President's Letter

Thank you for your support over the years. Your support expands the opportunities for our students who continue striving to overcome economic challenges and at the same time recover academically from the impact of the Covid pandemic. 

I graduated from Franklin in 1967. It was a turbulent time in America and we had differences and difficulties; economically, racially, and socially. There was also a broad diversity at Franklin: walking the hall; getting along; and respecting our differences and enjoying the cultural richness. We searched for and found common ground. We connected because we rejected a world telling us not to do so. 

We left Franklin, but we still carry with us that respect and enjoyment. From time to time we reconnected. After retiring from careers and raising families this reconnection has only been amplified. We get together in person and virtually and continue to live the values first found at Franklin. 

As our wider world pulls apart and loses a sense of decency and respect for difference, it is even more meaningful to remember our experiences at Franklin and the roots of appreciation for diversity that we found there, even as we find ourselves on different sides of any particular issue. We don’t have to agree with each other. We can add respect and kindness to whatever situation we find ourselves in. 

I hope Franklin will always be a place where you will want to come and participate, volunteer, or even mentor to make a difference in the lives of current and future students.

Quaker LQVE,
Deborah Burton, 1967"
Franklin Alumni Association & Foundation 
Board President