From President Nancy Patton
s our scholars enjoy their summer months at home with their families, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news about staffing, Board additions and program changes underway at Guilford ABC.
Please join me in welcoming Judy Wright, who started in July as our new part-time Program Coordinator. Judy brings a deep understanding of our program, having served as a Board Co-President, Academic Advising Committee Chair, academic advisor and Student Selection Committee member, among other roles. She is a natural fit for this new position. As Program Coordinator, Judy will handle administrative tasks, serve as the primary point of contact for scholars’ families and the community, manage program records and help to oversee staff positions. Her work will relieve the burden on some key Board positions and, importantly, allow the Board to transition back from a Co-President to a single President model.
At its June meeting, the Board approved three new members: Wendy Ward will serve as academic advisor to our new incoming sophomore; Janet Cronin-Rumanoff will join our House and Grounds Committee; and Beth Fecko-Curtis will join our Student Selection Committee. Their expertise and energy will be a valuable addition to the program! I’d like to thank Ann Street, who has transitioned from the Board to an Advisory Board position after her long tenure as House and Grounds Committee Chair, during which she oversaw substantial upgrades to the facilities.
In program news, the Board has decided to modify Host Family visits to restore some downtime for our busy scholars and to continue to attract Guilford families to make this meaningful commitment. Starting this Fall, scholars will visit their host families for one overnight instead of two, seven times throughout the school year. This change will free up a Saturday night and Sunday about once a month, allowing our scholars to do an activity together and plan for their busy week ahead.
These developments represent an important step forward in strengthening the support structure for our scholars while keeping their experience at the center of everything we do. Together with our Resident Director, Lynn Prendergast, the Board remains focused on providing our scholars the opportunity for an outstanding academic and community-living experience.
Thank you for your continued support and belief in our mission and
the promising futures of the students we serve. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Guilford ABC 