Have you ever had an experience where you were keenly aware of history and your place in it? I had an experience like that recently, seated around the luncheon table with 21 of the 47 past presidents of FRIENDS of the Minnesota Orchestra.

The luncheon is a FRIENDS tradition. Each year in the Fall, past presidents gather to celebrate the outgoing president’s accomplishments and to welcome and encourage the new president as they take the baton. I was honored to be seated among these remarkable people who continue to come back, year after year -- as presidents but also as friends -- to show their support.

The day preceding this joyous reunion event, I had an opportunity to immerse myself in the organization’s history. I had the rare opportunity to admire original handwritten documents from the organization’s beginnings 75 years ago in 1949 and saw photos of events and news articles showcasing the community impact the organization has made over the decades. As we went around the table, hearing from each of the presidents who had walked the path before me, I was reminded of the day before when I had seen the individual fingerprints of these strong leaders on the organization as it grew through its 75-year history. It was in that moment I became keenly aware of my stewardship responsibility to lead the FRIENDS organization forward, adding my stone to the foundation for future presidents to build on as these leaders had done for me.

I want to offer my sincere thanks to all the past-presidents for attending and for their amazing encouragement. Our shared experience is a bond, and I look forward to participating each year in the future.