Founders Day 2026
Our Keynote Speaker
Judith Dein '76 is a federal magistrate judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and served as its chief magistrate judge from 2009-12. Since her appointment to the bench in 2000, she has presided over numerous civil, jury and jury-waived trials, as well as pre-trial criminal matters.
At Union, Dein majored in American Studies. In 1973, she became the first female editor-in-chief of the Concordiensis, the student newspaper. Learn more about Dein here.
Gideon Hawley Teacher Recognition Award
Ishrat Chowdhury is a high school science educator currently teaching chemistry and physics at Boston Latin Academy. She previously taught chemistry and AP Biology at Match Charter Public High School. Chowdhury holds a B.A. in biochemistry and molecular biology from Boston University and a master’s in effective teaching. Chowdhury was nominated by Esther Adetutu '27, a biochemistry major.
"Ode to Old Union"
By Fitzhugh Ludlow (Class of 1856)
Let the Grecian dream of his sacred stream
And sing of the brave adorning
That Phoebus weaves from his laurel leaves
At the golden gates of morning.
But the brook that bounds thro' old Union's grounds
Gleams bright as a Delphic water,
And a prize as fair as a god may wear
Is a dip from our Alma Mater.
Chorus
Then here's to thee, the brave and free,
Old Union smiling o'er us,
And for many a day, as thy walls grow gray,
May they ring with thy children's chorus!