The Investiture of Rector Sara Stephenson

The event, held on the school’s historic campus, brought together students, faculty, families, alumnae, trustees, and community members to mark this important occasion in the school’s 130th year. In the spirit of Chatham Hall’s rich tradition of empowering strong women, the day paid tribute to the generations of students, teachers, and leaders who have shaped its legacy.

The ceremony featured heartfelt remarks from several prominent speakers, including Sue Sadler, Stephenson’s

longtime friend and Head of The Bryn Mawr School, the Right Reverend Susan B. Haynes, the first female diocesan bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia, and Stephenson herself. Their words captured the gravity of the occasion and reflected on the past, present, and future of Chatham Hall. During her address, Rector Stephenson spoke poignantly about “defining moments” in life, encouraging everyone in attendance to reflect on their own. She shared her personal milestones: becoming a sister, wife, mother, godmother, and educator, as well as facing the loss of her parents. She described her journey as one that led her to this pivotal moment, saying, “And committing my whole heart to this beloved school and this defining moment that is happening right now.”

In her speech, Stephenson revealed the deeper significance behind these life-changing experiences. She reflected on the threads that tied them all together, stating, “I clearly saw two threads running through the defining moments of my life, and I like to think that of those two binding threads, one was purple, and one was gold.” These colors, representing Chatham Hall’s rich history and tradition, symbolized the core values that have shaped her path.

Stephenson emphasized authenticity as a guiding principle throughout her life, describing the school’s motto, Esto Perpetua (let it be perpetual), as central to her journey and her role at Chatham Hall. “In all of these distilled moments of clarity and definition, my authentic self was always present,” she reflected. “Chatham Hall fosters, nurtures, and celebrates the authenticity of every girl, in all of her roles, and propels her to authenticity in all of the defining moments of her future." Her words resonated deeply with the audience, offering a vision for the future of Chatham Hall rooted in tradition, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to empowering young women. As the community celebrated Stephenson’s investiture, it also embraced the continuity of leadership and the bright future she is poised to shape.