The Cum Laude Society Inductees

Mr. Kerry Brennan delivered the keynote address today, returning to University School after 26 years. A known and loved member of our community, he served our school for 14 years, first as Director of the Shaker Campus, and then as the Director of the Upper School and Hunting Valley Campus. 

 

The assembly began with the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of America the Beautiful, a musical tradition that Mr. Brennan, an accomplished musician and conductor, started here.* 

 

He began his speech with a grammar reminder disguised at first as advice, "It's not who you know…. it's whom you know." Mr. Brennan then reflected on some characteristics we should all actively cultivate—goodness, grit, grace, and gratitude.

 

It was clear from his talk—covering everything from young players on a soccer field all chasing the ball in a group ("ineffective togetherness") to the recent trip of four astronauts around the moon, the farthest any humans have ever traveled (effective togetherness)—that he understands boys, and especially those who are driven to build a successful and rewarding life. 

 

He reminded the boys to "get off the train" once in a while and focus on something beyond continual achievement; and to "honor who you are, and the rest will follow." 

 

The University School community thanks Mr. Brennan for sharing his wisdom, warmth, welcoming smile, and remarkable President Kennedy impression with us today. 

 

 

After his time at US, Mr. Brennan was headmaster of New York City's Collegiate School (another confusingly named independent primary and secondary school for boys), followed by 20 years as headmaster of The Roxbury Latin School in Boston, from where he retired in June 2024.

 

A native of Schenectady, New York, Mr. Brennan is a magna cum laude graduate of Amherst College, where he majored in music and political science. He was a Klingenstein Fellow at Columbia University’s Teachers College, where he received a master’s in philosophy and education. Mr. Brennan has served in a number of leadership capacities, including as President of the International Boys’ Schools Coalition and as President of The Headmasters’ Association. 

  

The Cum Laude Society was founded in 1906 with the mission of recognizing academic achievement in secondary schools to promote excellence, justice, and honor. There are over 380 chapters of the society around the country and internationally. University School honors its principles and follows its requirements for student induction. According to Cum Laude's guidelines, student induction is limited to up to 20% of the members of the senior class. University School was the tenth school in the nation to be admitted into the Society, receiving its charter in 1911.