New IMF Chief Graduated Holton Arms

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I also thought the full page ad was odd. Surely Holton has other successful alumni (and taking out such an ad makes that seem not to be the case). Odd use of resources as well.

I don't think it's odd at all. Having a female President is a huge cultural transition for the IMF, and many, many people have very high hopes for her and the institution. This could be a sea change at the IMF, hopefully with some trickle over the the Bank and similar organizations. I think it's wonderful that a school she attended in the DC area views her accomplishments worthy of attracting attention. She is a strong, well-educated, competent woman who has made enormous strides in a predominantly male field. I say shout it from the highest tower! And as for Holton's use of its money, my guess is that the school will receive increased donations based on its affiliation with her, and it's certainly good for the school for people to know that she has an affiliation, if only for a year. Frankly, that she did a year at Holton after finishing school in France makes me think even more highly of Holton as it seems she and her parents must have thought quite carefully about whether and where she would spend this extra year.

[Anonymous]

Let's just call a spade a spade. Lagarde's an impressive person and deserves to be congratulated for her success. Holton is trying to use Lagarde's success as a marketing tool to sell the school. There's nothing wrong with that marketing strategy, but it would be ridiculous not to acknowledge that's what's going on here.

[Anonymous]

Well, la dee dah

[Anonymous]

OMG -- people are such bad sports. It is so rare for a woman to get such a high honor and it is great she went to school here in the DC area as she may be able to help other women from this area. Grow a pair folks.

[Anonymous]

Did she graduate from the school or just atttend the school?

[Anonymous]

Read the paper pp -- she graduated from HA in 1974

[Anonymous]

Would you want your tuition dollars going for full page ads? Lots of illustrious people graduated from lots of schools around here and I don't remember seeing anything like this before.

[Anonymous]

If you have to worry about tuition dollars being spent on ads, then Holton is not for you. It is a momentous occasion worth celebrating and more than likely the alum board paid for the ad. And if the school did so what? It increases visibility and highlights an accomplishment. As an alum who gave money this year I have zero problems with the ad.

[Anonymous]

Not a Holton parent, but I think that Holton's announcement is perfectly appropriate for a number of reasons. First, part of Holton's mission is encouraging their students and other girls to aim high, and Lagarde is certainly an inspiring example. Second, I think it will help raise the profile further for fundraising purposes. Lots of schools and colleges -- including Ivy universities with many famous graduates use notable alunmi(ae) in advertising/fundraising materials. Third, it helps to further diversify and internationalize Holton's image.

[Anonymous]

I agree pp. My law school had only 1 famous alum and they blasted his name all over the place.

It is historic that Christine Lagarde was named to this auspicious post -- it's time for women to celebrate. God only knows she'll have no problem keeping her pants on unlike her predecessor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not a Holton parent, but I think that Holton's announcement is perfectly appropriate for a number of reasons. First, part of Holton's mission is encouraging their students and other girls to aim high, and Lagarde is certainly an inspiring example. Second, I think it will help raise the profile further for fundraising purposes. Lots of schools and colleges -- including Ivy universities with many famous graduates use notable alunmi(ae) in advertising/fundraising materials. Third, it helps to further diversify and internationalize Holton's image.

Holton Arms has puffed its own resume' by not disclosing Lagarde's brief one-year attendance at its campus. The ad fails to meet a standard of transparency. Certainly there is enough room in the ad layout to clarify Lagarde's limited educational experience at Holton Arms. By omitting clarification, Holton gets way too much credit for Lagarde's academic and character formation. Holton needs to come clean on this self-puff ad.

[Anonymous]

PP Give me a break! There is no need to explain her limited time at Holton. The point is she chose to attend and she graduated from Holton. BTW, a year can make quite a difference in a child. As for the money the school spent, you need not worry too much because Holton has just about the highest endowment in this area. So sad you can't be happy for the school and insist on nitpicking this accomplishment to death.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So sad you can't be happy for the school and insist on nitpicking this accomplishment to death.

That's just it -- I am very happy for Lagarde and her accomplishment, and no one seems to be "nitpicking" her well-earned kudos. However, I am not so impressed that Holton seems to be trying to cash in on Lagarde's fame.

[Anonymous]

18:17 again. I also don't see how Lagarde's appointment is an "accomplishment" for the school she attended for a brief period 37 years ago. Definitely an accomplishment for Lagarde, not so much for the school.

[Anonymous]

That full page ad was a bad decision. Act like you've been there before Holton. You spiked the ball, did a dance...and she only went to the school for a year? It's summer and it;s slow on this board. Expect to kicked around on DCUM for at least another three weeks.