Alumni

Cedric Hall '04 credits his time at GFS with instilling the urgency he feels to increase equity in education and pay forward what he experienced as a student. On July 1, Hall was appointed the first ever Vice President of Student Experience at Girard College in Philadelphia.

Jess Beer ’05 played an instrumental role in opening the new Weavers Way Co-op location at 328 W Chelten Ave. in Germantown, just down the way from the GFS Main Campus.

Growing up, Lila Kushner ’18 took dance classes at the Philadelphia Dance Theatre in Mt. Airy multiple times each week. As an Upper School student at GFS, she’d balance a packed schedule of school classes, homework, and activities with hours of dance instruction in the late afternoon and evening. 

One of the most cherished traditions at GFS is Alumni Weekend, which takes place in mid-May each year. This annual gathering provides an opportunity for past GFSers from across the decades to return to campus to share memories and celebrate being together in community. The 2024 Alumni Weekend took place from May 16-19, with over 400 guests, including alumni and their families, retired faculty and staff, and other friends, attending events across the four days.

While on a roadtrip in the summer of 2023, Dickler uncovered a forgotten memory of herself as a second grader in conversation with longtime GFS Phys. Ed. teacher and athletics coach, Cheryl Bruttomesso. Dickler had a vision of the two of them sitting on the steps in front of the Cary Building, discussing her troubles fitting in with the girls in her class. Curiously, she vividly recalled them passing a large plastic fish back and forth as they spoke.

A highlight of every GFS Alumni Weekend is the presentation of the Susan Quillen West ’49 and David A. West ’49 Alumni Award. This year, we honor Thomas (Tom) Theodore Loder ’76.