Winnie chaired the Faculty Book Club for more than 20 years .
“ During the sixth and most of the seventh grades , I would visit Mrs . Feng ’ s library consistently . Her seemingly endless knowledge of books made her one of the most incredible people to talk to ,” says Lucas S . ’ 24 . “ Even more than that , however , was her palpable kindness , which could be felt nearly everywhere in the building . The library in Saint David ’ s is one of the most special places in the world for me , however , a lot of that has to be credited to Mrs . Feng .”
And , as fellow faculty member and long-time book club participant Catherine Milligan notes ,“ Winnie has inspired readers of all ages through the book club , Chapel talks , curation for projects , and mentoring of boys individually and in groups . She has been a crucial motivation and model for keeping curiosity and conversation going through a diverse range of texts and topics .”
Chapter Three : Chair of the Faculty Book Club “ May the tradition continue .”
Winnie formalized the Faculty Book Club , which she chaired for more than 20 years . Here , too , she introduced world literature , and a greater representation of voices and perspectives . She also incorporated the themed dinner element . A discussion of Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy featured Indian food ; and a gathering about Erik Larson ’ s Dead Wake ; The Last Crossing of the Lusitania was accompanied by a dinner based on a menu from the Lusitania .
While the book club entails energetic discussions about character , plot , and theme , it is also a celebration of community , a way for faculty and staff to learn more about each other . Fostering an inclusive community was always part of the book club framework that Winnie developed .
“ When I think of the book club , I think of Winnie and the ABC ’ s ,” says faculty member Victor Franklin . “ She is Attentive - every detail will be covered . She is a Beacon who makes sure the light shines on everyone , and she is Charitable - will do whatever it takes for you to read and / or get the book .” Winnie ’ s favorite discussion was The Gentleman from Moscow . Her last book club as chair , a discussion about Richard Powers ’ Bewilderment , was one of the group ’ s largest to date , with 26 people in attendance .
Chapter Four : Alumni Parents Council Co-Chair “ I love the relationships I ’ ve formed with the boys , faculty and staff , and fellow alumni parents .”
The first ever Alumni Parents Council Cultural event in 2008 , a tour of the Met ’ s Khmer Court followed by a reception on the museum ’ s terrace , was sponsored by Winnie and her husband Michael . An active member of the Council from its inception , in 2016 she became its co-chair with Annie Haddad , mother of Caleb ’ 09 , and Blaise ’ 12 , who also formerly served as Saint David ’ s nurse .
“ Having known Winnie as a fellow Saint David ’ s parent , school librarian to my boys , and staff colleague for many years , I am honored to work with her as Co-Chair of the APC ,” says Annie . “ Aside from appreciating Winnie ’ s exquisite taste in art , reading , and culture , I value her amiability , kindness , discretion , and generosity . It is a pleasure to call her a friend as well as a colleague !”
Throughout the years , the APC , through its lecture series , cultural events , and book clubs conducted in collaboration with the school ’ s
Summer 2024 • 11