You brought so much space for creativity, imagination, and fun into class while helping develop our eyes and appreciation for the craft. Thank you. And thank you for being a forever cheerleader to me. I am grateful for you and appreciate your support!”
Peg is easily the best art teacher I’ve ever had. She looked past my lack of talent and gave me confidence as I learned about photography for the first time. More broadly, I have to thank her for being an out and visible member of the LGBT community. Meeting Peg instantly dispelled some of the toxic and cruel notions that were still prevalent in the middle schools of the 1990s. Peg—whether she knows it or not—is one of the many people at PA who inspired me to pursue a career in Democratic politics, where our mission is to lift everyone up and build a government based on acknowledging and joining in the struggles of our neighbors. PA should be so proud of Peg, who has helped send so many young adults out into the world armed with knowledge and goodness.”
In her own words...
Historically, photography has been an ever-evolving discipline, both in content and in form. As someone who is inclined to leave things in better condition than when first encountered, I am excited about the many changes that occurred at Phillips Academy during my tenure, including the new digital photography courses. The opportunity to share my passion for photography within Andover’s community of scholars has been an absolute pleasure.
Margaret L. Harrigan, 1996
In 1993, I came out as one of only three openly LGBTQI faculty members. Over time, there has been so much positive change on campus that has contributed to a stronger foundation for equity and inclusion that I cannot help but feel overwhelming joy. It has been a pleasure to work with colleagues across campus and in CAMD to support the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), as well as to develop programming for GSA weekends and MLK Day celebrations. I greatly enjoyed creating community-themed art exhibitions, along with orchestrating presentations and panels that celebrate a wide range of topics, such as the diversity of the LGBTQI community and the accomplishment of women.
Peg was a great photography teacher and life mentor. She helped coach softball and was always an extremely thoughtful and kind adult in my life. She is also funny and such an encouragement to me.”
Furthermore, the projects of the Tang Institute, and their focus on experiential learning, have allowed for the opportunity to inspire a sense of shared humanity that transcends the boundaries of this institution. It is difficult to find words that express the wonderful sense of adventure and accomplishment I’ve had in designing and implementing an experiential travel-learning program with colleagues and students. I hope these programs continue to evolve in the future.
Although I may no longer teach art full-time, I do not believe creative people ever truly “retire.” I leave this message for current and future students: The 21st-century global citizens of tomorrow will inherit the physical, social, cultural, and humanitarian landscapes left to them. Therefore, I hope you will be intelligent, just, and empathetic, and work tirelessly to create a better future for every inhabitant of this planet.
I remember fondly those classes on the upper floor of the Elson Art Center glass corridor. She challenged our ideas intensely. She challenged how we interpreted our art and critiqued each other. She was constantly pushing my boundaries and thinking. When she disagreed with me, she let me know it. It was a riot. I learned so much. Even today I feel most at peace when I’m, surrounded by people and ideas that challenge my thinking. Her X-ACTO knife–sharp wit earned my everlasting admiration and appreciation.”