“Standing on this stage, looking out at all of you, I feel the power of what it means to belong to something larger than any one person. I was looking forward to tonight, not for the ceremony, but because this is a gathering of the many voices, hands, and hearts that carry Poly and carry Poly forward.” –Dr. Noni Thomas López

The investiture ceremony is a time-honored tradition that marks the formal installation of a new Head of School; it is a moment to reflect on the institution’s past, embrace a new vision for its future, and come together as a community.

On Friday, October 17, 2025, Poly marked a historic milestone with the investiture of Dr. Noni Thomas López, the first woman and first woman of color to serve as Head of School since the school’s founding in 1854. Though she was appointed two years ago, this ceremony marked her official installation and the beginning of her first full academic year in the role.

More than 350 guests including students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends gathered in Memorial Chapel to celebrate and bear witness to this landmark event. Every part of the Poly community was represented in the program: [Upper School students] from Jazz Band played as attendees gathered in the chapel. Middle School’s Young Singers and Grade 4 singers performed a moving rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Student Government President Anna Brandmeyer ’26 spoke on behalf of the student body. Vestments were presented by Walker W. ’34.  Board of Trustees Chair Laurie Rosenblatt P’23, ’26 delivered welcoming remarks and the oath while Vice Chair Jennifer Powers ’26, ’28 helped Dr. Thomas López don the head’s doctoral robe and stole. Numerous Poly alumni attended the event and had an opportunity to meet and connect with Dr. Thomas López. The celebration concluded with a rousing performance of the Poly song, filling the chapel with unity and pride.

In reflecting upon her decision to lead Poly, Dr. Thomas López said, “As fierce as the pull of a homecoming was, our return couldn’t just be to any school. It had to be a place where students are at the heart of the work, where community is not an abstraction but a daily practice, and where tradition and possibility meet in the same breath. It had to be a place where fun was not a “nice-to-have” but an essential part of the learning experience. It had to be a place where the students love coming to school every day even when it’s hard, and the teachers get up every morning because the work is their vocation.” 

Dr. Thomas López brings to Poly a spirit of gratitude and celebration. Her vision connects deeply to the borough and the wider city, rooted in history while boldly looking toward the future.

Enjoy the full remarks from the ceremony by Dr. Thomas López and Student Government President Anna Brandmeyer ’26. Watch the video.