Background: Mary Lynch-Weirich joined The Academies Faculty in 1996 as a music instructor, focusing primarily on piano and flute instruction, as well as assisting with both choral and musical theater activities at that time. Today Lynch-Weirich continues working with both piano and flute students in private lessons, having mentored several students through the Honors in Music process during their senior year. In addition, she directs the Culver Flute Ensemble and continues act as rehearsal accompanist, conductor and music director when needed with Culver's Spring Musical. Lynch-Weirich also initiated and continues to teach Special Topics in Music classes; such as Ragtime to Rap; A History of American Popular Music and A Social History of American Country Music. In addition, she presents to 10th Wellness classes on Music and the Brain.

A Hoosier native, Lynch-Weirich came to the Culver Community, after seven years abroad in Malaysia and Japan. She has graduated three daughters from Culver Academies; Melody Lynch CGA '98, Anna Lynch CGA '00, Emma Lynch CGA '06.

Mary Lynch-Weirich holds a Bachelor of General Studies from Indiana University with an emphasis on Humanities, German and Music and a Master of Science in Music and Arts Technology from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

Leisure time activities/hobbies: Playing in drum circles, improvising music, reading, cooking spicy foods, taking care of my menagerie of animals, road trips, walking half marathons, independent films

Most people don't know that I "grew up in the local area near Bass Lake, IN, enjoy Hip Hop and Bluegrass and am a vegan.

Favorite author or book: "Temple of My Familiar" Alice Walker

Favorite movie: "Shower- A Chinese film directed by Zhang Yang"

Favorite food: "This week it's Penang Curry with Tofu"

My most significant experience has been living abroad for seven years in Malaysia and Japan; leaving my comfort zone and embracing new experiences.

The person who most influenced my career: My first piano teacher and first grade teacher; Purden Lausten.

The person I'd most like to meet: President Barack Obama

My heroes are my parents, my daughters, and my brother.

If I weren't at Culver I'd "return to a university or college and earn a 2nd masters in Music Therapy" and work with hospice clients.

What attracted me to Culver: The holistic focus on educating the whole person and the wonderful diversity of the student body.

What I try to accomplish in the classroom: I try to help students understand and work with their strengths and ultimately to be able to answer questions for themselves.

Why I've stayed at Culver: I fee that I can make an impact on the future of the world by working with students in a way that models civility, sensitivity and critical thinking.

My idea of a good day off is "work outside in my garden, play with my dogs and cats, read a good book by the fire, eat Indian food and watch a House marathon..."

Plans for retirement: Continue to perform music and write that novel-run an animal rescue organization.

The secret to life is "know your strengths, be honest with yourself and follow your passion and remember it's not what you say that people remember, but how you make them feel"

Best advice I could give a Culver student: Believe in yourself, keep your integrity; hold your head high even on those really tough days.

The last word: Culver can be a magical place; it is an environment where each person adds to the whole and is important. Everyone's words and deeds impact the community as a whole. Walk the Culver walk with respect and honor for yourself and each other.