Reflecting on a Decade

The first time I wrote one of these notes from the editor, it was exactly ten years ago, for the fall 2015 issue of The Lawrentian. As thrilled as I was to take the helm of this publication, I was also a bit apprehensive about being the mediator of the many stories that emerge from Lawrenceville, both on campus and from our alumni. I had a lot to learn in a short time.

I’ve always said that it was to my advantage that my first cover story was a profile on Lawrenceville’s new head of school, Steve Murray H’54 ’55 ’63 ’65 ’16 P’16 ’21. I say that because although I wasn’t yet steeped in Lawrenceville’s past and present, I was able to present a subject not many of you knew much about, either. And by the time the next issue was published, I had my sea legs under me.

I sensed early on that Lawrenceville was a welcoming community, and I’ve certainly seen that reveal itself again and again over this past decade. What friends I’ve made! What fascinating people I have met, interviewed, and written about! It’s all been better and more rewarding than I imagined — and my expectations were pretty high! I’m a lucky guy.

This has been an interesting year. For one thing, I’m struggling a bit to type this out, with my right arm in a bulky abduction sling as I recover from shoulder surgery. It’s a bit awkward, but it’s also temporary. More permanent was an honor I received this past spring when the Class of 1965 welcomed me as an honorary member during its 60th reunion at Alumni Reunion Weekend. Although I questioned the class members’ selectivity, I also commended the class for camouflaging me behind a group of truly worthy inductees that includes Jacqi Haun H’65, our senior archivist, with whom I’ve worked closely to present the “Ask the Archivist” section in every issue; Pete DeVine H’65 P’22, our chief operations officer who has shepherded the physical transformation of our campus; and my former colleague Liz Casey H’65 ’66 ’92 P’21 ’24, who is as “Lawrenceville” as just about anyone.

It was also extremely gratifying in July for The Lawrentian to receive two golds from CASE, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, which sets the standard in this business, in its annual Circle of Excellence Awards. Our magazine was one of just eight finalists for CASE’s Robert Sibley Magazine of the Year honors, across all levels from independent schools to universities worldwide. In my very first letter to you ten years ago, I concluded by saying, “With your help, I look forward to steering The Lawrentian into a very engaging future.” Right from the start, you have answered that call, and I am in your debt. Thank you.

All the best,

Sean Ramsden H’65
Editor
sramsden@lawrenceville.org