The Westover Institute
This year, Westover launched a new signature program: the Westover Institute. Offered over four weekends, the Institute gives students the chance to explore big questions and dive into topics beyond the traditional curriculum.
Now, during Reunion Weekend, alums can experience it for themselves! On Saturday, June 7, join us for a special Westover Institute sampler. During two one-hour sessions, you’ll choose from a range of dynamic, thought-provoking offerings—each reflecting the curiosity and creativity that define the program.
Session highlights include:
- Life After Westover: A Conversation with Leilani Brown and Brena Mallory '75
- Finding Your Voice: Taking the Panic Out of Public Speaking with Marla Truini P’09
- Botany Walk in Westover Woods with Alice Hallaran
- Richard Wilbur at Westover: A Poetry Reading and Recollections with Bruce Coffin and Chris Sweeney
- Swiftology: The American Dream Through the Lens of Taylor Swift with Dr. Catherine Stines, Associate Head of School
- Middle Eastern Dance Class with Cheryl Bell, Science Teacher
Life After Westover: A Conversation with Leilani Brown featuring Brenda Mallory '75
Finding Your Voice: Taking the Panic Out of Public Speaking with Marla Truini P’09
This session is designed to help develop public speaking skills in a fun and supportive environment. Learn from experienced instructor, Marla Truini P'09, who uses her passion for theater and communication to help you overcome the common fear of public speaking and build confidence in speaking effectively in front of an audience. All skill levels are welcome!
Botany Walk in Westover Woods with Alice Hallaran
Join Alice Hallaran for a walk in the Westover Woods, identifying native flora and meditating on the beauty of nature at Westover.
Richard Wilbur at Westover: A Poetry Reading and Recollections with Bruce Coffin and Chris Sweeney
Richard Wilbur visited Westover four times in all, beginning in 1959. He gave a workshop and reading in 1994, a reading in 1996, and another reading as part of Westover’s Centennial celebration in 2010. Bruce Coffin and Christopher Sweeney will pay tribute to him, as the
greatest American poet of his generation, in a recollection of his time at Westover and areading of his poetry.
Swiftology: The American Dream Through the Lens of Taylor Swift with Dr. Catherine Stines, Associate Head of School
This session invites participants into the world of Swiftology, a cultural studies course that explores Taylor Swift’s rise to fame as a lens for examining the American Dream, identity, and modern storytelling. Join us for an engaging conversation on how music, media, and narrative shape our understanding of success, selfhood, and society.
Middle Eastern Dance Class with Cheryl Bell, Westover Science Teacher
Unleash your inner goddess in this fun and empowering Middle Eastern Dance class! Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this session will guide you through the beautiful art of belly dance, emphasizing fluid movements, core strength, and self-expression. Cheryl Bell has been teaching belly dance since 2001 and is excited to introduce you to a mix of beginner techniques and movements with a focus on rhythmic muscular isolations - all while enjoying an uplifting and supportive atmosphere. Join us for an unforgettable experience that blends fitness, culture, and celebration!
Be Boldly You
Westover School admits students of any race, color, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin, or disability to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. As a gender-diverse girls school, Westover welcomes applicants and students who are assigned female at birth and/or identify as girls. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions and financial aid policies, and athletic or other school-administered programs.