Elizabeth McKenrick Winstead '56

I am a member of Ex Solo Ad Solem, because I value my Bryn Mawr education so highly and am eager to help others have the same opportunity. I started at Bryn Mawr in the middle of the second grade, and loved it from the moment I walked into Mme. Adamovich's French class, which is my first memory of the school. I always knew I was in a very special place and that it was a privilege to be there.

Attending Bryn Mawr came at great financial sacrifice on the part of my parents, who had three of us in the school, and I am forever grateful for the help we had along the way. I benefited from some scholarship funds, and when they were insufficient and my parents were about to withdraw us from the school, Miss Van Bibber offered my mother the position of Librarian, which she loved and which kept us at Bryn Mawr.

It gives me the greatest pleasure to think that by making a planned gift to Bryn Mawr, I can contribute to a life-changing experience for other girls. We have already established The Elizabeth McKenrick Redwood Fund in honor of my mother, and its purpose is to make available funds for the extras that come up, such as field trips, sports equipment, and books – expenses that can be very burdensome. I have also included Bryn Mawr in my will so that I can be sure that Bryn Mawr will be there for future generations of lucky students.

The richness of my friendships, the devotion of our teachers to the highest academic standards, the long history and traditions that we were part of have always been a part of me. Bryn Mawr has become even stronger in many ways since my time there. I hope that including Bryn Mawr in my estate plans will help other families give this wonderful experience to their daughters.

Editor's note: We regret to announce that Elizabeth McKenrick Winstead '56 died on March 24, 2012. We are happy to share her words, as she wanted very much to encourage others to include Bryn Mawr in their estate plans.