In addition, Mrs. Saligman served as a panelist for career day in 1996, taking time out to talk with Shipley students about her work at the University of Pennsylvania in the fundraising and nonprofit development field. She also has been a member of an alumni committee for capital campaigns..

In 1996, 13 years after her graduation, Mrs. Saligman wrote to a student, “I loved Shipley and still do.” Twelve years later her many contributions keep coming.

For her wonderful ongoing dedication, we proudly present Arden Williams Saligman with The Shipley School Alumni Service Award.

Acceptance Speech

Thank you for this wonderful award. I am honored and flattered since there are so many others who also deserve this award.

I was asked to speak briefly about my experience at Shipley and what led me to become involved as an alumna.

The first reason I became involved with Shipley is that I was fortunate enough to have a special, cohesive class – the Class of 1983. As a recent college graduate, and mind you, this was long before cell phones, e-mail, and Facebook, this was way back when long distance phone calls were expensive, volunteering for events at Shipley or the Annual Fund gave me an opportunity to keep in touch with my classmates. I have so enjoyed calling classmates to ask them to attend reunion or make an annual fund donation – it has given me the opportunity to reach out and keep in touch with them. As someone who has been out of high school for a long time, I can tell you the friendships you have now will mean so much to you later in life.

The second reason is that the Shipley Community is a wonderful, nurturing Community. It goes beyond the students, faculty, and admisitrators to include parents, grandparents, and alumni. As a volunteer for Shipley, I have been in the heart of this unique community and felt all the benefits being a part of Shipley.

The last reason for volunteering at Shipley is more basic. My Dad called me when I was a college freshman and started one of his young lady addresses to me. The “Young lady” salutation always meant something serious. He went on to tell me it was now my job as an alumna to get involved with Shipley, by donating and volunteering. He explained to me that those before me had supported the school and it was now my turn to give back to Shipley. I am lucky my Dad gave me this lecture, and that I listened, because being involved as an alumna has given me so much over these past 25 years.

Thank you again. I am proud of my Shipley education and I am proud of being a Shipley alumna. I hope many of you will find as much fulfillment as I have by valuing your Shipley experience and becoming active alumni.