Liz Gardner '83, who lives in Gill, MA, with her husband and two sons, has been a class correspondent (with Betsy Randolph '83) for 10 years. She was also a reunion program co-chair for her class's recent 20th reunion in May. Liz will be trading in her class correspondent role for that of vice president.

"Being a class correspondent has been a wonderful way for me to stay connected to my classmates-those I knew well at Exeter and those I didn't-and to keep them connected to each other and their Exeter experiences. I think that even though Exeter was a fairly tough place when we were there, the school has always encouraged people to be themselves in the best possible way. For me, being able to sense this at that particular stage in my life was critical: I was allowed to realize my strengths and forgive my weaknesses-to blossom-and do this within the structure I needed and with the knowledge that someone was watching out for me. I think one of Exeter's greatest strengths is its willingness to look at how it does things and to explore new ways of being. One of the benefits of volunteering for Exeter has been the chance to watch how the school has changed and become even stronger.

"My passion for community service grew out of experiencing key Exeter values in an atmosphere that was shaped by more than just intense academic and social pressures. These values were non sibi, and the importance of teaching goodness. Saying 'hello' on the paths, contributing around the Harkness table, listening to inspiring people in Assembly, being a proctor in the dorm-all of these experiences helped convey to me the expectation that I would participate in my community, that I was respected and cared for, and that I could (and should!) make a difference. When you approach teaching with this expectation of goodness and responsibility, you make people feel capable, connected and counted. This is what inspires them to go out in the world and make good things happen.

"As for my own community service, since leaving teaching and administrative work to raise my children, I have enjoyed bringing these Exeter values to their classrooms when I volunteer there, and to our life at home. To help bring my community together, I started a summer reading program and a story hour at our library, and I plan special library events for families, fund-raisers, and townwide cleanup efforts. The pleasure I find in all my volunteer work, including what I do for Exeter, comes from being part of a team working toward a common goal, and from building connections around experiences, places and people.

"At a reunion, there is an undeniable charge to being with old classmates and friends. We are reminded of what was, which keeps us connected to ourselves in some small way, but we also open our eyes to what is now. No one makes me laugh as hard; engages, inspires or challenges me as completely; or brings out my best as surely as my Exeter classmates do. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with and write about such interesting, warm, intelligent and funny people, people whom Exeter brought, and continues to bring, together. I'd do anything to stay in touch with them."

CALLING ALL SKIERS:

Exeter will be organizing a four-day ski weekend in Colorado or Utah in February 2004. All Exonians and guests are welcome to attend. For more information, or to help plan the event, please contact Tanna Clews in the alumni/ae affairs office at 603-777-3026 or tclews@exeter.edu. Further details will be posted online at http://phillips.exeter.edu as they become available.