"We prepare students to engage in the world that is and to help bring about a world that ought to be."
Judy Anderson '66 | Teaching Generations of Kindergarteners at Friends
What do you recall about your first day at Friends Seminary?
I attended Friends from 1963-66 in my tenth through twelfth grades. On my first day, I recall meeting all my new classmates and some of my teachers. There was a small group of us who were entering in 10th grade, having come from different public schools. The rest of the class had been together since Kindergarten so they were a rather tight-knit group with lots of shared memories. I soon began making friends and joined groups like the folk singing club. I was well on my way to becoming an integrated member of the class.
Who is your favorite teacher of all time?
Dr. Earle Hunter with whom I studied Comparative Religion and Modern European History. He made these subjects come alive for me, and we had many provocative discussions as a class. I also wish to mention Harrison Sudborough with whom I studied German. We had a lot of fun in Herr Sudborough's class where each of us took on another name/identity for the purposes of practicing dialogue. I was Giselle. I learned quite a lot of German, and when I went to college, I chose to continue my German studies, reading books by Kafka ("Die Verwandlung') and Thomas Mann ("Der Tod in Venedig").
What has been the most memorable experience of your FS career?
I have three! Being present for the opening of the "new, 1964 building," now called the Hunter Hall building. In my Junior year, our class was one of the first High School classes to use this wonderful new facility, and it was very exciting! I was recently honored (in October 2019) to be one of only two faculty members to participate with Bo Lauder and others in the ribbon-cutting for the current new construction.
In my senior year, I remember wearing a pair of the prized Angel's wings when we sang Handel's Messiah in the Christmas Pageant.
Lastly, I remember my graduation in June, 1966 and how proud my parents were of me.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Retired and enjoying my family including my amazing grandchildren who will be teenagers by then. I also plan to become involved in my community and my Temple in new ways through volunteerism.
Who are your heroes?
Joan Sutherland — an Australian and one of the greatest opera singers of all time! Not only did she have a beautiful coloratura, soprano voice, but she was known for being a very humble and kind person which is rare in the operatic world. I had the good fortune of meeting her backstage at the Metropolitan Opera House as a young girl, and I remember her telling me that I had the cheekbones of an opera singer. I have her autographed picture hanging above my piano.
My mother — Ruth R. Adams — my support and inspiration for most of my life until her death in 2013. She shared her wisdom with me, gave me unconditional love and helped guide me along my life's path to becoming a teacher. She is always with me as is my father, James Clifford Adams.
Jane Suntken — my dear friend and teaching colleague at Friends for 29 years. These were golden years and I cherish them. I learned so much from Jane about teaching and life values. We have a deep and lasting relationship and keep each other in our hearts and minds. Jane's teaching legacy is always present in my work with my students. Her motto is, "Children may forget what you taught them but not how you made them feel."
My husband — Dan Anderson, my partner and love of my life. We have had many exciting adventures together during our long marriage and have raised our son, Evan, who, with his wife, Rebecca, has given us two wonderful grandchildren. Dan supports me and his family in every way, taking care of our grandchildren and never expecting anything in return. He has also served many years on our school board and has made many positive changes for the children in our public school system.
What do you value most?
Kindness, helping others, and trying to be the best person you can be.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My lengthy career at Friends where I have successfully worked with many students and continue to learn and grow.
Which Quaker value speaks to you?
Integrity
What is the quality you most admire in a student or colleague?
Honesty and passion for teaching and learning.
Friends Seminary actively promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in all its programs and operations, including admissions, financial aid, hiring, and all facets of the educational experience. To form a community which strives to reflect the world’s diversity, we do not discriminate on the basis of race or color, religion, nationality, ethnicity, economic background, physical ability, sex, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Friends Seminary is an equal opportunity employer.
Friends Seminary — the oldest continuously operated, coeducational school in NYC — serves college-bound day students in Kindergarten-Grade 12.
