Meet Alumni Association Board member, Jaime (Threlkel) Jensen (US’98, C’02).
A studio art major, Jaime spent her time at Principia exploring everything the School and College had to offer. From athletics—including basketball, volleyball, and track—to leadership on the PAC Board and an art history and music study abroad experience, Jaime’s time at Principia was marked by curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities.
Read more about her Principia journey and her return to campus for her College Reunion this June below.
What brought you to Principia and kept you here?
My grandparents were students at Principia College, so I’d obviously grown up knowing about Prin. I first visited the Upper School when I was in eighth grade and eventually became a boarder at the Upper School my freshman year. I just felt that Principia was the place I needed to be. I felt safe to explore here—like I could try new things without being looked down on. I felt supported in anything I wanted to do.
How has it been returning for your 25th reunion?
Like no time has passed. It’s been fun attending this reunion as a member of the AAB board. I’ve been able to help people navigate the campus, and I’ve had the opportunity to meet more people through this role. It’s been really special.
I’ve also loved reconnecting with my classmates. I fell into a conversation with a few of them while getting ready for bed the other day, and we started reminiscing. It's not like we had been super close or hung out all the time in college, but it still felt like we were on each other's team. There was clearly a lot of love there, and it felt nice to catch up.
What stands out to you about Principia alumni?
I made such good connections and friendships at Principia—I still have many of those friends to this day. And I still feel that connection to my classmates, even if I’m not in regular contact with them. When I do see them, we don't skip a beat. It doesn't matter that 10 or 15 years have gone by. It feels like we were just together yesterday.
What do you think is special about Principia?
The lasting friendships that you make and the love you experience. I know it comes up a lot, but it's true. You get to be yourself and be supported in your endeavors. The love is really palpable.
What do you want others to know about Principia today?
That it’s evolving. Thought is being put into helping it grow, and it really feels like they’re taking care of this place that we all really love. I’m proud to be connected to Principia.