Drew welcomed students, families, and faculty to Allies and Affinity Night, a community evening centered on connection, reflection, and belonging. Designed to create space for meaningful dialogue, the event invited participants to engage thoughtfully with one another through guided conversations in affinity spaces and shared time over dinner.
This year’s theme, Showing Up, encouraged participants to reflect on what it means to show up authentically—for themselves, for their identities, and for one another. Following a welcome and framing from Dean Rivers, attendees moved into affinity spaces designed to support open, honest conversation grounded in personal experience and mutual respect.
“It was very affirming to see the community come together for the event,” Dean Rivers shared. “It was the first of its kind, and there were many questions going into it about how it would go. I am pleased that it went so well in a variety of ways. Some rooms had many people, some only had a few—but each space had strong, meaningful dialogue. In one room, the support and conversation were so intense that everyone ended up crying together.”
The evening continued with a community dinner, where participants reconvened across affinity spaces to share a meal and continue conversations through optional table prompts focused on reflection, connection, and looking forward.
Parents expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to engage in conversations that often don’t happen at home.
“It was really nice to communicate with our kids about this—we don’t think we’ve had these discussions at home,” shared Priya Saraswati and Fouzia Shamsi.
Other parents reflected on the importance of speaking from personal perspective rather than framing experiences as “right” or “wrong,” noting that this approach encouraged openness, confidence, and reduced fear of judgment. Families also shared gratitude that students have access to spaces where they feel safe to speak honestly, be heard, and know they belong.
Reflecting on the evening, T.’28 shared, “It was nice to see the diversity at Drew not during school, but in an after-school setting. What I hope people took away from this event is the importance of community, and how a community of differences strengthens people.”
Dean Rivers emphasized that these moments of connection are central to Drew’s values.
“I’m incredibly proud of everyone who showed up or helped to plan the evening,” he shared. “The connections made in the affinity spaces and the ally dinner are truly the lifeblood of community. When we show up for each other, we reinforce the value we see in one another and truly live out what it means to belong.”
Allies and Affinity Night reflected Drew’s ongoing commitment to fostering a community rooted in empathy, dialogue, and care—one where showing up for one another is both encouraged and practiced.
At Drew, belonging is built through listening, presence, and the courage to show up together.
View photos from the event HERE!
