Issue link: http://latinschool.uberflip.com/i/93284
Peter Burrows '56 P eter Burrows' lifelong loyalty to Latin transcends geography. He and his wife moved from Chicago to Annapolis, MD in 1971, but Burrows has returned to Latin nearly every year for the last 30 years. The people – his lifelong friends, longtime Latin teachers, and watching today's students flourish at his beloved alma mater, are what bring him back. A lifer, who even taught and coached at Latin briefly after attending the University of Colorado, Burrows visited Chicago for his 55th reunion in September. "We had a great time," he said. "Our class has managed to stay in touch and keep people interested over the years." Returning home to Chicago each autumn allows Burrows to maintain his ties to the school and celebrate some enduring traditions, though he misses the fall football games! But Burrows's praise for Latin extends beyond the school he remembers to the institution as it exists today. "The whole Latin School is so different now, and it reflects how the school has done so much right – from buying the new buildings to expanding the curriculum." He is proud of Latin's record of diversity, of encouraging and cultivating students from different backgrounds. "Latin has shown the willingness to do what was necessary and important, to change with the times," he said. He expects the school will continue to grow and adapt, aided by a legacy of smart financial and personnel decisions. "Latin has succeeded in part because it has stressed the importance of quality teachers. The school just continues to hire really superlative people – from the alumni office staff up the line to the faculty. And the school is steadily building up its endowment, which always helps private schools." Burrows said, he is doing his part to shore up Latin's financial position by remembering the school in his estate planning. "I think it's important for Latin alums who are in a position to help out to do something for the school – even if it's small." To Burrows, this kind of support is important to ensuring that the school continues to embody the qualities that have meant so much to him and other alumni, all while moving forward in innovative and exciting ways that will be meaningful to future generations. l – Jessica Reaves "The whole Latin School is so different now, and it reflects how the school has done so much right – from buying the new buildings to expanding the curriculum." Peter Burrows '56 Latin School of Chicago 39