Founder's Day 2020

For the past 113 years, Newman has celebrated Founder’s Day in some form. It was not until this year that the campus closing prevented the School from assembling in on place to commemorate the occasion. However, through efforts of our dedicated organizers – and a bit of technology – we were able to join together online for the first-ever virtual Founder’s Day.

The tradition of Founder’s Day began on February 28, 1907, in honor of Mr. Newman’s 70th birthday. Throughout the years, it has taken many forms and evolved over time. At first it was separated by division, and later it became an all-school assembly to honor Mr. Newman’s legacy and an occasion to honor faculty for years of service, present the Stephen B. Lemann Faculty Awards, and announce other special awards. This special day has gone uninterrupted by two world wars, the Great Depression, and the devastation of Katrina, and despite our current crisis, we have continued the tradition with this year’s event.

As students, faculty, and staff joined the videoconference session, a slideshow played, featuring previous Founder’s Day moments set to music by the Newman Upper School Band. Head of School Dale Smith began the program with a few comments on how maintaining traditions in the face of change is a hallmark of Newman’s strength and resilience. He also took a moment to recognize our students who are helping others in many ways through community service. He also reflected on the service of Peter Sperling, who is in his third and final year as the Chair of Newman’s Board of Governors, thanking him for his steadfast guidance and participation in the community as a Newman supporter, parent, leader, and friend.

Finally, Mr. Smith shared a message for our seniors, whose final months on campus at Newman were cut short, saying, “I understand that the spring of your senior year is not what you envisioned. I want you to know how important you are to our School, and how much we appreciate you. You have set the tone for the year and have led our school admirably in meaningful ways. I am most impressed by your kindness to one another your and your care for your soon to be alma mater. Thanks for being such great role models for our younger students.”    

Then, as we do every year on this special day, Newman honored faculty and staff for their dedication to our School by presenting certificates for years of service in increments of five. We also awarded Stephen B. Lemann Awards for outstanding faculty in each division. The Lemann Award recipient for Green Trees Early Childhood Village is Ms. Kaitlyn Mercadel; the recipient for Lower School is Ms. Mia Kaplan.; the recipient for Middle School is Mr. Jordan Daniels; and the recipient for Upper School is Mr. Randall Zell.

This year we also had the pleasure of awarding the David L. Stone Chair for Distinguished Teachers to Mr. Patrick Mahoney. Announcing the appointment, Head of School Dale M. Smith remarked that Mr. Mahoney consistently exemplifies Newman’s Mission and sets his expectations high while supporting his students as they strive for those heights.

As always, the celebration concluded with the alma mater. Founder’s Day is a beloved and storied tradition at Newman, an occasion each year to celebrate our Founder, our School, and the people who make it special. Happy Founder’s Day!

Click here or on the video player below to view a slideshow from the event.