THE FUTURE IS HERE. THE FUTURE IS NOW.
“We are thinking about the students’ experience from the moment they step onto campus in the morning to the time they leave at the end of the day. We are constantly adapting and designing curriculum and spaces that ignite learning, spark innovation, and foster joy.” Carrie Dilmore Assistant Head of Upper School
WE DREAM FOR STUDENTS. For over 110 years, we have imagined what it means to educate and support students. Parker students and their experiences are at the center of our pedagogy. We are committed to fostering the development of the whole child and we know that critical and creative thinking are developed inside and outside the classroom. This is why we dedicated resources over the past two decades to create the learning environments students need to feel healthy, safe, curious, challenged, and supported. Starting with the Mission Hills Campus in 1999 and ending with the Linda Vista Heart of Campus project in 2019, we have completed seven phases of capital improvements that have transformed the learning environments in our arts and academic spaces. Now it is time to elevate our ability to support student health and wellbeing with a transformation of our athletics and physical education spaces.
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“The overall health and wellbeing of our students will always be a priority. Understanding the academic rigor at Parker, coaches have the opportunity to facilitate and encourage physical activity and support mental health and wellbeing. The mind and body are connected and both deserve attention and care. As much as our students spend time in class exercising their minds, it is equally as important that they spend time outside the classroom challenging their bodies.” Zuri Walker ’10 Coach and Grade 6-12 Physical Education Teacher
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WE NURTURE HEALTHY MINDS AND HEALTHY BODIES. Students must feel known, valued, and have a sense of belonging for genuine learning to take place. They must also be healthy in mind and in body to concentrate and apply themselves in an academically challenging environment. We implemented a late start to school so students can have more sleep, hired mental health professionals at every division, and expanded student support programming in order to provide students with the tools and skills they need to successfully navigate the realities of adolescence. We have also improved the daily schedule so students have time and space to exercise and compete in sports. This is essential for their socialemotional, mental, and physical health and overall wellbeing.
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WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF PLAY. Parker students need time and space to be kids. Recreation and physical activity exercise more than students’ bodies. Regularly taking part in indoor and outdoor play improves students’ physical health and social skills, and teaches them how to work together and problem solve. Play is an integral part of healthy development as it boosts self-esteem, regulates emotions, and promotes joyful movement all the way into adulthood. Parker students can play during recess, physical education classes, or on any team of their choosing. To foster a love of learning, Parker boasts a “no-cut” policy for varsity sports to ensure that every student, no matter their skill level, can meaningfully participate in a team sport. 6
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“Children are born to play. On the playground, students discover how to take risks, manage relationships, and navigate obstacles. Unstructured, child-led play is a vital component of developing and building confidence, resilience, and perseverance.” Heather Gray Dr. Robert Gillingham Head of Lower School
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“There is no time like the present to promote student wellness and an active lifestyle. Parker Forward will allow us to support the health and safety of our students, while also providing quality facilities for studentathletes to train and potentially reach their goal of playing at the next level. Every Parker student and the teachers and coaches who serve them will be positively impacted by the campus transformation. Greater, modern space for teaching, coaching, and collaboration combined with the opportunity to bolster all of our students and their aspirations is something that we cannot wait for; it is a win-win for our athletics and physical education departments. We know our students will thrive.” Anthony Thomas Director of Athletics
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WE KNOW SPACE MATTERS. High-quality spaces beget high-quality programming. Parker students will experience a breadth and depth of programming that is only possible in intentional and motivating athletic venues. A robust Middle School program helps younger students develop skills in a variety of activities so they can compete at the junior varsity and varsity levels in Upper School. An established Upper School program supports student-athletes who dream of competing at a collegiate level. It is essential that Parker students have a place to train and compete at the highest levels, as well as dedicated spaces for athletic training, sports medicine, and strength and conditioning to uphold and promote physical health and wellbeing. PARKER FORWARD
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WE ARE READY TO MOVE PARKER FORWARD. Dear Families, Parker Forward, also known as Phase 8 of development on the Mission Hills and Linda Vista Campuses, is the bold and innovative $35 million addition of physical education, athletics, and health and wellness spaces. To achieve the Parker Forward vision, in 2018 the Board of Trustees charged the campaign leadership, Graeme Gabriel and Meghan Spieker, and key administrators with developing and implementing a plan to advance this critical initiative.
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These were the key steps in getting us to today: •
Hired Gensler, a global architecture firm, to design Parker Forward.
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Established a Parker team of teachers, coaches, administrators, and volunteer leaders to champion and be involved with the project.
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Hosted seven programming and design workshops to discuss physical education and athletic programming needs and optimal student wellness and support.
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Toured five facilities in southern California to see spaces that had adjacent pool and gym facilities.
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Hired O’Connor Construction Management (OCMI) as the project manager and they worked with Building Cost Group (BCG) to validate the cost estimates relevant to current market conditions and future projections.
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Completed one constructability peer review from DPR Construction.
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Created a financial plan to support the annual cost of running a year-round pool, including operations, maintenance, chemicals, and trained staff and professionals; we assumed a low-annual revenue stream.
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Received six discipline reviews for the Substantial Conformance Review approved by the City of San Diego.
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Hired Level 10 Construction, a company with a profound commitment to student safety in terms of on-site construction and project delivery, as the general contractor.
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Tasked the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees, under the leadership of Ted Kim and Sue Lester, to secure long-term financing to help fund Parker Forward.
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Achieved financial goals in order to procure favorable financing from City National Bank.
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Submitted the development plans to the City of San Diego and are planning for construction from late 2022 to early 2024.
I am grateful to the small and mighty group of Board of Trustee members, alumni, grandparents, and parents who contributed $12.5 million to launch the Parker Forward Campaign. We celebrate their investment in this extraordinary and transformative project, and invite the Parker community to join them: to learn more, contribute a philanthropic gift, and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and generations of students to come. Kevin Yaley, Ph.D. Head of School
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The Gabriel Family Graeme Gabriel is a Board member and serves on the Parker Forward Campaign leadership committee. He and Simone Kanter are Parker parents.
Throughout our Parker journey, we continue to be impressed by the School’s thoughtful and purposeful approach to fulfill its mission so that every Parker student can strive for academic excellence while maintaining social and emotional wellbeing and balance. The planning, design, and development of Parker Forward embodies this approach. Not only will Parker Forward provide state-of-the-art athletic facilities, it will also be a welcoming space to bring students together in support of their wellbeing. With gratitude for our family’s experience at Parker, we support the campaign knowing the impact it will have on all students for many years to come.
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THE DOUGLAS AQUATIC CENTER
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THE POOL IS FINALLY HERE! The Douglas Aquatic Center will enhance the physical education and athletic programs to strengthen student interest in water sports and competition and provide on-campus space for swim lessons, water activities, athletic competitions, and water safety instruction. The Douglas Aquatic Center will also deepen summer program offerings, open new opportunities for interdisciplinary programming, and expand Parker’s public-purpose initiatives within the Linda Vista and greater San Diego communities by hosting open swim opportunities, water safety classes, and master swim programs.
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DOUGLAS AQUATIC CENTER
The Douglas Aquatic Center will include Parker’s first on-site, multi-purpose 7,350 square-foot heated pool, which will be securely nestled behind the Student Life Center and Field House, with canyon views of Mission Valley. 16
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The Douglas Aquatic Center will feature: •
A recessed 26.5 by 23 meter, 7’ deep pool optimally sized for competitive swim and water polo
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10 swim lanes
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20’ x 40’ shallow water portion designed for beginner swimmers, aquatic training, adaptive physical education, and physical therapy
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Shallow entry walk-out stairs and ADA-compliant accessible lift
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Cabanas for changing and two outdoor showers
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Two sets of bleacher seating
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Shaded viewing area
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Terrace seating area
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Deck space for pool equipment
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Outdoor scoreboard for swim and water polo
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The Douglas Family The Douglas Aquatic Center has been named by Parker grandparents and parents of alumni, Judi and Jim Douglas.
We are certain that the design, construction, and operation of the new addition will be enjoyed by our students, teachers, and alumni for generations to come. We are proud to be associated with this fine project, and are gratified to name the Aquatic Center in support of the expansion and modernization of the Linda Vista Campus.
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LANCER LEGION, SAY HELLO TO YOUR NEW HEADQUARTERS! Visible from Linda Vista Road, the Silberman Student Life Center will be the School’s front porch to the broader community and attract students and families to Parker. This flagship, 32,000 square-foot building expansion will be seamlessly integrated with the existing 14,000 square-foot Student Life Center (completed in 2019), which houses the Parker Cafe and meeting spaces. The Silberman Student Life Center will conceal the podium deck of the underground parking garage (the location of the former Middle School Gym) and sit proudly within the contemporary campus setting.
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SILBERMAN STUDENT LIFE CENTER
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The Silberman Student Life Center is a multi-use facility that will propel Parker’s athletics, physical education programs, and health and wellness initiatives to new heights with expanded, modern spaces that complement the current Field House. The Silberman Student Life Center will feature: •
Indoor and outdoor community gathering spaces
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Professional offices for faculty and coaches
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Multi-functional classroom with sprung wood floors, mirror, barre, state-of-the-art technology, and Juliet balcony overlooking Lauer Field
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Multi-purpose room with sliding glass door access overlooking the gym
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Indoor elevator between the first and second floors
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Satellite athletic training room
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Locker, team, and changing rooms for students, faculty, staff, coaches, and visitors
Designed with the environment in mind, it can accommodate solar technology on the rooftop to subsidize the building, pool, and campus power usage.
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The Silberman Family The Silberman Student Life Center has been named by Parker grandparents and parents of alumni, Jeff and Karen Silberman. Jeff, a member of the Class of 1975, is a former Parker Board Chair and the School’s fourth Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.
Parker Forward represents Parker’s commitment to the whole child: great academic training, outstanding citizenship, purposeful community service, and excellent physical and mental health. That’s why Parker Forward is more than a building project—it is about mission, vision, strategic direction, and values—and we are excited and honored to be a part of this phase. We also know these facilities will have a tremendous impact on the San Diego community. It will deepen Parker’s partnership with adjacent and broader neighborhoods and under-resourced communities by providing access to facilities from which everyone can benefit.
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CHEER FOR THE BROWN AND GOLD! The Vassiliadis Athletic Center will elevate the game day experience, bolster our competitive advantage, and bring a new level of pride and purpose to all events hosted in this space, including California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) competitions. The Vassiliadis Athletic Center will also serve as a location for ceremonies, celebrations, and gatherings of the full Parker community.
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VASSILIADIS ATHLETIC CENTER
The Vassiliadis Athletic Center features:
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Two stories of activity space
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Center competition court with 1,100 bleacher seating
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Roll-down curtain to subdivide the center court into two regulation practice or game courts
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Roll-up doors connecting the viewing balcony to the outside balcony that overlooks the Douglas Aquatic Center
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Pre-game lighted hallway connecting home team locker rooms to the Vassiliadis Athletic Center
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Two motorized screens for LED projection and public address sound system supporting multimedia presentations
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Overhead, retractable center court volleyball net and judges chair
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Second-floor balcony that provides a premium home court viewing experience
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Hidden equipment storage on the first floor
Climate-controlled indoor environment suitable for robotics programs
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North-facing windows, allowing indirect daylight to permeate the Vassiliadis Athletic Center
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JOHN HERMAN COURT The center competition court has been named by the Vassiliadis family in honor of John Herman, a celebrated Parker teacher and coach. John, who is also affectionately known as “Coach Herm,” has been a member of the physical education and athletic departments for more than three decades, and is one of the most accomplished volleyball coaches in the state. John is also a member of the San Diego Hall of Champions.
VASSILIADIS COMMONS Vassiliadis Commons will be a central hub for students where they can socialize, study, and relax between classes or before and after practice or a game. The Vassiliadis Commons is an inviting area that has dedicated space to display Parker’s many athletic trophies and achievements, honor the alumni, teams, and faculty in the Athletic Hall of Fame, and recognize donors to the Parker Forward Campaign; thus it will manifest and build Parker spirit. It will also be the primary entry for the Vassiliadis Athletic Center and locker rooms, and feature a hospitality room for food service and point-of-sale for spiritwear. PARKER FORWARD
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The Vassiliadis Family The Vassiliadis Athletic Center, John Herman Court, and Vassiliadis Commons have been named by the Vassiliadis family, Andrew ’01, Melissa ’04, and their mother Carol, a former Board member.
We are thrilled about Parker Forward because school is more than academia. School is a place where we learn, not only from books and lectures, but from experiences. Parker Athletics has played a distinct role in our lives, from participating as athletes, to cheering in the stands, all the way to coaching sports at the School. We know we must take care of our bodies for our minds to be sharp, and we believe the Vassiliadis Athletic Center will act as a bridge to foster the mind-body connection. We are excited to see generations of students and community members benefit from these state-of-the-art facilities. We, as a family, could not be more proud to help Parker reach this next phase of completion.
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WE INSPIRE EXCELLENCE. Parker students are big thinkers, creative dreamers, brave leaders, and change makers. It is incumbent upon us to invest in them, promote their intellectual and personal journeys, and provide the active space and facilities for them to nurture their talents, minds, bodies, and passions.
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“An investment in Parker is an investment in not only our kids, but their kids. Our parents prioritized education as a life-long gift to their children and we are happy to continue that tradition with ours.” The Howard Gaussen Family
“ We support not only the Parker community but also Parker as a resource for the larger community. The aquatic center will be an integral part of both.“ The Rhodes Family
“We believe in supporting the Parker Forward Campaign to improve the campus so that it equals the excellence of the education our kids have received. Physical surroundings that inspire learning, creativity, and athletics are critical to the Parker experience.” The Effress Family
Anthony Thomas
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Amani Walker
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Emily Lotkowictz Sullivan
John Herman
Niki Dehner
Jim Tomey
Jarrad Phillips
David Glassey
“Individuals play the game. Teams beat the odds.” Jim Tomey Coach and Grades 6-12 Physical Education Teacher
OUR STRENGTH IS IN OUR COMMUNITY. The Parker community is a family. Faculty and coaches partner with students on their academic and interscholastic journey, and are an indelible force in students’ lives. Students can find their purpose and gain confidence in the classroom, on stage, or on the field when there is a community of caring adults who inspire them, challenge them, and surround them with kindness, compassion, and empathy.
“We invested for Parker’s kids of today and tomorrow. Athletics teaches enduring lessons— teamwork, grit, and humility.” The Gartman Family
“Winning a championship is a one-time event. Being a champion is a lifestyle.” John Herman Associate Athletic Director and Coach
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IT’S ABOUT PRIDE.
Athletics is one of the most visible aspects of a school community. It bolsters student spirit, deepens alumni loyalty and engagement, attracts elite athletes and high-caliber coaches, and increases Parker’s brand awareness and reputation. Parker develops student-athletes who are powerful, confident, resilient, and lead with integrity and grace. Parker students are proud to be Lancers! 36
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PARKER’S SPIRIT SONG Cheer for the Brown and Gold! Cheer for them all the way! Onward to victory, May we win again today! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! Cheer for the Lancer Pride! Long may we reign supreme! Shout ’til the echoes ring, For the glory of our team!
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WHY SUPPORT PARKER FORWARD?
“We see endless possibilities for Parker students. We invested in Parker Forward because it will help create a well-rounded environment with a focus on a student’s overall health and wellbeing.” The Canale Theakston Family
“We value the ability of Parker to provide students with a holistic education for body as well as mind, and look forward to seeing our kids thrive in our new athletic facility.” The Coppedge Family
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“We give because Parker Forward will not only enrich Parker students’ experience but it will also create stronger bonds between our School and the Linda Vista community.” The Wornovitzky Family
“We believe that a strong education sets the stage for a life of learning and making a positive difference. We choose to give to Parker as our way of saying thank you to the many families that came before us who recognized the value of a Parker education, invested generously, and made possible the institution that has become the Parker of today.” The Clark Family
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WHY SUPPORT PARKER FORWARD?
“We give because we all have benefited from the generosity of the people before us.” The Bourgeois Freeman Family
“We cherish the community, friendships, teachers, and welcoming environment that is Parker. ” The Hansen Family
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“We see the tremendous value of athletics at Parker and the role that sports plays in building character, con dence and both mental and physical strength. We are excited to have invested in Parker athletics and look forward to many more banners to come!”
The Strauss Casey Family
“We give because the facilities for athletics should match the quality of facilities for academics and arts that were the subject of earlier phases of the overall growth of Parker.” The Matys-Gleason Family The Coppedge Family PARKER FORWARD
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WHY SUPPORT PARKER FORWARD?
“We give because Parker is our second home.” The Cetinoz Family
The Bonar Family
“We value the Francis Parker School community and recognize its current and future value within the greater Linda Vista community. It is our privilege to support both with a project clearly focused on intersecting, complementing, and enhancing one another.” The Bonar Family
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“We want our kids to value both learning and wellness. These improvements to our beautiful campus will make it easier for them to incorporate athletic activity into their day, and, we hope, help to build a lifelong love of sport.” The Mertens Lester Family
“We cherish the opportunity to create, observe, participate, and share in the long-term return of our investment in Parker Forward.” The Gates Family
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MAKE YOUR MARK. Join the 75 families who have launched the Parker Forward Campaign. Leadership gifts of $10,000 and above can be pledged over two years, and will be recognized on the donor wall in the Vassiliadis Commons.
TOTAL MONIES RAISED: $12,500,000
PARKER FORWARD CAMPAIGN GOAL: $14,500,000
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Your support gets us to the finish line!
The Vassiliadis Family Million Dollar Challenge
DOUBLE YOUR GIVING IMPACT! The Vassiliadis family will match every dollar raised up to $1 million dollars in support of Parker Forward through June 30, 2023. That would mean an additional $2 million to support Parker students’ health and wellness! Fill out the enclosed envelope or visit www.parkerforward.com to make your gift. PARKER FORWARD
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THANK YOU to our early investors who have contributed $25,000 and above to the Parker Forward Campaign. $2,000,000 and above Judi and Jim Douglas Jeff ’75 and Karen Silberman Andrew Vassiliadis ’01 Carol Vassiliadis Melissa Vassiliadis ’04 $1,000,000 - $1,999,999 Anonymous $500,000 - $999,999 The Bjorg Family Graeme Gabriel and Simone Kanter Anonymous $250,000 - $499,999 Diana Strauss Casey Marshall Gates Foundation Sarah and Andrew Goth Meghan and Warren Spieker Carin Canale-Theakston and Hillary Theakston Claire and Frans van der Lee
$100,000 - $249,999 Schuyler and Irene Coppedge Tori and Aaron Haberman Robert Howard Thomas and Jennifer Janes Sandy New Miranda Sonneborn and Brian Buscemi Anonymous $50,000 - $99,999 Randall and Michael Clark Richard and Jessica Effress John and Jill Gartman Tyler and Cari Gill Marc Matys and Robert Gleason Susan Lester and Petra Mertens Jackie and John Reed
$25,000 - $49,999 Joanna Adamczak and Robert Marasco Sandra and Sassan Alavi Thien and Gary Benitt Helen and Niven Bonar Anand and Mamta Buch Birtan Cetinoz and Vivian An Hong Xia Michelle and Brian Cox Jim Freeman and Jing Bourgeois Nicole and Kevin Forrest Allan Hansen and Liz Yu-Hansen Priya and Andy Huggett Chris and Monica Lafferty Benjamin and Kimberly Lee Noelle Khoury Ludwig ’91 and Timothy Ludwig Heather Rosing and Scott Carr Marija and Nash Subotic Deborah Wilson The Wornovitzky Family Anonymous
Current trustee
Scan the QR code above to see the full list of donors and to make a contribution.
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Past trustee
List as of June 30, 2022
JOIN US. www.parkerforward.com
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS:
For questions, please contact Assistant Head of School for External Relations Shara Freeman Hoefel at shoefel@francisparker.org or 858/874-3374.
Bauman Photographers BE Studios Dale Edwards Rob Hansen Libby Lewis Photography Nancee Lewis Photography Courtney Ranaudo
The mission of Francis Parker School is to create and inspire a diverse community of independent thinkers whose academic excellence, global perspective, and strength of character prepare them to make a meaningful difference in the world.
FRANCIS PARKER SCHOOL 6501 LINDA VISTA ROAD SAN DIEGO, CA 92111 858/ 569-7900