Making My List

by Vince Durnan, director

A collection of USN highlights from the director. 

Here's a briefer submission than last time, inspired by the season of gratitude. As we bid farewell to the twists and turns of 2016, let me share a partial inventory of my undimmed USN reasons for thanks:
 
For the three new members of our Admin Team: Juanita Traughber in Communications, Quinton Walker in High School, and Roderick White in Diversity and Community Life—each a dynamic, hardworking, and caring presence—and all so impressive.

For the talented folks whose excellence in their roles here has made it possible for me to visit 30 different schools this fall in three time zones while things back home ran so smoothly. And for the new friends and colleagues at all those schools.

For the groundbreaking and consistently inspiring work of Beth Thornburg over three decades in AFTER-SCHOOL.

For the quiet, maybe even too quiet, progress on our One School. Our Future campaign, now more than 90 percent toward a $28 million goal set four years ago, racing for conclusion on June 30.

For the willingness of the USN community to think of one another in the midst of the vituperative election season, and for renewed civic energy since results were announced.

For the thoughtful leadership of this year's low-ego, high commitment senior class, setting the right kind of example for the young ones in our halls.

For our smaller than you would probably believe Operations staff, setting and resetting rooms for events around the clock, and for driving the vehicles that bring USN students, faculty, and programs to every possible destination, and for keeping our campus as safe as it is friendly.

For the good people of USNA, working a calendar of events that engages more than 70 percent of our parents as volunteers and hundreds of our neighbors in Evening Classes, even when the signup website crashes under the weight of that interest.

For our faculty, meeting regularly after classes to plan a more inclusive curriculum, a more meaningful student experience, a more connected program K-12, and our role in the future of education.

And surely most of all, for the 1,050+ students and their 730+ families who provide the energy, the commitment, the resources, and the optimism that impel us forward hour to hour, year to year.

Here's hoping you make time to construct your own list and to recharge in the next two weeks,
Vince
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More USN News

List of 3 news stories.

  • Spring sports season ends with podium finishes, trophies

    The girls lacrosse team ended its season in overtime to become state runner-up. Tennis players Carter Kojetin '29 finished as a state quarterfinalist, Sophie Oliver '26 and Mary Kate Adler '28 finished as state semifinalists, and Veer Kodali '29 and Max Parker '29 finished as state champions. Meanwhile, eight runners competed at the state track and field meet in Knoxville, where Griffin Davidson '27, Caleb Freifeld '28, Drew Zwerner '28, and Jack Fruin '27, sprinted to first in the 4x800m relay and Jack also placed first in the 800m dash.
    Read More
  • Interim Director Juliet Douglas roars with laughter as students hold photos of her on sticks during the High School Awards Assembly on Friday, May 8 in Durnan Auditorium.

    USN creates the Juliet Douglas Endowed Fund for Student Success

    For the entire USN community: an invitation to give in gratitude, in celebration, and in honor of the woman who has given so much to our school. Make a gift at usn.org/giving to support students with needs beyond tuition and honor Interim Director Juliet Douglas.
    Read More
  • The team poses for a photo after competing in the Middle School Quiz Bowl National Championships.

    Middle School Quiz Bowl competes at national championship

    The Middle School Quiz Bowl finished off another successful season with a trip to the Middle School National Championship Tournament in Chicago. The team fought hard and ended the season as a top-100 program in the country, finishing 75th overall. Congratulations to the team on a great performance and to Lucas Lupu ’31, named an All Star for being the fifth-highest scorer nationwide.
    Read More
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Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212

Phone:  615-321-8000
Fax:       615-321-0889 
Email:    info@usn.org

River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218

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USN Mission: 
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.