Celebrating a Century of Honor With Our Alumni
By Vicki (Slauson) Vincent - FF/S
As director of alumni relations, I often say “I have the best job in the world.” I know it may sound trite but it’s true.
Last week, as we went through faculty orientation and had meetings preparing for another great school year, I got a phone call from one of our Golden Tigers (an alumnus who has already celebrated his 50th reunion). Getting the opportunity to connect with our alumni is one of my favorite aspects of my job!
Golden Tiger Dr. Scott Patterson (’49) called about Alumni Weekend and the plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Darlington’s Honor Code. He served as Honor Council president in 1948-49 and had been talking with classmate and fellow Honor Council member Cooper Taylor (’49). They were wondering if Patterson was the oldest living former president.
After a little research, I discovered that he was not; there are actually six older living former Honor Council presidents with the oldest being from the Class of 1937!
We talked about some other former Honor Council members from his era and our plans to celebrate them all during Alumni Weekend on October 23-25. Dr. Patterson said that despite his limited mobility, he was planning to attend the events! He mentioned that he hoped his daughter, Margaret (Patterson) Braden (‘80), who will be celebrating her 35-year class reunion, would be able to accompany him. I told him I knew Margaret but had not made the connection between them.
Dr. Patterson shared several stories with me and asked questions about the Honor Council today. He was happy to hear that this student group functions much as it did over 65 years ago! I was excited to make the connection between Dr. Patterson and Margaret, since legacy families are such an important part of Darlington, and because Margaret has been a volunteer for the school hosting reunion events in her home for her class.
Every day, I have the privilege to hear great stories and make and see these connections that make Darlington a truly special place. I hope many of our former Honor Council presidents and members make plans to return to campus Oct. 23-25 to celebrate this milestone in Darlington’s history!
We'd also love to hear alumni testimonials about the impact the Honor Code and Darlington's commitment to "Honor Above Everything" has had on you in your life beyond the school. Feel free to email me at vvincent@darlingtonschool.org to share your story!
