7 minute read
Alumni
Paying it Forward
Greg Hague ’66 said that attending Cincinnati Country Day School was a pivotal point his life.
“The single biggest transition in my life was when I made the move from public school to Country Day,” said Hague. “I had no idea that an education like Country Day’s existed. It set me on a better path and gave me an entirely different life perspective.”
But it was not an easy transition in many ways. “My first year going from public school to Country Day was VERY tough – it was like going from high school to college overnight. By my second year I was in sync; my grades were OK but nothing to write home about, but I made it through.”
Added to that, Country Day was an all-boys school at the time. There were about 30 boys in his graduating class. All students had to wear coats and ties every day.
After graduating from Country Day, he attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and graduated cum laude. He then went to American University Washington College of Law and is still a licensed attorney in Ohio, even though he now resides in Arizona. In 2009, he took the Arizona bar exam – at 60 years old – and received the top score in the state.
In 2018, Hague developed 72SOLD.com, a program that enables homeowners to sell in 72 hours at full market value, avoid the inconvenience of daily showings, and even stay in their home for up to six months after closing. The program has been wildly successful and in May 2021, Greg launched 72SOLD in the Cincinnati market, as the 29th national market for the program. Within the first week, more than 100 sellers responded. “It’s an alternative to the traditional model of selling our homes, offering convenience, certainty, and full market value, something that really resonates with sellers.”
Greg’s wife, Teresa, is his partner in the business. He has three sons – Corey, Casey, and Brian – and Brian also works at 72SOLD along with Greg’s nephew, Jason Fields, “who is like a son to me.”
Greg says he gives back – and will continue to give back – to Country Day to pay it forward.
He also credits his dad, Harold Hague (nickname “Chubby”), as being instrumental in his life’s path and success.
“You have to look back in your life at some of the things that made a difference for you. Everyone does,” continues Hague. “My dad certainly is one of those – he grew up poor, raised by a single mom after his dad died in the war. My dad was a fighter pilot instructor and through hard work he built a highly successful real estate business in Cincinnati. Because of him the Country Day door opened for me. Because of Country Day I got a great foundational education.”
And now that 72SOLD is operating in Cincinnati, Greg hopes to return for a visit sooner than later.
Alumni Awards 2021
Head of School Tony Jaccaci presented our most prestigious alumni awards remotely this year due to the pandemic. You can view the presentations at www.CountryDay.net/go/AlumniAwards.
Roger B. Kafker ’80 – Making the World Better for Others
Head of School Tony Jaccaci and Roger Kafker ’80, a lead donor for the Triumphant Scholarship.
Every year, the CCDS Alumni Council selects an alumnus to be honored in recognition of her/his extraordinary contribution to her/his alma mater, the community and the person’s professional. In presenting the award, Tony Jaccaci, head of school, said, “I have the privilege of meeting some remarkable graduates and I’m doubly appreciative of moments like these that celebrate individuals who use their gifts to make the world better for others. Roger Kafker is on a par of his own.”
Roger has made his mark as a financier in the world of private equity, spotting opportunities to invest in growing businesses and giving entrepreneurs a chance to succeed. He has also managed to apply these same principles to education. He understands the transformative power of great teaching and learning and has spearheaded an effort
Jody Brant ’87, Lisa Pettengill ’85, and Chip Pettengill ‘79 take some time to celebrate Roger.
by Country Day through the Triumphant Scholarship program, providing full scholarships to students who otherwise would not be able to afford a CCDS education. He did this by providing the initial seven-figure gift – the largest gift ever made to the school for tuition aid – while challenging and encouraging the community to make matching gifts. Kafker, a managing director at TA Associates, an international venture capital and equity investments firm, was motivated to give back to his alma mater because of the benefits he received from his Country Day education. “I have seen, time and time again through my career, the importance of a great education. It sets you apart. I’m grateful for all that I learned at Country Day, in the classroom and in the relationships I built – and treasure to this day – across a diverse student body.”
He is also a co-founder of the Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation (now LuMind Foundation), which has funded over $10 million of scientific research to benefit the Down Syndrome community over the past decade. The operational foundation leverages private funding for Down Syndrome research and was recently awarded $2 million in grants from a Brazilian foundation and a European pharmaceutical company.
Country Day is proud and honored to present Roger B. Kafker ’80 with the 2021 Distinguished Alumnus Award. “There’s no greater gift than the gift of education,” Jaccaci said. “Roger’s contribution will be lifechanging for students without the resources to access such an incredible education that can genuinely propel them to reach their fullest potential in college and life. I am so grateful to Roger for his support – he truly embraces our school’s motto ‘Virtue in Action’.”
“I feel an obligation to support Cincinnati Country Day,” said Castleberry. “They taught me, trained me, and set me up for college and my life, with friends I made there.” Hap also supports other private schools in the Cincinnati area. “I want to give the opportunity I had to other kids. I think there are so many people who need it.”
The nickname “Hap” was bestowed upon him by his mother for being an incredibly happy baby. Hap figured out early that the key to success was happiness. Jaccaci closed the presentation by saying, “It appears a day hasn’t gone by that you haven’t lived up to the nickname your mother wisely bestowed upon you. On behalf of an extremely grateful Country Day community, it is an honor to present you with an award that recognizes a person who exemplifies the school’s motto virtue in action. I cannot think of a man who better embodies this core belief than you.”
Hap Castleberry ’50 – Exemplifies Virtue in Action
The Virtue in Action Award (previously known as “The Chieftain Award”) recognizes a member of those alumni classes celebrating their 50th reunion year or beyond for their dedication, attitude and motivation expressed through their service to the community. This alumnus exemplifies our motto – virtue in action.
Hap Castleberry ’50 is the very embodiment of an unrelenting spirit, which has been essential to his success. In presenting the award to Castleberry, Jaccaci said, “Hap has led an exceedingly fruitful life – one that’s not only accomplished, but – even more importantly – one that’s enriched the lives of countless others.” Hap has generously supported many causes from and has been a long-time donor to Country Day. He made a lead gift to the Gordon R. Wright Tennis Complex and established the Edward F. and Susan B. Castleberry Scholarship Fund in support of the Triumphant Scholarship program.
In 2018, Hap was inducted into the Greater Cincinnati Business Hall of Fame. A lifelong businessman/entrepreneur, he started his career at his family’s Cedar Hill Farms after college. When the family sold the dairy business, he used the skills he had learned to become successful in other businesses and real estate ventures.
