At Principia, the close of an academic year celebrates not only scholastic achievements, but also the lasting ties shared by Principians across generations.
For Principia alum, two-time Olympian, and 2026 Upper School Graduation and Principia College Commencement speaker Ngozi Mwanamwambwa Asinga (US’89, C’93), returning to the campuses she knew so well was an opportunity to reconnect with the community that helped shape her life.
When Ngozi stepped onto the stage to address the College Class of 2026, she brought what College President (and former classmate) Dr. Meggan Madden (C’93) called “her trademark spark.” The seven-time NCAA All-American reflected on her journey from Principia to the Olympic stage, sharing lessons in resilience, determination, and faith.
“I am beyond grateful and humbled to be here,” she told audiences in Cox and Ridgway Auditoriums. “Not only do I get to speak at one, but two institutions that changed my life forever. At Principia, I learned that greatness is not about medals or records. It is about resilience—about rising above setbacks, pushing through fear, and discovering strength you never knew you had. Perseverance is not a moment, but a lifestyle.”
Beyond the stage, Ngozi made time to connect personally with students from Lower School through College. Conversations over lunch with College athletes affirmed that the qualities she valued as a student continue to shape the Principia experience today.
“Even though [the students] were all from different backgrounds, their experiences at Principia were the same,” she says. “They felt loved. They felt special. And they expressed gratitude for the community. It was nice to hear that they experienced and appreciated the same things we did as students.”
On the School campus, Ngozi teamed up with her son, former Upper School student and 2028 Olympic hopeful, Issam Asinga, to help facilitate the Lower School’s annual Field Day. More than an afternoon of hard work and sweat, for the Asingas, it was an example of the compassion and love that binds the Principia community together.
“We were embraced the minute we stepped on campus,” said Ngozi. “I didn’t expect anything less. The students were fired up and excited to work with Issam, and the parents expressed so much gratitude for Principia. After we left, Issam said, ‘I’m so glad I came with you!’ It was a reminder of how wonderful the Principia community is.”
Community was the operative word for Ngozi as she reflected on her return. Thinking on the friendships she and her children formed at Principia—bonds she describes as lifelong—she says they’re what make Principia, Principia.
“Being back on campus was like being home. I met incredible people here who I’m still in touch with 30 years later. My children have friends who are like family. While I was on campus for commencement and graduation, I had dinner with classmates whom I hadn’t seen in 15 or 20 years, and it was like we picked up right where we left off. Reconnecting with them was so beautiful. I want the same for this new generation of graduates.”
And while Principia may seem like one important chapter in Ngozi’s story, she sees it not as a stop along the way, but as the reason for the journey itself. "I tell people that Prin is always going to be a part of your life,” she says. “It’s always going to be a big part of who we are. And I’m so grateful to be a part of this incredible legacy of Principia.”