the academy journal
Chancellor’s Report
The Rt. Rev Brian Keith
T
he 2016-17 school year was filled with many
steps forwards, and the usual challenges that
are to be expected for any educational institu-
tion. Perhaps the most notable highlight is the
dedication of the administrators, faculty and staff
in delivering New Church education to usually
affirmative students. What happens in the inter-
actions of these key players is an almost magical
development of minds, intellectually, artistically,
athletically, emotionally and spiritually. The Lord
is present here and working wonders.
On the organizational side, Brent McCurdy was
elected as vice-chair of the Board. Charlie Cole
had admirably served in this role for four years
and we owe him a debt of gratitude for this. All
newly elected Board members are incumbents:
Andrew Alden, Brett Heinrichs, Brian Klippen-
stein, Charles Lindsay, Susan McGrath and Joseph
Seckelman. New Corporation members: Shaun
Buss, Sean Connelly, David Cooper, Kyle Gen-
zlinger, Leslie Horigan, Travis Lindsay, Catherine
McQueen and Wayne Wadsworth. We welcome
them on board and look forward to the impact
they will make.
In addition to the many contributions, both
financial and volunteer time, people make to the
Academy each year, we were blessed with the gift
of the Michael and Geneva Pitcairn property. This
34 acre plot of land borders the northern boundary
of the historic district and the Huntingdon Valley
Pike. A committee is studying its potential uses,
in harmony with the historic district. The Board
also completed an extensive re-examination of our
gift trust policy to ensure that the donors’ intent is
always honored.
An exciting new program has been developed
by the college and secondary schools. In the 2017-
18 school year, there will be a dual enrollment pro-
gram, with college professors teaching high school
students who will receive both advanced credit
and college credit. Secondary school students will
benefit from the academic challenge and possibly
reduced time and cost of college, the Secondary
Schools will find this to be an attractive recruiting
tool, and the college is likely to see more Academy
Secondary School students enroll in the future.
The College and Secondary Schools continue
their excellence in education. The college has be-
gun a full-blown building arts program (metal
working, stained glass, etc.) and anticipates the
largest enrollment in history. The secondary
schools have updated their strategic planning, to
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