Alumnus Lewis Pollack '64 met over Zoom on April 7 with students currently taking Chinese I, II, and III classes to discuss his time at Pennington and his special interest in world languages. This meeting followed Pollack's generous donation, given to specifically support the Chinese language program at Pennington. The students asked a number of questions about what The Pennington School was like in the 60s, and Pollack talked happily about the positive influence Pennington had on him as a student and a person. "Pennington made me a student," he said, referencing the discipline and confidence he gained during his time on campus. Pollack was a very involved student after coming to Pennington for his sophomore year; he participated in baseball, soccer, and fencing, as well as glee club and a barbershop quartet! Though he took Spanish (and even traveled to Spain for a month) during high school, he wishes Chinese classes had been available to him, and he feels strongly that it is essential to have capable Chinese speakers moving into the future of business. 

Pollack asked the current students questions about their Pennington experiences, as well, wanting to know where seniors were planning to attend college and how they were enjoying the Chinese classes. Many of the students declared Chinese to be one of their favorite classes taken at the School, though all agreed that the language is difficult to learn. Pollack was glad to see how his donation will support this popular program and he is looking forward to seeing how future students will also benefit from the positive impact of his gift. He is passionate about supporting education with his philanthropy, and delighted to make Pennington a beneficiary of his generosity. The call wrapped up with the hope that Pollack would meet some of the students at this fall's Homecoming, and they said goodbye to him in Chinese.