The Big Question

I believe future generations should carry forward the concept that there is more to Lawrenceville than concentrating on getting admitted to a top college. The Class of 1948 learned that “[T]he duty of the school […] is to make character training preeminent in its program. By personal example, by definite ethical instruction, by emphasis on real religion, […] by severity in the treatment of chronic dishonesty of any sort, the school must devote itself wholeheartedly to the making of trustworthy citizens.” So wrote the greatly respected master in English, Frederick J. V. Hancox, in The Lawrentian issued June 1948 – our graduation.
Warren Schneider ’48

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When sitting around the Harkness tables, we would discuss issues where I often held a preconceived notion and of course, thought I knew the “correct” answer. I was always amazed to learn that there were other reasonable opinions from others around the table, and that my answer was not always well developed.

Active listening has helped me avoid a lot of unnecessary backtracking on those decisions and discontent among those I led. I believe that a lot of public discord in the U.S. and around the world could be decreased if others had learned a similar lesson during their upbringing and education.
Mark G. Kortepeter ’79 P’11

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Money doesn’t equal happiness. I was extremely fortunate to receive a full-ride scholarship to Lawrenceville. But when I arrived on campus, it didn’t take me long to realize that many of my peers from very wealthy families weren’t very happy at all.

I’m sure there were a lot of reasons for their distress. And my sense is that society these days continues to emphasize money and gain over happiness and connection.

This isn’t a new lesson. Chief Seattle famously warned us that, “Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize that we cannot eat money.”

I applaud Lawrenceville for listening to students in crafting its new Vision Statement for “House, Harkness, Heart.” I hope it helps prioritize love and support over the pursuit of wealth.”
Jon Krieg ’81

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Try everything at least once. I studied German (because Dutch wasn’t offered) and ended up as an exchange student in Bavaria. I was enlisted (on one day’s notice) as a fill-in actor for the Lower School plays, and that launched decades of great joy in the theater.

By contrast, I tried out as a lacrosse goalie once, and it was the longest, most horrific two hours of my young life.

But you’ve gotta try.
Rob Reinalda ’76

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The lesson of perseverance — sticking with the plan and not folding. Lawrenceville visibly honors its 25-year-plus teachers, all of whom set a lifelong example of respect for their students by staying at the School to provide generational continuity. You can make a real difference over time by becoming exceptional at your job and carrying on the commitments and traditions that serve your community.
Ross M. Burkhardt ’58

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Tell us your answer to “The Big Question”

In every issue of The Lawrentian, we’ll pose a question to you, and then run selected responses in the next issue. So, put on your Harkness hats and let us know:

“What is the most consequential speech delivered in American history?”

Please send your answers to Sean Ramsden, editor of The Lawrentian, at sramsden@lawrenceville.org.