Retiring Faculty
Lenna Dower Member of the faculty, 1973–2012
Anne Foley Member of the faculty, 1987–2012
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assing by Lenna Dower’s seventh-grade classroom, you might hear her say “Confucius said, ‘I want you to be everything that’s you, deep at the center of your being.’” This statement epitomizes Lenna’s values. She has served as a supreme mentor and teacher to many students and faculty during her 39 years at Milton. In her 22 years as head of Hathaway House, Lenna gave selflessly of her own life and that of her family members—Rick, Lara and Graham. As Middle School head and revered history teacher, she changed the curriculum to include more of world cultures. Most of all, Lenna valued listening to students. This was her way of showing them how to find their center. Day or night, she had time for the girls to talk to her, even instituting what she termed “good nights” at Hathaway House, when students could vent the day’s highlights or lowlights as they chatted after check-in. During vacations, she often shared her home with boarding students. To this day, Lenna receives numerous Mother’s Day cards from former students. Captivator of students’ minds and hearts for thousands of hours, it is only fitting that one senior spoke of her ability to magically “turn middle schoolers into high schoolers.” Lenna’s magic is well crafted. Current and former students often lurk around her doorway waiting for classes to end so they can hang out in the safety of her classroom for comfort and good conversation. Lenna never believed that talking with a student was time wasted; in fact, she believed it was the ultimate way for a student to learn to “Dare to be true.”
70 Milton Magazine
Modeling the concept of being true to oneself, Lenna journeyed by herself across the United States at age 60. She drove her van down Route 66, stopping as the mood struck her. When she spoke about this trip to middle schoolers, she spoke from experience: “to find true happiness, you have to find yourself.” The kids absorbed her wisdom and marveled at how this “older woman” could have done this trip on her own. Lenna made it seem simple. Lenna, you have always shown us who you are at the “center of your being.” You have changed Milton by deepening our center. Your wisdom and deeds will always be with us. We thank you. Laurel Starks, Middle School Faculty
ust like the North Star, Anne Foley is trusted, steady and constant. A number of constellations circle around her: students, faculty and library colleagues, and family members. We have all been the beneficiaries of the tireless and conscientious manner in which Anne performs her duties. We have seen her retrieving a wayward piece of trash to beautify the campus. We have noticed her at sporting events and performances, supporting her advisees or former students. Slouching or goofing off when Anne is around is difficult; instead, trying a little harder is easier, because of her example. Former public school teachers Anne and Ed Foley arrived at Milton with two young sons in 1969. From faculty wife, Anne has gone on to serve in many capacities. Between 1983 and 1987, the Foley family (grown to six children) lived in Forbes House. Anne took over as house head for the School’s summer programs. In 1986, Anne returned to teaching. An inveterate reader and bibliophile, Anne has worked in Cox Library since 1987. She became a full-time librarian in 1992. Anne has been responsible for cataloging the incoming Upper School books; creating our book lists; and running the book fair each May. Anne developed our Middle School program with its dedicated young-adult collection and class library visits. She completes each task in her careful and unflappable way. Anne will give an honest opinion in a way that exudes both competence and caring.
Anne has nurtured four groups of advisees through the Upper School and sponsored senior projects. She has consistently participated in SEED discussion groups, chauffeured for the Community Service Program, and served on committees for the independent school librarians’ organization. The amazing thing is that Anne retains knowledge of who served with her. She can explain exactly how things were done at various stages, and remember precisely when and why they were modified. Luckily, Anne leaves some descendants among us, which surely means that she will be back on campus to see daughter Meg in admission, grandson Sam moving up to Class IV, and grandson Andrew at Milton Academy Children’s Center. Meanwhile, Anne will shine like the North Star, guiding us to become our best selves. Diane Pierce-Williams, Cox Librarian and Archivist