Columbus School for Girls Alumnae

Today, we celebrate Commencement for the Class of 2026 at Columbus School for Girls. For each Commencement exercise, we celebrate the values enshrined in the school motto, Forte et Gratum: “Strength and Grace,” the hallmark of CSG students and graduates. We’re proud to welcome Krissy Fenner ’97, administrator of power for the city of Columbus, as the Commencement speaker for the Class of 2026.

Livestream the ceremony: https://bit.ly/4viK3H4

We’re looking for a few friendly faces to serve as Ushers at Commencement on Monday, June 1st, from 1:00–2:00 PM. You’ll help families find their seats and soak up the excitement of graduation day before the ceremony begins! It’s a wonderful way to give back and celebrate the Class of 2026. If you’re available to help, please reach out to Megan Murray '11 at [email protected]. Thank you for helping us make this day special for our students and their loved ones!

At this year’s Cum Laude Induction Ceremony, the student honorees were recognized for their academic achievement and commitment to learning. The Upper School also got to hear from guest speaker, Dr. Michelle Golla ’00!

She reminded students that success isn’t about perfection, but about resilience. She encouraged them to choose their own path, step into spaces where they may be the only one, and never let expectations define their potential.

Read more about the induction ceremony here: https://www.columbusschoolforgirls.org/about/csg-news/details/~board/csg-news/post/csg-welcomes-dr-michelle-golla-00-as-2026-cum-laude-induction-ceremony-speaker?fbclid=IwY2xjawRuuHBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFQaXVDSEpab2dwQUJpeklHc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHr1rRuveBo8tHtWrl-tZmnF14QsSJjcfcN1cpaOZURbyb2t3TfMFE1kpLhVB_aem_lBxSuTPu3aeg7ubk5kQvRw

Ava Fortney ’21 and Nyah Funderburke ’21 are back to campus supporting the PYC students during their swim unit and showed the power of lasting connection.

Did you know that not only are Ava & Nyah classmates and teammates, both athletes hold CSG school records, are state champions, and continued their athletic careers in college?!

Together they are bringing their dedication and passion as they make waves with our youngest learners, inspiring the future athletes within the CSG community...Maybe someday, adding their names on the wall alongside Ava's and Nyah's!

Just a few weeks ago, we were honored to welcome Cynthia Kane ’98 back to campus to speak with our Upper School Community Writing class taught by Director of Upper School Scott Parsons. As an accomplished author and communication coach, she shared her journey, from her time at CSG to becoming a published author.

She encouraged students to explore their own voices, reflect on the kind of authors they hope to become, and embrace the experiences that shape their stories.

This past Saturday, CSG alumnae gathered in both NYC and Chicago for an Alumnae Scholarship Walk. It was a fantastic opportunity for regional unicorns to connect and walk in celebration of the 54th Annual CSG Scholarship Walk. Thank you to everyone who participated! We love seeing our community come together across the country to support tuition assistance and the next generation of CSG students.

NYC walk participants at Prospect Park include Lingling Zhao ’12, Alice Stevens ’05, Danielle Berger ’90, Chloe Metz ’94, and host Alex Ording ’05.

Chicago walk participants at Lincoln Park Zoo include host Meredith Hein ’08, Julianne Corroto Peak '07, and Melissa Erickson Orsi '08.

We’re proud to welcome Kristian Fenner ’97 as the commencement speaker for the Class of 2026 🌹

As Administrator of Power for the City of Columbus, Fenner leads a team of 100 professionals and advances innovative, sustainable energy solutions in one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities. A dedicated alumna, she continues to support and inspire the next generation of CSG students.

We look forward to the message she’ll share with our graduates on June 1.

Learn more about Fenner and her extraordinary career here: https://www.columbusschoolforgirls.org/about/csg-news/details/~board/csg-news/post/columbus-school-for-girls-announces-kristian-fenner-97-as-2026-commencement-speaker

What a weekend! 🦄✨We welcomed nearly 200 alumnae back to campus for Alumnae Weekend 2026, celebrating the strength of our sisterhood across generations. A special shoutout to our milestone classes ending in 1s and 6s! From our newest graduates to our most seasoned alumnae, seeing generations of women reconnect was a powerful reminder of the lifelong bond a CSG education creates.
Thank you to everyone who traveled back home to make this weekend so memorable. Once a Unicorn, always a Unicorn! ❤️💛

Click this link to view photos from the weekend: https://www.flickr.com/photos/csg123/albums/

While our students are gearing up for the 54th Annual Scholarship Walk today, our Alumnae community is keeping the tradition going as well!

Join us tomororw - Saturday, May 2 - as we walk together across the country to support CSG’s tuition assistance program.

Here’s where we’ll be:
📍 Columbus: Saturday, May 2 at 12:00 pm EST at Prairie Oaks Metro Park
📍 Chicago: Saturday, May 2 at 10:00 am CT at Lincoln Park Zoo & Chicago Lakefront
📍 New York City: Saturday, May 2 at 10:00 am EST at Prospect Park (this is a NEW LOCATION!)
⚠️ Boston: Our walk has been postponed to the fall - stay tuned for a new date!

We have been reaching out to alumnae in each of these areas but if you would like to learn more please contact Megan Murray ’11 at [email protected]. We’d love to see you there!

Attention Columbus CSG Alumnae! We need YOU to bring the energy tomorrow, Friday, May 1!

Join us for the 54th Annual Scholarship Walk along the route to cheer on our Middle and Upper School walkers and help them safely navigate their route from CSG to Kirk Campus. Let’s make every mile feel like a victory—sign up to be a friendly face on the course!

Interested? Email Megan Murray ’11 at [email protected] to find out more route details!