Two things, it turns out, distinguish Lauren (Makar) Haley ’93 from the rank and file of her class at Blair: a rare discernment combined with an unwavering care for others. English teacher Carolyn Conforti-Browse ’79 first recognized these qualities clearly when she was the Locke Hall dorm head and Lauren was a senior prefect. Lauren had, Ms. Conforti-Browse wrote, “a maturity well beyond her years in dealing with the many problems that arise. She is like having another faculty member on the floor.” That same calming presence and willingness to step in wherever she is needed has defined Lauren ever since. 

At Blair, those qualities showed themselves across every aspect of campus life. Lauren earned a strong academic record, winning the U.S. History Book Prize, while serving as a Locke prefect, assistant editor of the ACTA, a Blair tutor and a leader in the community service club. Her faculty advisor Julia Wood later echoed what others already knew, writing of her “ability to maintain a clear head and mature attitude in the face of adversity.” Even on varsity swimming and field hockey teams, Lauren’s instinct was to support the whole community: When field hockey advanced to the state semifinals, she mobilized students to cheer on the team, a small but telling example of how she always brings people together.

After Blair, Lauren continued to shine. She earned her BA from the University of Rochester and her JD from Seton Hall Law School, where she edited The Constitutional Law Journal and chaired the Women’s Law Forum. She received the National Association of Women Lawyers’ Outstanding Law Student Award and now serves as the general counsel and corporate secretary for Spring Health. She sits on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Resource Center in Newport, Rhode Island, a nonprofit dedicated to ending domestic violence—work that speaks directly to Lauren’s commitment to using her education and talent in service of others.

Lauren’s dedication to Blair has been equally remarkable. Elected to the Blair Board of Governors in 2022, she was instrumental in establishing the Locke Society, participating in focus groups and many one-on-one conversations to bring it to life. A steadfast believer in the power of a Blair education and the lifelong relationships it fosters, she has volunteered as a resource during Intersession, served on reunion committees, shared her expertise with the next generation at Alumni Roundtables, and, through both financial leadership and sustained collaboration with classmates, played a key role in establishing the Class of 1993 Scholarship.

Regardless of professional demands, personal commitments, distance and responsibilities with her own two young children, Lauren has consistently answered Blair’s call. True to the qualities that first distinguished her as a student, she leads with purpose, generosity and an unwavering investment in people. For all of these reasons, and for her steadfast three decades of service to Blair, we are proud to recognize Lauren (Makar) Haley as the 2026 Alumni of the Year.