The 2026 Ten Ideals Reveal
On March 12, as part of the Inauguration celebrations honoring President Shannon B. Lundeen, Stephens College continued one of its most cherished traditions—the reveal of The Ten Ideals.
This annual moment, long woven into the fabric of the campus community, recognizes ten students whose character, leadership, and daily actions embody the values at the heart of the Stephens experience.
In the video below, Stephens College Board Member Lindsey Weber ’08 introduced the history and significance of the tradition. She also reflects on her own connection to the Ten Ideals—having been selected as a student to represent Intelligence—and speaks to the enduring meaning of these values across generations.
Watch the full reveal video here:
The 2026 Ten Ideals
- Independence: Madi Moore, Acting ’26
- Leadership: Alena Harper, Creative Writing ’26
- Respect: Kate Freiner, Biology/Pre‑Med ’26
- Support: Sophy Poole, Musical Theatre ’26
- Responsibility: KaLynn Irey, Psychology ’26
- Courage: Jenna Harmon, Education ’26
- Belief: Merav Portman, Education ’26
- Sensitivity: Sophie Kershaw, Biology/Pre‑Vet ’26
- Creativity: Sofia Ramos, Fashion Design ’26
- Intelligence: Sarah Whitehead, Musical Theatre ’26
A Century‑Old Tradition
First established in 1921, The Ten Ideals represent the core values that enrich and inspire the Stephens College community. Originally articulated as passing on, respect for others, a love of democracy, honesty and integrity, a sense of beauty, leadership, independence, curiosity, individuality, and loyalty, these ideals continue to guide students in their personal and academic journeys.
Each year, ten students—known across campus simply as “The Ten”—are selected in secret by the previous class. Their identities remain confidential throughout the year, culminating in a powerful, emotional reveal that honors both the legacy of Stephens and the promise of its future leaders.
Traditionally shared at Honors Convocation, this year’s reveal found a meaningful home within the weeklong festivities celebrating President Lundeen’s inauguration, highlighting the continuity between Stephens’ rich heritage and its forward‑looking vision.
Our Values: The Ten Ideals
- Leadership that empowers others
- Respect for our own dignity and the dignity of others, embodied in a sense of social justice
- Courage and persistence
- Independence, autonomy, and self‑sufficiency
- Support for others through the willingness to take and give criticism, acceptance, and love
- Sensitivity to the uniqueness and fragility of the natural world
- Responsibility for the consequences of our choices
- Belief in our changing selves and in our right to change
- Creativity in the spiritual and aesthetic dimensions of life
- Intelligence that is informed and cultivated, critical yet tolerant
