Helen Bowdoin '56

Making a planned gift is my way of thanking Bryn Mawr. Including Bryn Mawr in my will has been particularly meaningful because the school was something of an anchor for me. When there were sad years at home, my teachers and friends were there to counter that. I will always have a deep affection for the place and the people.

Although many teachers during my 13 years at Bryn Mawr added immeasurably to my personal and intellectual growth, my kindergarten and first-grade teachers, Miss White and Miss Clark, remain my top favorites. Even now, when I come back to Bryn Mawr for Alumnae Weekend or just to visit, I find myself drawn to the Gordon Building, where we had our first classes and to the old playground where I remember the fun of jumping rope with my friends.

It's heartening that so many women in the Class of 1956 have decided to become members of the Ex Solo Ad Solem Society. In addition to expressing my thanks to Bryn Mawr, my gift is in honor of Raymond Smith. Though not related, he helped raise my sisters and brother and me. Raymond died when I was just 13 years old. He was a much loved part of our family, but it took years to fully appreciate just how much he had given us. Raymond didn't have the advantage of an education like ours. I hope my bequest will help girls who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to go to Bryn Mawr. A bequest is a wonderful way not only to honor the school but to recognize someone in your life whom you especially valued and loved.