Q&A with the Alumni Office: Aly Mason ’07 & Ali Schwartz ’10
Shipley is lucky to have two of its own at the helm of a re-energized Alumni Engagement Office after a two-year hiatus from hosting regional and major events. Aly Mason ’07 took over the role of Director in September 2022, joining Assistant Director Ali Schwartz ’10 in the shared endeavor of connecting with alumni of all ages through robust alumni programming.
Shipley is lucky to have two of its own at the helm of a re-energized Alumni Engagement Office after a two-year hiatus from hosting regional and major events. Aly Mason ’07 took over the role of Director in September 2022, joining Assistant Director Ali Schwartz ’10 in the shared endeavor of connecting with alumni of all ages through robust alumni programming.
Q: Why did you come back to work at Shipley?
Aly ’07: I came back to Shipley not only because I hold my education and friendships from here closely, but also because of the growth and progress Shipley has committed to. I am excited that we have the honor and responsibility to serve the alumni community as Shipley continues to be a major leader in independent schools.
Ali ’10: In 2019 I was looking to get into the development field and happened to be at a Shipley alumni reception in Philadelphia when I learned that they had an opening in the Alumni Office. I was so excited for the opportunity to come back to Shipley in a new role (after having served as the Middle School Counselor) and get a front row seat to the many ways that Shipley prepares students for success in life.
Q: What is alumni engagement?
Aly ’07: Alumni engagement is fostering, growing, and maintaining relationships with the broad alumni community. Engagement can be in all different forms, which is what makes it inspiring work and such a fun office to be a part of. Alumni engagement is whatever alumni want it to be and whatever feels organic to them. It can take shape through attending an alumni event, serving as an affinity group leader or member, presenting to a class as a featured speaker, or scrolling through the School’s social media to see what’s currently happening at Shipley. The common ground in all of these actions is that alumni are engaging with the school and that’s what we continue to strive for.
Ali ’10: I think Aly said it well! We are here to serve the alumni community and create ways for alumni, honorary alumni, and even parents of alumni to stay connected to each other and the School.
Q: What excites you about the future of alumni engagement at Shipley?
Aly ’07: It is so exciting to see new alumni join the Shipley “alumni network” each year. New alumni mean new perspectives, new ideas, and new camaraderie. This annual growth and change provides us with the challenge, as well as the opportunity, to constantly innovate as it pertains to programming, networking, and overall strategy to keep alumni connected and thinking about Shipley.
Ali ’10: I’m excited to work with Aly and have another Shipley alumna in the office! I’ve been really inspired by meeting and reconnecting with alumni at our regional events and learning about the types of programs and volunteer opportunities that interest them most.
Q: How will you continue to honor Shipley’s past while helping the School move into the future?
Aly ’07: Shipley’s history is fascinating. I learn something new about the School almost every day. I continue to be impressed and in awe of the School’s growth while remaining true to pieces of its history. The best way to uphold and honor Shipley’s past as we go into the future is through storytelling. It’s conversing with alumni in all capacities and from all years to better understand their Shipley experience and how we can translate that experience to shape Shipley into its best possible self as a school and as a community.
Ali ’10: Like Aly said, there is so much history at Shipley and I am always learning something new. I love pulling out issues of the Bulletin or copies of the yearbook from decades ago and seeing so many similarities with the priorities of the School today.
University of Pennsylvania, BA;
University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, MSEd and MPhilEd
Senior Superlative
Most Spirited
Activities While a Shipley Student
Crew, Sprouts, Bryn Mawr Tutoring, Social Committee, “Green Team Captain”
Favorite Shipley Memory
I could probably share a favorite memory for each of my 14 years, but I think the most memorable is Woodlands. Lower School probably holds the most sentimental value, like getting “real homework” in first grade and feeling so mature; graduating to the cafeteria in second grade and feeling even older and wiser.
Something that Hasn’t Changed at Shipley
The support and encouragement students get from their teachers… and feeling intimidated walking into the Senior Lounge if you’re not a senior!
Back
Q: Why did you come back to work at Shipley?
Aly ’07: I came back to Shipley not only because I hold my education and friendships from here closely, but also because of the growth and progress Shipley has committed to. I am excited that we have the honor and responsibility to serve the alumni community as Shipley continues to be a major leader in independent schools.
Ali ’10: In 2019 I was looking to get into the development field and happened to be at a Shipley alumni reception in Philadelphia when I learned that they had an opening in the Alumni Office. I was so excited for the opportunity to come back to Shipley in a new role (after having served as the Middle School Counselor) and get a front row seat to the many ways that Shipley prepares students for success in life.
Q: What is alumni engagement?
Aly ’07: Alumni engagement is fostering, growing, and maintaining relationships with the broad alumni community. Engagement can be in all different forms, which is what makes it inspiring work and such a fun office to be a part of. Alumni engagement is whatever alumni want it to be and whatever feels organic to them. It can take shape through attending an alumni event, serving as an affinity group leader or member, presenting to a class as a featured speaker, or scrolling through the School’s social media to see what’s currently happening at Shipley. The common ground in all of these actions is that alumni are engaging with the school and that’s what we continue to strive for.
Ali ’10: I think Aly said it well! We are here to serve the alumni community and create ways for alumni, honorary alumni, and even parents of alumni to stay connected to each other and the School.
Q: What excites you about the future of alumni engagement at Shipley?
Aly ’07: It is so exciting to see new alumni join the Shipley “alumni network” each year. New alumni mean new perspectives, new ideas, and new camaraderie. This annual growth and change provides us with the challenge, as well as the opportunity, to constantly innovate as it pertains to programming, networking, and overall strategy to keep alumni connected and thinking about Shipley.
Ali ’10: I’m excited to work with Aly and have another Shipley alumna in the office! I’ve been really inspired by meeting and reconnecting with alumni at our regional events and learning about the types of programs and volunteer opportunities that interest them most.
Q: How will you continue to honor Shipley’s past while helping the School move into the future?
Aly ’07: Shipley’s history is fascinating. I learn something new about the School almost every day. I continue to be impressed and in awe of the School’s growth while remaining true to pieces of its history. The best way to uphold and honor Shipley’s past as we go into the future is through storytelling. It’s conversing with alumni in all capacities and from all years to better understand their Shipley experience and how we can translate that experience to shape Shipley into its best possible self as a school and as a community.
Ali ’10: Like Aly said, there is so much history at Shipley and I am always learning something new. I love pulling out issues of the Bulletin or copies of the yearbook from decades ago and seeing so many similarities with the priorities of the School today.
Aly Mason ’07
EducationSyracuse University, BS
Senior Superlative
Senior Superlative
Done the Most for Shipley
Activities While a Shipley Student
Activities While a Shipley Student
Student Government (Junior & Senior Class President), Soccer, Swim Team, Softball
Favorite Shipley Memory
Favorite Shipley Memory
Woodlands is a stand out memory and continues as a topic of conversation among our classmates 20+ years later. Additionally, I continue to appreciate all of the friendships and relationships I built within Shipley classrooms and playing fields as a favorite and most appreciated memory.
Something that Hasn’t Changed at Shipley
Something that Hasn’t Changed at Shipley
The focus on the individual and that there is not a “box” that Shipley students feel they must fit in.
Ali Schwartz ’10
EducationUniversity of Pennsylvania, BA;
University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, MSEd and MPhilEd
Senior Superlative
Most Spirited
Activities While a Shipley Student
Crew, Sprouts, Bryn Mawr Tutoring, Social Committee, “Green Team Captain”
Favorite Shipley Memory
I could probably share a favorite memory for each of my 14 years, but I think the most memorable is Woodlands. Lower School probably holds the most sentimental value, like getting “real homework” in first grade and feeling so mature; graduating to the cafeteria in second grade and feeling even older and wiser.
Something that Hasn’t Changed at Shipley
The support and encouragement students get from their teachers… and feeling intimidated walking into the Senior Lounge if you’re not a senior!
Q&A with the Alumni Office: Aly Mason ’07 & Ali Schwartz ’10
Shipley is lucky to have two of its own at the helm of a re-energized Alumni Engagement Office after a two-year hiatus from hosting regional and major events. Aly Mason ’07 took over the role of Director in September 2022, joining Assistant Director Ali Schwartz ’10 in the shared endeavor of connecting with alumni of all ages through robust alumni programming.
Shipley is lucky to have two of its own at the helm of a re-energized Alumni Engagement Office after a two-year hiatus from hosting regional and major events. Aly Mason ’07 took over the role of Director in September 2022, joining Assistant Director Ali Schwartz ’10 in the shared endeavor of connecting with alumni of all ages through robust alumni programming.
Q: Why did you come back to work at Shipley?
Aly ’07: I came back to Shipley not only because I hold my education and friendships from here closely, but also because of the growth and progress Shipley has committed to. I am excited that we have the honor and responsibility to serve the alumni community as Shipley continues to be a major leader in independent schools.
Ali ’10: In 2019 I was looking to get into the development field and happened to be at a Shipley alumni reception in Philadelphia when I learned that they had an opening in the Alumni Office. I was so excited for the opportunity to come back to Shipley in a new role (after having served as the Middle School Counselor) and get a front row seat to the many ways that Shipley prepares students for success in life.
Q: What is alumni engagement?
Aly ’07: Alumni engagement is fostering, growing, and maintaining relationships with the broad alumni community. Engagement can be in all different forms, which is what makes it inspiring work and such a fun office to be a part of. Alumni engagement is whatever alumni want it to be and whatever feels organic to them. It can take shape through attending an alumni event, serving as an affinity group leader or member, presenting to a class as a featured speaker, or scrolling through the School’s social media to see what’s currently happening at Shipley. The common ground in all of these actions is that alumni are engaging with the school and that’s what we continue to strive for.
Ali ’10: I think Aly said it well! We are here to serve the alumni community and create ways for alumni, honorary alumni, and even parents of alumni to stay connected to each other and the School.
Q: What excites you about the future of alumni engagement at Shipley?
Aly ’07: It is so exciting to see new alumni join the Shipley “alumni network” each year. New alumni mean new perspectives, new ideas, and new camaraderie. This annual growth and change provides us with the challenge, as well as the opportunity, to constantly innovate as it pertains to programming, networking, and overall strategy to keep alumni connected and thinking about Shipley.
Ali ’10: I’m excited to work with Aly and have another Shipley alumna in the office! I’ve been really inspired by meeting and reconnecting with alumni at our regional events and learning about the types of programs and volunteer opportunities that interest them most.
Q: How will you continue to honor Shipley’s past while helping the School move into the future?
Aly ’07: Shipley’s history is fascinating. I learn something new about the School almost every day. I continue to be impressed and in awe of the School’s growth while remaining true to pieces of its history. The best way to uphold and honor Shipley’s past as we go into the future is through storytelling. It’s conversing with alumni in all capacities and from all years to better understand their Shipley experience and how we can translate that experience to shape Shipley into its best possible self as a school and as a community.
Ali ’10: Like Aly said, there is so much history at Shipley and I am always learning something new. I love pulling out issues of the Bulletin or copies of the yearbook from decades ago and seeing so many similarities with the priorities of the School today.
University of Pennsylvania, BA;
University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, MSEd and MPhilEd
Senior Superlative
Most Spirited
Activities While a Shipley Student
Crew, Sprouts, Bryn Mawr Tutoring, Social Committee, “Green Team Captain”
Favorite Shipley Memory
I could probably share a favorite memory for each of my 14 years, but I think the most memorable is Woodlands. Lower School probably holds the most sentimental value, like getting “real homework” in first grade and feeling so mature; graduating to the cafeteria in second grade and feeling even older and wiser.
Something that Hasn’t Changed at Shipley
The support and encouragement students get from their teachers… and feeling intimidated walking into the Senior Lounge if you’re not a senior!
Back
Q: Why did you come back to work at Shipley?
Aly ’07: I came back to Shipley not only because I hold my education and friendships from here closely, but also because of the growth and progress Shipley has committed to. I am excited that we have the honor and responsibility to serve the alumni community as Shipley continues to be a major leader in independent schools.
Ali ’10: In 2019 I was looking to get into the development field and happened to be at a Shipley alumni reception in Philadelphia when I learned that they had an opening in the Alumni Office. I was so excited for the opportunity to come back to Shipley in a new role (after having served as the Middle School Counselor) and get a front row seat to the many ways that Shipley prepares students for success in life.
Q: What is alumni engagement?
Aly ’07: Alumni engagement is fostering, growing, and maintaining relationships with the broad alumni community. Engagement can be in all different forms, which is what makes it inspiring work and such a fun office to be a part of. Alumni engagement is whatever alumni want it to be and whatever feels organic to them. It can take shape through attending an alumni event, serving as an affinity group leader or member, presenting to a class as a featured speaker, or scrolling through the School’s social media to see what’s currently happening at Shipley. The common ground in all of these actions is that alumni are engaging with the school and that’s what we continue to strive for.
Ali ’10: I think Aly said it well! We are here to serve the alumni community and create ways for alumni, honorary alumni, and even parents of alumni to stay connected to each other and the School.
Q: What excites you about the future of alumni engagement at Shipley?
Aly ’07: It is so exciting to see new alumni join the Shipley “alumni network” each year. New alumni mean new perspectives, new ideas, and new camaraderie. This annual growth and change provides us with the challenge, as well as the opportunity, to constantly innovate as it pertains to programming, networking, and overall strategy to keep alumni connected and thinking about Shipley.
Ali ’10: I’m excited to work with Aly and have another Shipley alumna in the office! I’ve been really inspired by meeting and reconnecting with alumni at our regional events and learning about the types of programs and volunteer opportunities that interest them most.
Q: How will you continue to honor Shipley’s past while helping the School move into the future?
Aly ’07: Shipley’s history is fascinating. I learn something new about the School almost every day. I continue to be impressed and in awe of the School’s growth while remaining true to pieces of its history. The best way to uphold and honor Shipley’s past as we go into the future is through storytelling. It’s conversing with alumni in all capacities and from all years to better understand their Shipley experience and how we can translate that experience to shape Shipley into its best possible self as a school and as a community.
Ali ’10: Like Aly said, there is so much history at Shipley and I am always learning something new. I love pulling out issues of the Bulletin or copies of the yearbook from decades ago and seeing so many similarities with the priorities of the School today.
Aly Mason ’07
EducationSyracuse University, BS
Senior Superlative
Senior Superlative
Done the Most for Shipley
Activities While a Shipley Student
Activities While a Shipley Student
Student Government (Junior & Senior Class President), Soccer, Swim Team, Softball
Favorite Shipley Memory
Favorite Shipley Memory
Woodlands is a stand out memory and continues as a topic of conversation among our classmates 20+ years later. Additionally, I continue to appreciate all of the friendships and relationships I built within Shipley classrooms and playing fields as a favorite and most appreciated memory.
Something that Hasn’t Changed at Shipley
Something that Hasn’t Changed at Shipley
The focus on the individual and that there is not a “box” that Shipley students feel they must fit in.
Ali Schwartz ’10
EducationUniversity of Pennsylvania, BA;
University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, MSEd and MPhilEd
Senior Superlative
Most Spirited
Activities While a Shipley Student
Crew, Sprouts, Bryn Mawr Tutoring, Social Committee, “Green Team Captain”
Favorite Shipley Memory
I could probably share a favorite memory for each of my 14 years, but I think the most memorable is Woodlands. Lower School probably holds the most sentimental value, like getting “real homework” in first grade and feeling so mature; graduating to the cafeteria in second grade and feeling even older and wiser.
Something that Hasn’t Changed at Shipley
The support and encouragement students get from their teachers… and feeling intimidated walking into the Senior Lounge if you’re not a senior!
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Q&A with Caroline Milgram ’20
In the first Young Alumni Q&A spotlight of the Shipley Class of 2020 series, Caroline Milgram ’20 reflects on her path from Shipley to her current role as an Underwriting Analyst in New York City. Joining Shipley in 9th grade, she embraced extracurriculars like Student Government and theatre, while developing perseverance and self-advocacy. Caroline credits Shipley’s supportive environment with helping her navigate challenges, including transferring universities, and preparing her for success at the University of Pennsylvania and beyond.Read More -
Embracing Humanity in an AI-Driven Future: Prashant Bhuyan ’96 Addresses the Class of 2024
In his Commencement Address to the class of 2024, Prashant Bhuyan ’96 emphasized the importance of maintaining humanity in an increasingly AI-driven world. He advised the graduates to think critically, foster meaningful human connections, and use technology to create new paradigms that benefit humanity, thereby becoming leaders in the future.Read More -
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This year’s alumni exhibition features work from the Sky Paintings series by Shipley alum Peter Makela ’04 and will be on display in Speer Gallery from April 9 to May 5. Celebrate the fine arts at Shipley with an artist reception in Speer Gallery on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. The Alumni Artist Reception is part of Alumni Reunion Weekend and is open to family and friends of the Shipley community, we ask that you please register online or contact alumni@shipleyschool.org with any questions.Read More -
BJ Glenn ’07: Building a Career on Exposure to Communities Outside His Own
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Roxana Barry Robinson ’64: High Praise for Latest Novel
Roxana Barry Robinson ’64 is an award-winning author whose upcoming novel, Leaving, received a Kirkus Star and was featured on Oprah's list of The Most Anticipated Books of 2024. Leaving comes out on February 13, 2024, and is available for pre-order. You can learn more about Roxana and her work by visiting www.roxanarobinson.com.Read More -
Lexi Wojtelwicz ’20: THON 2024
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Princeton University graduate Ishea Johnson ’19 credits her Shipley teachers with creating an environment where she developed and thrived as an independent learner, contributing to her success in college. "Shipley is truly outstanding in that it simultaneously provides its students with a rigorous, academically challenging curriculum while also fostering intellectual exploration and creativity," she says.Read More -
Q&A with Henry Katz ’19: From All School President to White House Intern
Shipley All School President Henry Katz ’19, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in May with a BA in Political Communication. This summer, he served as an intern at The White House in the Office of Scheduling and Advance, and has recently started a new position as a Political Strategist at Schoen Cooperman Research in New York City.Read More -
Carter Barnhart ’10: Making Mental Health Care More Accessible
Carter Barnhart ’10 is the co-founder and CEO of Charlie Health, with the goal of providing high-quality, personalized mental health treatment to a broader population through a virtual intensive outpatient program (IOP) that combines group, individual, and family therapy sessions delivered entirely online. In 2022, Carter was named to Inc. Magazine’s Female Founders 100 list for her work to rapidly grow Charlie Health.Read More -
Helen “Honey” Beuf ’78: Turning Grief Into Action
When Helen “Honey” Beuf ’78 lost her daughter to suicide, she turned her grief into action. Working with a good friend who is a movie producer, Honey and her other daughter, Tess, decided to produce a documentary film called My Sister Liv. In making the film, Honey says she became aware of unmet needs of kids in learning about suicide prevention and mental health.Read More -
Q&A with the Alumni Office: Aly Mason ’07 & Ali Schwartz ’10
Shipley is lucky to have two of its own at the helm of a re-energized Alumni Engagement Office after a two-year hiatus from hosting regional and major events. Aly Mason ’07 took over the role of Director in September 2022, joining Assistant Director Ali Schwartz ’10 in the shared endeavor of connecting with alumni of all ages through robust alumni programming.Read More -
Where are They Now: Greg Coleman
This beloved former French teacher and Admissions Director retired from Shipley in 2009 after 32 years of serving in various teaching and administrative roles. Having served on the Boards of Church Farm School and Benchmark School, Mr. Coleman is back at Shipley as a member of the Board of Trustees.Read More -
2023 Alumni Service Award Presented to Trina Vaux ’63
The Alumni Service Award is presented for outstanding volunteer service to The Shipley School by an alumna or alumnus as demonstrated by strong loyalty, exceptional contributions of time and effort, and personal commitment to the advancement of the School’s mission.Read More -
2023 Distinguished Alumni Award Presented to Helen Fisher ’63, PhD
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the outstanding achievement, the dedication, and the personal accomplishments of a Shipley alumna or alumnus in a particular field of endeavor, whether it be in a chosen profession, through formal volunteer activities unrelated to the school, or through a personal commitment to an issue, project, or cause.Read More -
2023 Young Alumni Award Presented to Alicia Roth Weigel ’08
The Shipley School Young Alumni Award recognizes a Shipley alumna or alumnus who has graduated within the preceding twenty years and demonstrates innovation, curiosity, and creativity in the pursuit of excellence in a particular field, whether it be in a profession, through formal volunteer activities unrelated to the School, or through a personal commitment to an issue, project, or cause.Read More -
2023 Young Alumni Award Presented to Meghan Stevenson-Krausz ’08
The Shipley School Young Alumni Award recognizes a Shipley alumna or alumnus who has graduated within the preceding twenty years and demonstrates innovation, curiosity, and creativity in the pursuit of excellence in a particular field, whether it be in a profession, through formal volunteer activities unrelated to the School, or through a personal commitment to an issue, project, or cause.Read More -
Nancy Schwartzman ’93: 2023 Sundance Film Festival Selection
The latest documentary film from director and producer Nancy Schwartzman ’93, Victim/Suspect will screen as an official selection of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. Documentary Competition. The documentary was produced in partnership with Motto Pictures and the Center for Investigative Reporting Studios as a Netflix original film.Read More
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The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.
