The culmination of the school year at Baldwin is always full of new beginnings and celebrations: prom, flowering cherry blossoms, and of course, Commencement. However, this year, not only is the Class of 2023 leaving Baldwin to pursue their own exciting adventures, but so is Dr. Marisa Porges. 

Dr. Porges took on the role of Head of School in 2016, but her memories of Baldwin stretch back to her own time here as a member of the Class of ‘96. She treasures the traditions and special moments she experienced as a student here. For example, she fondly recalled the connection she made during her junior-senior exchange, saying, “I became really good friends with my junior… I went to her wedding over a decade later and we’re still in touch.” 

When asked what some of her favorite memories were during her time as Head of School, she found it difficult to pick just one. However, she said that a defining moment was “figuring [COVID-19] out together,” explaining how deeply she valued the strength in the community. She added, “The fun stuff like the dance parties and the moments with you all and Disco… Little moments like that stand out most.”

Another aspect of Baldwin that Dr. Porges will miss is the valued faculty. She said, “The times that I have the opportunity to sit in the faculty lounge and hear what they’re doing in class…[are] always incredibly inspiring.” 

Her love for not only the faculty but also the student body is evident. Especially close to her heart are opportunities for a personal connection with students, such as the deep dish lunches with the seniors where they discuss “life, adulthood, being a mom, being a career woman, and having a family.” 

Among her many accomplishments as the Head of School, Dr. Porges highlighted the work she’s done to ensure Baldwin is at the top of people’s minds when they think of the best schools in the country. “I’m proud to say, I think we collectively have gotten the Baldwin name, brand, and message out to more people around the nation,” she said.

She is also “proud of how supportive the community has been to grow our endowment, [which] is really important for the financial health of the school.” Enlarging the endowment allows for “giving to the next generation of students and supporting programs, financial aid, and our teachers.”

Dr. Porges explained that among the many things that Baldwin has taught her, asking for help when necessary and going easy on yourself are of the utmost importance. She explained that when running a large organization, “you need to pull on a team and collectively do things together” to maximize success.

An excellent example of this is her leadership throughout the turbulence of the pandemic. She realized that at “the core of getting through it” was “building and developing your people and your teams differently,” saying, “It was so much about how we supported our teachers, each other, and our families.”  

Baldwin students are tough; our school fosters a challenge-seeking mentality. Dr. Porges explained, “We want to take on difficult things for ourselves, for the world” and in doing that, we’re often “intellectually rewarded and inspired and get to meet new people.”

Dr. Porges is carrying this mentality of ambition and perseverance into her next steps beyond Baldwin. For the upcoming chapter of her life, she’s mainly excited for “a new challenge.” 

Looking back on her time at Baldwin, she said with a smile, “It’s been an honor and a privilege.” Her contributions to the life of the school will be long-lasting, and we wish her the best of luck with her future endeavors.