By Grainger Marburg, Executive Director
When I joined Peninsula Bridge in 2005, I had little more than a slim
idea of what I was getting myself into and how much the organization
would change me. I wanted to change the lives of middle school students
from under-resourced schools and communities. I wasn't interested in
how much I would change. It wasn't about me. Now, a little over six
years later, I am a changed man. What I was hoping I could do for our
students has happened to me. It's been a good journey. The
organization supports over 70% more students than we did in 2005. We
have grown to seven program sites from four, and have plans to increase
to ten sites in the next two years. We have a strong brand - something
that truly reflects who we are and what we do. Most importantly,
though, is the legacy we are creating for our students and their
families. Over 5,000 students have enrolled in Bridge since our first
summer program in 1990, and each year we learn more about the adventures
and successes of our alumni and the difference we have made in their
lives. It's an amazing testament to the work of Peninsula Bridge. It is now time for me to say goodbye. I am ready to accept new and different challenges so that I can embody Bridge's tagline (i.e., dream, believe, achieve) and continue growing both professionally and personally. I have the rare luxury of leaving when things are thriving and the organization is poised for even more success in the upcoming years. It is a good time to make my exit, and thank the many stakeholders and friends for making my experience so rich and rewarding. I am deeply grateful for the support of my board and staff; they have been true partners, colleagues, and friends. I also owe a lot of thanks to our public and independent school partners, especially to the school heads who have made our partnership so productive. My successor, Deirdre Marlowe, is now on board. Please welcome her to the Bridge family when you have a chance. You will learn more about her in the upcoming months as she acclimates to her position and reaches out to the Bridge community.
The past six years have been an extraordinary experience, and I am both excited and sad about leaving an organization that has been so generous to me over the years. It is hard to find the right words, so I will resort to quoting one of history's most gifted playwrights, Shakespeare, instead:
Good night, good night!
Parting is such sweet sorrow,
That I shall say good night till it be morrow.
Thank you, Peninsula Bridge!