President Joe Biden ‘61 returned to his alma mater at the Quad Summit held at Archmere’s Patio on September 21, 2024. The Quad Summit consisted of four world leaders: the United States President Biden, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
President Biden himself chose The Patio for the Quad Summit and was excited to host at his former high school. Principal Katie Thiel stated, “President Biden was very effusive about how much [Archmere] means to him.” Biden, a 1961 graduate, still references Claymont in his speeches and used this meeting opportunity to share his hometown and alma mater with the delegates.
This meeting created a sense of urgency and excitement at Archmere, with the event being planned weeks in advance. School leaders were notified only a week before the touring and planning began. Many students were curious as to who the visitors dressed up in suits were led by Mr. Dan Lutz, Archmere’s Facilities director, with Madame Thiel explaining how she had to act as if she did not know what was happening. WDEL was the first news source to break the story, informing the public on September 12th of the presidential event to be hosted at Archmere. After this, Madame Thiel revealed the news to teachers and students, hosting a meeting with faculty to inform them.
Once the plans were set, officials quickly prepared the campus for the Summit, with the goal of foreign alliances, problem-solving, and networking with other countries. Tractor trailers transported materials, Biden’s favorite restaurant, Bardea, provided a catered steak dinner and temporary air conditioning was installed in The Patio. Madame Thiel explained how the preparations were similar to “setting up a small village.” As quick as the setup was, the breakdown was just as quick, with the final items being removed and the campus restored to normal before Monday at noon.
This meeting not only impacted campus life, but the world leaders themselves. Delegates felt Archmere’s core values and a strong sense of community while visiting, with Madame Thiel explaining how they “were touched by the hospitality, flexibility, and friendliness on campus.” President Biden’s showcasing of The Patio to the delegates for such an important meeting is a memorable event that will be remembered in Archmere history.
