“Develop tact and you will go far.” These were the words Shipley’s head of school, Mrs. Epes, had inscribed on the index card she handed to Fredricka Brecht at her graduation in 1968. “I think it was her way of telling me to work on the grace part (of the school motto),” says Brecht, who now herself coaches CEOs to become better leaders. As an independent contractor for Vistage International, a support network for about 14,000 business leaders world-wide, she belongs to an elite group of former executives who have been “converted” into team leaders.
Brecht describes her work in its most basic form as getting together groups of CEOs to “copy off of each other’s papers.” Essentially set up as peer advisory groups, each collection of CEOs is learning from one another’s triumphs and failures, thus accelerating their companies’ paths to success: “I really enjoy seeing people growing their people…my influence is extended beyond the twelve people in the room…I really see it more as being related to the 5,000 employees represented by (those) CEOs.”
Brecht’s journey from Shipley’s Kindergarten to the highest echelons of the business world was informed by the simple idea that she could do anything as long as she worked hard. Inherently drawn to math and science, she declared to her teachers that she wanted to become an aerospace engineer. “The great thing about Shipley,” recalls Brecht, “is that the reaction to your ambition was, ‘Of course, and here is what you need to know in order to do this…and now, get to work.’” She enrolled in the engineering department at Cornell, intent on her goal: “Because of the level of confidence Shipley had [instilled] in me, I never really questioned what I was doing. When I showed up at Cornell there were three girls and maybe 800 boys in my year and I didn’t really notice it…except that it was easy to get a date.”
Graduating in 1972, with no jobs in a gutted aerospace industry, she decided to attend business school at Carnegie Mellon. Briefly pursuing a doctorate in economics, Brecht realized she would rather run things than teach. She moved to Texas in 1975, joining Pennzoil Company, and quickly rose through the ranks. “There were 14,000 employees and I was the only professional woman—but someone had to point that out to me. I will tell you that I did work extra hard. I am not sure if that is simply my nature—I have a lot of that going on.” Indeed, beginning in 1986, she would found Pennzoil’s international division and build it to $80 million in sales, ten overseas manufacturing sites, and sales in 50 foreign countries.
After many globe-trotting years working for Pennzoil and as a private consultant, Brecht finds herself in the happy place of being mostly at home in Houston. She is grateful for the opportunity to engage with and give back to her community, serving on several boards, and supporting what she calls Houston’s “outlier” class of creative art. In addition to her Vistage work, she has also set up peer groups to support clergy in both the Episcopal and Methodist Churches in Texas. And after 35 years of corporate management, Brecht graciously offers this observation: “People are really at their best when they are in service to others…I’m sure I learned this at Shipley.”
The Upper School Administration recognized the outgoing and incoming student leadership officers and presented students with academic, athletic, and leadership awards at the annual Closing Awards Ceremony.
After more than 20 years of dedicated service, Dr. Sharron Russell will leave Shipley at the end of the school year. Learn more about her impact and what’s next in her professional journey.
When the Flannellys relocated to Philadelphia, they sought a school where all four of their sons could thrive. Shipley stood out—not just for academics and activities, but for the deep, personal support that would shape their confidence and growth.
In Gator Congregation Storytellers and Middle School’s 5 Minutes of Wisdom, students and faculty share personal, heartfelt stories—moments of growth, courage, and connection. These programs foster empathy, trust, and belonging, strengthening the relationships that make Shipley’s community so special.
The Shipley School is proud to celebrate the achievements of our 2025 Alumni Award recipients—three distinguished individuals who embody the values of excellence, leadership, and service in their respective fields.
For over 20 years, Shipley’s partnership with alumna Paige West ’86 and the West Collection has brought world-class contemporary art to the Speer Gallery, inspiring students to think boldly and engage with real-world ideas.
Shipley’s Speer Gallery, led by art teacher Julia Staples, is a vibrant hub for learning and connection, showcasing thought-provoking exhibits that spark conversation and inspire collaboration across subjects like History, Science, and English.
Read about how Shipley changed life for Sissy ffolliott ’70 and why she supports the Centennial Society—ensuring future generations receive the same transformative education and encouragement she experienced over 55 years ago.
Middle School Science Teacher Ace Schwarz recently presented an education-focused project at the prestigious American Astronomical Society (AAS) Conference. Learn how Mx. Schwarz brings NASA research into Shipley’s classrooms, empowering students with authentic data projects and cutting-edge astronomy lessons.
To celebrate Black History Month, Shipley was proud to host Carlotta Walls LaNier, the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine, on Monday, February 3. Carlotta spoke to students and faculty about her story - for the right of every child to learn and grow without discrimination. She also spent time with the Black Student Union.
Congratulations to Aarik ’28 and Rohail ’26 for their creativity and award-winning excellence in the CMU CS Academy Fall 2024 Creative Task Competition, hosted by Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science.
Shipley’s Finance Club, hosted Tim Buckley, former CEO of Vanguard, for a discussion on career development, leadership, and the power of curiosity. Buckley shared practical advice on building a fulfilling career, the importance of asking thoughtful questions, and how purpose can drive lasting success.
Shipley’s dynamic history curriculum challenges students to think critically, engage deeply with diverse perspectives, and connect the past to today’s world. Explore how innovative electives and passionate educators bring history to life in 11th and 12th grade classrooms.
Shipley’s Middle School history classrooms are alive with creativity, immersive projects, and hands-on learning. From muckraking magazines to trench art, students don’t just study history—they experience it, making meaningful connections to the past and present.
The Shipley School Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Ian L. Craig as the next Head of School, effective July 1, 2025. Mr. Craig brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in independent schools and a strong commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and program innovation.
Over the past five years, Shipley’s Cross Country program has surged forward, blending competitive success with a vibrant culture of personal growth and team spirit. This rise has been powered by an engaged community of runners, dedicated coaches, and a program spanning Lower, Middle, and Upper School.
On display in Shipley's Speer Gallery from January 27 - April 4, 2025, an exhibition of paintings and sculptures addressing the urban landscape of Philadelphia.
Ranked #6 in the nation for U15 squash players, Kate reflects on her journey—from her first lesson with Coach Chris to joining Shipley's varsity squash team. Learn how the Shipley Squash Academy shaped her skills, mindset, and love for the game as she continues to tackle new challenges and reach for new heights.
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.