This is the tower that stands atop the main building of the prep school I attended in Philadelphia, The William Penn Charter School. I don’t know how long it’s been there. But my dad graduated from PC in 1935. That was eighty nine years ago. My guess it adorned the school another eighty nine before then. At least.

God has blessed me with seventy nine years here so far. My life has been a usual ebb and flow I’m sure you have lived through as well. But as I look back there have been a few “diamond” life experiences along my journey that have been defining. Set my sail … when the winds were blowing a wrong way. When challenges at the time seemed insurmountable. You know, provided me with a value system and faith that pulled me through. “Diamonds” are signature times in life you’ll remember always. Memories of them resurface over and over. They like diamonds are rare. Penn Charter has always been a rare gift given to me.

My dad was captain of the basketball team in ’35. President of the Alumni Society. Member of the PC Athletic Hall of Fame. A huge contributor. Much more through his toil than treasure. On and on. He was deeply connected to the school after graduating. I’ll never forget my tears senior year when our then Headmaster, John Gummere, thanked my father during an assembly of the entire school for his untiring commitment to Penn Charter. In front of all my classmates. Stick me with a pin and I’d have burst with pride. So it was. I remember faculty like Henry Heine and coaches like Duke Taylor who beamed when they greeted me during my early years, “Oh, you’re Pace Brickley’s son.”

I did my own good things while there too. Am I about to launch into another “good news” story about me like my dad’s? Not quite. In fact, there was an experience of mine that truly tarnished my “diamond” experience at PC. All the details and those involved are unnecessary. But let’s just say I faced a painful injustice that could have cast a dark shadow over my years there. But what I learned and told myself then? “Bob, as difficult as this was for you to cope with, recover from this emotional ‘wound’? The strength and quality of your good days at Penn Charter have far outweighed the bad ones. And any hurt you suffered? Pales by comparison.” (Now you’re really curious what happened, aren’t you? But I’m just not going to tell you.)

I attended my 60th Reunion at the school last year. Heard a few similar stories of classmates who had this and that happen to them while at school. Something said, not said. Usually followed by, “I’m not giving the school a nickel.”

Well, this is the point of this piece. I’m pleased with how I responded and equally disappointed how my classmates responded. They were wrong. Very wrong! PC has graduated thousands of kids who’ve gone on to do wonderful things. Contributed to society in vast, myriads of ways. And I know many had their own issues with the school as well. Sure, there have been times when PC lost its footing a bit. Maybe when the Quaker culture might have been questioned; times when the athletic teams were poorly coached, were underperforming; or more seriously a time when sexual harassment problems gripped the entire PC community.

My message? I spent my career working as a consultant with institutions. Successful businesses, “startups” that went big, colleges and even churches. None. I repeat none escaped without suffering setbacks, leadership falters or failures, financial shortfalls. But my observation? These were just chinks in the armor. Minor, even necessary. The strength, reputation and goodwill these organizations had built over years, even decades. In spite of pressing problems, even crises … they always prevailed. Always.

Penn Charter was founded in 1689, three hundred thirty years ago. At the urging of William Penn. It is the oldest Quaker school in the world. Tradition … reputation … prominence are all in the fabric of PC that makes the school special. When I weigh this all against its setbacks. Its missteps and stumbles, I tell myself this …

“Isn’t it providential that an established institution like my school will never travel a pure glide path. How it prevails in the face of challenges only confirms its value. Knowing it will long outlive me. Continue to do the good its people of yesterday and today will treasure always.”

Penn Charter shaped me. Is some of the “sinew” that has allowed me to prevail. Hopefully live my truth. I’ve been fortunate to build businesses, coach hundreds of people during my working days. Always guided by my learnings as a young man who through it all … was lucky enough to be part of this great school.

I will contribute my money, my participation to Penn Charter when ever, wherever possible. Hopefully, I will join with a some of my classmates one more time. Even get a chance to see a few of those non givers again. If so, I’ll share some of what I’ve written here. “Ok guys. Get over yourselves. You came back to PC sixty five years after graduating. Good time to cough up a few bucks!’’

Point made … over and out.