St. Margaret’s has “instilled values in you that you will need to call upon no matter where you go or what field you pursue,” commencement speaker Fay Gibian Lohr ’62 told the graduating class. “These values are so ingrained in your daily activities that you may not even realize you have them until they are tested.”
      In brief remarks made as rain clouds approached, Mrs. Lohr drew upon her own St. Margaret’s education, her experience as a widely respected nonprofit leader, and her beliefs as an active Episcopal laywoman to elaborate on six values that lead to a fulfilling life.
      Commenting that she often tells people she learned to be a leader at St. Margaret’s, Mrs. Lohr also encouraged the graduates to lend a hand to the next generation of girls who will follow them.
      “Having been fortunate enough to attend and to graduate from St. Margaret’s, I am assured that you are well prepared for whatever follows.
     “And if this was as great an experience for you as it was for me,” she said, “stay in touch, and make sure that other young women have an opportunity to reach their full potential by attending St. Margaret’s School.”




The text to the right is excerpted from the Commencement address given by Fay Gibian Lohr ’62. As CEO of the Central Virginia Food Bank, she heads an organization recognized for both compassion and effectiveness. CVFB distributed more than 11.3 million pounds of food to the needy in fiscal year 2004-2005 through its 500 partner agencies and Kids Café program, placing it once again among the nation’s top 10 food banks. Mrs. Lohr’s career also includes directing an Area Agency on Aging and Community Action Agency on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, teaching high school biology, and working as a hospital histologist. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater College. Active professionally and in her community, Mrs. Lohr serves on the National Council of America’s Second Harvest and is a Lay Eucharistic Minister at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Richmond, where she is completing her third year on the Vestry. Mrs. Lohr also is a member of the St. Margaret’s School Board of Governors and has served on the school’s Alumnae Council.

Six To Live By

HONOR: Integity is an important part of life at St. Margaret’s, and no matter whether you go into corporate America, the nonprofit field, or ultimately decide to stay home and raise a family, you will have opportunities to have your honor called into question. Remember the importance of honor as you make choices in the future.

RELATIONSHIPS: Being a good friend is hard work. It takes time, patience and loving someone in spite of their faults. It means forgiving someone when they hurt you, it means caring enough to admit when you make a mistake and to apologize. It would be wise to show your appreciation for the parents who sacrificed for your education here, and the staff person or teacher who really went the extra mile for you.

LOVE: Pride is a dangerous temptation. Each of us enjoys celebrating our successes in school, in business and in our personal lives. The real danger is thinking the success is all ours and we did it by ourselves. Take time to give thanks for all you have, to offer up difficult decisions or to ask for God’s help. God’s love is limitless!

REST: This probably sounds like a silly request to ask each of you to include rest and relaxation as a part of your schedule. Our worth does not consist of what we accomplish, or how busy we are. Having balance in our lives is especially important as you go to college and pursue careers.

COMMUNITY: For the past few years, you were part of a church school community in Tappahannock. A part of your education was being aware of the needs of others around you, and doing something about it. The Class of 2006 has set a great example of service to the community through a variety of projects. No matter what career you choose, please remember to give your time or give your talents.

SERVANT LEADERSHIP: Having met some members of the senior and junior class, it is clear that St. Margaret’s is developing future leaders. I hope you will be servant leaders. To quote a popular business book, “When a leader keeps personal ego in check, and builds the confidence and self-esteem of others, it is then possible for the team to work together.” Getting ego out of the way takes real discipline, but it is a lesson well learned, and the earlier, the better!