Dear Salem Friends,

In January of 2019, I took a chance and came to Salem alongside two other candidates to interview for the position of Interim Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. I knew little about the College—and less about the Academy. Who knew that I would eventually be exiting as Interim President of Salem Academy and College so many months—now years—later? Who knew what a chance you would take on this interim?

I am glad we took a chance on each other.

Together, we have faced challenges and turned them into hope. The environment of both independent schools and colleges is a difficult one. It has been for some time. Salem’s leadership saw that and knew change was an absolute necessity. They knew—as you know—that hope requires vision and action. That was true before a global pandemic, before renewed tensions around racial injustice, and before economic crisis faced us. It remains true.

The environment of both independent schools and colleges is both local and global, both high touch and high tech, and more. To be both/and is critical and as Academy and College, you taught me that in new ways.

Education, in my view, is a public good. And so, the work of Academy and College ought to, directly or indirectly, change the world for the better. And those of us with a vocation in education must do so in two ways—both by changing individual lives as yours were changed during your time at Salem and by leading as an institution. Salem certainly led across its nearly 250 years—beginning with the risky choice to educate women. Salem continues to lead by embracing rather than fearing change, recognizing rather than avoiding Salem’s historic role in injustice, and working diligently and ferociously toward a better Salem.

As a favorite poet of mine (Jane Hirshfield) has said, “Zen pretty much comes down to three things—everything changes; everything is connected; pay attention.” The same, in my experience, might be said of education at its best.

It has been a privilege to join you for a bit of your journey. I wish for each of you—and for Salem—a delightful 250th—and a future that makes you proud.

Susan Henking
Interim President

Many of you have probably seen the bench, either in person or as a photo, located on the Salem College campus that says: Make a Difference. “‘Make A Difference’ has been my life-long motto,” said Jennifer (Jenny) Eury C’78, who donated the bench in 2013. Jenny has been a strong advocate for Salem in many, many ways since she graduated. “I support Salem to give back to the institution that made me what I am today, and I commissioned the bench in order to leave a lasting legacy on campus that would inspire others.”

The top of the bench includes the following inspirational message: Memories make what we are. Dreams make what we will be. “I firmly believe that giving to Salem really makes a difference as it provides current and future students a better opportunity to achieve their dreams,” Jenny stated.

Jenny graduated from Salem College in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and then earned a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics from North Carolina State University (NCSU) in 1980. After graduating from NCSU, she worked at IBM for 33 years in Information Technology. She has been very involved in Salem’s Triangle Alumnae Club (currently serving as Secretary) as well as President of her class. She is also an active volunteer in her community including with the Leadership Council of the Women’s Giving Network of Wake County, Komen Race for the Cure, Pancreatic Cancer Network, Carolina Ballet, Make-A-Wish, and Habitat for Humanity.

Calling all classes ending in 1s and 6s, and the Class of 2020! Every year Reunion gifts are critical to Salem meeting our College Fund goal. The Reunion giving deadline has been extended to June 30. Give today at salem.edu/give, by phone at 336-721-2607, or mail a check to Salem College, Office of Institutional Advancement, 601 South Church Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Thank you for supporting Salem with your Reunion gift!

There’s still time for prospective students to apply for Fall 2021. We would love your help as we look for great applicants. Let anyone you know who may be interested in learning more about Salem College about our upcoming event:

• On-Site Admissions Event: Wednesday, July 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  This in-person, on-site event is a great way for interested students to fast track the admissions process, tour campus, chat with current Salem students, and meet with an admissions or financial aid counselor. Attendees can come anytime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. They can bring their transcripts and a completed application (or complete their application on campus) and get an admissions decision the same day! Attendees should register on our website.