Living the Life He Sings About
Vice President of Community and College Relations Maurice Eldridge '61 describes how his efforts to help Associate Professor of Music John Alston expand upon the successful model of the Chester Children's Chorus culminated this fall with the opening of the Chester Upland School of the Arts. For Eldridge, a lifelong educator and patron of the arts, the project represents community building at its best. “We keep making believers of each other,” he says. “It excites us."
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Congratulations!
xoxoxooxSally
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Well done, my brother! You ROCK!
Sister
October 2nd, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Those of us who remember Chester in the late 1950s-early 1960s have special reason to rejoice in this wonderful news. Congratulations and thanks.
October 3rd, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Maurice Eldridge is, without question, one of the most intelligent, visionary and generous individuals I have ever encountered. He is "the invisible hand of Swarthmore" and his profoundly positive influence is felt throughout our community. We are indebted to him and very, very grateful
October 3rd, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Congratulations Maurice!
October 4th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Thanks to Maurice, a shining light of the Swat College and other communities, the 'human community' continues to progress! Please keep going, and share our stories and work!
Maurice, thanks and congrats……..Proud to be your friend!
October 8th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
An inspiring story from an inspiring man. I'm struck by the "circling back" metaphor in your life, how self-respecting it is, and it gives me an insight on how it is you manage to convey such respect to others.
One of the ways you model for others is how to back up visionaries, whether it's John Alston or the first graders (all of whom seem to be visionaries!).
Thanks for the celebration. In these turbulent times, we need it!
October 23rd, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Maurice continues to give so much to every community in which he serves. His commitment, leadership and creativity are unmatched. Thank you again Maurice for all that you do.
October 30th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Congratulations on the initiative.
My sister is currently writing her doctoral thesis in Education on "Changing meanings of public education. A Genealogy". Although it relates to the meaning of "public education" in Argentine history, I would be very interested in receiving material explaining the "private-public partnership model" on which the funding and management of the CUSA is based. If it is not too much trouble, please send me any available literature at: joria@oysa.com.ar
Thank you very much!
October 30th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Thank you again, Maurice–You know I love this with all my heart.
-former CCC teacher, current CUSA teacher
November 10th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
I know this is a "dream come true" for you Maurice, dear to your heart since I first met you in your role as a board member for Suburban Music School some 15-20 years ago. At that time you spent a portion of your precious little time and energy to mentor me in the world of development!
Thank you for that and heartfelt congratulations to you!!!! What a truly meaningful and invaluble accomplishment…just the beginning, right??
Karen DiSanto
-former Associate Director/Development Officer Suburban Music School
November 29th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Congratulations Maurice!
I have always, and still do, admire and respect your high level of professionalism and your down-to-earth sincerity. Listening to your story, in your own words, reminded me how you were/are an important model to those educators who believe that "good" things are possible. With the many outstanding achievements credited to your career, I can only imagine what this most recent accomplishment must mean to you as you realize the impact you envision will have on the future of young people. You continue to inspire me as I am certain you inspire so many others.
Once again, congratulations my friend and mentor.
Harry D. Clark
-Past President, International Network of Visual and Performing Arts Schools/Founder and Principal (ret.) Pittsburgh H.S. for the Creative and Performing Arts
December 8th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Thank you, Maurice, for sharing this story. It's very moving, and I wish you every kind of luck with this jewel of a project.
My very best wishes, Ellie
March 6th, 2009 at 12:48 am
Maurice, it's great. One of those wonderful powerful instances
Of miraculous humanity happened here and I know you have dreamed of something like this for some time now. New beginnings. My admiration to you.
and a very moving inspirational ten minutes of listening. Proud to be your friend.
Love to you,
m