NMH celebrates beginning of academic year, dedication of Bolger House

On Sunday, September 6, 2009, in Memorial Chapel, Northfield Mount Hermon officially began its 131st academic year. NMH Board of Trustees member Janet Irving and Head of School  Thomas K. Sturtevant welcomed students and faculty. In his address to the community, Sturtevant quoted British historian Arnold J. Toynbee. “’Growth takes place wherever a challenge evokes a successful response that, in turn, evokes a further and different challenge.

“’We have not found any intrinsic reason why this process should not repeat itself indefinitely.’”

 Sturtevant also referred to the work of Carol Dwek, Stanford University psychology professor. In her book Mindset, she refers to the power and potential of adopting a “growth mindset” over a “fixed mindset.” The growth mindset allows for success and change without constructing boundaries based on preset ideas of limited abilities and possibilities.

Sveltana Kobsteva ‘10 delivered a moment of silence. Christopher  R. Caruso ’10 delivered the Spade Oration. Following the ceremony, the school officially dedicated the Bolger House, the new admission building for which David F. Bolger  ’50 gave the naming gift.

• See Opening Convocation photos.
• See Bolger House dedication photos.