From the Hilltop September 2024

New Beginnings

At Kimball Union Academy, the opening of school is one of the most highly anticipated times of the year. This year we welcomed 342 students to the Hilltop, representing 27 states and 23 countries. Families and new students were greeted by a tremendous group of student leaders, faculty, and staff, eager to welcome them into the KUA community. If you haven't been to campus in awhile, fall is the perfect time to make your return to Meriden. We have a series of events designed to introduce - or reintroduce - you to this wonderful place we call home.

Head of School Tyler Lewis P'28 helps students embark on a canoe trip down the Connecticut River to their campsite at Mount Ascutney.
At every turn in this journey – you will find adults who are not only incredibly vested in you – getting to know you and supporting you on your way. But also, if you look closely – you’ll realize they are deeply committed to the craft of education – to being exceptional educators who are listening, thinking and refining the ways they design and implement lessons, and practices and even interactions with you to be as good at what they do – as you are committed to excelling in the ways that you apply yourself. -Tyler Lewis P'28, Head of School, at Convocation

Scenes From: The Opening of School

New Faculty Find a Home at KUA

With a range of experiences and skill sets, new faculty are teaching, advising, coaching, and mentoring Kimball Union students and helping create the robust community of learners that comprise campus life.

Three Ways to Embrace the Amazing Journey Ahead

Bill Diamond received the 2024 Mikula Award, an annual award given to a faculty member in recognition of teaching excellence. At Convocation, he drew from his years of boarding-school experience and shared how to make each moment count.

I’m living my best life, still that eager student at heart, 28 years after my parents dropped me off at boarding school.

Meditation Practice Helps Reduce Stress

Regular meditation practice can help students reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional regulation, making it easier to manage academic pressures and social challenges. KUA's student wellness group now offers a 10-minute morning meditation to all community members.

Orange and Black

KUA teams are back in action! Come cheer on the Wildcats from the sidelines or watch them on the livestream. You can see all home games on Pope and Grenier Fields on Live Sports.

Now Showing

The Taylor Art Gallery is home to student art shows and also serves as the exhibit space for artists from outside the school community. Now on display in the gallery you can see Bradford Johnson's show, "A River Twice. Hope from the Mystic" Acrylic Paint and Medium on Panels. The community joined Johnson for an opening on September 13.

On Stage

Flickinger Auditorium regularly hosts student performances and visiting artists. Each Monday and Thursday you can catch All School Meeting, as the community comes together to showcase and highlight what's happening on campus and discuss meaningful topics transpiring in the world. These events are often broadcast live for parents, alumni, and friends on KUA Live.

KUA in the News

The Bravest Among Us

On September 2, 2014, journalist Steven Sotloff '02 was murdered by a member of ISIS, horrifically captured and shared on video around the world after he was held hostage.

On the 10-year anniversary of his death, Time Magazine's Marc Marginedas—a fellow reporter who was in captivity in Syria, as well—remembered Sotloff’s courage, humor, and relentless quest for justice, despite the incredible dangers they’d experienced.

KUA's Day of Giving Is Moving from the Spring to the Fall!

Please Support Us on November 14, 2024!

Read All About It

The Spring/Summer 2024 issue of Kimball Union magazine is packed with updates from The Hilltop and news from our alumni from all around the world. If you're an alum who's not receiving a copy, you can read the digital version online! Or, maybe you want to update your contact information so we know how to find you...

Fall Fun at Family Weekend!

October 18-19, 2024

Families are invited to come enjoy the KUA experience for themselves! A festive, fall weekend awaits. Spend time with your student and see what the campus and community have to offer.

Don't miss our featured event The College Conversation. Join Jacques Steinberg, New York Times best-selling author of “The College Conversation," for a candid discussion of practical strategies for parents to support their children in mapping a path through the college application process.

Upcoming Events

Sept 28: Admission Open House

Oct 5: Tim Knox Memorial Service - Meriden Congregational Church, 11 a.m. RSVP

Oct 5: Admission Open House

Oct 5: Alumni Game Day at KUA

Oct 10: KUA in DC – Bringing The Hilltop to Capitol Hill

Oct 18-19: Family Weekend

Oct 25: Kilton & Welch Ribbon Cutting and Howe Dewdney Residence Hall Dedication

Nov 14: One Day. One KUA. – KUA’s Annual Day of Giving moves to the fall!