Geoff Grammer ’06 Welcomes Class of 2023 to Alumni Association

The President of the MICDS Alumni Association traditionally welcomes new alumni to a network of over 9,000 living alumni across the country and around the world. This year was no exception. Read the remarks Geoff Grammer ’06 delivered to the Class of 2023 at their commencement on May 14.

I am Geoffrey Grammer, the current president of the MICDS Alumni Association. I want to start by saying it is an honor to be among the first to congratulate you, Class of 2023, on your high school graduation and officially welcome you to the MICDS Alumni Association! What a momentous moment in your life. Definitely, it’s one that comes with mixed emotions. Feelings of excitement for summer and your next chapter but also sadness in leaving such a safe, encouraging, happy place where you have grown over the last 4, 6, or for some—the really old guard—14 years. And I can tell you, you are not the only ones in this room today feeling mixed emotions.

In the words of Mr. Rogers, “From the time you were very little, you’ve had people who have smiled you into smiling, people who have talked you into talking, sung you into singing, loved you into loving. Let’s take some time to think of those extra special people.” Many of whom are here beaming with pride as you complete this chapter and set out to begin a new one. Thank you, parents, families, and caregivers for allowing MICDS to be a part of your child’s story.

As a parent myself, my wife and I are beginning to think about where we want to send our three-year-old to school and the experience we want for her. One of the many questions my wife has asked me is, “What makes MICDS so special?”

For me, MICDS is special because of the many traditions, such as the annual boat race across the pond and bonfire, the quality of education our teachers provided and the many lessons we’ve learned, such as from the late Mr. Nuzum—“An object in motion remains in motion, an object at rest remains at rest, UNLESS, acted upon by an outside force”—the limit of chocolate malts I can drink, and of course, the many alumni connections.

MICDS is special because of the memories you will forever share with those sitting around you today and the traditions shared with those who have come before you and those who will come after. You will forever be connected to MICDS and forever a Ram.

So, Class of 2023, you are about to leave a very special place and embark on new journeys; for some, very far from this safe haven and the walls of Olson Hall and the halls of the Upper School. Go out and make us proud. Build upon the great foundation laid for you here at MICDS.

And as you do, I encourage you to stay connected to MICDS—stay in touch with your classmates, attend your reunions and alumni events, and come home for homecoming in the fall. Always remember you are now a part of something wonderful: a network of over 9,000 living alumni, across 45 states and the world, ready to support you across each chapter of your story.

Congratulations, Class of 2023! Thank you, and Go Rams!