"We prepare students to engage in the world that is and to help bring about a world that ought to be."
Joyce McCray
Minute of Appreciation
Joyce McCray
Principal 1977-1989
Principal Emerita
In Children of Light, the history of Friends Seminary written during Joyce's tenure, author Nancy Reid Gibbs '78 observes that: "(Joyce's) understanding of the Seminary seemed so sophisticated, because in some way she was a part of each of its constituencies. She was herself a parent. In her curiosity she was always a student; to those who learned from her she was a teacher." Upon meeting her for the first time back in 1993, the School's 35th principal, Robert (Bo) Lauder, declared that "Joyce was the force of nature that everyone said she was! Indeed Joyce's warm and engaging personality, sense of humor and sense of good will -- have made her many things to many people. Her keen intelligence, her vision and wisdom, made her one of Friends Seminary's most distinguished leaders. During her tenure as the School's 33rd principal, she ushered in the School's third century -- raising Friends Seminary to new heights while upholding the values and traditions that have marked the School since its founding in 1786. Joyce strengthened and grew the Upper School, introduced a signature outdoor education program (which just celebrated its 25th anniversary) and inspired a strong creative arts program. With the School's future in mind, she oversaw the purchase of a new building, understanding that providing adequate space is crucial for learning; she spearheaded the School's first-ever capital campaign and began putting Friends on a firm financial footing. We express heartfelt gratitude for the breadth and depth of service Joyce gave to Friends Seminary and are proud to honor her as Principal Emerita.
Joyce McCray
Principal 1977-1989
Principal Emerita
In Children of Light, the history of Friends Seminary written during Joyce's tenure, author Nancy Reid Gibbs '78 observes that: "(Joyce's) understanding of the Seminary seemed so sophisticated, because in some way she was a part of each of its constituencies. She was herself a parent. In her curiosity she was always a student; to those who learned from her she was a teacher." Upon meeting her for the first time back in 1993, the School's 35th principal, Robert (Bo) Lauder, declared that "Joyce was the force of nature that everyone said she was! Indeed Joyce's warm and engaging personality, sense of humor and sense of good will -- have made her many things to many people. Her keen intelligence, her vision and wisdom, made her one of Friends Seminary's most distinguished leaders. During her tenure as the School's 33rd principal, she ushered in the School's third century -- raising Friends Seminary to new heights while upholding the values and traditions that have marked the School since its founding in 1786. Joyce strengthened and grew the Upper School, introduced a signature outdoor education program (which just celebrated its 25th anniversary) and inspired a strong creative arts program. With the School's future in mind, she oversaw the purchase of a new building, understanding that providing adequate space is crucial for learning; she spearheaded the School's first-ever capital campaign and began putting Friends on a firm financial footing. We express heartfelt gratitude for the breadth and depth of service Joyce gave to Friends Seminary and are proud to honor her as Principal Emerita.
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.
