Our High School Alumni Symposium kicked off Earth Day with each of our panelists sharing their views on our theme of Innovation, Sustainability and Entrepreneurship. Alumni described how their creative thinking skills and sense of moral responsibility were honed during their time at our School and how it led them to devote their lives to improving the world in various ways. Richard Schuhmann Ph.D. ’77, the president of The Landing School, moderated the general alumni panel focusing on innovation in our complex and changing world. This was followed by smaller break-out sessions with High School students where the alumni lead more in-depth discussions about their education and professional paths . See photos from the symposium here.  After lunch, our High School students viewed Before the Flood, a film created by National Geographic, with Leonardo Di Caprio, which examines the topic of climate change. After the film they proceeded outdoors to work on projects throughout the campus.

During the Symposium general panel discussion, Jovana Florus ’03 explained that, “most of my time at Waldorf I was encouraged to challenge why things were done a certain way. The confidence I developed in asking questions certainly carried onward in my college and professional career as a Quality Engineering Manager.” This ability to question as well as her innovative way of thinking supported her as she fearlessly approached new projects and opportunities moving from a focus on law to taking engineering classes in college, and eventually landing her first job out of college at Microsoft.

The Symposium also included the exciting unveiling of our newest video, Sense of Wonder, Which you can see below.

Development Director, Marjorie Jean-Paul summed up the morning by saying, “It was fantastic having our alumni back to share their experiences and to connect with current students.  The alumni shared a number of “pearls” of knowledge for the benefit of the students and parents present. Each of the alumni represents the impact a well-rounded Waldorf education has beyond graduation.”

Thank you to our generous alumni for taking the time to share your lives with us.