Tradition Never Graduates – Jenny (Conrad) Swope ‘83

Published: September 6, 2025

Tradition Never Graduates – Jenny (Conrad) Swope ‘83

As NDA’s new school year begins, alumna Jenny (Conrad) Swope ’83 is also embarking on a new beginning of her own – as Chair of the Notre Dame Academy Board of Trustees.

Jenny has served NDA as a Board member since 2018, but she has remained connected to NDA in other ways since graduating in 1983.

Jenny’s sister Carol (Conrad) Gabelman ’80 passed away at a very young age, and her family established an NDA scholarship in her memory to support girls from Gesu School attending NDA. Jenny has represented her family by presenting this award to the recipients at their 8^th grade graduation.

Jenny also served as a co-chair of NDA’s 2023-28 Strategic Planning initiative, working closely with NDA President Kim Grilliot to plan for the future direction of NDA.

“I had never gone through a strategic planning process as extensive as this, and I was amazed at the number of stakeholders who had a voice in the process to help take NDA from ‘good’ to ‘great’,” shares Jenny.

As Board Chair, Jenny is focused on overseeing implementation of the Strategic Plan, as well as other major initiatives including enrollment and demographics, financial oversight, and the introduction of a 6^th grade at NDA.

“NDA has great leadership – administrators, faculty, and staff guiding the school and the students on a daily basis,” explains Jenny. “The Board is here to oversee, guide, and ensure that NDA is delivering excellent education to our girls.”

Jenny also would challenge alumnae to come back to their alma mater, to mentor and serve the young women attending NDA today.

“At the time we were students, I don’t think we realized the value of our education, and the gift it was to us,” she reflects. “Giving back to NDA allows us, as alums, to pay it forward.”