By Krista Daly
As women have graduated from Westridge School in Pasadena, many said their experience as students there have made them who they are today.
“Westridge provides people such an incredible experience,” said Susan Bowers, interim director of Advancement. “It’s such a meaningful time in their lives.”
It’s no wonder hundreds of women showed up to the annual Alumnae Day on Friday. They came to reconnect with former classmates, make new friends and visit the campus they once called home.
“It’s been a wonderful lifelong inspiration,” said Cheri Colby Langdell, class of 1962.
Everyone at Westridge School, she said, always encouraged her to pursue the things that made her happy. It also went beyond the academic realm and promoted the arts.
“(Westridge) shaped me to know that it’s not only ok, but it is the right thing to be yourself…and to explore your likes,” added Andrea Mills, class of 1972.
Mills is currently on the Alumnae Board.
Nancy Ennis Follett, also known as Ophelia, also gives Westridge School for Girls credit for how her life turned out.
Since graduating in 1959, she has followed the Westridge motto of “Surgere Tentamus,” meaning We Strive to Rise. Follett is the 30th recipient of the Mary Lowther Ranney Distinguished Alumna Award, which honors an alumna whose life embodies the motto.
“It is absolutely thrilling,” she said.
“It’s the most thrilling thing to ever happen to me,” she added stating that that really means something considering her life.
Follett said she wasn’t intimidated that most heads of school were male, and she founded The Dolphin School in the United Kingdom, initially teaching English, History, Latin, Greek and Classics.
“The spark for all of this was lit by Rosemary Lonergan,” she said giving thanks to one of her teachers at Westridge.
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