Where Are They Now? Bishop Ann Tottenham, First Female Dean of Students
What are you doing now?
I am happily retired and, mostly, doing what I want to do. I spend time with friends; I belong to a book club; I take courses with a “lifelong learning” program; I preach and speak from time to time. The answer to this question is probably, “Not a great deal,” though the days and years fly pleasantly by.
I am happily retired and, mostly, doing what I want to do. I spend time with friends; I belong to a book club; I take courses with a “lifelong learning” program; I preach and speak from time to time. The answer to this question is probably, “Not a great deal,” though the days and years fly pleasantly by.
What memorable highlights would you like to share from your years since leaving Groton?
Fourteen years as head of The Bishop Strachan School, a day/boarding school for girls in Toronto. During this time, I was ordained priest in the Anglican Church of Canada. Two years as rector of a country parish. My election as the second woman bishop in Canada and the tenth in the worldwide Anglican (Episcopal) Communion. Five years ago suffering heart failure, with the changes of perspective and priorities which come with a near-death experience.
Is there one lesson you learned while at Groton that you’d like to share with our readers?
My years at Groton were formative ones that helped shape my subsequent careers. I learned what a good school looks like and how it can change and grow. I learned the importance of a strong school community which involves students, faculty, and staff working together.
My years at Groton were formative ones that helped shape my subsequent careers. I learned what a good school looks like and how it can change and grow. I learned the importance of a strong school community which involves students, faculty, and staff working together.
Please share a favorite or funny Groton story.
"Coaching" beginners crew in the barge with Dan Hathaway, with the river sweeping us downstream as we tried to get out of the way of the varsity boats and Bob Parker; the big snow, when the drifts came up to the second-floor dorm windows and we were all trapped on campus with diminishing supplies of food; the relief when the siege was lifted and Bucky’s buses carried the stir-crazy students away. Human Relations & Sexuality with Peter Camp. Jake Congleton and I working together in the Deans' Office and Jake absentmindedly addressing me as "hon." Jake's patient support of me especially in the last pre-coed year. So many memories...
"Coaching" beginners crew in the barge with Dan Hathaway, with the river sweeping us downstream as we tried to get out of the way of the varsity boats and Bob Parker; the big snow, when the drifts came up to the second-floor dorm windows and we were all trapped on campus with diminishing supplies of food; the relief when the siege was lifted and Bucky’s buses carried the stir-crazy students away. Human Relations & Sexuality with Peter Camp. Jake Congleton and I working together in the Deans' Office and Jake absentmindedly addressing me as "hon." Jake's patient support of me especially in the last pre-coed year. So many memories...
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