Dear Saint David ’ s Community ,
“ With the right words , you can change the world .” *
Winnie Feng never likes to let a Saint David ’ s boy leave the Ferragamo Library without checking out a book . She will engage with each boy until she finds the title that sparks his interest . Throughout the years , she has instilled a love of reading in countless boys , providing them with one of life ’ s greatest gifts . Today , I write with the news that Winnie will be retiring from Saint David ’ s School this upcoming June .
Winnie ’ s relationship with Saint David ’ s began in 1995 when she and her husband Michael enrolled their son Andrew ’ 99 in the fifth grade . Their family was drawn to the music and arts program and the school ’ s focus on the good . While Andrew was a student , Winnie was a class rep and volunteered in the library for then-Upper School Librarian Thea Osborne . It was during this time that she set out to survey , create record groups , and organize Saint David ’ s nascent school archives from 6 linear feet of archival material to nearly 100 linear feet .
After her son ’ s graduation , Winnie returned to the school working part-time as the Upper School Assistant Librarian and Archivist . In 2020 , she was appointed Upper School Librarian . She has also served for over a decade as Co-Chair of the Alumni Parents Council , where she helped bring several memorable cultural events and speakers to the community , and as Chair of the Faculty Book Club for over 20 years .
Always innovative , Winnie introduced world literature books to the library collection , collaborated with catering services to include a “ themed dinner ” element for the Faculty Book Club , successfully incorporated On-Demand library research classes , and , during the pandemic , she and Lower School Librarian Gretchen King migrated the library online , providing access to over 20,000 books . Knowing that boys love games and competition , she encouraged student-driven activities that promote reading , most recently , the Fourth Grade Reading Derby .
Winnie treasures the relationships she has developed with the boys throughout their Upper School years . On recent return visits to Saint David ’ s , several alumni sought her out to say hello and reminisce . “ I love being able to influence the boys in a positive way . I will miss the interaction with the boys , my colleagues , and the book clubs ,” she said .
The quotation at the top of this letter is one of Winnie ’ s favorite author quotes . It demonstrates the power of the written word - in whatever format - to effect change for the good , and is indicative of Winnie ’ s philosophy in life . Looking ahead , she plans to devote more time to her philanthropy work , travel abroad , meditate between her two pianos , enjoy her grandchildren , and perhaps write a children ’ s book or two . We thank Winnie for her more than 20 years of distinguished service to Saint David ’ s , wish her every happiness in the years to come , and look forward to celebrating her at our Spring Reunion on Wednesday , June 12 , 2024 .
* E . B . White , Charlotte ’ s Web
~ Dr . O ’ Halloran ’ s letter to the community , April 2024