Cate School 2022-23 Report on Philanthropy

The 2022-23 Report on Philanthropy celebrates the generous spirit of Cate’s community of supporters and volunteers. The report highlights the School’s financial performance, donor impact, legacy, and leadership that set the foundation of Cate’s unwavering commitment to transformative learning. Throughout, you will read about individuals and families who support Cate in meaningful ways.

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear Cate Community,

As I embark on my new chapter here at Cate, I find myself repeatedly returning to a sense of awe and gratitude for all the generosity that has fueled the remarkable transformation of our campus and has sustained the wellbeing of our on-campus community. What I find most inspiring is that no matter a family’s means, every gift to Cate represents a meaningful demonstration of love for the School. Each gift becomes part of a larger legacy of the For Cate and Forever campaign, imprinted on our growing endowment and embodied within our stunning new facilities –a legacy that will empower future generations of Cate students to achieve their greatest growth possible. Th is legacy is indicative of our commitment to both preservation and innovation – as we nurture the present by honoring the past and preparing for the future.

Th roughout my process of learning about Cate, there were two enduring themes that emerged from every conversation –Servons and “...the spirit of this place.” It is the dynamic interplay of these values that underpins the selfless dedication evident in each member of the Cate community that I’ve had the privilege to meet. Collectively, these actions and donations speak with one voice to say: My gift signifies my profound gratitude for the immeasurable contribution that my time on the Mesa has had on my life. It is this spirit that galvanizes my resolve as I embrace the honor of leading Cate as the new Head of School.

In this era of unprecedented challenges and transformational change, where the impact of climate change, artificial intelligence, and inclusivity debates confront us with relentless force, Cate stands uniquely poised to distinguish itself. The question that guides our inquiry this year – “How can we thrive in the face of adversity?” – beckons me to delve deeper and engage more profoundly with every member of our community. It is evident that the answer to this important question resides in the strength of our interconnectedness and the devotion to living a life of purpose beyond ourselves, fostering both the preservation of our core values and innovation to embrace ambiguity.

Th ank you for your continued belief in Cate, and for entrusting us with the education and development of young minds and hearts. Your philanthropy is evidence of the enduring strength of this community, and it is what makes the For Cate and Forever campaign more than just a campaign – it is a testament to our commitment to shaping a future that knows no bounds, blending the wisdom of our traditions with the creativity of our innovations.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Alexandra Lockett Head of School

It’s an exciting time to be at Cate and an exciting time to invest in Cate’s future. Under the leadership of Cate’s new Head of School, Alexandra Lockett, together we are entering a new school year, an inspiring chapter in Cate’s history, and the fi nal, public phase of the transformative For Cate and Forever campaign. As parents and volunteers on behalf of the campaign, we’re tremendously inspired by the many parents, trustees, alumni and friends of Cate who have quietly invested in the campaign thus far—more than $103 million to date—to support affordability and access, teaching, belonging and equity, and extraordinary new spaces for Cate students today and for generations to come. These include the Otis Booth Dining Commons and Student Center, the E. L. Wiegand Center for Performing Arts, the Class of 1981 Amphitheatre, and Ellis House, Cate’s new health and wellness center named by an alumna in honor of a revered Cate faculty member.

Together with Ms. Lockett, we invite all of you to join this ambitious effort to reach the fi nal goals of this campaign: an inclusive, community-wide effort to reimagine the academic hub of the school,

the transformation of the Raymond Commons into study, library and learning spaces centered on Cate’s innovative inquiry curriculum. The center will include spaces for art, science, exploration, and group and quiet study, enabling students to become the architects of their own learning. Students and visitors will also be able to enjoy the restored McIntosh Room, which has served as Cate’s living room for nearly 100 years. Donors cite many reasons for their gifts: they are grateful for teachers, inspired by Cate students, and hopeful for the future this young generation will build together. Your gifts to the campaign will help ensure generations of Cate students are supported, challenged, and ready for whatever lies ahead.

Servons,

Monique Parsons '84,P'17,'20,'24 David Wecker P'17,'20,'24 Campaign Co-Chairs

We are part of something greater than ourselves. The impact of a Cate education has defined our community for more than a century and brought us to this moment on the Mesa and to the For Cate and Forever campaign. As Cate’s most ambitious campaign, it is already fundamentally improving the School and will continue to do so for generations to come.

THE CAMPAIGN FOR CATE SCHOOL

THE CAMPAIGN FOR CATE SCHOOL

Campaign Priorities

INQUIRY

Reimagining the Mesa with Cate’s new academic hub Cate’s innovative, inquiry-based curriculum is designed to challenge, inspire, and support a diverse cohort of exceptional students. It is clear that inquiry-based learning demands new physical spaces. That is why we are reimagining the Mesa with the building of the Inquiry Collaborative, Cate’s new academic hub for learning, innovation, and exploration. Learning to ask questions is at the heart of Cate’s inquiry process, enabling students to become the architects of their own exploration.

COMMUNITY

Investing in the Spirit of this Place

Investing in community will bring Cate students together through facilities and resources designed to compel engagement, sustainability, and learning—together they’ll provide impact far beyond the Mesa. With supportive health and wellness services and resources for an environment that perfects the balanced combination of academics and the outdoors, athletics and inclusion. The Mesa can continue to be a place where all are welcome and valued, and students and faculty can achieve the greatest growth possible.

ACCESS

Leveling the playing field

Through affordability, equity, and inclusion, Cate will ensure all students experience the benefits of an environment that offers a sense of belonging. Beyond students, faculty will benefit from an increase in the endowment to advance teaching methodology and reward exceptional performance. All efforts will strive for a more equitable and diverse educational experience and student body.

The For Cate and Forever campaign will both impact Cate today and meet the needs of tomorrow’s students and faculty. While there are a wide range of priorities, all focus on ensuring Cate sets the standard for residential education and on supporting students who will impact the larger world. While we have made noteworthy progress, there is work to be done to reach our goal. Cate has always been a community that relies on the many, not the few. We invite you to join the effort, For Cate and Forever.

CATE THEN

MCINTOSH ROOM

Our Legacy of Preservation and Innovation Lives On

Over a hundred years ago, Curtis Cate and a pioneering group of educators set forth to build a school anchored in preserving the rich traditions of East Coast schools while also fearlessly embracing an innovative attitude about a broader view of what a school could offer. From this place of prioritizing both preservation and innovation, Cate was born. That attitude lives on today as we work to pay homage to our past by restoring and renovating our most cherished spaces – Mesa House, the McIntosh Room, and the McBean Library – preserving this heritage is not just a duty; it is a privilege we hold dear.

MESA HOUSE

INQUIRY COLLABORATIVE COMING SOON

CATE NOW

OTIS BOOTH DINING COMMONS

Revitalized Spaces: Embracing Innovation Today

This sense of possibility continues as we fast forward to the present. Alongside our historical gems we’re reimagining and revitalizing the learning spaces of tomorrow, a testament to our enduring commitment to innovation. We know that the best education honors the past, nurtures the present, and prepares our students for the future. These spaces will do just that as we ensure that the soul of Cate remains intact while embracing the possibilities of the future in our buildings and in our program.

Classrooms of Today: Empowering Leaders for Tomorrow

Now, we spotlight our students and the vibrant classrooms they inhabit today. These spaces are alive with creativity, curiosity, and a thirst for knowledge. The synergy between our dedicated educators and eager learners creates a catalytic context for learning, growth, and discovery.

A Cate education is as agile and forwardthinking as its users, which is why we are keeping students and teachers at the forefront as we design new spaces and programs.

The New Inquiry

Collaborative: Bridging the Past and Future

In spring of 2024, we will unveil the cornerstone of the For Cate and Forever campaign – the new Inquiry Collaborative. This space, representing the epitome of innovation, is where past and present converge. It symbolizes the pioneering spirit of exploration, discovery, and creation that defines Cate’s ethos. We designed a structure to invite individual expression while encouraging users to engage in best practices. Classrooms and offices are designed for inward and outward thinking and communication and to support the diverse ways in which we live, learn, and work. We will engage shared spaces to encourage connection and a sense of belonging throughout the day. As we honor our heritage within these cutting-edge walls, we forge ahead into a future where our students are poised to make their mark on the world.

Join us on this journey forward by making your contribution to the next chapter in Cate’s legacy.

Visit forcateandforever.org or contact Lindsay Newlove, Director of Advancement, at lindsay_newlove@cate.org or (805) 684-4127 x269

WHO WE ARE. WHAT WE WILL BE.

The For Cate and Forever campaign touches virtually every area of the Mesa and community—from capital projects to support for our endowment, Cate Fund, and Cate Legacy Society. The map below shows the impact the campaign has already had, as well as opportunities for support that lie ahead.

E. L. Wiegand Center for Performing Arts Renovation (completed Winter 2020)

This newly revitalized space places the performing arts squarely in the center of campus. The modern dance studio with a Harlequin sprung floor creates a welcoming space for group classes and encourages individual creativity. In addition, the new multi-purpose room serves as a music classroom, rehearsal space, or even a small “black box” theatre.

Ellis House (completed Summer 2023)

Named in honor of beloved former faculty member Sandy Ellis, Cate’s new center for health and wellness will offer a proactive approach to physical and mental health care. The building features private and group counseling rooms, facilities for patient care, and a healing outdoor environment.

Dorm Renovation and Infrastructure Work (ongoing)

Exciting upgrades to dorms have been completed throughout campus, including modern improvements to common rooms, dorm rooms, hallways, and bathrooms. The campaign has supported major infrastructure enhancements across the Mesa.

Otis Booth Dining Commons and Student Center (completed Fall 2020)

Cate’s new, LEED-certifi ed 25,592 square foot state-of-the-art Dining Commons and Student Center embraces the union of indoor and outdoor spaces while sustainably serving as the central hub of campus life for the entire Cate community.

Class of 1981 Amphitheatre

(seating completed Fall 2020)

The amphitheatre is where our community assembles outdoors. With a capacity of 480 people and situated in the center of the Mesa across from Booth Commons, the space not only allows for daily gatherings but also provides a venue for performing arts presentations and events like the annual Baccalaureate speaker during Commencement.

Meldman Family Field and Whiting Family Track

(coming soon)

The new track and fi eld includes a state-of-the-art turf field sized for CIF competitions and other elite sporting events. The all-weather playing surface will serve our students and community while also providing new opportunities to host local and worldclass competitions.

Inquiry Collaborative

(coming Spring 2024)

Cate’s new academic hub, the Inquiry Collaborative, will feature the Mesa’s first makerspace, a ceramics studio, digital arts lab, computational thinking classroom, and more. New classrooms, patios and a reimagined library will engage students throughout the day. The expansive space will provide access to flexible or quiet study spaces alongside student life offices.

Day Student Den

(completed Fall 2020)

This central landing spot for day students is found between the academic heart of campus and Booth Commons. The renovation provides a personal home away from home for Cate’s day students with lockers, private showers, a restroom, and a small lounge.

STORIES OF PHILANTHROPY

The Wykoff Library

By Josh Conviser '92

In December 2022, Samantha '94 and Charles Wykoff '94 made a $1 million gift that will have a lasting impact on Cate’s future. The Wykoff Library will become the heart of the new Inquiry Collaborative, set to open in the spring of 2024.

While Samantha and Charlie met on the Mesa and went to senior prom together, their connection to Cate goes deeper. “Cate changed our trajectories,” Charlie says, “and more than just because we're married with three kids!"

On the Mesa, both found new perspectives that have impacted their lives ever since. “Cate broadened our horizons in ways that we didn't anticipate. We are so fortunate and blessed to have had those experiences,” Charlie says.

Samantha and Charlie came to the Mesa from large public schools. Samantha shares, “I grew up in a small, racially homogeneous town outside of Cleveland, Ohio. My high school had 1,000 students in each grade, and I could count the number of minorities on one hand. As a first-generation Asian, life was meant to be centered around academics, but my school was unmotivating and full of distractions.” At the time, Samantha found respite and new horizons in her library. “Fortunately, my parents had the foresight to believe that I could flourish in a

Science teacher Cheryl Powers drew Charlie into a lifelong passion for biology. “She motivated me to become a doctor,” he says. “I went to MIT, got a Ph.D. from Oxford, and then went to Harvard for medical school. Ms. Powers nurtured my love of science, and I never turned back.” Charlie is now a retina specialist extensively involved in clinical research developing new therapies for blinding eye diseases.

For Samantha, it was art teacher, Hillary Younglove, who shifted her perspective. “Growing up,” she says, “I remember not being able to get into art class because there were not enough resources.” At Cate, Samantha loved the art loft’s offerings but always felt like she was lagging behind. “Ms. Younglove supported me and my creativity. When I went to college, I majored in management with a minor in design, and I built on the confidence that she encouraged in me.”

"The opportunities that Cate provided us were tremendous,” says Charlie. “From academic, social, sports, community service, performing arts, and fine arts perspectives – all of it. Cate brought out our best and showed us that anything can be accomplished.”

"We are excited and humbled to be able to play a part in the creation of the new library in the Inquiry Collaborative.”

Samantha Wykoff '94

different environment, so they spent hours in the local library searching for other options. That’s how they discovered Cate.” Soon after, Samantha headed across the country to dive into life on the Mesa.

The shift was transformative. “I connected instantly with my roommate,” she recalls. “I loved the community, my teachers, the library, and the sunsets. I was surrounded by motivated, positive role models and classmates who didn't limit what I could accomplish but instead inspired me.”

For Charlie, the transition was challenging. “It was a steep curve learning the basics of academics at Cate, especially grammar and study skills, but the process instilled an incredible desire to learn more.”

Charlie honed his academic skills in the library and recalls many memorable times there. “I remember laughing with friends in the newspaper section, reading comics before class started. Those friends were also with me in the library when I got my first “C.” We met to figure out how we could do better. Those were formative times for me – learning how to learn together.”

The Wykoffs see their donation to the library as an opportunity to help Cate continue that important work, an endeavor made more compelling by the Emmett family’s matching grant. Charlie says, “Exacerbated by COVID, we've seen many forces driving our kids to be isolated. There’s social media, politics, false narratives and so many factors in between – all of it pulling people apart. We love the idea of creating a central point for the Cate community – a place where people can both focus independently and also engage with classmates. It’s so important to push your mind, learn to engage with others, and have thoughtful debates not only about academic topics, but also about what’s happening around us. Our world needs more collaborative teams working together, pushing each other to our greatest potential.”

With their generous gift, the Wykoffs look to foster both intellectual and social growth in the generations to come. “This gift is about looking forward,” Charlie says. “The library and Inquiry Collaborative are about bringing people together and inspiring the next generation of students to be the leaders our world needs.”

Samantha '94 and Charlie Wykoff '94 on the construction site for the Wykoff Library.

Why Patrick Ko '97 Will Always Support Cate

Written in impeccable cursive, Patrick Ko’s writing sample on his Cate application describes his 6th grade year at public school in California. After attending a rigorous elementary school in Taiwan, his parents thought his English would improve by spending a year in California, immersed in American culture. “The year in the United States,” Patrick wrote, “changed my whole life. I was thinking more openly, I learned to get along with people, and I was able to express my feelings without hesitation.”

Patrick returned to the U.S. for junior boarding school and came to Cate as a new 10th grader. He made friends quickly, spent hours in the physics lab, babysat faculty kids, and was a beloved and respected member of the community. David Wood, Patrick’s advisor, noted, “He pursued excellence with natural curiosity, human fallibility, and tireless dedication.” His Long House dorm parent Karl Weis commented, “Popular, especially with the girls.” Cate helped him crystallize a personal connection with teachers, including Mama Ellis, Mr. Bergman, Ms. Jared, Mr. Plummer, and Dr. Bailard. Per Mr. Wood, “Patrick always acted with dignity and grace and without the pretentiousness that his kindness simply would not allow.”

After Cate, Patrick went to University of Pennsylvania and spent a semester in Nepal as a volunteer teacher. There, he applied all of the gifts he received at Cate: Servons, leadership, outdoors, and inquiry. A double major in economics and engineering, he started his career in the software industry, but felt a calling back to boarding school education. He returned to The Fay School as a teaching intern and eventually a full-time faculty member.

In 2006, when packing up to return to Taipei, Patrick recalls making a conscious decision to always support Cate. He remained connected while in Taiwan, attending Camp Cate, the Asia Summit, traveling to Shanghai and Beijing for Cate, and hosting a prospective student reception in Taipei, where he engaged with attendees in the most authentic way. He has always maintained friendships with Cate peers.

In an incredible gesture of loyalty and generosity, Patrick and his family made a major gift to Cate for the Inquiry Collaborative in 2022, specifically to support an active learning classroom. Always motivated by student leadership, the Human Development program, and active learning, Patrick pays attention to how teens anchor themselves, wrestle with morality, and deal with their personal experience of rapid growth. He believes the non-cognitive skills taught at Cate have a lasting impact. They help teach students how to see themselves, lead their lives, and lead others. At Cate, Patrick learned what it was like to want to learn.

Patrick’s enthusiasm for the Inquiry Collaborative and the active learning environment that it will inspire is palpable. On a tour of the construction site, Patrick envisioned students in every space he saw. He imagined kids finding their “nook,” delving deeply into what motivates them. He describes giving to Cate as an investment in the future; indeed, the students who will learn and study in the Inquiry Collaborative will potentially save the world.

The gifts Patrick gathered and shared at Cate – natural curiosity, student leadership, and active learning – are gifts he is now sharing with future generations of Cate students…the embodiment of Servons

“Cate is an investment in the future; the students who will learn and study in the Inquiry Collaborative will potentially save the world.”

Drawing out the best in his audience, Patrick Ko '97 leads a presentation in Taiwan.

RICHARD ROJAS

'98

25 Years of

Generosity: The Enduring Legacy of Servons

“Our weekly visits to the transitional housing facility serving families experiencing homelessness helped me see how coordinated eff orts could have signifi cant positive impacts on people.”

When Richard Rojas '98 came to Cate, he first felt like a fish out of water, but gradually new opportunities unfolded for him. As a child, his family moved often since his father was a California State Park Ranger. Their home was located in various campgrounds tucked into the natural landscape surrounded by majestic park scenes and vistas – his upbringing was simple and wonderful. The Mesa had similar gorgeous backdrops with marvelous views, yet the School introduced new challenges, and academic communication was one of them.

While at Cate, Richard had to learn how to write well. It took him some time to learn this critical and foundational skill, which is now core to his profession. Richard is currently the Deputy City Manager for the City of Norwalk in California, and he is responsible for addressing community needs, public safety, and manages finances and communications. Now he writes all the time – from memos to lengthy detailed analysis reports. A crucial part of his job is writing succinctly and conveying complex material in ways that are easy to understand and that inform decision-making.

Richard values his exposure to different perspectives and volunteer opportunities at Cate. As a student, he gravitated towards service programs that challenged him to help community members with the greatest needs. He shared, “Our weekly visits to the transitional housing facility serving families experiencing homelessness helped me see how coordinated efforts could have significant positive impacts on people.” In his career, Richard is committed to addressing challenges such as homelessness, affordable housing, and climate change.

As an alumnus, Richard has been giving generously to the school for 25 consecutive years, and Cate is grateful for this long-lasting commitment and confidence in the School. When asked why he gives to Cate, Richard replied, “As a leader in local government, I see the need to inspire and attract creative and dedicated professionals capable of addressing complex issues. I hope my annual contribution enables Cate to maintain service programs so that current and future students can serve others.”

Richard '98 and Esther Rojas enjoying family time with daughters

Alessandra and Annabel while on vacation in Wyoming.

Honoring Brent Washington '76 Through an Endowed Scholarship Fund

Brent Washington ’76 arrived at Cate in the fall of 1973. He came from Oakland, Calif., and was considered somewhat quiet and very bright. Brent was one of the first A Better Chance (ABC) scholars to attend Cate. During his junior year, he was diagnosed with cancer and was not able to return for his senior year. He died on December 3, 1975. He had one last visit with his classmates that fall as he visited the Mesa. Brent made an indelible impression on all his classmates during his short time at Cate. According to Steve Goldenberg '76, “Brent was a great guy and everyone liked him. He had a big smile and was quick to laugh.” Classmate Arden Kwong '76 reiterated “Nice guy. Had a sense of humor – laughed often – never mean-spirited, and never put anyone down. He was very easy-going and laid back. I played basketball, ping pong, and pool with him many times.” After he died El Batidor editors wrote “[Brent] will be remembered for the warmth of his personality and his ability to make people feel wanted.” Goldenberg shared, “When it came to dedicating our yearbook it was also the year we lost Mr. Curtis Cate. The year had to be dedicated to Mr. Cate, but we also wanted to remember Brent so we did a dual dedication.”

When alumnus Ralph Lewis ’76 became aware of the opportunity to start an endowment scholarship fund through the Named Scholar Program, he felt it would be fitting to honor Brent. Almost 50 years later, through the generosity of Ralph, one fortunate Cate student will have the accolade of being named a “Brent Washington ’76 Scholar.”

If you are inspired by any of Cate’s endowment funds, you are invited to contribute. A complete list of endowment funds can be found at cate.org/endowment.

MALIHA HOLLIS '16

The Gift of a Cate Education

“ For the first time in my life, I could focus on myself. I had time to explore new interests while forming long-lasting relationships.”

Maliha Hollis '16 never thought her life would change when she first saw Kyle Mason, then Cate's Director of Outreach & Recruitment and current Interim Director of Admission. She was, after all, a student from Chief Joseph in Bozeman, Montana, who spent her time taking care of her younger siblings outside of school. Maliha had grown up reading about boarding schools but thought they were not for people like her. Nonetheless, she figured there was no harm in listening to Kyle’s presentation about Cate School in the Bozeman Public Library after school; it was something cool to dream about. She knew that going to a boarding school would provide her with an education and future that she would not obtain in Bozeman, but she also knew her family could not afford schools like Cate. Regardless, Maliha shared what she learned in the library with her grandparents later that week.

To Maliha’s surprise, she received a phone call from her grandpa one day. He had mentioned Maliha’s interest in going to a boarding school to a friend while on a ski lift. The next thing she knew, Maliha was introduced to her grandpa’s friends, Marc and Cecile Noel. The goal was to get to know each other and create a plan to apply to schools outside Bozeman. It was clear to Maliha and her family that the Noels were willing to provide financial support as long as Maliha was willing to put in the work and effort. Going to boarding school no longer felt like a dream.

Maliha spent her freshman year at Bozeman High School, keeping her grades up and updating Marc and Cecile on her progress. The plan was to apply to Cate as a new sophomore. She did everything she needed to, including driving through a Montana snowstorm with her mom to complete the SSAT. Maliha kept in mind the possibility that she might still return to Bozeman High School, but that changed when she received a voicemail from Kyle Mason congratulating her on her acceptance to Cate.

From the moment Maliha first set foot on the Mesa, her life began to shift. Cate provided a sense of stability she rarely experienced growing up. For the first time, Maliha could focus on herself. She had time to explore new interests while forming long-lasting relationships, including the very special one with the Noels. Cate allowed Maliha to discover who she really was, an opportunity she did not have at home.

Today, Maliha gives back to Cate to honor the philanthropic spirit that her supporters provided and because Cate made an essential impact in her life. Maliha is now pursuing graduate-level studies (possibly medical school!) and more importantly, she is able to provide her family with a brighter future.

THE MESA ASSOCIATION

Celebrating Cate Faculty

Two faculty members, Jeff Barton and Cece Schwennsen, were notified in August of 2023 that endowed scholarship funds were named in their honor to celebrate their exemplary work in and out of the classroom. The generous donors chose to honor these faculty members in perpetuity in appreciation for their incredible efforts and expertise.

JEFF BARTON

Steady, humorous, and gracious, Jeff Barton is one of those rare faculty members who embodies the fullest spirit of Cate. Beloved English (and formerly Art History and Spanish) teacher, track and field coach, advisor, and all-in member of the community, Jeff was honored with not one but two endowed funds over the past year, the Chan Family Distinguished Teaching Chair for Leadership and the Jeff Barton Scholarship Fund. He shares, “Those of us lucky enough to teach at Cate are used to receiving positive feedback from our students, and often from their parents as well. For many years now, students have been saying 'thank you' to their teachers at the end of each class period, which means a lot to all of us, if I may speak for my colleagues. And when our courses conclude for the trimester or for the year, we sometimes get hand-written notes of appreciation, bottles of wine, or boxes of candy, to mention just a few of the gestures from our students and their parents. All of these are wonderful examples of kindness that delight and inspire us as members of the Cate faculty.”

He continues, “But to have someone create an endowed fund in your name obviously represents a whole other level of generosity that’s both gratifying and thrilling — and a little overwhelming. I'm so grateful for this recognition.”

CECE SCHWENNSEN

Several years ago, science faculty member Cece Schwennsen wrote an unprompted letter of appreciation to the Board of Trustees for her Cate experience. In it, she reflected on Cook House East, where she is dorm head and where she has made a home for dozens of students through the years. The impact of her commitment starts in the dorm, meanders to advisory and the classroom, and continues to Model United Nations conferences and beyond. The Cece Schwennsen Scholarship Fund is an acknowledgement of how she connects, cares for, and inspires her students. With observations about the start of the school year, she described what makes Cate special to her: “I wish you could spend an evening with us during a dorm gathering to see how rich this experience is for all students. They share stories, traditions, foods, music, and learning strategies that are often culturally significant, and allow others to broaden their perspective, open their minds and hearts. I learn something new from these people every day.”

"And here I sit, on my porch, in a rocking chair, looking out over the ocean, listening to the girls wake and prepare for a new school year. You have made this possible for them (and for me). Your vision, generosity, and hard work are allowing young people to become their best selves in hopes of making this world a better place, a more accepting place, a more understanding place. And for that –I thank you, from the bottom of my heart.” Cece was honored to learn of the fund created in her name. And clearly, the donors were equally touched by the care she puts into Cate to make this place a home.

To learn more about Cate's outstanding faculty members, please visit cate.org/education/faculty/.

Ellis House: A Place to Be Well

By Leslie Turnbull '85

If you were lucky enough to be on the Mesa during the 1980s and 1990s, odds are you’ve been hugged by Sandy Ellis. Longtime Cate faculty member; founding director of the Public Service Program; wife of music and theater director Frank Ellis, and mother of four daughters (including two Cate alumnae), Sandy also became honorary “Mama” to generations of students during the course of her long career. Sandy “Mama” Ellis didn’t just live and work at Cate during those crucial decades … she helped redefine our School from a traditional Old Boys’ boarding school to the exemplary place of residential life and learning it is today.

If you don’t happen to have had the good fortune to have been on the receiving end of one of Mama Ellis’s memorable embraces, allow me to describe the experience: It drew you in. Sandy, usually in some sort of flowing blouse or hand-made poncho, opened her arms, and you would go in. Without thought. Without hesitation. You just went, because you wanted to, Sometimes, especially when things were hard, you needed to.

Mama’s love would then envelop you. Tall and athletic, Sandy had quite a wingspan.

Now in her eighties, she still does.

Cocooned in warmth and poncho, you’d hold on, snuggle in and find whatever it was you happened to require that day – comfort, courage; congratulations, consolation. When you were eventually, gently, released, the whole world felt just a little bit better. If something was broken, you knew it could be fixed. If you just needed a break, you were refreshed. If you went into the hug happy, you emerged ebullient and grateful. That was the magic of Mama Ellis. In a time of great change and challenge, Sandy’s hugs, humor, and even her home provided sanctuary for every member of our School community.

How perfect, then, that the new health and wellness facility in the northwest corner of campus is to be named in her honor. In the words of lead donor to the project, Mimi Brown '92: “It is a thrill to have Sandy Ellis’ name on Cate’s new wellness center. Years-worth of Cate’s students have been inspired, supported and hugged by Mama Ellis. Long before most schools had mental health efforts, Sandy founded and led Freshman Seminar, a weekly class period when Cate’s youngest students could curl up on sofas in the Johnson Library and

share their hearts with one another. She was a dynamic force behind Cate’s public service program, where she guided students toward the joy of connecting with communities beyond the Mesa. Her home at the top of the hill was always a safe harbor when students needed a cookie, a chat, or a time-out. A hug from Sandy always made you feel better.”

Slightly set apart from the hub and hubbub of the heart of campus and surrounded by sustainable landscaping that includes meditative paths and a peaceful pollinator garden, Ellis House will serve the community’s physical, psychological, and emotional needs. Inside a purpose-built facility equipped with rooms both large enough for group interactions and small and private enough for one-on-one medical consultations and therapy sessions, Ellis House will include the technological infrastructure necessary for tele-health services.

For in-person care, Ellis House will also house a state-of-the-art clinic for students to be assessed and triaged, offer a limited laboratory for testing, provide medication administration, and offer a place for students to rest and re-set. Cate medical staff applaud the idea of providing so many services on-

Ellis House, Cate’s new center for health and wellness, was completed this summer.

Sandy “Mama” Ellis

site; the less time students must spend in transport to and from local medical centers or waiting for lab results, the better.

"Ellis House will be a safe space for students to find a confidential, comfortable, supportive, and collaborative environment where they can find wraparound care for their emotional, physical, social, and intellectual well being,” shared Dr. Zapalac, Cate’s Medical Director.

Sandy Ellis herself is “thrilled” to know of the progress Cate has made toward community wellness since she and Frank and their younger daughters left the Mesa twenty years ago. She’s typically modest about the honor done to her by the naming of the new wellness center.

“Oh, that is a real surprise!” Sandy demurs. “I’ve already gotten back everything I may have given to Cate students. They filled me up, too, you know.” Putting names aside, Sandy instead chooses to focus on what the proposed facility will do for the students in the years to come.

“I almost didn’t recognize the place,” Sandy said of the Mesa after she and Frank recently visited after an absence of many years. “So many changes, and all good!”

Sandy lauds the School’s growing diversity and attention to the well-being of all community members. “The whole place feels more like a ‘home away from home’ for everyone, which is what a boarding school needs to be. It’s just wonderful.”

The concept of Ellis House is wonderful, especially when one considers that until relatively recently, students in need of healthcare were still relegated to an “infirmary” overseen by part-time practitioners and it was mostly up to a prescient, powerful woman like Sandy Ellis to instinctively provide the comprehensive path to wellness we now recognize as essential to emotional and mental health for everyone.

Mimi Brown says it best:

“How fitting that our new wellness center will bear the name of someone like Mama Ellis who exemplifies so many cornerstones of well-being: compassion, connection, authenticity, and boundless love.”

Editor's note: Frank Ellis passed away in September 2023. An obituary will be published in the next issue of the Bulletin.

"Ellis House will be a safe space for students to find a confidential, comfortable, supportive, and collaborative environment where they can find wraparound care for their emotional, physical, social, and intellectual well being.”

Dr. Zapalac, Cate Medical Director

ELEVATING ATHLETICS AND COMMUNITY:

A New Track and Field on the Mesa

While Cate is known for its commitment to service, academic excellence, holistic development, and outdoor programming, the School will soon take its athletic program to new heights. The introduction of an all-weather, state-of-the-art track and field facility will serve as the focal point of Cate’s outstanding athletic facilities, thanks to lead donor and former Cate parent, Michael Meldman (parent of '06 and '08 alumni), Mark Whiting '74, and Kevin (parent of '11 and '16 alumni) and Laura (parent of '16 and '20 alumni) O’Connor.

Cate’s cross country and track and field teams have achieved remarkable success at the state level, despite the challenge of lacking a home track. The new facility will change this landscape, directly supporting and enabling these programs to soar. Equipped with cutting-edge amenities, generations of Cate studentathletes will have the opportunity to train and compete at the highest level, paving the way for future champions.

Not limited to elite athletes, the facility will serve student-athletes of all levels, empowering students to improve skills, enhance fitness, and pursue athletic ambitions. For college-bound athletes, the new track and field will ensure that students are well-prepared to excel at the collegiate level.

The upgraded facility will play a key role in expanding the School’s admissions and youth-based summer programs. Additionally, it will become an integral part of daily life at Cate, bringing together students, faculty, staff, families, alumni, and friends. It will serve as a central gathering space for community events that foster a sense of pride and camaraderie among all members of the Cate community.

Moreover, the impact of this project will extend beyond Cate’s immediate community and serve as a catalyst for outreach across Southern California. Cate’s commitment

to athletic excellence and its world-class facilities will attract high-level athletes from a variety of teams for summer training, further enriching the School’s athletics culture. The facility’s impact will also be amplified through partnerships with major organizations such as Nike, UCSB, Westmont College, LA Galaxy, and the Mexican National Soccer Team.

Sustainability and community support are integral to the new track and field project. By generating revenue and investing in youth athletics in Santa Barbara and beyond, Cate School actively contributes to the well-being of our community.

As construction progresses, anticipation grows, and Cate stands on the verge of an exciting new chapter. This project symbolizes Cate’s commitment to excellence and a shared passion for sports and sportsmanship.

VING SIMPSON '79

Cate’s Interplay Ceramics Studio

Marty Sykes ignited the spark that started Ving Simpson '79 on the artist’s path. As the pioneering Arts Department Chair, beloved teacher, and advisor, Marty taught Ving the rudiments of printmaking and ceramics. Years later, in 2001, she offered Ving a show and a commission on the Mesa, resulting in the 18-foot-wide abstract triptych that's been hanging over the entrance to Hitchcock Theatre for more than 20 years. In Marty’s classroom, Ving found the joy and satisfaction of exploring the creative process; it was a path Ving didn’t know he was looking for. He was hooked for life.

In spring of 2022, Ving decided to pass that inspiration forward and fund a space for the Cate community to explore the creative process. Among the many inspiring areas in Cate’s new Inquiry Collaborative will be the “Interplay Ceramics Studio” or “ICS,” a name that has meaning to the artist and is the acronym for Ving’s initials (Irving C. Simpson). The interplay between the artist, materials, the artwork, and the person experiencing the work, is at the heart of the artistic process for Ving.

“For me, actualizing an art piece is about problem-solving at every step. The challenge and satisfaction of solving problems is my core reason to create art.” Solving problems is at the heart of Cate’s culture of inquiry, and soon the ICS in the new Inquiry Collaborative will inspire generations of Cate students.

Artist Ving Simpson '79 is passionate about exposing students to art.

Cate Student at the wheel.

Edward E. Ford Foundation awards Cate $100,000 grant to support program expansion.

The Advancement Office is pleased to report that Cate was again awarded a grant from the Edward E. Ford Foundation, continuing our longstanding partnership with this prestigious organization. Inspired by this incredible effort to fund Computational Thinking, a new Cate family has already contributed the required one-to-one grant match. Because of this generosity, the next generation of Cate students will be afforded the opportunity to explore computational programming in ways never experienced before on the Mesa.

The program, led by Tobin White and outstanding faculty in the math and science department, will expand opportunities for Cate students to develop skills and fluency in this subject area. “Cate has made a deliberate decision to deep-dive into a way of thinking that aligns well with our inquiry model,” White explained. We are getting to a place where all Cate students will have competencies in computational thinking to use when appropriate and relevant, and they can practice these skills in almost any domain. Our work is to broaden pathways, engage, and connect with our students in a space full of joy and play.”

This grant enables the transformation and expansion of the curriculum in two significant ways. The funding will allow Cate to increase elective and required course offerings while emphasizing coding skills and computing tools. In addition, Cate will integrate computational thinking tools and problem-solving approaches into existing courses across various disciplines, building on students’ growing appetites and capacity for this subject.

The Edward E. Ford grant and generous donation give Cate a unique opportunity to continue making meaningful curricular advancements. There is significant momentum and excitement around Computational Thinking and the Inquiry Collaborative, Cate’s new academic hub for learning, innovation, and exploration. This grant will synchronize the program and facility, igniting student interest and creativity.

Faculty member Tobin White guides students in developing computational thinking and problem solving skills.

FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

There's a pool at Mesa House; most people don’t even know that it's there.

It's a pool that has been through a lot. It’s where many students learned to swim. It has been loved and ignored and patched and plugged. It fell into disrepair and the Board’s Infrastructure and Planning Committee even considered fi lling it with concrete. But the pool endured. It has seen countless families pass through Mesa House. It has been tended to by Facilities and guarded by a silent blue Buddha, a gift from decades ago.

Then, last summer, it was emptied and resealed and given a new pump and a new life. Two of the youngest and most recent residents of Mesa House, Henry, and Walker, have become the pool’s guardians and recently hosted a party for returning Outings Week campers.

Mesa House, designed by celebrated California architect Reginald Johnson, turns 100 this year, and since the beginning, this home has offered respite and joy to all who visit. Tacos on the back lawn. Majestic sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. Mesa Dinners under the stars. And for some of us, there was that enchanting and mysterious pool.

As we celebrate the future of our School, I’m thinking of the places on the Mesa

that hold special meaning to us. Places that transport us back to our own Cate days. The Sunset Benches. The balcony off Raymond Commons. The Johnson Library. The fi replace in the Mcintosh Room. Th at place under the tree. Th at corner that feels uniquely ours. The Mesa holds a thousand hidden moments.

Our School is so much more than a collection of buildings. Students come from all over the world to Cate, a place with strong ties to the ocean and nature, a place whose soul is tethered to the Mesa on which it sits. And as one generation unfolds on to the next, our chapters of history and moments on the Mesa give students an education that will prepare them for the world.

Join me in honoring our past, committing to our future, and preserving the pieces of the Mesa that represent our shared experience, our unique connection – a pool of knowledge and a community that will endure.

Servons, Lisa Browne Stanson '92 Board Chair

Board of Trustees 2022-2023

OFFICERS OF THE BOARD

Lisa B. Stanson '92

President

Newport Beach, Calif.

J. Wyatt Gruber '93

Chair

San Francisco, Calif.

Marianne Sprague

Vice President

Santa Barbara, Calif.

David Tunnell

Treasurer

San Francisco, Calif.

Benjamin D. Williams IV Head of School, Secretary Carpinteria, Calif.

LIFE TRUSTEES

Richard D. Baum '64

Kenwood, Calif.

Dan A. Emmett '99

Santa Monica, Calif

Greg H. Kubicek '74 Vancouver, Wash.

TRUSTEES

Lauren Craig Albrecht '89

Pasadena, Calif.

Calgary Avansino '93

San Francisco, Calif.

Ryan MacDonnell Bracher '90 Rutherford, Calif.

Daniel J. Cherry III '96

Redondo Beach, Calif.

Kristen Klingbeil-Weis

Santa Barbara, Calif.

Patrick Ko '97

Taipei, Taiwan

Casey McCann '97

Santa Barbara, Calif.

Jay P. Melican III '84 Hillsboro, Ore.

Rosalind Emmett Nieman '89 Pacific Palisades, Calif.

Monique Parsons '84 Glencoe, Ill.

Elizabeth Patterson

Lynn Harwell

San Francisco, Calif.

Sheila Marmon Heuer '90

Culver City, Calif.

Adam S. Horowitz '99

Irvine, Calif.

Athena Jones '94

New York, N.Y.

John Kearney '00

President

Alumni Leadership Council

Ventura, Calif.

Santa Barbara, Calif.

Leone Price '02 Los Angeles, Calif.

Edward R. Simpson '86 Los Angeles, Calif.

Jiwon Choi Song '00 San Antonio, Texas

Brian Tom Hong Kong

Sylvia Torres-Guillén '84

Los Angeles, Calif.

Jeannie Pettigrew Whelan '86 CPO President San Francisco, Calif.

FACULTY ADVISORY TRUSTEES

Annalee Salcedo

Director of Studies, Mathematics Department Carpinteria, Calif.

Troy Shapiro

Science Instructor Carpinteria, Calif.

FROM THE ADVANCEMENT OFFICE

The Cate community read for the summer of 2023 was The Book of Delights by Ross Gay, a collection of essays taking notice of the joys in life every day for a year. The author delves into some light and some deeply personal experiences. Through his storytelling lens, the reader experiences exceptional, playful, sometimes difficult, and often philosophical delights. Cate is an ideal place to experience these special moments. Delight lives in an enthusiastic assertion at a Harkness table, a game winning play, a hilarious moment in the dorm, a cookie and chat after a Servons speech, and the spectacular view of the sun setting over the mountains.

Reflecting on the incredible generosity of the Cate community in the 2022-2023 school year, the following passage from The Book of Delights rings true:

"…in almost every instance of our lives, our social lives, we are, if we pay attention, in the midst of an almost constant, if subtle, caretaking. Holding open doors. Offering elbows at crosswalks. Letting someone else go first. Helping with the heavy bags. Reaching what’s too high, or what’s been dropped. Pulling someone back to their feet.”

"Constant, if subtle, caretaking" happens all the time on the Mesa. Between students,

with their teachers, coaches, advisors. From seniors to 9th graders. On teams, in musical groups, and in the outdoors. From alumni, parents, and grandparents, who support Cate generously and consistently, so students now and in the future can delight in the experience unique to the Mesa.

The 2022-2023 school year was filled with special moments of generosity in honor of Cate and its mission, from the Class of 2023 celebrating record-setting 100% class participation in the Cate Fund, to the incredible group effort to bring the Inquiry Collaborative closer to completion. Through the care shown by all contributors, our students have the opportunity to pay forward the care they take of each other and of this community.

Taking notice of kindness, caretaking, and moments of joy is evident with more than 2,000 gifts to the School last year. We are grateful, and we thank you for your generosity.

Servons, Lindsay Newlove P'25 Director of Advancement

ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE

2022-2023

Brian Tom P'21,'22, Chair

E lizabeth Patterson P'19, Vice-Chair

Wyatt Gruber '93

Lynn Harwell P'24

John Kearney '00

Casey McCann '97

Monique Parsons '84,P'17,'20,'24

Ted Simpson '86,P'22

Marianne Sprague P'91,'97,'98,'02,'05,'09

Lisa Stanson '92

Jeannie Whelan '86,P'23,'25

CAMPAIGN STEERING COMMITTEE

2022-2023

Monique Parsons '84,P'17,'20,'24, Campaign Co-Chair

David Wecker P'17,'20,'24, Campaign Co-Chair

Dan Emmett '99 P'87,'89,'99,'01, GP'21,'23,'25

Wyatt Gruber '93

Sheila Marmon Heuer '90

Marianne Sprague P'91,'97,'98,'02,'05,'09

Lisa Stanson '92

Brian Tom P'22,'23

Benjamin D. Williams IV P'10,'19

ADVANCEMENT OFFICE

2022-2023

Lindsay Newlove P'25

Director of Advancement

Evan Akers

Database Manager

Chris Giles P'13,'15,'22

Director of Planned Giving & Major Gifts

Guille Gil-Reynoso

Advancement & Communications Manager

Alison Hansen

Director of Mesa Association Giving

Kellie Lancaster

Advancement Assistant

Andrew MacDonnell

Senior Advancement Officer

Sarah Preston P'15

Director of Special Gifts & Events

Emily Sosrodjojo '13

Alumni Engagement Manager

AUTHORS AND CONTRIBUTORS

Advancement Team

Josh Conviser '92

Matt McClenathen

Kate Parker '85

Kaori Peters

Leslie Turnbull '85

Special thank you to Jonathan and Criselda Breene P'25

for Inquiry Collaborative renderings.

Graphic Designer: Mya Cubero

ALUMNI LEADERSHIP COUNCIL 2022-2023

Cate’s Alumni Leadership Council (ALC) provides leadership, strategic vision, and direction for the Alumni Association, comprised of 3,600 alumni worldwide. The ALC brings alumni together in various ways and settings to continue Cate’s mission of commitment, scholarship, companionship, and service. The ALC inspires alumni to support the School through the Cate Fund and makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees. To learn more about the ALC, please contact John Kearney '00 at j_kearney@ml.com.

John Kearney '00 President Ventura, Calif.

Kel Mitchel '12 Vice President Bakersfield, Calif.

Lily Riesenfeld '00 Vice President Larkspur, Calif.

Lauren Craig Albrecht '89 Past President Pasadena, Calif.

Dinah Moore Calderon '90

Chair

Carpinteria, Calif.

Micah Carr '99

Chair

Chicago, Ill.

Alison Kearney Davis '97

Chair

San Francisco, Calif.

Taylor Erling '12

Chair

New York, N.Y.

Rodrigo Garza '99

Chair

Miami, Fla.

Lela Murphy '12

Chair

Cimarron, N.M.

Jamie Reilly '88

Chair

Venice, Calif.

Jonathan Smith '03

Chair

Brooklyn, N.Y.

Emily Sosrodjojo '13

Chair

Carpinteria, Calif.

Dear Cate Community,

It’s been a full year since I took the helm as Alumni Leadership Council President, and I am writing to you all with gratitude. Over 1,100 Cate alumni supported the School in 2022-23 with contributions to the Cate Fund. The Alumni Association hosted over 50 events across four countries and ten states. Finally, we hosted a normal Camp Cate for the 3s and 8s which was refreshing! Our Cate Connect program was particularly active with over a dozen alumni-led discussions and career panels linking students with alumni and each other. Th is summer, ten alumni served as internship mentors to over 20 students in fields such as graphic arts, technology, fi nance, and healthcare. With an active alumni base and lots of opportunities to get involved, we are always seeking feedback on these programs. Please feel free to reach out to me or the Advancement Office with ideas or suggestions.

As typically happens, we blink and another school year is upon us. I remember the excitement, especially my

sophomore fall. It so happened that my 10th grade year also saw the transition of leadership with Ben Williams taking over the role of new Head of School. As students, we were excited for the change, but also conspiring to give Ben a hard time as he was the new guy on the Mesa! Alexandra Lockett has been hard at work, zooming with new families and meeting with faculty this summer. The energy is electric, and her jumping into the Cate family headfi rst is on full display. I am sure current students are as excited for this transition as I was many moons ago.

Th ank you, alumni, for your continued support of Cate. We look forward to the year ahead!

Servons,

John Kearney '00 ALC President

CATE MISSION

CATE STUDENT BODY

Through commitment, scholarship, companionship, and service, each member of the Cate community contributes to what our founder called “the spirit of this place...all compounded of beauty and virtue, quiet study, vigorous play, and hard work.”

304 TOTAL STUDENTS (78% boarding)

72 students in the Class of 2023

18% boarding students from abroad

55% students of color $4.5 million allocated in financial aid for 26% of students

19 nations are represented in the student body: Australia, Canada, China, El Salvador, Georgia, Ghana, Hong Kong, Japan, Kazakhstan, Panama, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Ukraine, U.S., and Vietnam.

24 states and the District of Columbia are represented in the student body: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maine, North Carolina, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

FACULTY TEACHING CHAIRS

The teaching faculty at Cate School represents a team of extraordinarily talented instructors, educators, and mentors. Cate School honors the outstanding achievements of teachers who have made exceptional contributions to our academic programs and community on the Mesa. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Cate has nine endowment funds specifically designated to further honor these esteemed individuals by providing funding for a portion of their salary. An endowment fund receives the additional designation of a Distinguished Teaching Chair based on the fund’s value.

Chan Family Distinguished Teaching Chair for Leadership

Established by Viola and David Chan '68 to honor distinguished teaching.

Je Barton P'99,'03,'21 English Instructor

Colin Day Teaching Chair for Cross-Curricular Studies

Awarded as a four-year faculty appointment to a faculty member dedicated to the creation and implementation of cross-curricular programming.

Dr. Jamie Kellogg P'23 (2021-2025) Science Instructor

Paul M. Denison '52 Teaching Chair

In recognition of an outstanding member of the faculty.

Annalee Salcedo P'26 Director of Studies and Mathematics Department Chair

Ellis Jones '72 Head of School’s Teaching Chair

Awarded as a four-year faculty appointment to a faculty member dedicated to harness new technologies and techniques, to connect ideas or disciplines or colleagues, and to imagine new possibilities and horizons for student learning.

Joy Doyle (2021-2025) Visual Arts Department Chair

O. Curtis Crawford Distinguished Teaching Chair

Awarded to an outstanding member of the faculty.

Lauren Jared P'12,'15 History Department Chair

Edmund W. Littlefi eld Distinguished Teaching Chair

In recognition of excellence in the teaching of the humanities.

Lisa Holmes P'20,'22 Dean for Faculty and History Instructor

Sanderson M. Smith Distinguished Teaching Chair

Awarded to a faculty member in mathematics.

Taylor Wyatt Mathematics Department Chair

William New Jr. '59 Distinguished Teaching Chair

Awarded to a faculty member in computer science, mathematics, the sciences, or to a leader and innovator in the development of adaptive curriculum at Cate.

Craig Bouma P'22,'25 Science Department Chair

Stanley D. Woodworth Distinguished Teaching Chair

In recognition of distinguished teaching within the faculty.

Frank Gri n P'09,'12 Mathematics Instructor