleges and universities. Matt’s crowning undergraduate experience, though, was serving as executive director of Principia’s 50th annual Public Affairs Conference, and not only introducing former Secretary of State and conference speaker Henry Kissinger, but interviewing him on stage for half an hour. After Principia, Matt entered the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and earned a mas-ter’s degree in public policy. “The biggest difference between my undergraduate education at Principia and those of my Kennedy School class-mates,” he says, “was that I knew pro-fessors at Prin, they knew me, and I got all my questions answered. If I didn’t understand something, I asked. And the professor cared enough to answer.

“More than half of my Harvard colleagues’ undergraduate classes,” however, “were with hundreds of other students, and they were lucky to get an appointment with the teaching assis-tant after class to go over questions.”

When Matt was a graduate student at Harvard, former Tennessee Governor Lamar Alexander received an appoint-ment to teach a course in American gov-ernment at Harvard’s Kennedy School. He requested a student assistant to help him in developing the course, and Matt was recommended. The two have continued working together for the past six years. “When Tennessee senator Fred Thompson decided not to run for re-election,” explains Alexander, “I was encouraged to run for the open seat after I finished my course at Harvard. “Matt and I went to Tennessee,

first to campaign and win the Republi-can primary and then to go on and win in the general election in November.” From there, Senator-elect Alexan-der brought Matt to Washington with him as legislative assistant. And more recently Matt was asked to take on the role of senior policy advisor with an emphasis on communications. “What I like about Matt,” he says, “is, first, his sense of values, which I attribute to Principia College as well as his upbringing. Second, Matt has an ability to think conceptually and to write well. And, third, he has devel-oped an easy ability to get along with other people. “In the United States Senate, a lot of the most important work gets done by staff members, and a lot of it is based on relationships as much as intellectual horsepower. “Matt and I have gotten to know each other pretty well,” the senator added, “and on the most important issues I work on now, Matt can come up with talking points or an article or a statement that requires very little editing from me because it accurately represents my view and sometimes says it a little more clearly and better than I could have. “The Senate is a place of elbows and egos,” Alexander points out, “and some of the Senate staffers try to act like senators, and nobody likes them very much. “But Matt has figured it out — that you can get quite a bit done here by acknowledging the importance of other people.” In reference to an especially major piece of legislation that has required a lot of support from many senators and their staffs over a period of time, Alex-ander says that “Matt’s been the point person among all the staff people on this. But you would never know it, because he’s been very careful to make sure that the staff members of all the other senators who have had a major role have at least equal credit. And if it does pass, Matt Sonnesyn will have played a major role in putting it together.” PS

Scholars of the second millennium – Part three

“Matt has figured it

out — that you can get

quite a bit done here

by acknowledging

the importance of

other people.”

Scholars of the second millennium – Part four

“Jacquelyn gets

results the right way—

by building people up,

not tearing them down.”

P R I N C I P I A

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P R I N C I P I ACollege College

“Is democracy the global solu-tion?” That was the question explored by Principia’s 58th

annual student-run Public Affairs Con-ference (PAC), held at the College dur-ing three days in April. From a Western perspective, the answer might seem obvious, but in view of the strong hand democracy has in reshaping the world today, PAC co-directors Sarah Andrews and Jessica Morton felt the topic warranted deeper consideration. “Democratization is a huge part of American foreign policy that is kind of unquestioned,” Sarah comments, “so we thought it was important to look at the effects of democratization.” Exactly what is democracy? In the opening talk of the conference, Marc Howard, professor at Georgetown Uni-versity’s Center for Democracy and the Third Sector, explained, “The word is very tricky. People use the same word to refer to many different things. “A minimalist definition focuses on whether a country holds free and fair elections. A maximalist definition says

that democracy represents an ideal of justice, fairness, equality.” Countries taking steps to democra-tize can vary widely in how fair their elec-tions are and how much freedom they grant their citizens, he noted. And though democratic countries are more peaceful, “it may be messy getting there.” Dr. Howard also stressed that while elections are an important part of the process, “we need to have more limited expectations about the impact of elections. Rushing to hold them can exacerbate problems. Think about Bosnia and Iraq, where elections actu-ally solidified ethnic divisions.” To help PAC delegates under-stand all the ramifications of democra-

tization, expert pan-elists gave presenta-tions on the progress toward democracy in four regions around the world and ana-lyzed the effects of the transition — both positive and negative. Reporting on transitions from colo-nialism, African pan-elists decried the cor-ruption of leadership in Africa. “After the eupho-ria of independence in the 1960s, democ-racy was rejected as a Western institution,” said George Ayittey, economist in resi-

dence at American University. “Africa looked to the East for an example of government and chose the one-party system.” As a consequence, he said, “there is a lot of anger that all we did was change the skin color of the masters from white colonialists to black neo-colonialists.” Yet the panelists agreed that there is hope for democracy in Africa, partly because it is not really a new idea there. African villages traditionally practiced participatory democracy, debating important decisions until they reached consensus. Reporting on transitions from communism in Europe and Asia, pan-elists cited many signs of progress, even in nations that haven’t embraced democracy. Suzanne Ogden, professor of polit-ical science at Northeastern University, observed, “Stability and order seem as crucial to the Chinese as freedom does to Americans. And there is a feeling that there would be less stability under democracy than under a more authori-tarian government.”

Yet there have been major reforms in China, including elections and decentralization. “Contrasts between China and Western democracies are no longer so stark,” she said. Elizabeth Pond, a former corre-spondent for The Christian Science Mon-itor, commented that the European Union has done much to encourage reform in the Balkans by offering both incentives and discipline to countries wanting to join. Croatia and Macedo-nia, former hotbeds of ethnic strife, have made enough progress to become candidates for EU membership. Latin American panelists discussed the massive transition from authori-tarianism to democratization that has taken place in the region since the 1960s, but they warned that the New Left and neo-populism pose a threat to democracy. “Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and Evo Morales of Bolivia were popularly elected, and the elections were clean, but they are moving away from the principles of liberal democracy,” said Thomas Stiles, who teaches interna-tional relations and Central American political issues at Webster University. In the Middle East, the post 9/11 transitions to democracy are much more complex than anticipated, pan-elists acknowledged, and they ques-tioned what the role of the United States should be there. “In the promotion of democracy, what tradeoffs do we make for secu-rity?” asked Barbara Smith, a democ-racy advisor with the U.S. Agency for International Development. “Are we expecting too much too fast from democracy?” Andrew Erdmann, who has served in several high-level foreign policy posi-tions in the U.S. government, including director of Iran, Iraq, and Strategic Plan-ning on the National Security Council staff, said events in the Middle East have taught us many lessons about nation-building, such as the need for diplomacy rather than unilateral action. But in his view, “we have to accept that the war [in Iraq] is over. We lost. . . . We’re in a strategically important country that’s broken.”

In a conference talk entitled “Can the Middle East Be Democra-tized?” Vali Nasr, a leading expert on the Islamic world and Muslim politics, explained why establishing democracy in the region is so difficult. “It’s not an Islamic issue,” he said. “It’s the other divisions in society — linguistic, tribal, ethnic, etc., that have to be overcome in a new political framework before you can talk about democracy. The lesson of Iraq is that the sudden collapse of the old order is dangerous.” Dr. Nasr sees Turkey as an instruc-tive example of how democratization can work in the Middle East. “One reason Turkey has been successful is that eco-nomic reforms came first, before every-body began talking about democracy.” He added that the prospect of mem-bership in the European Community is what motivated Turkey to make govern-mental reforms. “The Europeans have provided a better process for democra-tizing than the Americans have.” Conference speaker Amy Chua, a professor at Yale Law School and author of the bestselling book World on Fire, delved further into the com-plex interplay between economics and democracy. She pointed out that, contrary to Western expectations, the impact of free market democracy can be devastating in a country where a minority group becomes disproportion-ately wealthy. “The phenomenon of market- dominant minorities is absolutely per-vasive outside the West, and yet almost never acknowledged,” she remarked. Examples include the Chinese throughout Southeast Asia, whites in

South Africa and Zimbabwe, Tutsis in Rwanda, Croatians in the former Yugo-slavia, and Jews in post-Communist Russia. She explained that when elections are suddenly introduced into a country where the majority is poor, unscrupu-lous politicians often manipulate public resentment against the minority to pro-pel themselves into office. The result is a backlash, such as confiscation of the minority’s assets, ethnic violence, or even genocide. To grapple with all the issues pre-sented during the conference, the 150 PAC delegates divided into workshops and met together several times over three days. Each group was assigned a question to consider, such as “Democra-tization or Westernization?” and “What is the U.S. role in democratization?” “It’s great to absorb all the knowl-edge from these guest speakers,” says workshop director Juliana Ko, “but PAC is a solution-oriented conference. The workshops were designed to put the delegates in an active, problem-solving role and have them come up with their own conclusions.” As a culmination to the conference, each workshop group gave a presenta-tion sharing what they had learned in creative skits and PowerPoint slide shows. A new feature of PAC this year, these workshops were a highlight for many delegates. Others especially appreciated the talks, as well as the opportunities to meet the speakers informally at the ban-quet and receptions. But attendees most often mentioned the deeper insight they gained into a complex topic. “I came away with more cultural sensitivity and a better understanding of the factors that lead to success-ful democracies,” says political science major Ross Pearce. “PAC has really clarified certain things about democracy that I wasn’t sure about before,” comments graphic design major David Miller. “I’m grate-ful that Principia has the kind of forum that allows students to engage with these issues and have some real expert input.” NM

PAC looks at democracy: The good, the bad, and the ugly

“Are we expecting

too much too fast

from democracy?”

“The Europeans

have provided a

better process for

democratizing than

the Americans have.”

Who is responsible for democratization? Experts from around the world share their views at Principia’s Public Affairs Conference.

P R I N C I P I A

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P R I N C I P I ACollege College

When art history major Chrissie Sydness took a required 20th-century art seminar class, she

was turned off by the contemporary art she was studying. Soon, though, she started to get it. In an advanced watercolor class, Chrissie and her classmates were asked to paint a piece with purely concep-tual content, and as she looked at the art from an artist’s perspective, under-standing emerged. When the time came to do her senior capstone project for art history, she decided to create an exhibit that would help others understand the abstract art that once perplexed her. Raiding the library, the president’s office, the Guest House, and other areas, she culled over 30 pieces from the hundreds in Principia’s art collec-tion and organized them into an exhibit named “Understanding the Puzzle: The Journey to Abstraction.” Hung in Radford Gallery for three weeks this spring, the exhibit was a treasure map providing answers for any-one who has wondered why art was so straightforward and descriptive in one era, and such an enigma in the next. Using four subject matter themes — cityscape, figure, landscape, and abstraction — the exhibit showed how art has gone from realism to abstraction. “Originally I wasn’t going to use Prin’s collection,” Chrissie comments, “but after I went through the archives and museum I realized we had so many wonderful pieces of art that could be hanging in a museum.” James Abbott McNeill Whistler, Paul Klee, Marcel Duchamp, and Alex-ander Calder are represented, as is abstract expressionist Pierre Soulages, whose Abstraction in Colors of Yellow and Black — the show’s centerpiece — is Principia’s most valuable piece of work. “We have about 10 Piet Mondrian silkscreens that would have been awe-some to include here,” she adds, but there wasn’t enough space. “We have original works of people who are in art history books.”

Much of the art was donated by Emily Hall Tremain, a Christian Scien-tist who was a modern art collector in the mid-20th century. “We’ve passed these pieces a hundred times, and to see them in a different light is pretty amazing,” says Chrissie, adding that one of her goals was “to express the excellence of the collection in the most professional way I could for the community. “On these white walls they all radiate in a different way than I had originally seen them. For example, the Paul Feiler Santa Maria Della Salute is usually in the School of Government, but nobody knows it’s there because of the lighting. . . . Now it’s vibrating, and it’s just wonderful.” Studio art professor Glenn Felch says, “The works come into their own in this new context.”

Curating an art show is about more than hanging pictures. Principia staff and faculty and a local art expert helped with details, including making sure the pieces, particularly those that had been in storage, had the proper hardware to hang safely. And Chrissie completed a professional 34-page cata-logue, a permanent record of the proj-ect that remains a resource to future art historians at Principia. The project was one of constant discovery, moving deadlines, and months of devotion. Felch says he appreciates the scope and theme of the exhibit, adding that the show’s professionalism derives from the fact that “Chrissie is equally at home in the studio as she is in art history. “She has a natural sensitivity and eye for the art, things ranging from knowing how to look at an artwork to using the language to talk about it.” At the show’s opening, Chrissie took time with viewers one-on-one to help them see what she saw. “Contemporary and abstract art is the hardest, even if you love art,” notes Chrissie’s advisor, art history profes-sor Amy Trevelyan. “Her motive was to help people understand why these pieces are so special, and I think she was successful.” ES

Dedication and fun alone don’t always translate into success on the field, but the Principia

College lacrosse club proved it to be a recipe for success this spring. Only in its second season, the team had student player-coaches, limited funding, and a wide range of team-mates, from fresh rookies to a Boston Globe Player of the Year. But one thing that set them apart from other teams in the Central Plains Lacrosse League — such as Nebraska, Kansas, Linden-wood, and Oklahoma State — was the goal to make each game so much fun that their opponent would want to play them again. Even when Principia won — which they often did. “[The new players] had no fear,” says junior Mackenzie Rader, who played field hockey and lacrosse at Ohio Wesleyan University before transferring to Principia. “It was great. I think that’s what made us so successful — because we all knew we were in it together. “My field hockey and lacrosse teams in high school were all about playing time,” she says. “Here, every-body cheered each other on. We’re better people because we’ve adopted this concept of being a unit, working

together and loving what we do.” It began in winter 2006, when two freshmen from the East Coast, both All-State high school lacrosse players, fielded a club team that played a few intercollegiate games. The 2007 season was more organized and official, but it was still a rookie team. At an early tournament at Tru-man State, Mackenzie says, “no one thought we were going to excel, and then we just steamrolled. There were girls catching and throwing like they’d been doing it for years.” As a club team, the group was coached by their peers, team found-ers Kelsie Brook and Jacquelyn Pappas along with sophomore Patrick Nichols, who played on a state championship high school lacrosse team in Ohio.

While new players learned skills, the coaches learned more about the craft of coaching. At one practice it was clear that players were not working well together. “Pat had us stop and come together,” recalls sophomore Johanna Publicover. “We were quiet for a min-ute, and then we each said something we were grateful for. The second we were finished we had a great practice.” Says Pat, “I’ve never encountered a problem you couldn’t solve by just sitting down and thinking about things you are grateful for instead of things you’re mad about.” “We did the same thing at the Truman State tournament,” says Johanna. “Every-one realized that when we all changed our thought, it made a difference.” “That trip was the experience that made our team what it is,” says Kelsie Brook. “It was all about ‘What can I do to make this team better?’ rather than simply ‘How can I get better?’”

The women worked hard, and big games were times for the players to thrive. “We had to beat Washington Uni-versity by four goals to go to the league championship tournament, and no one thought we could do it,” says Jacquelyn Pappas. “We ended up beating them by five in one of the best games we’ve ever played.” When the Principia lacrosse club next faced the 30th-ranked University of Missouri in the semifinals, “everyone was shocked,” says Mackenzie. “It was 2–2, 3–3, all the way to 9–8 us. Then they scored and it was tied. . . . I had goose bumps we were playing so well.” Principia lost by a sudden-death goal in the third overtime period, but Mackenzie points out that “people were talking about our game after the championship game.” The team finished the season at 5–4, Jacquelyn and Mackenzie were first-team All-League honorees, and Kelsie was a second-team selection. Seven play-ers were All-East region honorees. “I’m really looking forward to see-ing the program develop,” says Johanna. “I know it has to do with all the support from the campus and from each other. I love playing sports here.” ES

Abstract art exhibit shows off buried treasures

“We have original

works of people

who are in art

history books.”

Young lacrosse club turns heads

Curator Chrissie Sydness explains a piece from the exhibit at the College’s Radford Gallery to a visitor. The next two pieces in the show’s progression are by Alexander Calder.

Mackenzie Rader is on course to score again.

Every player had a say in how this team would succeed.

“No one thought

we were going

to excel.”

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P R I N C I P I A

English teacher Robyn Shipman realized two years ago that there was no Shakespeare in the sixth-grade cur-riculum, so she checked out a copy of Julius Caesar.

“It’s just an incredible, fun play,” she says. She ordered a set for the whole class — though at the time she didn’t know what direction the students might take it. “The students learn about ancient Rome in social stud-ies,” she remarks, “and I wanted strong literature to tie in with our language arts.” The sixth-graders read a modified Julius Caesar, and the class was enthusiastic about it, so Shipman gave them some options. “We can do it as a reader’s theater,” she told them, “or as a little performance for parents, or if we really have a lot of energy, we could probably do this as a play.” She told them that staging a play would mean assembling props, making costumes, raising money, all in addition to the actual play. And “after prayerful thought,” Shipman says, “I decided that if we were going to do this, it had to come totally from the students. “Otherwise, it loses so many elements that make it so valuable. They have ownership if they do it all.” After a successful production in spring 2006, this year’s class also made the decision to present it as a full-fledged play on the Lower School stage. Shipman explained that each student would have a com-mittee duty as well as a place onstage. A class read-through familiarized them with the characters, then each student turned in a request for parts they might like to play, as well as committee preferences. Wax-sealed envelopes arrived soon in the students’ mail-boxes with news of what each student’s stage and committee

responsibilities would be. The students learn so many lessons in the committees, says Shipman — “how to be a leader and a follower, and how to respect your peer, who may be your group leader.” “It was a little hard having one of your classmates being your boss,” says student Katie Chamberlin, “but we talked it out, and it was really cool how everyone pulled it off in the end.” The media committee advertised, sent invitations, made up the programs, and sold homemade cookies for fundraising. They also designed T-shirts and worked with an outside vendor to have them produced. The costume committee worked with tunics made for last year’s performance, and designed and made the rest — plus acces-sories — on Shipman’s sewing machine in a corner of the classroom.

The props group found or made everything for the play — such as candles, flashlight-torches, swords, daggers, shields. The stage committee assembled the larger prop pieces and took care of lighting and sound effects. Sixth-grade math and science teacher Jim Moser was tasked with teaching a student how to use the new Lower School light board, and had to learn it himself first. “It took me several weeks,” he says, “and I was amazed at how quickly Connor [Coyne] picked it up. In fact, he found features that I didn’t know existed.” Connor experimented with the lighting during rehearsals, and worked with the

student-director, Julia Mansfield, to set the lights for each scene. After weeks in the classroom — when half the class worked on the rehearsal and committee work while the other half was in math or science — they assembled as a whole on a Saturday on the Lower School stage and ran through the play several times.

The following Friday, with both sixth-grade teachers sit-ting in the audience, parents and friends were treated to the show. All agreed the production was a great success, which doesn’t surprise Shipman. “Shakespeare is meant to be listened to,” says Shipman. “That’s the fun part of sharing it in the Lower School. Every-one really becomes a part of it.” The players couldn’t have been happier too. “I loved being in character,” says Austin Moyle, who played Brutus, “talking with a bold accent, standing broad-shouldered like a wealthy Roman.” “We made people laugh, we made people cry, we made people understand the Romans. That makes me feel proud,” says student-assistant director Georgette Hoffman. DM

Lower School College

“It had to come totally

from the students.”

Friends, Romans, sixth-graders . . .

Members of the Julius Caesar costume committee fine-tune one of 28 tunics in the show.

In the nationwide effort to curb global warming, Principia College is doing its part to reduce energy

consumption and find cleaner, more sustainable power sources. Over the past few years the College has undertaken a number of projects to boost energy efficiency, beginning with the purchase of two electric cars for campus use and the replacement of full-size vehicles by fuel-efficient micro-vans. Next came a thorough energy audit by an independent consultant, Sieben Energy Associates. “It took about a year and a half,” says College Facilities director Steve Fulkerson, “but in 2005 they gave us a 55-page report identify-ing energy conservation strategies for the campus.” He notes that some of the biggest potential savings will come from automat-ing the mechanical systems for the build-ings, such as the boilers and chillers. “We can remotely monitor and control these systems and shut them off when they’re not being used dur-ing school breaks. Because we have such complex systems here on campus, this is one of those areas where we can really save a lot of dollars in a hurry.” For example, the fume hoods in the Science Center chemistry and physics labs are now automatically shut down when not in use, saving about $7,000 in operating costs each year. New buildings such as the College Athletic Complex and the Watson reno-vation have motion sensors installed to switch off indoor lighting when it is not needed. Skylights placed over the new gym take advantage of daylight. Other improvements include new low-flow showerheads in the dorms and athletic buildings. Beginning this summer, light fixtures around the cam-pus are being retrofitted with new energy-efficient ballasts and lamps. Where feasible, incandescent bulbs are being replaced with compact fluores-cent bulbs, which use a quarter of the energy and last many times longer than incandescents.

Future improve-ments will likely include replace-ments of boilers, pumps, and air han-dler belts, as well as additional insulation and upgrades from single- to double-glazed windows. “We have a whole range of ideas that can be implemented,” Fulkerson says. While he cal-culates that all of these projects will yield generous pay-backs, he is quick to add that they also require large initial investments. “We have a budget of $50,000 per year for energy conservation projects. This year we also received $60,000 from Principia’s Annual Fund, as well as a $33,000 grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Foundation to upgrade our lighting.” For bringing attention to the need to reduce the campus’s greenhouse gas emissions (known as its “carbon foot-print”), Fulkerson gives special credit to the students of the Principia Energy Coalition. “They approached me about a year ago and wanted to know what we were doing about energy conservation,” he says. “In Facilities we are so often focused on all the different depart-ments we serve, each with their own needs and priorities, that we sometimes get tunnel vision. The students have

helped reenergize the conservation program that I’ve been working on for the past several years.” The energy coalition has three main objectives, according to president Jeff Walter: “To metaphysically uplift thought on campus about the global energy crises, to support the admin-istration in adopting more energy- efficient practices for our campus, and to educate students on how they can lead more energy-efficient lives both on and off campus.” The coalition has organized several outreach events to the campus, includ-ing a hybrid car rally; a “Turn Off the Lights” campaign; and a showing of Al Gore’s Academy Award-winning docu-mentary, An Inconvenient Truth. An intriguing project the coalition and Steve Fulkerson have been work-ing on together is exploring the pos-sibility of constructing a wind turbine on campus. “Wind is a seasonal energy source that varies day to day,” he says, “but during some periods it could pro-vide much or all of our power needs.” “Principia has the resources to make a difference in the world to stop human-induced climate change and save us money at the same time,” adds Jeff. “It’s a win-win situation.” NM

College makes eco-friendly improvements

“Students have helped

reenergize the energy

conservation program.”

Three members of the Principia Energy Coalition and Facilities director Steve Fulkerson show off one of the College’s energy-saving electric cars.

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14 15

P R I N C I P I AUpper School College

Catherine Speer

Catherine Speer, Cum Laude graduate, remem-

bers a time growing up that helped lay the foundation for her work habits. “Our living room was transformed into an office,” she recalls. “We each had our own desk and our own computer — my parents too (they were teachers). We all did our home-work, then had dinner, then read a book and went to bed.” In the six years that Catherine spent at Principia Middle and Upper schools, she’s applied that same work ethic to academics as well as music and sports. “I guess there’s always been a desire to excel,” she says. Catherine played volleyball all six years, basketball for five, soccer for two, and swimming for one. Contributing to and working with a team have taught her key lessons, she says. “You can be on teams in many different environments, but there is something about an athletic team that is different from any other. “You can always expect your team to support you, and you support them in return; everyone pushes each other, and you’re forced to give all you can at every moment.” She remarks that “an average player who is willing and ready to play and do whatever the coach asks is invaluable,” much more so than a star player who will only play in one position. Catherine played flute in the Upper School’s symphonic band — making it to state-level competition with a small ensemble three out of four years. For three years she had a chorus-member role in the annual Upper School spring musi-cal. In the production of The Boy Friend this year, she and a classmate shared the spotlight as tango dancers. “Each individual makes school the way they want it to be,” she says. “I’ve always made it fun because I’ve always enjoyed learning.” For Catherine, whatever the field, it’s perfectly clear — “Why not do well? If you can do well, why wouldn’t you?” This summer Catherine plans on a little travel and working on her volleyball skills before trying out for the team at Principia College. DM

Esteban Xifre Villar

Ask Esteban Xifre Villar what he likes best about the Upper School and he answers without hesitation, “I

love the athletic program here.” From the first, Esteban noticed a strong bond among the players on the soccer team. “Every time we do a workout like going up hills, you’re not just doing it for yourself but also for the guy next to you,” he says. “That makes it easier.”

His hard work paid off, and he was chosen as a Principia Scholar Athlete at the end of both his years at the Upper School. He was also inducted into the Cum Laude Society and won the Reford-McCandless Global Perspective Award and the William Howlett Communications Award — honors made all the sweeter by the fact that as a native Spanish-speaker from Montevideo, Uruguay, he had some extra hurdles to overcome. “The way I learned English in Uruguay, we didn’t talk much at all, so I could read it and understand it but I couldn’t speak it,” he says. When he arrived as a junior, Esteban was enrolled in the Upper School’s ESOL class and had plenty of support from his teachers. “Teachers at Principia care for you a lot more than what I was used to. They want you to succeed, and they help you toward that.” By the end of the first term he felt comfortable speaking in class. “It happened a lot faster than I thought it would,” he says. Esteban has found a variety of ways to develop his tal-ents and serve the community as well, such as singing in the St. Louis Children’s Choir and taking part in the Upper School musical production. He has also been a hall chief in the boys’ dorm. “Devel-oping community responsibility is something we’re always working on,” he notes. “We want to make everyone in the dorm feel they are a part of the family.” When Esteban heads off to Principia College in the fall, he plans on majoring in international relations or economics. “I might like to work for the United Nations,” he says. NM

Students savor the fun and fruits of hard work

Catherine and Esteban dance the tango in the Upper School musical, The Boy Friend.

Elizabeth Nacewicz

Elizabeth Nacewicz left Principia College after graduation in June and headed straight back to Capitol Hill.

The political sci-ence major and aspir-ing attorney returned to the organization she interned with in spring of her junior year — the national legislative office of the Fraternal Order of Police — to work full-time this sum-mer as project director of a scholarship fund. This, however, is only until she begins law school this fall at George Mason University. “Elizabeth is a pro-fessional,” says Principia political science professor John Williams. “She doesn’t behave like an undergraduate, and I know undergraduates tend to get defensive when I say that. I believe that students at this school can behave better than the professionals in the field they’re emulating.” Coached by Williams, Elizabeth has taken her profes-sionalism to the Model Illinois Government’s moot court simulation for the past four years, twice being named out-standing attorney and once serving as chief of staff for the chief justice. She and her partner won the competition her junior year. And although she has graduated, she is co-writing with a Chicago attorney the case that will be argued in the 2008 moot court competition. “Moot court really pushed me to look at all the different aspects of how I approached problems and how I presented myself,” she says. “Since it’s the field I want to go into, it made me want to push myself even more to do better. Not surprisingly, favorite classes for Elizabeth included “Legal Process” and “Business Law,” and she loved the profes-sors who brought those subjects to life. “Even if it’s a boring topic like contracts that many people don’t tend to find interest-ing, John [Williams] finds a way to make it come alive.” In addition to serving for two years as a resident assistant, writing for the College newspaper, and serving both as all-campus student government secretary and on her freshman house board as president, Elizabeth has dabbled in ballet and honed her friendmaking skills. Ever since she first visited campus as a high schooler, she knew Principia’s atmosphere was for her. She adds, “Being at Prin really forced me to become independent in figuring out what I need to do to achieve healing. That’s been one of the most valuable things about Prin — that you can expect healing.”

Forrest Bless

Forrest Bless started out studying engineering at North-eastern University but quickly determined he wanted

something different. After some time off he realized he wanted to study biology at Principia. Forrest says it was largely the biology faculty he worked with who made his Principia experience a time when he learned about community and leadership in ways he’d never thought of them before. He says, “Just talk-ing with my advisor, Gary [Fleener], and having him as a role model in my life . . . , [even] sitting down with him and having con-versations about being a Christian Science prac-titioner,” played a large role in his Principia stud-ies, both academic and metaphysical. “Forrest is remark-ably willing to grow,” says Fleener. “He’s inspired me to be a willing learner. In the modern world that kind of dynamic disposition, the willingness to grow and change, is important.” It was during his term as student body vice president that Forrest worked with a professor to design an advanced research practicum to study the question “What does it mean to serve the Cause of Christian Science?” Forrest conducted interviews on both Principia campuses and delved into the archives as he took on the research project. “I found three common themes — qualities, as [Principia founder] Mary Kimball Morgan states it — of a real leader,” he says. He concluded that Principia needs purpose-driven individuals who elevate their thought from the mortal to the divine and constantly turn to prayer. “It’s pretty much com-mon sense, really.” As a Principia student, Forrest has experienced triumphs in soccer and tennis, been challenged to grow on the Himala-yas Abroad, and spent almost every quarter on campus work-ing on the Stewardship Crew — helping manage the bluff prairies and other areas on campus from the standpoint of conservation and habitat restoration. “I love hiking, mountain biking, being outside,” he says. “Everything that I’ve done has really elevated that sense of community. The more you serve, the more you are a role model, the better the whole community is.” Forrest plans to follow his favorite Principia policy, No. 10, which is about “going out and serving the world.” He hopes to eventually work in the Foreign Service. ES

College seniors dig deep, emerge energized

P R I N C I P I A

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Alumni Connection Campus Development

Dear fellow alumni,

It’s a responsibility and privilege to be serving on your Alumni Association Board, and we’d like to

share how we’re implementing what Mary Kimball Morgan asked all alumni to do in support of our school. Together we strengthen Principia as we unite in purpose.

Prayerful support. The eight members of the board represent the association in different geographical regions and take the charge to support Principia metaphysically very seriously. A relevant monthly metaphysical topic is chosen for study and inspiration in support of our students, activities, and programs. We are also rereading Education at The Principia this year to re-engage with Mrs. Morgan’s vision, and we invite all of you to read with us.

Awareness of current needs and activities. We take advantage of monthly calls with faculty, staff, administration, or students and our two yearly in-person opportunities to educate ourselves about current happenings and changes on both campuses. These help us to become better resources for the Association, Principia Club presidents, and other vol-unteers. We regularly communicate with recent grads and support their interests in club activities, and with our Board of Trustees contact who shares operational changes and feedback to help us serve you better.

Admissions and recruitment. Helping students get to the Upper School and College for a visit is an invaluable way for all of us to assist in recruitment. Don’t assume Principia is aware of all the eligible prospective students in your areas: we all have roles to play in referring new students to the Admissions offices. This grassroots network between alumni and Admissions allows more students to be part of the same meaningful Principia experience that we have enjoyed as students.

Career networking. In partnership with the College’s Career Office, we want to thank all of you who have signed on to be career contacts, provided an intern-ship, or shared your professional experiences

at the College’s Career Conferences. We value your communication with current students and recent graduates in regard to the constantly changing work world that awaits them. The board phoned and wel-comed the seniors to the Alumni Association with an Alumni Directory CD to facilitate their career connec-tions with the incredible resources available to them throughout the world . . . all of you! Not a career contact yet? Call the College Career Office.

Student-alumni relations. Support comes in many ways. Encouraging lifelong financial contributions to our alma mater, the board also supports senior class gifts and pledges and is actively building relationships and connections with current students.

We look forward to partnering with you in all of our activities. Join us in active membership and leader-ship in your local Principia Clubs and at reunions and homecomings with your friends and classmates. As we embrace our school together, we strengthen our unity and will always return to an enriched Principia.

Warmest regards,

Principia Alumni Association Board

Toni Vecchione Kryiakakis (C’69) President

Hans Fredrikson (US’84, C’88) Vice President

Adam Messer (C’02) Secretary

Eric Nager (C’89)

Jean Sellers L’Heureux (US’75, C’80)

John Ranson (C’71)

Joy Nickell Schwentker (C’70)

Jeff Scott (US’81, C’87)

‘o7Welcome Home!Principia Upper School Alumni Reunion

October 11-13 Two Thousand and Seven

a Homecoming Weekend

Experience for yourself what fun a Principia Alumni Reunion can be! The Principia St. Louis campus is still called home by the students today, and they are ready to welcome you back during the Alumni Homecoming Reunion. It’s a shared event you won’t want to miss! Your home, your Principia, awaits you with open arms — ready for a great big family gathering with all the smiles and hugs included!Weekend Highlights

• Class Parties

• Saturday Evening Banquet and Dance

• Upper School Homecoming Athletic Events

• Alumni & Student Pep Rally

• Page & Belt Campus Tour

• Entertainment

• Classroom Visits

Class Reunion Years1937 1938 1972 19731942 1943 1977 19781947 1948 1982 19831952 1953 1987 19881957 1958 1992 19931962 1963 1997 19981967 1968

REGISTER NOW!

Check the website for more information.

www.prin.edu/alumni

Housing Information St. Louis Marriott West660 Maryville Centre DriveSt. Louis, Missouri 63141Reservations: 800.352.1175Phone: 314.878.2747Let the hotel know you are calling for the Principia Reunion in order to receive the best rate.

Save the Date

Register Now!

P R I N C I P I A

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P R I N C I P I A

to discover both the possibilities and challenges of developing portions of the unused property. In a letter to the Principia commu-nity Jenkins said, “Principia’s Trustees have established the following param-eters: ‘We would not want to change the look and feel of the campus [from] the campus road. Whatever is built will be top quality so that it reflects well on Principia. We will maintain a buffer-zone for the campus and preserve our outdoor classroom. The Board under-stands how important this is to pro-grams from Pre-School through Upper School.’ “In addition,” Jenkins stated, “the Board recognizes that land develop-ment is, in and of itself, a distraction from our most important goals and responsibilities. However, the Board’s fiduciary duty demands that when opportunities come along to dramati-cally improve the school’s quality, it is incumbent upon the Board to listen carefully. This appears to be that time. “This opportunity, if successful,” Jenkins continued, “could allow us to invest in our facilities, our educa-tional program, and most importantly our valued faculty and staff, which are the backbone of a high-quality educa-tional program. The potential is signifi-cant enough to dramatically change the financial picture at Principia — for this generation and for future generations. At the same time, we have an oppor-

tunity to share our strong sense of community with our Town & Country neighbors. We invite your metaphysical support for this process.” In a letter to the Mayor of Town & Country, Jenkins said, “Principia plans to be a permanent member of the com-munity and wishes any development work we do to benefit the citizens of Town & Country. Any development work we undertake would add to the accessible green space in the commu-nity. . . . It is our hope that we can, in cooperation with [Town & Country] and the community, come up with a

plan that will benefit everyone.” Mayor Dalton’s quick letter response included this statement: “I wish you and the entire Principia com-munity all the best in this effort. More-over, I applaud The Principia’s com-mitment to engage all stakeholders in this very significant project through positive and productive communica-tions. Keeping the public informed and soliciting their early and open par-ticipation will undoubtedly help The Principia achieve the highest quality revitalization and reutilization of the school grounds.” A key member of the exploratory team, Skip Mange, brings with him valuable experience as a Principia math and physics teacher, a civil engineer and developer, and three years as mayor of Town & Country, during which the community purchased and prepared a valuable piece of property as a family-centered town park. “If development occurs,” says Jenkins, “Principia would like to act as owner/developer of the property. This exploratory process will help us consider opportunities for Principia to generate income for the school and enhance the Town & Country area. We are encouraging everyone to give input.” PS

When Principia decided to move from its 8.8-acre campus at Page and Belt, just outside

the city of St. Louis, it required about 15 years of planning, funding, building, and moving the Pre-, Lower, Middle, and Upper School students to their new 360-acre school home in West St. Louis County. Forty-six years later, Principia remains fully committed to providing an up-to-date educational program and facilities for pre-kindergarten through Upper School students on the West County campus. In addition to upgrading the cam-pus’s almost-50-year-old infrastructure throughout, planning is underway for a major renovation of the Middle School’s facilities (grades 7–8) and a

completely new Early Education build-ing — replacing the current Acorn and Pre-School building — for children ages two through five.

During the summer, 12 new top-quality tennis courts have replaced 12 cracked courts; an electri-cal grid serving four cam-pus buildings has been replaced; and a large gen-erator has been installed to keep the power going in times of local power failures. In addition to educa-tional improvement proj-ects under consideration for the West County cam-pus, the College is being impacted by a require-ment for all colleges and universities in Illinois to install sprinkler and fire-alarm systems in their dormitories. In view of the solid concrete structure of most of Principia College’s dor-mitories, the sprinklers and alarm systems are expected to cost Principia $10–12 million over the next six years to comply with the requirement. Given the commit-ment on both campuses to make ongoing, much-needed, and expensive improvements, the Board of Trustees decided in

April to look closely at all of Principia’s assets to find ways to help fund these necessary improvements. “While Principia is daily seeking financial support from a broad range of alumni and friends in the Christian Science community,” observes CEO Stuart Jenkins, “it seems wise to ask — as Elisha did of the widow woman — ‘What hast thou in the house?’” (II Kings 4:2). An obvious asset to many, observes Jenkins, appears to be the 128 or so unused acres west of the main campus and not including acres protected for outdoor classroom activity. Currently, the focus regarding unused portions of the campus is strictly exploratory as information is gathered

The Principia School explores tasteful development of some unused land

“There is a plan for the progress of Principia —

God’s plan. It is ours to see and understand, so that

we may be in harmony with it. In demonstrating

Principia we have tried to see what God’s plan is for

Principia. For many years we have taken each step

under His guidance. May we now see the further

unfolding of God’s plan.”

– Mary Kimball Morgan, Education at The Principia

The focus is strictly

exploratory as information

is gathered to discover

both the possibilities and

challenges of developing

portions of the unused

property.

“The potential is

significant enough to

dramatically change

the financial picture

at Principia — for this

generation and for future

generations.”

— Principia’s CEO Stuart Jenkins

“I applaud The Principia’s

commitment to engage

all stakeholders in

this very significant

project through

positive and productive

communications.”

— Town & Country

Mayor Jonathan Dalton

School School

P R I N C I P I A

20 21

Upper School Alumni Connection

Looking at my calendar, all of a sudden it’s May, and I realize that I have only three weeks left

at this wonderful place. As this very special year is quickly heading straight towards an ending full of gratitude, I started looking back at the nine months I have already spent here, the experiences I have had, and the growth that has taken place. There I was, in the very beginning of my year, at the St. Louis airport after more than 24 hours of traveling time, pretty tired, exhausted, and a little uncertain about what was awaiting me. However, I did not have time to continue pondering how frightened I was because a person clothed in gold and blue came straight towards me, smiled, took my suitcase, and asked whether I was the “German girl.” Later on, I found out that the gold-blue person was actually one of Principia’s house pops, one of the many house parents that would soon become friends for me. Even though I had a pretty tough time speaking English at first, I did not feel out of place, but as an appreciated international student. It was such a great feeling! After having spent the first two weeks of sports camp at Principia Upper School, I quickly grasped that my expe-rience at this school would be very different from what I had come across in my life. What meanwhile became completely normal to me — I remember really enjoying it in the beginning of the year — is that at this school everything is based on Christian Science. It was great, but also new to me, to get nothing started without consciously setting time aside to get one’s thoughts in line. No day starts without half an hour set aside for the students to read the Bible Lesson in their dorm or home. No school day starts without students sharing inspiration and healing experi-ences related to Monday’s chapel. Not a single meeting is started without

readings. No meet, game, nor race is started without the coaches inspiring their athletes with Christianly Scien-tific ideas. This environment has completely changed me. Over the year, I discov-ered how to apply Christian Science in every part of my life. Principia taught me that it is not only perfectly right — but the only way that leads to true freedom — to rely on Christian Science for healing. Whether it is a physical problem, a challenge in an academic class, a problem in a relationship, a situation where high moral standards need to be upheld, or a time where maybe a friend might need spiritual support, I realized that turning to God brings instanta-neous healing to whatever might arise. I went to a Christian Science Sun-day school before coming to Principia, and I felt like I understood what my teacher taught. I grasped the concept, but I had not learned how to apply it. Principia — and thereby I mean the teachers, house parents, and coaches who constantly supported me and all the other students — completely rede-fined Christian Science for me. This has been a year of practice and application. I learned how to make Christian Science an essential part of my life, how to use it to give my life a higher and deeper purpose, and how it is the key to happiness. I did cross country in the fall, div-ing in the winter, and soccer in the spring. Through the opportunity of doing these sports, I also discovered that there are no limits that I have to put upon myself in sports. My coaches have helped me incred-ibly much. They meant and still mean

the world to me, and I am infinitely grateful for their support and for what they have taught me. Looking back at this year and at how I have changed, I can honestly state that I hardly recognize myself anymore. Principia turned me “inside out.” Even though it was definitely not always easy, Principia kept me going and helped me grow in my understand-ing and trust in God. The young, amazing thinkers I have met here and the friendships we have formed are going to last for a life-time. It is just incredible to have friends from all over the world — Guatemala, Uruguay, Japan, Switzerland, Canada, Kenya, Botswana, South Africa, Eng-land, and the United States. I feel that Principia has taught me enough to take all that I have learned with me, to cherish it and continue my journey on the path of growth. I cannot wait to continue to live life passionately, like Prin taught me, to continue to step out of my comfort zone, and continue to discover the adventure of Christian Science applied in my life. I am so grateful that Principia gave me the opportunity and support for this year abroad.

In infinite gratitude,

Felicia GerpottRatingen-Lintorf, Germany

Letter of gratitude from a 2006–07 German student

“This environment has

completely changed me.”

Education at The Principia is a compilation

of remarks and letters by Principia’s founder,

Mary Kimball Morgan, to Principia teachers,

parents, students, staff members, executives,

and alumni.

What’s special about this 9th edition

nA word index for pursuing specific topics

nNumbered lines for finding references faster

nA design for easier reading

To order a copy, go to www.prin.edu/bookstoreOr call 1-800-277-4648 (College) 1-800-218-7746 (School)

The very core of what Principia is all about.

Do you know what’s in this book?

Now in its 9th printing

P R I N C I P I A

22 23

P R I N C I P I ASpring Sports Spring Sports

The 2007 St. Louis Intercolle-giate Athletic Conference wom-en’s tennis Coach of the Year,

Lyn De Laney, guided Principia Col-lege’s team to a record 13th conference tournament championship win and an automatic qualification into the NCAA tournament last spring. Three-time SLIAC Player of the Year Kat Pomeroy (2005, 2006, 2007) also earned three Player of the Week awards. The #1 singles and doubles player was also the Newcomer of the Year in 2004. At #1 singles she was undefeated in SLIAC play in 2007. Five players were named to the All-Conference team: Pomeroy, seniors Ashley Ragnow and Heather Ruszczyk, junior Cory Sprague, and sophomore Jamie Furbush. After claiming the SLIAC championship by winning six of the nine title matches at the champion-

ship tournament, Principia made it to the first round of the NCAA Division III Women’s Tennis Championships.

College teams surge in overall SLIAC standingsIn the 2006–07 sporting year, Principia College finished third of ten schools in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Principia’s best-ever finish. Additionally, five Principia athletes were selected as Player of the Year in their respective sports — Christina Speer, volleyball; Christina Day, soccer; Leslie Nichols, basketball; Ben Glass, cross country; and Kathryn Pomeroy, tennis. Four Principia coaches were named Coach of the Year — Lee Ellis, women’s soccer; Mary Ann Sprague, volleyball; Norm Purdy, women’s basketball; and Lyn De Laney, women’s tennis.

College track athletes drop times, set recordsThe track and field season came to a close with sophomore Rachael Richards qualifying provisionally for the NCAA Division III Track and Field Nation-als in the 3000m steeplechase. Her time of 11:02.81 was the 28th-fastest time in NCAA Division III this spring, but only the top 19 athletes went to Nationals. She dropped 38 seconds off her time this year. Also this season, teammate Rob Osborne, a senior, recorded the second-fastest Principia men’s steeplechase time with a 9:45.10 finish at the Rose Hulman Invitational. In a news flashback to winter, an indoor track runner set two new Principia records as well. Junior Peter Swank ran the 3000 in 9:18.24, and the 5000 in 15:54.86. Richards set a new indoor mile record (5:30.79) too.

Women’s tennis makes it 13 in a row

Baseball sees wins, scouts see playersThe 2007 Principia College baseball team tallied Principia’s second-most wins in a season (14) since entering the SLIAC in 1991. Senior Josh Reesman batted .418 to become the first Principia player to lead the SLIAC in hitting and also led the conference in assists at short-stop. Reesman, Nick Brock, and Louis Clough all earned SLIAC All-Confer-ence Honorable Mention for their per-formances this season. Brock batted .395 in conference and drove in the most runs for a third baseman. Clough, a right fielder and pitcher, batted .312 and led the team with 11 stolen bases. He also had two saves on the mound. Catcher Nash Whitney and pitcher Justin Wayne were Hitter and Pitcher of the Week, respectively, during the season. Wayne was honored after a week with two complete game wins over Westminster and Eureka. Whitney batted .714 (5-for-7) with three doubles and threw out a runner trying to steal when Principia swept Earlham College in a doubleheader. In May, Reesman and left fielder Mike Vernon were invited to attend a professional baseball tryout with the Kalamazoo Kings of the Frontier

League in Michi-gan. After a morn-ing full of the tradi-tional professional baseball tryout reg-imen with 50 other players — timed 60-yard sprint, fielding, throw-ing, and batting — Reesman and Ver-non outplayed sev-eral Division I and professional players to be among seven to advance to the afternoon session of competitive live pitching/hitting, but did not make the final three. A few weeks later, a professional

scout for the Oakland A’s came to Principia to watch junior Louis Clough play. In June, Nash Whitney had an individual tryout with the manager of the Fort Worth Cats.

1-2 mile finish leads Upper School boys at state meetAt the Class 2 high school state track meet in Jef-ferson City, Upper School junior Aaron Minsk and sophomore Nick Barron took first and second in the mile run, respec-tively (4:24.68 and 4:25.12). In the sectional meet, held at the Upper School campus on the Jack Eyerly track the week before, they took the mile 1-2 that day too, though it was Minsk who won that one. Their 1-2 fin-ish at State earned them, jointly, the

Suburban Journals Athlete of the Week honor. It was also an accomplishment not seen at the Class 2 level for 40 years, and the last team to do it was Principia. Earlier in the meet, Minsk, Bar-ron, senior Jeff Strickland, and junior Patrick Harber came together to win the 4x800-meter relay (8:04.95). Barron also scored team points with an eighth place in the 800 (2:01.65). The boys’ team finished in fourth place overall. On the girls’ side, senior Kasey Kaupke cleared a personal-best 9 feet in the pole vault, to take ninth place.

Principia hosts hundreds in sectional track meetOn the Saturday before the state high school track meet, Principia’s Jack Eye-rly Track and John Jamerson Stadium hosted athletes from 28 high schools in eastern Missouri for the Missouri Class 2 sectional track and field meet — the qualifying meet for State. At the meet, Principia boys went on to qualify for the state meet in the 800, 1600, 3200, and the 4x800 relay; and girls qualified in the 800, 4x400 relay, 4x800 relay, and the pole vault. ES/DM

Three-time SLIAC Player of the Year Kat Pomeroy rips a backhand.

Senior shortstop Josh Reesman led SLIAC in hitting.

Sophomore Rachael Richards set new records in 2007. Nick Barron (left) and Aaron Minsk run the mile in the sectional meet at Principia.

P R I N C I P I A

24 25

P R I N C I P I AUpper School Graduation Talk

Excerpts from this year’s graduation talk by Carol Worley, director of Christian Science nurses training at Chestnut Hill Benevolent Association.

Yo u ’ r e used to hearing

that you are the world’s future think-ers and work-ers, and what you are doing now is prepar-ing you for future tasks and accomplish-ments for which you are so needed. For the next several minutes, we’ll be looking at the impact and difference you are making for the present. We’ll be looking at experiences that bring out how what you are doing right now — what you are daily discovering and living — is making a significant differ-ence and bringing much needed good to light for the world. With so many things happening in the world today, humanity is earnestly searching for better ways to reach out to those in need of help — to detect and save from danger, and prevent accident and tragedy, such as the shootings at Virginia Tech. But even with greater alertness and progress for help along these lines, peo-ple feel there are some things you can’t prevent because of a law of chance. Yet, a Principia Upper school student I know discovered something quite dif-ferent in the course of his day. He was making decisions on very routine activities, but not in a routine way. He had become familiar with listening to and following the voice within, the Christ consciousness, for his daily decisions. On this day, as he was about to go forward with an activity, he paused to listen to the divine influence present in his consciousness. Doing so changed his course of action, which in turn brought his steps into the path of a fellow classmate

who was in grave danger, alone, and in urgent need of help. In fact, being there at that exact moment enabled him to save his friend’s life. A scientific fact was demonstrated, reaching beyond the circumstances of chance and revealing the divine coin-cidence — the coming together of the human with the divine. As he followed that voice within, this naturally impelled him to be in the right place at the right time, witnessing Mind’s saving presence. How he was living his life made a significant differ-ence for himself, for the need of that moment, and for humanity. We see this illustrated in the Bible in David’s experience when as a teen-ager he was watching his sheep. As he fearlessly saved the flock from the attack of a bear and saved the lamb out of the lion’s mouth, he was also facing and overcoming the very challenge his nation and people were confronted with — aggression, oppression, and the dominating thought that tries to prey upon innocence and purity. What he learned not only prepared him eventually to face and conquer this terrorism on a larger scale in battling Goliath, but what he saw and lived, and the law that this demonstrated, impacted the present. David was living the spiritual quali-ties that were needed to face that which would prey upon others — overcoming evil with good. He demonstrated a needed, scientific, provable fact for humanity of God’s allness and present protection. As your God — divine Love with its shepherding presence — is prepar-ing you for future tasks and experi-

ences, He is also fulfilling in you a present purpose. You each have a purpose — not just for the future but also constantly appear-ing in the present — revealing what you should be doing and how to do it. Find-ing the purpose that is so needed for the moment blesses you and is answering a present need for humanity. In today’s world, where we see such imbalance — with poverty, fam-ine, and want on one hand and excess, extravagance, and waste on the other — humanity is reaching out for your understanding of the infinitude of good and the law of unselfishness that make your lives rich by the good you give to others. The world is reaching out for the moral purity within you that, when lived, secures, protects, and deepens your relationships as it brings strength, purity, and stability to mankind. It’s not just going about your life.It’s how you are doing it, what you are gaining within, and how you are bring-ing it out in expression. What Jesus lived and brought to light through his example and healing, even when in the presence of just a few, not only changed and transformed those present, but blessed everyone everywhere. And it is still blessing, changing, and transforming us. The heights you are gaining, the truths you are daily discovering and liv-ing, are bringing so much good to the world. Mary Baker Eddy speaks of the very thing we are talking about this morning. She says, “He who first brings to humanity some great good, must have gained its height beforehand to be able to lift others toward it” (Miscellaneous Writings, 338:2–5). As you go forward, let the experi-ences in your lives continue to bring out in you what is truly needed in the individual situation and our world — fulfilling your present purpose that is constantly appearing and developing, and which in turn is preparing you for the purpose that is yet to appear. n

Recognizing your present purpose

“The world is reaching

out for the moral

purity within you.”

Excerpts from this year’s commencement talk by Gail Russell Chaddock, senior congressional correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor.

Education isn’t your transcript. It’s not the reputation of your the-sis advisor. It’s not the contacts

you met here that might be helpful in a job search down the way. It is, above all, about what P r i n c i p i a ’ s founder, Mary Kimball Mor-gan, called character. Character means: Do you grow — do you stay awake — after there’s no one grading you to do so? Or, to put it another way: Do you need a secure situation in life to exercise these capacities? There’s a lot of plausibility to the notion that graduation is the launch of a lifetime of gaining things: a job, a place to live that isn’t on someone else’s couch, savings, contacts, a longer resume, and so on. I’d like to propose to you an alter-native model, cribbed straight from the book of Ecclesiastes: “There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man” (Eccl. 9:14–15). The city is our capacity to live together. Your capacity to save a city will never be greater than it is right this instant. It won’t be greater when you have a job. It won’t be greater when you’ve paid off your college loans. It won’t be greater when you have made a fortune. It will never be greater than it is right this minute, because that capac-ity is your understanding of your rela-tion to God — and that is permanent.

What is besieging our cities today? There is no question that the world is struggling with the threat of terrorism. But the fear of terrorism is also a great threat. Fear says that there are ques-tions that cannot be asked, civil liber-ties that no longer apply, checks and balances — the heart of our political system — that just get in the way. Now, you could substitute your own source of siege on our cities — what is attacking our capacity to live together. It might be the widening gaps between those who see a secure future for themselves and their families and those who do not. It might be the burden of past environmental mistakes or strained public systems, including an Army and National Guard that are near the breaking point. It might be schools that still leave many unable to read or disinclined to do so. It might be a corrosive culture of gambling that has become hard-wired into our public finances — and our culture. It might be a massive drug dependence, both legal and illegal. It might be crushing public and private debt, including student debt. As young people graduating into these challenges, it would be easy to feel as if there is very little that one person can do — or to settle into resentment, fear, or mind-numbing amusement. So what is the wisdom of that wise man who saved the city? Unfortunately, it’s the shortest story in the Bible. What did he do? What did he know? It’s not there. I made a discovery recently, pre-paring for a Sunday School class of five-year-olds. I wanted to give them examples of children exercising spiri-tual dominion, and I thought of a pic-

ture I’d seen as a kid in Sunday School of the boy Jesus standing forth, lectur-ing the opinion leaders of his day and astonishing them with his wisdom. But when I actually reread the passage in Luke, it turns out he didn’t lecture them at all. The book of Luke says that he sat in the midst of them, “both hearing them and asking them questions” (Luke 2:46). He listened and he asked questions. That was how he exercised his wisdom. That’s the job description of a jour-nalist, but I think you’ll find that it applies to anything you might do in your life. Sometimes the first thing you think of is: “What will I say?” instead of: “How will I listen?” or “What questions can I ask that will bring out something in someone else that will lead to healing?” Listening. Don’t let your eyes wander in a room of people, looking for someone more important to talk to. Listen to the one you’re talking to. You may be surprised at what you learn. There is nothing more important in writing than knowing what to cut out of your writing — and your life. I’ll leave you with three sugges-tions of what to cut: 1. Allow no dependency in your life that requires standing in line first thing in the morning. 2. Forget all you think you know that is negative about each other: Don’t limit each other’s growth. 3. Cut out all reference to age in your life. Don’t see yourself as too young or too old — and don’t encour-age anyone else to think it of you. For anyone who, for whatever reason, thinks that if they had it to do over they would have done something different, the last thing to cut out is that thought. You do have it to do over. It is never too late to start any endeavor that’s in your heart. You will never have more capacity to do it than you have right at this moment. By the power of your listening, by the power and the soul of your questioning, and the power of your prayer — you will save your city, and I thank you for it. n

Your capacity to save a city

College Commencement Talk

“It is never too late

to start any endeavor

that’s in your heart.”

P R I N C I P I A

26 27

P R I N C I P I AGraduates Graduates

One hundred forty-three graduates from across the U.S. and 10 other countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Scotland, Canada, India, Mexico, Russia, Indone-sia, Kenya, and Venezu-ela received their bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degrees June 3 during Principia College’s annual commencement ceremony.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCEMoses Umoren AsuquoComputer Science

Robert Carl AyresBiology

Andrew Howard BernerMathematics, Physics

Forrest William BlessBiology

Iain Peter BruceMathematics, Physics

Seth Robbins CadellMathematics, Physics

Rebecca Jo CrowleyChemistry

Christina Lynne DayBiology

Gordon Vance DouglasPhysics

Jenna Bertine EdgintonBiology

Stephen Blair GerltPhysics

Stephanie Lynne GolmonMathematics, Physics

Jessica Kathryn HaysMathematics, Music

Adam Charles JorgensenPhysics

Paul Howard MichalskiComputer Science

Cory Matthew MillerEngineering Science

Eric Lawrence OlsenBiology

Schuyler Pierce OnderdonkMathematics

Richard William PocklingtonMathematics, Physics

Gideon Eli SetordziePhysics

Torunn Elise SivesindBiology

Katie Lynn SommerBiology

Jessica Jean ThompsonBiology

Timothy Japhet TruemanComputer Science

Nash Andrew WhitneyPhysics

Feli ZulhendriPhysics

BACHELOR OF ARTSKwame Adjei Adu-DansoPolitical Science

Jonathan Colby AimonettiBusiness Administration

Rebecca Claire AinsworthPhilosophySpecial Major: Women’s Studies

Amy Conner AleshireBusiness Administration

Adrian Walker AllenHistory

Sarah Christine AndrewsPolitical Science

Oluwakemi Omobolanle AwosileComputer Science

Samantha Joy BarnardGlobal Perspectives

David Michael BatesMass Communication

James Campbell BiggsEnglish

John Collett BiggsStudio Art

Frances Abigail BoudreauxBusiness Administration

Nicholas Dane BrockBusiness Administration

Brittany Anne BrulandEnvironmental Studies

Timothy William BrunsSports Management

Megan BumpusEducation, Spanish

Caitlin May CarpenterMass Communication

Donald Fruehauf Chamberlin IIIBusiness Administration

Reshma ChattaramStudio Art

Lindsey Marie CliffordSociology and Anthropology

Christie Ann CoddingtonMass Communication

Amanda Joy DavenportGlobal Perspectives

Karen Eleanor DavisEnglish, Philosophy

Kathryn Noelle De FriscoStudio Art

John Colin DearbornTheatre

Laura Mary DistelMass Communication

Jesse Morgan DunlapStudio Art

Alex Agosu Ayibaebi EchiriSociology and Anthropology

Michael Bradford EdomBusiness Administration

Tom Robert Evans Jr.Economics

Joseph Clark FitzgibbonHistory, Political Science

Molly Danielle FlavinEducationSociology and Anthropology

Congratulations, College graduates! Gary Courtland FlemingBusiness Administration

Raquel Verónica Fonseca RiveraBusiness AdministrationFrench

Carolyn Ruth FranzBusiness Administration

Daniel August FritzEnglish

Rachel Meilander FronzakPhilosophy

Heather Lyn GatesStudio Art

Benjamin Dylan GlassEnvironmental StudiesHistory

Charlotte Ruth HaizelBusiness AdministrationFrench

Laura Elizabeth HammondEnglish, Theatre

Heather Elizabeth HarmonEnglish

Mark Jason HarneyEducation, English

Jonathan Blakemore HinthorneHistory, Spanish

Timothy Andrew HolzworthEnvironmental Studies

Catherine Crandell IrishMass Communication

Andrea Christine IvesGlobal Perspectives

Alice Snow JohnsonEnglish, Theatre

Edward Mackay JohnsonBusiness AdministrationEconomics

Katharin Ann KaleshBusiness AdministrationEconomics

Carolyn Lucile KaufmanStudio Art

Vladislav Aleksandrovich KrutikovMusic

Karina Rosalin KumargaBusiness Administration

Laura Nicole LangeMass Communication

Clifton Dane MackintoshMass Communication

Muthoni MahihuEnvironmental Studies

Amapola Martínez-AñezMusic

Bryn Elizabeth MayesEnglish, French

Eva Jeanette McElroyForeign Languages

Kathryn Elizabeth McKelvieStudio Art

Andrew Joseph McKinleyBusiness Administration

Jorie Elizabeth MessmanEnvironmental Studies

Paula Joyce MeyerEnvironmental Studies

Amy Marie MizellEnglish

Jessica Lynn MortonPolitical Science

Natalie Rose MozzerEnglish

Brendah Wangechi MuigaSociology and Anthropology

Bentley Alan MundleSports Management

Elizabeth Ann NacewiczPolitical Science

Mark Japhet NagerEconomics

Graham MacDonald NealeEconomics

Christina Caroline NetheroBusiness Administration

James Elliott Nethero IIBusiness Administration

Leslie Anne NicholsSports Management

Simon Kimani NjorogeEconomics

David Bradford O’RyanBusiness Administration

Robert Benjamin OsbornePolitical Science

Meredith Ann PagettStudio Art

Joyce Lee ParsonsEducationSociology and Anthropology

Andrle Holly PenceEnglish

Jessica Joy PhilipSociology and Anthropology

Matthew Michael PlessnerMass Communication

Avery Dell PoindexterEnglish

Kathryn Aimee PomeroyEducation, English

Beth Eleonore PotterSociology and Anthropology

Stacy Anne RaderBusiness Administration

Robert Bruce ReaStudio Art

Eliza Claire ReedEconomics

Joshua Eric ReesmanMass Communication

Lisa Marie RemingtonMusic

Emily Brook ReynoldsTheatre

Lynnette RiversEnvironmental StudiesSpanish

Daniel Jason RoundsMusic

Andrew Braxton RuckstaetterSports Management

Heather Anne RuszczykMathematics

Jasmine Rene ScottStudio Art

Jamie Louise SnyderStudio Art

Brian Jeffrey StockEnglish

Annika Elodie SuberMass Communication

Anna-Lisa Glyn SwankStudio Art

Christine Alice SydnessSpecial Major: Art History

Kira Leigh TassinFrench

Edward Henry TonkinStudio Art

Michael Case VernonReligion

Kristina Marie Louise WadeStudio Art

Jeffrey Collins WalterEnvironmental Studies

Anna Jane WarmackEconomics, MathematicsPolitical Science

Bret Allen WatsonStudio Art

Justin Andrew WayneBusiness Administration

Scott Allan WendelbergerMass Communication

Rebecca Lynn WetzlerStudio Art

Gavin Reid WilliamsBusiness Administration

Christopher Juhl WilsnackBusiness Administration

Matthew Brant WilsonTheatre

Micah Tyler WolfeEducationSociology and Anthropology

Paul Dunsmore WoodsworthMass Communication

Elizabeth E. WrightEnglish

P R I N C I P I A

28 29

Sixty-two graduates from 18 U.S. states and six other countries including Kenya, Canada, Guatemala, Botswana, England, and Uru-guay received their diplo-mas June 2 during Principia Upper School’s 2007 annual graduation ceremony.

Darline Akoth AmbugoNairobi, Kenya

Claire Julie Power ArbezWinnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Rachelle Alexi BakerLos Angeles, California

Zachary Lee BarronGodfrey, Illinois

Brooke Jane BenbenekWichita, Kansas

James Cooper BlantonChesterfield, Missouri

Annabelle Alice BloomCos Cob, Connecticut

Anna Elizabeth Bohl-FabianCamp Hill, Pennsylvania

Ben Alexander Bollinger IIBallwin, Missouri

Lucie Beatrix BonwichChesterfield, Missouri

Noelle Valerie BrownElsah, Illinois

Ryan Lee CharlstonSt. Louis, Missouri

Carlin Day CollinsSanta Barbara, California

Ashley Mae CraftBallwin, Missouri

Andres De Paz NicolGuatemala City, Guatemala

Matthew Gilbert DonatelliSt. Louis, Missouri

Keith Jackson DuvallFranklin County, Virginia

Jennifer Michelle FerchNorthville, Michigan

Scott Andrew FisherGlen Ellyn, Illinois

Daniel Eric GeorgatosDallas, Texas

John Walker Glascock Jr.St. Louis, Missouri

Christian Conner HagenlocherWildwood, Missouri

Timothy Robert HammondBallwin, Missouri

Laura Valencia HarrisUpper Marlboro, Maryland

Daniel Christian HenseyPort Townsend, Washington

Rachel Fiona HoldenRedwood Shores, California

James Tyler JonesElsah, Illinois

Jordan Jett JonesLoveland, Colorado

Kasey Marie KaupkeCushing, Oklahoma

Lindsay Noelle Windal LaVanchyWildwood, Missouri

Austin Patrick LinesSt. Charles, Missouri

Nelleke Suzanne MackSt. Louis, Missouri

Roseanne Elizabeth MansfieldEolia, Missouri

Jodie Lee MaurerSt. Louis, Missouri

Nicholas LB MetzgerWindsor Harbor, Missouri

Ronald Allen Meyer Jr.Chesterfield, Missouri

Percy David Kintu MutekangaGaborone, Botswana

Colleen Catherine MylesSalem, Oregon

Holly Ann NapperBallwin, Missouri

Diana Katherine NashMill Creek, Washington

Megan Helene NealeBallwin, Missouri

Omba Tristan NgomaAlexandria, Virginia

Jennifer Rose OdellBothell, Washington

Katie Lee Pearson-HarperChesterfield, Missouri

Stuart Charles PoolBurke, Virginia

Allyson Michelle ReadMcKinney, Texas

Kirsty Marie RivettNorwich, England

Jeremy Parker RobertsonSt. Louis, Missouri

Dolly Paxton SommerClayton, California

Catherine Grace SpeerManchester, Missouri

Simeon Isaiah Crispin Steers-SmithFree Union, Virginia

Elijah Daniel StevensSt. Louis, Missouri

Jillian Ellen StoneGoodyear, Arizona

Jeffrey Stephan StricklandRancho Santa Margarita, California

Simon Christopher SwiderskiSeward, Alaska

Nicholas Alan TrappBallwin, Missouri

Katie Ellen WardColorado Springs, Colorado

Kimberly Clare WarnerBallwin, Missouri

Kimball Philip WebsterBallwin, Missouri

Paris Alicia WittCincinnati, Ohio

Esteban Rodrigo Xifre VillarMontevideo, Uruguay

Gabriella Korwulah YengbehMelrose, Massachusetts

Congratulations, Upper School graduates!

Graduates

OctOber 19 thru OctOber 21 2007

schedule Of events (subject to change)

friday OctOber 19 Tours of the New College Athletic Center and Pool Alumni Volleyball Game Robert Duvall C’53, Speaks in Cox Auditorium (tentative) Homecoming Pep Rally and Bonfire

saturday, OctOber 20 Gold & Blue Hall of Fame Run with the Cross Country Team cOach craftOn athletic center Grand OpeninG/ ribbOn cuttinG ceremOny Women’s Alumni Soccer Game Football vs. Westminster Volleyball vs. Blackburn Men’s and Women’s Soccer vs. Eureka

sunday, OctOber 21 Men’s Alumni Soccer Game

Womens’ Soccer

Coach Crafton Athletic Center

cOlleGe hOmecOminG WeeKend 2007 and cOach craftOn athletic center ribbOn cuttinG ceremOny

can’t Wait tO see yOu here!

Check the website for more information. www.prin.edu/alumnior call 800.277.4648 x5192

P R I N C I P I A

30 31

P R I N C I P I A

Glenn and Judith Felch

After more than three

decades of teaching art at the College, Judith and Glenn Felch are retiring. J u d i t h ( M c C r e a r y , C’67), who played on many varsity teams as a student, began her teaching career in the Physical Education Department shortly after graduation from the Col-lege. But when an opportunity came to teach her first love — art — she jumped at the chance. Along with courses in the founda-tional art program, drawing, color stud-ies, and metalsmithing, she has taught in a program titled “Environmental Imagi-nation,” part of the First Year Experi-ence, of which she was the first director. She has also juggled a number of admin-istrative responsibilities as director of the Office of Special Programs and was the first unit head for the Creative Arts and Communication Unit. After earning her M.F.A. in met-alsmithing, Judith became a master goldsmith and established the jewelry and metals program at the College. A special joy for her over the years has been designing more than 60 sets of rings for Principia couples. G l e n n (C’68) joined the Art Depart-ment faculty in 1973 after grad-uate school and service as an art-ist/illustrator for the U.S. Army during the Viet-nam War. He has taught a variety of two-dimensional arts, including drawing, oil and water-color painting, silkscreen — and in the pre-computer days, graphic design. His favorite media are watercolor

and charcoal/pastel, and he has had numerous one-person exhibitions and earned several first-place awards in professional juried art shows. His work is represented in private and corporate collections. The Felches have directed a num-ber of Principia art abroads to such places as France, New Orleans, and Quebec. “One of the things I’ve valued most about being a teacher at Principia is learning about and living Mary Kimball Morgan’s concept of character education, and just what true education is. And I think I’ve only just scratched the surface in the 38 years I’ve been here,” Judith says. “I’ve loved every minute of every class working with these students.” Glenn adds, “Mrs. Morgan insisted for her staff, ‘Don’t enter the classroom unless you’re prepared metaphysically.’ That demand forces one to grow, so it’s school every day for each of us.” Judith plans to become a full-time artist focusing on painting and drawing. Glenn will initially focus on refining a composition manual to document the design concepts that have become cen-tral to the Art Department’s assessment program.

Joy Nordahl Butler

Joy Nordahl Butler (Overby, US’57, C’61) is retiring from a 30-year career

at Principia that began as a Lower School teacher. “I taught in public school for nine years after graduating from the College, but the most important part of teaching to me was character educa-tion,” she says. “That was allowed and encouraged at Principia, which it was not in public schools.” In the Lower School, Joy particu-larly enjoyed finding ways to share with her third-graders how one lives Christian Science. She often applied

inspiration from the chapels given by students. “Our emphasis in the class-room was, We’ve had these readings, what’s in them that we can use?” After 19 years as a teacher, Joy moved to the Elsah campus to become manager of the Guest House. During her 11 years there, she estimates that she has hosted some 22,000 guests — 2,000 per year. “One of the many wonderful things about my career at Prin is that every year at the College there were more than 30 students who had been in my third-grade class,” she notes. “I would get in touch with them and attend their sports and events. It was really fun to reconnect.” Joy recently married Ron Butler (C’58) after becoming acquainted with him at last year’s College reunion. She has moved to his home in Upland, California.

Roger Batz

Enriching cul-tural diver-

sity and teaching cultural literacy on campus have been priorities for Roger Batz throughout his 33 years as a sociology profes-sor at the College. Besides social theory and introduction to sociology, he has taught a variety of courses focusing on race and ethnicity, and on Latino, Native American, and indigenous cultures, as well as peace studies. One of the highlights of his career, he notes, was when Principia decided to change the sports teams from the Indians to the Panthers. “People came to understand that using a human cul-ture as a mascot was racist.” For the past 10 years he has been deeply committed to environmental movements and has taught courses on environmental and social change. Roger and his wife Gretchen are extensive travelers who once back-packed their way through Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Tahiti. “We car-

ried everything for five months on our backs — one to wash, one to wear, one to dry.” They also directed a Principia Abroad to Norway in 1979. During his years at the College, Roger has been grateful for “the love that everyone expressed — individuals and Principia as an institution. People have helped me grow and learn, and that’s what I treasure most.”

Bill Fabian

After 31 years at Principia,

Upper School academic dean Bill Fabian (US’71, C’75) is moving on to new ventures. D u r i n g the 23 years he spent as head librarian, Bill automated the library’s information retrieval systems, was the first on the campus to employ the microcomputer for educational pur-poses, and introduced the first wireless hub for student laptops. He savored the thrill of helping students discover the Internet via early Web search engines in the 1990s. “It was amazing the windows that opened up for student research,” he comments. Eight years ago Bill took up the new position of academic dean and has been instrumental in bringing about progres-sive changes to the Upper School’s curriculum, technology, and facilities — including senior speeches, Bible courses, computers and projectors in every classroom, renovated science labs and media center, and a state-of-the-art language lab. Among the innovations he spear-headed was the Enrichment Program which ran for six years, giving stu-dents the opportunity to take non-credit mini-courses on such topics as “Mysterious Civilizations” and “Comparative Religions” — just for the fun of learning. He notes that the Upper School has kept pace with the additional aca-demic work colleges are requiring. “I believe that our curriculum is making

more demands on students than when I was here as a student, not only in graduation requirements but also in how we ask them to think. It’s much more rigorous.” Bill and his wife Dee have realized a lifelong dream to live in Colorado, where they have bought a home in Buena Vista.

Mary Browne

“My passion was sewing and all the things that go with inte-

rior design,” says Mary Browne, family and con-sumer sciences teacher at the Upper School for almost 40 years. After serving first as an Upper School girls’ dorm house parent, then as a Middle School house parent with her husband, Reggie, Mary began teaching home economics, as it was known then — her minor in college. Through the 1970s she continued her education while teaching full-time. In 1983, when a wing was added to the Upper School for a new art room, she was thrilled to see that a large area on the second floor was dedicated to family consumer sciences, with a full kitchen and a design/sewing area. Mary added fashion design to the program in the late 1980s but says gour-met cooking has remained the most popular. Traditionally she began each class with different methods of stirring, but this year she noticed “when they hit the meats is when students really paid attention. They said, ‘Oh, this is good.’ “It’s been fun to develop in what I did and also what the program did — how I’ve connected with the students,” she com-ments. “I think the program as it stands now is reaching the kids’ creative side.” She is happy to say that some of her students have gone on to be profes-sionals in fashion and interior design, and some are chefs. Mary says her future is wide open — “the way it should be. It’s getting out of the box and doing something different. That’s important — to know

you can be creative enough to do some-thing different.”

Margy McKelvie

For 30 years, Margy McKelvie’s Upper School Spanish classes had

only one rule. Anything goes, as long as it’s in Spanish. “I find that freedom such fun,” she says. R e c e n t l y she asked a class if they could teach her how to text message — in Span-ish of course. “They were very eager,” she says. “I hadn’t taught them about technology, so they had to search, ‘How would I say this?’ It was an edu-cational little moment — practicing skills that they had been learning in a context that they thought was useful.” Margy’s classroom was always well-stocked with items from her travels to Spanish-speaking countries to be used for an on-the-spot lesson. “My suitcases were filled with odd things,” she says — flattened cereal boxes, empty soda cans, music — any cultural item she thought could be useful in the classroom. She’s been to Mexico, Costa Rica, Spain, Bolivia, Peru, Guatemala, and Puerto Rico — some of them many times. Other personal interests that have found their way into her class are mov-ies and reading. Whether it’s a Latin American film or Finding Nemo in Spanish, movies have provided many cultural and vocabulary lessons. Her Advanced Placement class read Zorro this year. “I told them, ‘It’s not an easy one but I think you’ll enjoy it,’” she comments, “and they did.” Reading keeps Margy busy too. She belongs to three book clubs and also reads books in Spanish to keep up on vocabulary. As a retirement gift to herself, McKelvie traveled to China for three weeks. “My husband and I are always looking forward to new adventures and ways to help mankind.” n

Departing hence to scenes anew

Retirements Retirements

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Upper School38 Eloise (Sanaker) Wilson sends news: “After living in the same house for 48 years I moved into Lake Ashton, an active adult community nearby. I’m on the go with various activities, and my organ club’s programs keep me practicing. Last year I traveled with a group to Alaska, and this summer I went to Canada — Lake Louise and the West — with my daughter and son-in-law.”

39 Nell (Wasey) Martin moved to St. Louis in 2003 to be near family, and writes: “I am near my youngest son, Peter Martin (US’72, C’76), and his wife Marcia (FS’86). He coaches at the Middle School, and she teaches art in their home in Town & Coun-try. Grandson Duncan Wilder is a senior in Upper School. He is the son of daughter Annie (Martin, US’70, C’75) and Sandy Wilder (FS’89).”

59 Diane (Gray) Hill writes from Costa Mesa, Calif.: “In addition to our branch church activities, husband Paul and I have volunteered for more than a decade building successful neighbor-hood watch and emergency preparedness programs in our neighborhood. At our city’s request, we were also instrumental in developing a neighborhood disaster response program. As a result, we are now part of a certified safety training team, in the business of teaching CPR and first aid as well as emergency preparedness to neighborhoods, organizations, and busi-nesses in the Orange County area. Dur-ing the holiday season we enjoy going to see our three children and five grandsons, who live in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Florida. Our home activities are super-vised closely by two beloved Siamese, Tai and Ting Ling. You are welcome to come visit us and our cats or communicate by email: CASTT@cmprepared.com.

63 Karen (Thrailkill) Ocheltree and Beth Andrews (also C’68) got together recently. “We had a ball! We took a bead-ing class, I taught Beth how to make her own cards and got her stampin’, took in a play, went to Othello, Wash., for the sand- hill crane migration event (didn’t see even one of those cranes!), saw a movie, went to an auction and a funky yard and antique show, made many more cards, and talked and talked. We seem to use up the time we have together, and the memories are so special!” See picture.

KEEPING IN TOUCH 65 Sandy (Cook) Hart writes: “My husband Ray and I are enjoying retire-ment on a lake. Ray goes fishing and I bake. He mows the lawn and I paint. You get the picture. Have written a few chil-dren’s books, and maybe some day I’ll get them published. I have been getting back in touch with Jan (Harrison, US’65, C’69) Abrams and Judy (Wallace, US’65) Haas, and would enjoy hearing from oth-ers. Please come visit if you get to East Texas 409-698-3485.”

85 Paul Wohlfarth and son Kevin “played a friendly round of golf at Eagle Springs Golf Course in St. Louis with Steve Greene (US’67 and current faculty) and his son Josh (current Lower School). Any golfers wanting to join Paul and Kevin in the Denver, Colo., area should contact them by e-mail: PandoraWohl-farth@aol.com.” See picture.

86 Joy (Truitt, US’86) Turnbaugh updates family news: “Dave and I and our small children, son Brady and daugh-ter Reagan, reside in O’Fallon, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis. Sister Janita Truitt (C’90) recently moved to Lake St. Louis, only minutes away. We would love to hear from any US’86 graduates here and around the country, as both Dave and I travel a lot for our jobs. Joy.turnbaugh@citi.com or 314-941-0412.” See picture.

87 Toby Bogard checks in from Calif.: “Hello to all. Heather and I have been liv-ing in Newport Beach, Calif., since 1998. We have three preschool children: oldest daughter Baylee, and twins — daughter Riley and son Parker. I can be reached by e-mail: tbogard@viatechpub.com.” See picture.

99 Julie (Bachmann) Hartje catches up: “I married Kyle Hartje in 2005, and we have a toddler daughter, Ruth Eliza-beth. We are moving to Naperville, Ill., for Kyle’s new job with the YMCA, and I am busy teaching and being a mom.”

College34 Nancy (Merton) Oestreicher would like to see more of the ’34 class rep-resented in Keeping in Touch. She writes: “I live alone but keep active with painting and needlework, and being entertained by my seven great-grandchildren who visit periodically. I also wrestle daily with my computer to send e-mails to my two daughters!”

44 Helen (Konter) Bates writes: “I have been retired for a long time, although in the past I have been president of several clubs, such as Republican Women, Pro America, and Las Concordias. Now I am treasurer of one club, chaplain of another, and chairman of two church committees. I still see one of my Prin roommates and other Prin friends.”

45 Martha (Wilson) Willis writes from Irvine, Calif., that she is an active in her com-munity: “Volunteer weekly with a food pan-try, monthly with our historical museum, every two months with the library, and peri-odically with the League of Women Voters and local concert association.”

49 David Rowland, active in indus-trial design and architecture, reports he is interested in the the proposed Bering Straight Chunnel Project, which would give Alaska a railroad connection with Russia.

50 Quentin Rink writes: “Mary Elaine Suter and I have been friends since the early ‘80’s in the greater San Francisco Bay area. We were married in January this year in Las Vegas, where I have been living since ’99 caring for my two sisters.” See picture.

53 Robert “Bob” Rockabrand and Sara (FS) send joint news: “Although Sara retired in June 2006 from teaching in the College music department, she has remained active this year in mentor-ing the new choir director and in teach-ing a few voice lessons. In February we enjoyed 18 beautiful days on the island of Kaua’i, which was her retirement gift lovingly supported by dozens of friends. Bob remains active as a traveling Principia speaker and continues his ministry of pre-siding at the weddings of friends, helping them tie the knot. He taught a new course in the 2006 Autumn Session and was also an acting, singing, and dancing member in the cast of the College musical 42nd Street last spring. He is looking forward to his 55th reunion in the summer of 2008 and hopes that lots of schoolmates attend.” Ken Robbie (also US’49) is now a Journal-listed Christian Science practi-tioner in New Jersey, appearing for the first time in the April 2007 issue. He notes that his dad was also a practitioner, in both New Jersey and Missouri.

54 Doug Hawes, living in France since 1989, has debuted as an author of French World War II history with the

When’s the last time you sent news in to

the Purpose?

Paul Wohlfarth and Steve Greene with sons Kevin and Josh at a father-son golf outing. See news item under US’85.

Joy (Truitt, US’86) and David Turnbaugh with their son Brady and daughter Reagan. See news item under US’86.

Toby (US’87) and Heather Bogard with their costumed children, twins Parker and Riley, and Baylee. See news item under US’87.

Quentin Rink (C’50) and Mary Elaine Suter married in Las Vegas, Nev. See news item under C’50.

Marilyn (Burnap, US’56) and Ray Hanzlik (US’56, C’60) visited Upper School classmates Rosemary (Cooper, US’56, C’61) and Jim Kurt (US’55) at their home in Englewood, Fla., over a December stay in Sarasota.

Karen (Thrailkill, US’63) Ocheltree and Beth Andrews (US’63, C’68) enjoy reconnecting. See news item under US’63.

Sue (Doyle, C79) Mundle, Susan (Volentine, US’75, C’79) Rupp, and Melissa Hayden (C’79) together for the first time since graduation. See news item under C’79.

Marilla (Dyck, US’94, C’98) Colson with her three sons: Mitchell, baby Cooper, and Marshall.

Rugby Coach Ward Patterson (C’82) acknowledges the achievements of “his lads” at a post-game BBQ after his Middlebury College Rugby Club won the Division 2 National Championship in May. “There are moments in one’s life when you realize that you have achieved something very special. Fortunately in the game of rugby there are many good friends to share that achievement with.”

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release of Oradour – The Final Verdict: The Anatomy and Aftermath of a Massacre. His book provides answers to mysteries sur-rounding a post D-Day Nazi war crime. Doug has been fascinated by neighbors’ stories and local memorials of the Resis-tance’s efforts, especially since his wife’s family was active in the French Resis-tance and the Division Das Reich’s route to Normandy passed by their home in the Dordogne. Jennie Lea (Goodnough) Richert updates family news: “Reaching senior citizen status is magic: Social Security, pensions, discounts, ride the ‘Big Blue Bus’ for 25 cents! Still go to Australia every two years to visit daughter, Janna Richert (C’92), creative director for Show-time/Australia. Have also made many trips to London and attended conferences for Initiatives of Change in Caux-sur- Montreux, Switzerland.” Drove to sister Gayle (Goodenough, JC’56) Van Vleck’s home in Camarillo, Calif., to see Kristin Van Vleck (US’86, C’90) and her husband Peter Weaver, who were married during Mardi Gras in New Orleans in February.”

55 Burt Irwin “has been busy with two major activities: church and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Auxiliary activi-ties include teaching boating safety and navigation classes, as well as on-the- water support for the Coast Guard.”

56 Paul Williams, former College history professor, has recently published a book of 98 Tanka poems, entitled These Audacious Maples.

63 Bonnie (Barry) Sanders is “pleased after seven years of researching, writing, revising, agent/publisher search, and production/printing stages that my Civil War-based historical novel, Kiss Me Good-Bye, was published. My desire was to make history real and imaginable rather than fact-oriented, and put the war in the context of the times. My husband Tom

and I spend summers in Annapolis, Md., in the home where I grew up. After Tom teaches summer session at George Wash-ington University, we will be back in our home in Jacksonville, Fla. Come see us!” See picture.

65 Bob Edmondson (also US’61) was appointed executive director/CEO of OnLuk, Inc., an organization that provides all-inclusive care for over 1,000 seniors in the San Francisco Bay area. Susie (Edwards) Getzschman (also US’61) sends an update on family news: “Son Rob Getzschman (US’95, C’99) graduated from the American University master’s program in film and has been doing independent film work in the D.C. area. Son Dave Getzschman (US’94, C’98) is snapping more award-winning photos in California’s Bay area, most recently winning a national award for a photo of Barak Obama in St. Louis. Son Jon Getz-schman (US’92, C’99) is writing poems, rapping, overseeing his recording busi-ness, and watching his family grow. He has a toddler daughter, Logan. Susie just finished her 20th year of teaching at Prin, including 8th year at the College, where she is assistant professor of education. Husband Bill is working with real estate loans as a “hard money man”!

71 Lynn (Gardner) Bellenger, part-ner with Pathfinder Engineers, Roches-ter, N.Y., was installed for a second term as vice president of the American Soci-ety of Heating, Refrigerating and Air- Conditioning Engineers at its 2007 annual meeting. She is serving as chair of Technol-ogy Council. She formerly served as Region I director, regional chair, and a director-at-large. She earned a B.S. in mathematics at Principia and an M.S. in environmental sci-ence from Rutgers University. Fred Leadbeater Jr. (also US’67) writes from Paso Robles, Calif.: “The town of Bozeman, Mont., swallowed our stables, so my wife and I moved to the land of milk and honey, and reined cow horses. It feels like a foreign country, but we like it.”

72 Barbara Hurwick writes from Egypt: “After four years’ working and living in Beijing, China, with a year’s sab-batical in California, I have accepted a position at Cairo American College. Let me know if you are heading this way!” E-mail: barbarahurwick@yahoo.com.

73 Patrick McCreary finished his fifth year on the Principia College Theatre and Dance faculty. He continued touring as Lincoln — a one-man show — and fin-

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ished writing and performing the two-man show — Lincoln & Booth — after ten years of research and restarts. He’s also beginning his 17th season of triathlon (136 races) with a career-best last season. It was his second year to make the national team, with his best showing ever for Team USA. He’s currently ranked 36th in the world as a result of last September’s competition at World’s, in Lausanne, Switzerland.

75 Steve Romaine writes: “Machiko (Iwai, C’76) and I enjoy life in Tokyo and watching our grown children Matthew and Melissa make their own lives in Tokyo and Ecuador, respectively. Love to meet up with the Japan Prin Abroad students when they come through with Prof. Linda Bohacker (C’83). Also caught up with Peter Johnson, Prin dad of Alice Johnson (C’83), who was my graduate school classmate on a trip to New York City in May.”

76 Jim Finch, who lives in Basalt, Colo., has been instrumental in promoting the sport of sled hockey in North America. Jim earned medals in track and swimming at the 1980 Paralympics and was a mem-ber of the 1998 U.S. Paralympic Disabled Ski Team. He first saw sled hockey being played when he was in Japan in 1998 and got his own chance to try the sport three years later. By 2004 he had become skilled enough to qualify for the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team and has played in tour-naments around the world.

79 Sue (Doyle) Mundle, Susan (Volen-tine) Rupp (also US’75), and Melissa Hayden send news about their recent visit: “Three ‘Stunning Sylvester Sofa Sitters’ hit the IKEA in Palo Alto! Luckily we were not kicked out of IKEA. It was our first reunion since graduation.” See picture.

83 Melissa (Newcomb) Allen’s fam-ily is now living in Grayslake, Ill. “We are enjoying a Navy tour for another year before we move to our next duty station in August 2008. Husband Chris is a Rus-sian Orthodox priest and Navy chaplain, and I am a licensed professional counselor working with domestic violence victims at a nonprofit agency. E-mail: mnewcomb- allen@juno.com. See picture.

87 Rob Sumner has joined Park Place Dealerships in Dallas/Fort Worth as direc-tor of marketing, representing luxury brand automobiles. He holds an M.B.A. in marketing from Rutgers Graduate School of Management and a B.A in business and economics from Principia College. Rob lives in Plano, Texas. See picture.

Pam (Hoffman, US’80, C’84) Lowe and Hoffman family members gathered outside the Upper School girls’ dorm during a spring 2007 visit to see nephew Hunter perform in The Boyfriend. They had fun catching up, hanging out in niece Paige’s room, and seeing former teachers and classmates. Front row: Pam, Wayne Hoffman (US’78, C’82), Caitlin (Highton, C’84) Hoffman. Back row: Hunter and Paige Hoffman (both current Upper School).

Rob Sumner is director of marketing for Park Place Dealerships. See news item under C’87.

Three generations of Principians attended the Upper School graduation in June 2007. From left to right, front row: Cullen Bollinger and Timothy Bollinger (both current LS). Second row: Betsie (Bollinger, US’69, C’73) Andrews, Jean Bollinger (HON’92), Ben Bollinger (US’07), Candy Bollinger, and Bruce Bollinger (US’71, C’75). Third row: Tessa (Anable, C’92) Bollinger, Jamie Bollinger (US’77, C’81), George Andrews (US’69, C’73), Amy Andrews (C’00), Conrad Bollinger (current MS) and Jenn Bollinger (US’06).

College friends got together at Rachel (Crist, C’73) Nelson’s home in Albuquerque, N.M., in May at a party for Rachel’s youngest son’s high school graduation. From left: Janet (Meredith, C’76) Hirons, Rachel, and Jenni Crist (C’77). Janet currently hails from Santa Fe, N.M., and Jenni from Alliance, Ohio.

Jen (Buchholz, C’00) and Nate Dudley (C’01) welcomed a new family member, Amalia “Molly” Susan, in February 2007. See news item under C’00.

Bonnie (Barry, C’63) Sanders recently had her first historical novel published. See news item under C’63.

Melissa (Newcomb, C’83) and Chris Allen with their two sons, Spencer and Christian. See news item under C’83.

Maylis (Rath, IE’95-96) and Paul Ashley enjoy living in Dresden, Germany, with their daughter Aiona. See news item under C’05.

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Diane (Cornell, US’83, C’87) and Rodney Figaro welcomed a new baby, Sarah Natalie, in April. Her grandmother Linda Cornell (FS) reports, “She has long fingers (good for piano playing) and a lovely soprano voice. She’s look-ing around and seems very peaceful. Of course, she’s beautiful!”

88 Tyra (Scutt) Schutt started a pet-sitting service in the Rogers Park neighbor-hood of Chicago in 2006, called Smarty Pets. “It’s growing rapidly and is so much fun!”

89 Rich Angell can be spotted in his community access television show, “Sov-ereign Solutions.” Topics include history, current events, and politics.

90 Anja (Steinlein, IE’89-90) Kaup updates family news from Heidelberg, Germany: “We are happily settled in a lovely little village just outside of Heidel-berg, where we welcomed our first daughter, Sonja Natalia, in 2004. In 2005, I founded my own language school, and have fun teaching English to three to nine-year old children. We joyfully announce the arrival of our second daughter, Lara Fabienne, and I am ready to start teaching again in September. Please let us know if you come to Heidelberg, as we would love to have you stay with us and show you the city. Our new address: Finstertal 2, 69514 Laudenbach, Germany.” Email: anjakaup@gmail.com See picture.

92 Jimmy Orr recently joined The Christian Science Monitor as online direc-tor of csmonitor.com. He was formerly e-communications director and spokes-man for the White House and California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and his effectiveness in the online world has been covered extensively by the media.

98 Katy Baird (also US’94) married Michael Ivy in July 2006. Present at the wedding were Chris O’Riordan-Adjah (C’99), Amanda Matthiesen (US’94, C’99), Lori (Schwarz, US’94) Gordon, Erin Stitzel (US’94, C’99), and Andy Yates (C’99). Katy writes: “We bought a place in Naperville, Ill. Two years ago I made a career shift from outside sales to teaching. I teach early childhood special education and love it!” See picture. James Sarpong (also US’94) sends career news: “It’s official. I decided to go solo and start my own law practice. I welcome all comments and suggestions.” E-mail: sarpongj@hotmail.com.

00 Jen (Buchholz, C’00) and Nate Dudley (C’01) announce the arrival of Amalia “Molly” Susan Dudley. She shares her name with her (alumna) maternal grandmother, Amalia “Mollie” (Belz, US’64, C’68) Buchholz. “There are eight babies on our block, so if you’re ever in our St. Louis neighborhood, stop by to play!” See picture.

05 Maylis (Rath, 1E’95-96) Ashley sends news: “We are still in Dresden, Ger-many, and have happily moved into a new apartment with lots of space for our daugh-ter Aiona to run around. The flat is near the city center and the Great Garden (park). Paul continues to work for a language school, teaching business English to man-agers all over Dresden and Saxony. I am at home now, working with different proj-ects, including teaching English to another mum, a Vietnamese boy, and a senior citi-zen, and teaching German to a Spanish lady. Some may pay in babysitting hours or with food. Mainly of course I enjoy watching Aiona running, dancing, singing — all with lots of energy. It is a special time, and she is our wonder. Please stop by to visit beautiful Dresden! Phone: 0351-31 90 657 or e-mail: sunshineddd@web.de.” See picture.

The Purpose reserves the right to edit news and photographs sent in for the “Keeping in Touch” sec-tion. Photographs of alumni are welcome. Wedding photos should be of the couple or of alumni at the wedding. Due to space constraints, the maximum space for large group photos is two columns wide by three inches high. Please e-mail, type, or print news clearly. Photos of children or babies may be used when they are pictured with their alumni parent or parents. We regret that photographs of poor quality or those which will not reproduce well in black and white cannot be used. Content appearing in the “Keep-ing in Touch” section does not necessarily reflect current programs, policies, or views of Principia.

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Write the Alumni Office at alum@prin.edu

Births1980–1989Diane (Cornell, US’83, C’87) and Rodney Figaro, a daughter, Sarah Natalie.

1990–1999Dina (Fleet, C91) and Wayne Berry, a son, Garcia Louis.Owen (US’93) and Tina Malcolm, a son, William Hayes.Jorie Stryker (C’96) and Jason Stryker, a daughter, Campbell Helen.Marilla (Dyck, US’94, C’98) and JR Colson, a son, Cooper James. Kristen (Lema, US’94) and Paul Fischer, a daughter, Ashlyn Alanna Fischer.Maylis (Rath, IE’95-96) and Paul Ashley, a daughter, Aiona Isabell.Julie (Bachmann, US’99) and Kyle Hartje, a daughter, Ruth Elizabeth.

2000–2007Jen (Buchholz, C’00) and Nate Dudley (C’01), a daughter, Amalia (“Molly”) Susan Dudley.Cynthia (Lambert, US’98, C’02) and Zach Flowers, a daughter, Eliva Kai.Eliza (Allen, US’99, C’03) and Byron Stewart (US’99, C03), a daughter, Avery Lauren.

Marriages1990–1999Katy Baird (US’94, C’98) to Michael Ivy in July 2006.Robin Morath (US’95, C’99) to James “JP” DiCicco (US’94, C’98) in November 2006.

2000–2007Jessica Mattson (C’04) to Tucker Fendon (C’05) in May 2006.Alaynne Wallin (C’05) to Gardiner Allen (US’97, C’01) in April 2007.

Robin (Morath, US’95, C’99) and James “JP” DiCicco (US’94, C’98) were married in November 2006 at Copper Mountain, Colo. Top row, from left: Nathan Schuette (C’00), Ray Master (US’92), Bruce Burton (C’67), James Rosebush (C’71). Middle row: Art Morath (US’94), Carol (Herrmann, C’73) Morath, Deborah (Lyeth, US,67, C’71) Master, Cherie (Lyeth, US’61, C’65) Burton. Front row: Tyler Raymond (US’93), Morgan (“Rebecca” US’95, C’99) Bondelid, Robin and JP, Jim DiCicco (C’71), Jervis DiCicco (C’01), and Jessica (Campbell, C’06) DiCicco.

Jessica (Mattson, C’04) and Tucker Fendon (C’05) married on a mountain peak in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., in May 2006.

Alaynne Wallin (C’05) married Gardiner Allen (US’97, C’01) in April at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis.

Dani (Lambert, US’98, C’02) Flowers posed with her baby daughter, Eliva Kai, and brother Alex Lambert (US’01, C’06) on Mother’s Day. Alex currently hails from Chicago, and Dani lives in Grafton, working in the Grafton and Godfrey, Ill., area as a hairdresser.

Katy Baird (US’94, C’98) married Michael Ivy in July 2006. See news item under C’98.

Anja (Steinlein, IE’89-90) and Guido Kaup with their two daughters, Sonja and Lara. See news item under C’90.

In memoriamDorothy Behrens Strickler (US’30)Waldine “Dean” Miller Lindquist (JC’30)N. Eugene Berven (JC’32)Ina Bryan Miller (US’34)John A. Newton (US’32, C’36)Dorothy Huey Hull (US’33, C’37)Thomas M. Judd (US’37)Donald S. Stebbins (US’37)LaVerne Nelson Smelker (C’37)Delos W. Nye (US’35, C’39)Amalia King Hinsdell (C’39)Wilma Bell Stufflebean (C’39)Charles L. Remington (US’39, C’43)George Bushnell Sr. (US’40)Jane Rutherford Essen (C’41) Eloise Young Shoemaker (C’41)Dorothy Drane Berthot (US’45)Gloria Siebens Freund (US’45)Rosemary Berven Johnson (JC’45)Janet Jennings Summers (US’46)Edward T. Wright (US’42, C’46)Christie Owen Erickson (US’46, C’50)Edna Smith Leutwiler (JC’47)Bart R. van Eck (C’47)Richard C. (Simon) Burgess (US’48)Bernice Barbour Rohrer (JC’49)L. Parker Freeman (C’49) Edson “Gene” Smith (C’49)Mansur Storrs (JC’49)Mildred Kater Leever (US’50)Charles L. Tyrrell (US’54, C’59)Theodore S. Williams (US’55)Diane W. Douglass (US’55, C’59)Donald I. Renau (C’58)Edward Litchfield (US’63, C’67) Marianne “Bunny” Dalrymple Russell (C’65)Nancy Rost Potter (C’66)Lindsay Lane Waldo (C’66)John A. S. Lane Jr. (US’62, C’67)Richard C. Halladay (C’67)John R. “Casey” Madigan (US’68)Charles K. “Ken” Cheezem Jr (US’69, C’73) Jeffrey D. Kidson (US’72, C’76)Louis J. (Fabian) Bohl-Fabian (US’73, C’77) William F. Nedell (US’74) Timothy D. Gillum (US’74, C’78)Bruce G. Wachtel (C’76)Wendy Peacock Wachtel (C’76)Christopher O. Jackson (US’77)Leslie London Cain (C’87)Timothy R. Colley (C’04)Roa M. Baur (former staff)Flora Park Stapleton Campbell (former staff)Louise C. Harsch (former staff)Nancy J. Sheets (former staff)

Save the Date for Principia College Alumni Reunion

July 10 – 13, 2008For alumni whose class year ends in 3, 4, 8, or 9

38 39

Unity of purpose with a diversity of settings and pro grams

Camps for Christian Sci en tists

fun with a spiritual splash

!

See 21 refreShing programS at:www.cedarscamps.org

(636) 394-6162Warren Huff, executive Director

Harrison, Maine

Camp Programs

Christian

Newfound &Owatonna

www.newfound-owatonna.com

for

Scientists

1.888.543.4849 orwww.adventureunlimited.org

M E A N W H I L E , B A C K AT

the ranches...

Opening Windows to God

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Join friends in Colorado this summer and open windows to God in your life! • Climb 14,000-foot peaks • Ride horses • Go rafting • Family and adult camp too • Leadership programs and more!

Sky Valley Ranch: 3rd–8th gradersRound-Up Ranch: 9th–12th graders

Your Annual Fund donations benefit and impact Principia students.

College soccer field night lighting | an annual fund project ’06–’07

Thank You

7/1/07 — 6/30/08

A gift that benefits both you and Principia

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Parent & Family, a Principia news-letter supporting all parents of children from birth through high school, is a unique blend of practical tips and metaphysical inspiration. One parent calls it “the best parenting advice I’ve gotten from anybody.”

A great gift idea for parents

Order a subscription today by calling 1-800-218-7746, ext. 3315

1 year – (3 issues) in U.S. $122 years – (6 issues) in U.S. $221 year – Canada and Mexico $131 year – All other countries $14

INSIDE:What Those Worries Are Really About

Ping-Pong Diplomacy Between Father and Son

Playgroup Corner: Hot and ColdSinging with Children

Winter 2005

Looking Back Over My ShoulderBy Bess Goodspeed

Principia Pre-School Director

In thinking about the job of parenting, from the time children arrived in our fam-ily until the time they were on their own, several points stand out as being very use-ful to us as parents.

Putting our children in God’s handsWhen our first child arrived, a friend shared an idea which we felt was notewor-

thy. She recommended that after we got thoroughly into the swing of caring for the human needs of this little one — feeding, diapering, rocking to sleep, etc. — that we step aside, take a walk around the block,

mentally if not physically, and pray to real-ize that this dear child had a direct line to her Father-Mother God, and that it was not through us, even though we of course had definite responsibilities.

This was a comforting concept to lean upon in our parenting years, when challenges came up as well as when we rejoiced over victories. An experience stands out from one daughter’s first week at col-lege. As we were driving her to orientation before classes began, I was reaching out for some Truth-thoughts to write down for her as a parting good-bye. She told us later

that she felt very lonely when we left. No roommates had arrived yet, and it was time to go down to dinner. Then she spied the little slips of paper we had left her and read, from the Bible (John 8:29), “he that sent

me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone.” Immediately all traces of homesick-ness vanished, and she happily went down to the dining room and made many new friends.

Give your children what you loveYou teach, directly or by example, the things you love to do, and that would include the things your family, immedi-ate or extended, loves to do together. The attraction of the children to your skill or talent is the love you have for it. The joy

The idea that gratitude makes you rich was a powerful lesson to us all and led to stamping out complaining.

From music to artwork to writing, children learn to love the activities they see their parents enjoying.

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Images of Principia 2008AN ANNUAL PROJECT OF THE PRINCIPIA PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

For Christmas delivery, orders must be received by December 3, 2007. Purchase through your local Principia Club, or order by sending your name, address, and check or money order to:

The Principia Parents’ Association 13201 Clayton Road St. Louis, MO 63131-1099, U.S.A.

THE PRINCIPIA CALENDAR FOR 2008

Proceeds support

scholarships,

special projects,

and equipment

for Principia

students.

Cost: $10.00 (U.S. dollars). For shipping and handling costs please add: 1 calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2.50 2–3 calendars . . . . . . . . . .$3.50 4–5 calendars . . . . . . . . . .$4.506–7 calendars . . . . . . . . . .$5.50

Principia Adult Continuing EducationA Lifetime of Whole Man Education

Come to Kaua’i for an Unlimited

Experience

December 2–7

Clark Beim-Esche • John Glen • Michael Hamilton

unfold the history, religion, and culture of the

islands in morning classes. Afternoons bring

helicopter flights, boating adventures, and guided

walks through tropical gardens.

www.prin.edu/pace or call 1-800-277-4648, ext. 2829 We’re always happy to hear from you!