D E P A R T M E N T S S P O T L I G H T - The Taft School

AROUND THE PONDpondOdden Doubly HonoredHeadmaster Odden was twice honoredin May. First, he received PrincetonCountry Day School’s highest alumniaward. The award is given for excellencein one’s chosen field and for service tocommunity. In addition to his 26-yearheadmastership of Taft, Lance [PCD ’54]was recognized for his broader leadershipin education, including his work as atrustee of six other schools, as a memberof the Executive Board of Governors ofthe National Association of IndependentSchools, trustee of the Mattatuck Museum,former chairman of the board andmember of the Executive Commitee ofA Better Chance, and as past presidentof the New England Association ofSchools and Colleges, the Headmasters’Association, and the Connecticut Associationof Independent Schools.Lance was similarly honored byHamilton College, where he was nameddoctor of humane letters. A graduate ofPhillips Academy and Princeton University,Lance received his master’s from theUniversity of Wisconsin in 1967. He wasnamed headmaster of Taft in 1972 at theage of 33, making him the youngestheadmaster of any New England boardingschool. Under his leadership, theschool’s endowment has grown from lessthan $2 million to over $90 million, and$40 million of new construction hascompletely renovated our campus.Lance Odden receives an honorary degree at Hamilton College’s commencementexercises in May.Taft Bulletin 33