Professional Community Members Explore Passions Through Annual Enrichment Grants
Each year, professional community members at Rivers apply for enrichment grants to fund travel or experiences that offer personal fulfillment. This donor-supported program is separate from professional development, and proposed experiences may be unrelated to an individual’s professional field. Experiences typically occur during the summer break and are meant to invigorate professional community members by enabling them to explore their passions and bring their learning back to campus.
Director of Development Operations Inger Karlsson P’27, ’29, ’32, a member of the enrichment grant selection committee, spoke about the program at the professional community’s opening meetings at the end of the summer. Recipients Cathy Favreau, Lucas Malo, and Julia Auster-Hogan ’06 then presented reflections and key learnings from their grant experiences.
“Irish days are long in the summer, and I hiked and swam and explored old structures free of schedules and WiFi,” shared Favreau, who teaches Latin in the Middle School and creates the costumes and props for Rivers’ theater productions.
“It was time to think, to plan new projects, and to be inspired by the beauty of the place and unexpected treasures like a Neolithic burial tomb on the Burren, a knitting group on the Aran Islands, and scenic drives through mountains and along oceans,” she said.
Malo, director of community engagement, explained that appreciation for individual trees was a theme in his travels to California with his family this summer. “I find comfort in trees. Whether it’s sitting on a rope swing; lying in a hammock; climbing on branches; looking at the textures of leaves, needles, and bark; laying in the shade; or exploring how light radiates through branches and how, around the world, trees each provide a special purpose,” he said. “As I reflect on my love of single trees, I feel it’s truly connected to my belief that one person and one action can make a change in their community and deserves recognition.”
Malo concluded, “This enrichment experience not only allowed me to experience natural beauty and art, but also promoted wellness and self-care at a time when my family and I needed it. We took moments to pause, reflect, laugh, and simply be together in a space where cellphone use was limited and we needed to depend on each other.”
Auster-Hogan, Middle School French and drama teacher, spoke about her experience taking piano lessons at RSC over the summer as a complete novice. She noted the many parallels between learning a language and learning to read and play music.
“Being back in such a beginner position was an exercise in empathy for my students,” she said. “I will call on these memories throughout the year when my students freeze, falter, and even fail, and I hope to be able to help them just a little bit better.”
The presentations at opening meetings had a special guest: Joan Walter P’87, ’89, a life trustee of The Rivers School, supporter of the enrichment grant program, and supporter of RSC.
“It was wonderful to have Joan join us for the enrichment grant presentations,” said Teresa Harris, director of stewardship and prospect management, after the event. “Joan has been a loyal supporter of the program for many years, and having her there to hear firsthand what these experiences mean to the professional community was so special.”
The enrichment grant segment at opening meetings also included the announcement that the grant program is expanding, thanks to Walter’s support: Beginning this year, RSC professional community members will also be eligible to apply for grants.
In her remarks, Karlsson encouraged the professional community to start thinking about grant ideas for next year and concluded, “It is always a highlight of the year for me, being part of this joyful process and learning about the talents and interests of our colleagues.”
This summer’s recipients and the purpose of their grants:
- Julia Auster-Hogan ’06, Middle School French and drama teacher: Taking piano lessons at RSC.
- Diane DeVore P’22, librarian and Middle School drama teacher: Attending live theater performances in London’s West End and Stratford-upon-Avon.
- Cathy Favreau P’22, Middle School Latin teacher and theater production prop/costume designer: Exploring Ireland through castles, nature, and craft.
- Ben Leeming P’17, ’19, ’21, ’23, Upper School history teacher and department chair: Accessing rare books and manuscripts in the great libraries of London, Madrid, and Milan.
- Lucas Malo, director of community engagement: Exploring nature and art in Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park.
- Jill McCulley, Middle School Spanish teacher: Traveling to Greece to learn about Greek mythology, history, food, culture, and language.
- Gretchen Nash, Upper School ceramics teacher: Visiting the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast in Donegal, Ireland.
- Katy Palmer, accounts payable coordinator: Pursuing historical study, cultural engagement, and environmental learning in Ireland.
- Kate Pistel, associate director of admission: Completing a famous long-distance backpacking route that navigates Mont Blanc through France, Italy, and Switzerland.
- Theresa Reddish, business office manager: Attending a healing and wellness retreat in the Berkshires.
- Anne Tuomey, director of financial aid and associate director of admission: Enrolling in baking boot camp at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley.
- Sam Vandergrift, Middle School math teacher: Spending extended, immersive time in and around Acadia National Park.
- Jacob Werrick ’16, assistant athletic director and boys’ varsity basketball head coach: Visiting Rivers alums playing professional basketball in Barcelona.
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