A Proud Prout Legacy

When Emma Hart Willard launched her school for girls more than 200 years ago, she envisioned an institution that would offer students a rich educational experience to prepare them to serve and shape their world. Were she to encounter the many alumnae members of the Prout family today, she would undoubtedly delight in their achievements and their support of her legacy.

The rich connection between the Prouts and Emma Willard School stretches back over decades. Prout Printers has served as printer for the school for over a century and patriarch W. Harry Prout attended many a school dance before meeting his future bride, Elissa Robison Prout ’52. He also watched sister Marion “Corky” Prout Speed ’50 pass through the institution.

In the years since, successive generations of Prouts have attended Emma Willard, from Harry and Elissa’s daughter Alison Prout Stipkovich ’88 to granddaughters Mackenzie Prout Shorter ’00 and Kathryn Prout Brisson ’14. Daughter-in-law Robin Prout P ’00 ’14 is also deeply invested in the school, having served as a dedicated employee for the past 36 years, currently as Director of Donor Relations.

Given these many years of shared history, it’s no surprise that each family member has her own unique experiences with the institution. All agree they came away from Emma Willard with confidence, a strong sense of self, and friendships that resonate across the years.

Elissa Robison Prout ’52

Looking back, Elissa Prout says her attendance at Emma Willard was virtually a foregone conclusion. “My father was a businessman in Troy and the daughters of many community leaders were students at Emma, so that’s where I went. I’m what’s known as a diehard,” she continues with a chuckle. “I started attending the school in kindergarten as a day student when my sister Barbara [Robison Stegmaier ’41] was a junior, and I went all the way through high school.”

The curriculum at Emma was challenging, Elissa admits, but as soon as she entered college, she realized the strength of her education. “I quickly discovered I was well ahead of my classmates. I already had lots of experience doing research and writing papers, while many others didn’t.”

The friendships she formed at Emma have also proven lifelong, Elissa continues. “I still have a best friend from my school days and have kept in touch with many classmates—I served as Class Agent every year after graduating until the program was discontinued.”

Last June Elissa celebrated her 70th Reunion, proudly leading the Parade of Classes. She marked the milestone with a generous pledge to the school’s Infinite Horizon campaign, a gesture in keeping with her family’s long history of philanthropic support for Emma Willard.

“The Robison Family Foundation, which was founded by my parents and led by my siblings and me, has always supported educational institutions and our church,” Elissa observes. “The family foundation underwrote the Robison Suite in Admissions as well as a variety of athletic endeavors including the Robison Track and Robison Weight Room. My dad believed that sound bodies make sound minds. I’m happy to support Emma Willard,” Elissa concludes. “I’ve always loved the school—it makes me feel good to be on campus.” Barbara Stegmaier— who celebrated her 100th birthday March 14—echoes her sister. “We give generously because it is a habit instilled by our parents. I have fond memories.”

Alison Prout Stipkovich ’88

While the Prout family connection certainly played a role in bringing Elissa’s daughter Alison to Emma Willard, she confesses it wasn’t the primary motivator.

“I was looking forward to the community that is present at Emma—traditions, educational opportunities, and challenges that were not available in the public school system,” Alison notes. “And the beautiful campus was also very enticing.”

Alison believes that her time at Emma helped her to become the person she is today. “I think that my education and my participation in synchronized swimming enabled me to become a strong, confident, and disciplined woman.” It’s an attitude that Alison has worked to instill in children Emily, Anna, and Matthew. “I’ve raised them to be independent thinkers and to never give up on their life goals.”

Robin MacKenzie Prout P ’00 ’14

For Elissa’s daughter-in-law Robin Prout, Emma Willard has long been an integral part of life, personally and professionally. A member of the school’s Communications team for 16 years before joining the Advancement Office, Robin first met husband Bill Prout while interviewing his sister, Alison, for a story in the school magazine. “Bill stopped by to introduce himself as our print rep shortly after I started working at the school,” she says. “Some years later we were married in Alumnae Chapel.”

Campus traditions have played a central role in Robin’s artistic life. On the Revels production staff for 35 years coaching handbell ringers and managing the make-up process, she has a front-row seat when painting commemorative ornaments known as Revels eggs for graduation gifts.

Becoming a part of the Emma Willard family has been an ongoing blessing, she concludes. “When I applied for my first job here, someone said to me, ‘Working at an independent school becomes your life,’” Robin recalls. “What I heard was, ‘What a great way to live your life!’ and that has been absolutely true.”

Mackenzie Prout Shorter ’00

For Elissa’s granddaughter Mackenzie, Emma Willard is simply part of life as a Prout. “I attended the Children’s School as a four-year-old,” she recalls. “The campus buildings looked like a castle to me—I was fascinated.” Like Alison and Kathryn, Mackenzie attended GirlSummer every year until age 12. “Attending Emma was simply never a question for me,” she confesses.

Reflecting on her time at the school, Mackenzie expresses gratitude for all she gained as a student. “Emma Willard helped me find my voice and develop a sense of confidence. I learned to speak my mind and became comfortable conversing with all sorts of different people, both skills I draw upon today as a community impact director for the American Heart Association. And the friendships I formed there have been long-lasting. I have at least five close friends today who go back to my time at Emma.”

Kathryn Prout Brisson ’14

While Elissa’s granddaughter Kathryn acknowledges that many view Emma as home and the people they meet as family, for her it goes deeper. “For me, it is actually my family and has been a second home since I was born.

“Our family connection to Emma is undeniable,” Kathryn continues, “but I was also drawn to the school because of the emphasis placed on individuality, creativity, and being yourself. I’m a licensed pharmacist with a love of art history and currently manage a government quality program for a nonprofit health plan. I credit my experience at Emma for my desire to seek out a nontraditional career path.”

The deep ties between Emma Willard and her family enrich her life in countless ways, says Kathryn. “My parents met as a result of Emma, so I would say I literally wouldn’t be here without it,” she notes with a laugh. “It also brings an added level of connection between me, my mom, my sister, my aunt, and my grandma that we treasure.”