Dear University Families,
This, our 25th year, has been a wonderful reminder that University is a place where lives converge. We talked at our final assembly about “dots on the timeline”—the idea that every person, every moment, every story becomes part of the school’s larger arc. In this milestone year, we saw just how many of those dots have shaped who we are.
We felt it during Commencement as we honored the 80 members of the Class of 2025. They are thinkers, creators, leaders, and friends. They are Trailblazers in every sense of the word. They were accepted to 173 different schools and will attend 46 colleges and universities across the United States and abroad. Together, they earned over $18 million in merit-based scholarships. They are National Merit Finalists and Commended Students, a Purdue Lilly Scholar, a state champion in playwriting, collegiate athletes, DECA competitors, and student researchers. And more than anything, they are people who have left their mark on University through their work, their joy, and their care for one another.
We also felt it this year as we remembered our Founding Head of School, Chuck Webster. Chuck’s vision made this place possible, and his values continue to guide us. So much of what we love about University, the relationships, the trust, the joy in learning, began with him. As we celebrated our 25th year, we felt his presence in every tradition, in every shared laugh, and in the sense of purpose that orders our days.
This community continues to grow and evolve because of the people in it. Whether you volunteered, attended a performance or a sporting event, or were one of the 87% of families who supported the U Fund, you added your own dot to our timeline this year. Thank you.
As we look ahead to the next chapter, we hope you’ll join us for our Welcome Back Celebration on Sunday, August 10 from 4–6 p.m. We’ll gather as a full community to kick off the year and continue the story we’re building together.
This summer’s all-school read is connected to our upcoming January Term theme, and we’re kicking things off by listening to a podcast together. Join us in tuning in to Caterpillar Roadshow—it would be perfect for a road trip or summer evening listen. We hope it sparks curiosity and reflection as we get ready for another year of learning together.
With gratitude,
Alicia LaMagdeleine
Head of School