Scholar-in-Residence

Quaker luminary Arthur Larrabee, Friends Seminary’s 2016-2017 Visiting Scholar, led a series of stimulating classroom discussions, insightful clerking workshops and passionate lectures throughout the week of October 23. In the classroom, he was interviewed by Grade 4 students about what it means to be a Quaker, commented on the nature of civil discourse in this election season with Grade 7, and discussed Quakerism’s connection to social justice with Grade 12 history students. Between class visits, Arthur hosted four clerking workshops for faculty, staff and students. He also lead a discussion with new Friends parents about Quakerism.

 

In his public lecture, “Illuminating the Quaker Heart of a Friends School,” held in the Meetinghouse on October 27, Arthur shared stories from his life and connected them to the essential elements of a Quaker school. He said, “A Quaker school will help to lay the foundation for a moral and ethical life, and help its students cultivate an appreciation for the spiritual dimensions of life.” He added, “It is the experience of Quakers that when we open ourselves up to it, spirit can deepen and enrich our lives, lead us to desirable outcomes, make us better human beings, and make the world a better place.”

 

Friends is grateful to Arthur for his generosity of spirit and his thoughtful engagement with our community. In his introduction of Arthur before the lecture, Academic Dean Will Hopkins said of Arthur, “Through continued sharing of wisdom, his work as a Quaker leader has helped many school communities become better versions of themselves.” Friends Seminary is fortunate to count ourselves among those communities touched by Arthur’s wisdom as we continue to “prepare students to engage in the world that is and to help bring about a world that ought to be.”