By Jeanne W. Lepper, Director
Many people are responsible for the glorious day we enjoyed on June 3! Bing staff and parents met, behind the scenes, each week for six months prior to our 40th Anniversary celebration and swung into action on the day of the event. Our heartfelt thanks to each of them, to the distinguished participants in the research symposium and to Helen and Peter Bing. This memorable occasion exceeded all expectations! A special acknowledgement goes to Bing parent Jean Zambelli for designing the lovely invitation and program. The event gave us a feeling of coming “full circle.” Many of us remember founding director, Dr. Edith Dowley, and we were delighted to welcome her nieces and nephews, and their children, to this reunion. It was especially gratifying to see so many Bing graduates and their families return so we could share in their memories of the important early years they spent at Bing and to hear news of their growing-up.
The multiple functions of Bing School —education of young children, research, and training—allow us to promote the importance of the discipline of child study. Many Stanford students who participate at the school go on to be advocates for children in diverse settings. It was a pleasure to hear from parents that the symposium provided information that was practical, useful and inspiring. One parent described the day as follows: “It was so heart warming to see all of the teachers and staff intently soaking in the presentations of Stanford’s and Bing’s famous professors—what incredible researchers they are! My husband and I feel so fortunate to have our children at Bing—where every person who guides them cares so much about their well-being, their self and their personal development. We have learned so much from all of you—and the presentations inspired me even more to try and be the best mother possible—so my children can happily and confidently grow into great adults some day. The garden party was beautiful. I loved seeing how much the pine trees have grown in Center room on the invitation! Please share with the organizers and professors how impressed I was with the whole day and how much I appreciate their caring so much about the development of my children.”