Friends, 

As we continue to ease into the new year, I wanted to reach out and express my appreciation. My name is Alen Yen, and my daughter Miya is in the 8th grade; I’m also one of the GUS Trustees, volunteers charged with protecting the School, furthering its mission, and supporting our Head of School. 

As Trustees, we see firsthand the exhaustive work being done in the background by our compassionate and professional faculty and staff during this time. Those of us who are also parents have experienced how confidently the School has rallied us to meet the challenge.

That response has been the result of early mornings, late nights, and weekends, as well as thoughtful debate that goes into the design of every new process and communication. Above all, it’s been driven by a commitment to our children. Our faculty and staff are unwaveringly focused on student safety and well-being, and the mission to deliver a GUS education. Their dedication has been inspirational.

Faculty and Staff also haven’t done it alone. 

It’s been the combination of their efforts with all of our ability to come together as a smart, caring community that’s allowed us to progress…to trust and to go forward in partnership. In a sense, we’ve done it by following the very principles we teach our students: to know ourselves, make sense of the world around us, come together, and adapt. 

We’re all looking forward to life after COVID. As the year progresses, Trustees are focused on future initiatives in preparation for our 50th anniversary. Our joint Board/Admin teams in Advancement, Buildings and Grounds, Diversity Equity & Inclusion, Finance, and Long Range Planning are preparing exciting plans for evolving our School; we can’t wait to share them. And we’re also busy looking for the next generation of volunteers and contributors to help. Please see the link below if you’re interested.

Meanwhile, thank you. To our faculty and staff, thanks for your continued efforts and tireless commitment. To our families, thanks for your support in keeping our special community thriving. While we don’t know when this is all going to end, we’re getting there together and brighter days are ahead.

Happiness and health to all of you as we trust and go forward.

Alen Yen
President, Board of Trustees

To learn more about the Board and Committee work, please visit gus.org/trustees