Why We Give
GROWTH
Marburn alumna, Mara Dan-Weber with her parents Ana Dan and Paul Weber.
BY STEPHANIE STOVER TRENTON, DIRECTOR OF ANNUAL GIVING AND ALUMNI RELATIONS
“MARBURN WAS A BEACON OF LIGHT FOR US AT A TIME WHEN WE WERE IN A FAIRLY DARK PLACE. THE KINDNESS AND RESOURCES OF THE STAFF AND FACULTY THERE WILL STAY WITH US ALL OF OUR LIVES. NOT ONLY DID MARBURN OFFER EDUCATIONAL ALTERNATIVES THAT WE DIDN’T KNOW EXISTED AT THE TIME, BUT REALLY APPROACHED OUR FAMILY, AND MARA PARTICULARLY, HOLISTICALLY. WE WORKED TOGETHER DURING THOSE YEARS TO MAKE SURE OUR DAUGHTER DEVELOPED INTO THE YOUNG WOMAN WE KNEW SHE COULD BE, IN ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT, SELF-CONFIDENCE AND SOCIAL WELLBEING. WE ARE PROUD TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THIS ORGANIZATION TO DO THIS IMPORTANT WORK.” –ANA DAN
27 Marburn Magazine 2021
By the time Mara Dan-Weber arrived at Marburn Academy as a sophomore, she had spent years struggling in school. Her confidence was nearly gone, and the mere thought of school was accompanied by an onslaught of anxiety. Quickly, Mara began to flourish at Marburn; not without setbacks, but always with hope. For the first time in a long time, Mara started to believe she could succeed in school. She found friends and inspiration from her teachers. Her growth at Marburn made it possible to successfully move forward to college, and her achievements became a source of pride and relief to not only Mara, but her entire family. Mara completed a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Gender Studies at Fort Lewis University in Colorado, and built a career in Social Work. Inspired by her time at Marburn and the teachers that so pos-
itively impacted her life, Mara recently decided to change course and is now a graduate student at the University of Vermont pursuing a Master’s in Education. Mara’s parents, Ana Dan and Paul Weber, found Marburn to be exactly what they needed in order for Mara to thrive, but recognized that there are many families who could use additional support in order to make a Marburn education attainable. Even as alumni parents, the family continues to generously support Marburn’s annual Gala by donating an auction package at their Vermont bed and breakfast, The Hyde Away Inn. In Ana’s words, “If our investment helps a single child have a moment of pride and hope and inspiration, we are wholeheartedly committed to continuing our support and encourage others to do what they can to make that a reality for as many kids as possible.”
