THE ALUMNI FAMILY DEFINITIONS OF SUPPORT

ON ONE HAND , there are Lakeside alums like Caroline Daly ’08, whose grandmother graduated from St. Nicholas in 1950 and whose mom graduated from Lakeside exactly 30 years later. She has aunts in the classes of ’75 and ’77, cousins and a brother who went to Lakeside, and a half-brother, Tommy, who just finished his freshman year here. “Of course I’m going to be involved with the school,” she says. Daly attended her class’s 10th and 15th reunions, has participated in the school’s annual Lakeside Fund note-writing breakfast, regularly attends lectures and athletic events, and has served for the past three years as her class representative. “But when I think about giving something back to the school, I think of how it was at Lakeside where I realized I wanted to be a teacher. I was inspired by Mr. Bauer, Ms. Kaz, Dr. Aegerter, and so many other amazing teachers. I want to support their work so they can continue inspiring others. I’m forever grateful.”

On the other hand, there are first-generation Lakesiders serving on the school’s alumni board and board of trustees. Dozens of alumni who have volunteered to coach the school’s teams or speak to students in the classroom. Scores who have welcomed young graduates into their professional networks or offered career advice or opportunities. More than a thousand who support the Lakeside Fund. More than a thousand who took time, just this past winter, to answer a detailed survey about the school’s strengths, weaknesses, and most promising possibilities for the future. A third of those respondents indicated an interest in becoming volunteers at the school, most notably an interest in mentoring students.

Lakeside’s partnership with its alumni takes many forms. Those of us who work here know how important that partnership is to achieving the school’s mission. The “school” — Lakeside’s administrators, staff, faculty, and students — is forever grateful for the partnership.

— Jim Collins

I’ve found joy in being able to connect with the school through something that gave me joy when I was a student. I believe that supporting the networks and connections among alumni and having a strong, visible alumni culture ultimately funnels down to the students. It sends a message: We’re all here supporting you.”