Purnell Alumnae
Since the dissolution of Purnell School in 2021, this domain was purchased and website created to provide an online connection point that alumnae could find.
The Purnell Alumnae Association was then formed, with three goals:
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Initiate ways to keep Purnell people connected, across the graduating years/decades, both virtually and in-person
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Plan the annual Purnell Alumnae Visitior's Day
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Extend the Purnell legacy of supporting girls' education
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UPDATE 9/21/25: Sadly, the post-Purnell Alumnae Association, led by former faculty Gail Mardfin for four years, is unable to sustain its momentum. Many thanks to those alumnae and faculty who contributed to its life. We provided a "soft landing" to the many Purnellies who grieved the loss of their school. The memories and spirit - and many lifelong friendships - will continue.
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"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead
The final two editions of the Purnell Alumnae Newsletter
will be emailed to 960+ alumnae & faculty
in January & April 2026 before discontinuing.
ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE OR BUSINESS IN THEM!
>>> If you have a business you would like to promote, especially online services or products, please send a 20-40 word writeup, a logo or photo, and all contact info (including your full Purnell name and class year).
Send to purnellsite@gmail.com with "NEWSLETTER AD" in the subject.
Newsletters come from purnellsite-gmail@shared1.ccsend.com - CHECK YOUR SPAM!
FOLLOW PURNELL ON FACEBOOK!
IF you are on Facebook, there is a private page with more than 600 Purnell alum!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2449138558655207
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One of the proud and happy learners at Sandisulwazi HS, wearing a proper new uniform funded by a Purnell constituent.
SUPPORTING PURNELL'S EDUCATIONAL LEGACY
THROUGH UNIVERSAL PROMISE:
The Purnell School Alumnae Association is Purnell's legacy through Universal Promise, founded by former Purnell faculty member Martha Cummings. We are supporting a UNIFORM DRIVE for students at Sandisulwazi High School and Addo Primary School, two of UP's partner schools in South Africa. Uniforms are necessary and an important source of pride. See how Purnell has made a difference - and how two alumnae volunteers got directly involved!
Truthfulness in All Relations
Consideration of Others
The Use of Common Sense
If your heart resonates with those Three Guidelines, chances are you attended, taught at, or were a part of the wonderful place in the Pottersville valley known as Purnell School, a place of rich traditions and important memories, which existed from 1965 to 2021. A girls' boarding school founded by Lytt and Sis Gould and other educational visionaries in 1963 on a former dairy farm, each year it graduated a group of caring young women who went on to make places for themselves in the world, forever affected by the friends and teachers they had lived with during their formative teenage years.
We know that the shuttering of the School was a very sad loss for all, and for those unaware of the steadily diminishing enrollment and financial losses, a surprise. The campus was purchased by Pingry School (sale finalized December 2021), which they use for faculty housing, special programs, and soccer camps, etc. Learn more here.
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