Hello, Eagles!
I am honored to begin my term as President of the Alumni Association. I can vividly remember my first day of prefirst, stepping off the bus outside Elderkin Hall wearing my McDonogh blazer, filled with excitement. For the next 13 years, McDonogh was more than a school for me — it was my second home. It provided me with lifelong friendships, invaluable mentorship from dedicated faculty, transformative experiences, and a commitment to service.
McDonogh is deeply woven into the fabric of my life, both professionally and personally. The lessons in leadership and resilience guided my career and inspired me to give back by volunteering at school and supporting different initiatives to ensure that the next generation of Eagles benefits from the same strong foundation.
Recently, my class celebrated its 30th reunion. It was an incredible opportunity to reconnect with many of my classmates and reminisce about our time at McDonogh. For many, it was their first time returning or seeing old friends in years, serving as a powerful reminder of our enduring bond.
As a current McDonogh parent, I have the unique privilege of watching my own children experience the School. I love seeing McDonogh's timeless values of character and community being instilled in this next generation of future alumni.
Having served on the Alumni Board in various positions over the last six years, I have seen firsthand how our community thrives when we stay connected. I value the opportunity to engage with alumni across the different eras of the School's history. My love and pride for McDonogh have inspired me to give back as a part of the alumni board, working with other members to represent and support the alumni community.
Whether you graduated decades ago or just last year, you are a vital part of the McDonogh Family. Engagement looks different for everyone. It may be attending Reunion Weekend or a regional event, networking through McDonogh Connect, or reading digital updates. Every single form of connection is meaningful and valued. I encourage you to explore the McDonogh website, update your contact information, check out upcoming events, and continue to find ways to stay connected. McDonogh is a special place with a lasting impact on all of us. I look forward to working with the other members of the Alumni Board and hearing from you as we preserve our connections.
Katherine Reider '96, P'31, P'33
Alumni Association President