"At UPrep, we offer students many opportunities to engage in new learning adventures. They pick up new instruments, build robots from scratch, go on Semester Away programs, get on stage for the first time, and lead consent education workshops. They explore their curiosity and showcase their courage."

The theme of this edition of the magazine is "The Art of Innovation." Like collaborating in a jazz ensemble or pitching a start-up, innovation is not a linear process. To me, innovation requires the gumption to try something novel and to embrace the inevitable trials and tribulations along the way. At UPrep, we offer students many opportunities to engage in new learning adventures. They pick up new instruments, build robots from scratch, go on Semester Away programs, get on stage for the first time, and lead consent education workshops. They explore their curiosity and showcase their courage. They apply critical thinking skills, become more resourceful, and expand their ability to ask for help. These are the foundations of innovation, and I see it in every nook and cranny at UPrep. 

From the Swimming and Water Safety intensive to the Book of the Dead project, our faculty's capacity for creativity and innovation after two years of COVID-enforced perseverance is inspirational. Beyond the classroom, our students learn from alumni who return to campus to coach sports and lead clubs, like the two students on the Mock Trail team, who were coached by Patrick Trompeter '94. Beyond that, four alumni share how UPrep prepared them to take risks and innovate in the fields of data visualization, technology, data science, fashion, and content creation. And there's our new Senior Leadership Team members who bring their expertise to our community.

Under the leadership of the Board of Trustees, the ULab Capital Campaign is transforming our campus with the construction of the 39,000-square-foot, three-story ULab. It will be the hub of the Upper School—focused on amplifying the signature learning experiences and collaborations that are essential to thriving in an ever-changing global community. On the first level of the building, students will collaborate in the Beitel Commons, meet with our renowned college counselors, and explore experiential learning opportunities in the Office of Innovation and Adventure. On the second floor, project classrooms and the new Makerspace will foster opportunities for invention, from coding drones to fabricating 3D prototypes. On the third floor, inspiration comes to life in the ULab Faculty Office and seminar-style classrooms where students will be challenged to learn beyond disciplines, to dig deeper and take intellectual risks, and to explore who they are and how they can make an impact in our community. I cannot wait to see students brainstorming on the rooftop deck, taking a community yoga class in the Wellness Studio, and tinkering in the Makerspace. 

The ULab will be a game-changer, offering each student a place to connect to the amazing learning experiences UPrep offers and develop their potential to be creative and innovative Pumas out in the world.