M A G A Z I N E
A Campaign to
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M A G A Z I N E
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CAMPAIGN ISSUE 2018 Volume 73, Number 1
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Meg Colafella Director of Communications & Marketing MANAGING EDITOR Rose Vardell Associate Director of Communications & Marketing CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS Sarah Forrer Media Relations Manager Jackie Hanley Communications Manager DESIGN Blue Star Design PHOTOGRAPHY Alan Doe, Sarah Forrer, Vanessa Gieske, Kevin Kopanski, Rose Vardell
M A G A Z I N E
In the next issue... The next issue of WRA Magazine will welcome our 32nd Head of School, Suzanne Walker Buck, a true Pioneer and the first female Head of School in Reserve’s history. We also will explore another year of exciting projects from our Compass program and see the return of our favorite magazine features, such as Commencement, Reunion Weekend and Class Notes.
CLASS NOTES classnotes@wra.net or contact your Class Correspondent ADDRESS CHANGES Tracy Finn | finnt@wra.net FEEDBACK/SUGGESTIONS Rose Vardell | vardellr@wra.net
WRA Magazine is published twice a year for alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends of Western Reserve Academy by the WRA Communications & Marketing Office.
Western Reserve Academy is committed to maintaining an educational and work climate for all members of the community that is free from all forms of discrimination. In particular, WRA strictly prohibits discrimination based on race, sex (including pregnancy), religion, color, age, national origin, veteran and/or military status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status and/or parental status.
CONTENTS
Onward and Upward
Savvy Stalwarts
An $86.5 Million Success
In Support of Faculty
In Support of Buildings & Grounds
In Support of Financial Aid
An Evening to Toast
Contributions to The Campaign for Excellence & Access
Board of Trustees
Leaving Impact, Taking Memories
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Onward and Upward Reflections from Campaign Chair Marty Franks ’68
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pearheading a fundraising effort like The Campaign for Excellence & Access was a formidable challenge and commitment, one that would require extensive travel, conversation, tenacity and more than a little gumption. When asked if he would be this leader, Marty Franks ‘68 very quickly said yes. “I owe this school more than I can ever repay,” Franks said recently. It is a sentiment often shared by this alumnus and Trustee. His deep affection and devotion to his alma mater is a physical and sentimental presence on this campus. It is demonstrated by the Franks Family Admission Office at President’s House — a renovation and refurbishment completed in May 2017, enabled by the generosity of Franks and his wife, Sherry. And it lives on in their shared joy in seeing the storied building full of life, laughter and activity. Franks is also the kind of person to keep a promise to attend a Reserve field hockey game — rain or shine — and cheer on the sidelines. One of his favorite school events is Senior Celebration, an event held the Saturday before the Sunday
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Commencement wherein the graduating class gathers one final time in the Chapel for a special awards ceremony. It’s no wonder that throughout the Campaign, whenever Franks felt discouraged, he “made a beeline for Hudson” and found renewed energy in the vitality and spirit of the students. However, he did note that those moments of discouragement were few and far between. “What was truly amazing to me was how often I heard the same thought over and over again,” he said. “Within the first few minutes of meeting a fellow alum, I would hear them say, ‘Reserve changed my life.’ It was astounding, and it is a remarkable bond shared by so many alumni.” Sometimes they used different words — “life changing” or “transformative” — but the thought was always the same. Franks heard it so often that he estimates there were perhaps only five conversations in which this was not expressed. He admits that this often made his job much easier. “Certain Campaign goals spoke to the interests and priorities
of different people,” he explained. “Some were more invested in financial aid or faculty endowment, but there truly was a unifying thread in their motivation. There is just enormous affection for Western Reserve Academy. Rarely did I have to convince someone that this place is worthy of their support.” He recalls the announcement of the $65++ million fundraising goal at the Campaign Launch in October of 2015 and knowing that Reserve could and should go further. It was this optimism and competitive spirit that kept him and the entire team bolstered for the duration of the Campaign. But even Franks could not have foreseen the final total of $86.5 million, $20 million more than the initial goal. “As we got further and further into the Campaign, there was a moment when we realized, wow, we’re going to hit 70 million!” he said. “And then we were going to do 75 — could we possibly make 80? And then, amazingly, we made 86.5! Honestly, it was just a lot of fun.”
Campaign, he shared that he often traveled with Head of School Christopher D. Burner ’80, whom he commended for telling the story of the school superbly. Board of Trustees Co-Presidents Timothy Warner ’69 and Andrew Midler ’79 were applauded for their considerable guidance and support.
“We are a fantastic school, and working together, we can meet any challenge.”
He also took note of Assistant Head of School for Advancement Mark LaFontaine, who joined the WRA administration in the earlier years of the Campaign and brought even more structure and strategy to the effort.
“I don’t think we would have made it to $86 million had we not had Mark on board,” he said. “Not only his cheerfulness and optimism, but his great professionalism.” Franks also gives great credit to the superb Advancement staff built by LaFontaine.
— Marty Franks ‘68
And he had a lot of fun over the years — for fundraising is not just something in which he excels, it is something he genuinely enjoys. As a former staff member of a U.S. Senator, a Speaker of the House and a President of the United States, raising money has been a large part of his life. As he puts it, “I was born without the gene that causes shame when asking for money.” As Campaign Chair, Franks put great effort into making connections with alumni and making time for face-to-face conversations. He traveled far and wide to make this happen. There were trips to Florida, California, New York City, Chicago and, memorably, Boston during one of the worst blizzards in the city’s history. There were also international destinations, such as Canada, Korea and China. It was a privilege to travel the world, he said, noting many incredible adventures along the way, such as visiting the city of Datong in China and taking in the Yungang Grottoes, ancient Chinese Buddhist temple grottoes built into the Wuzhou Shan mountains or the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an. He treasured his time on the road, particularly when he was joined by Sherry, who is a great champion of Reserve and often would chime in with her support. Now past the finish line of the most successful campaign in the school’s history, Franks could very well take the time to enjoy this history-making milestone. But the humility and grace so often displayed in Reserve graduates is alive and well in him, and he has given far more credit to others than he takes for himself. Indeed, Franks said he found incredible support in his fellow leaders. At the recent dinner celebrating the end of the
“For those of us who were on the ground and making the trips, Tim and Andrew really brought out the best in us,” he said. “That, to me, is great leadership. They had to make some hard decisions along the way.”
And of course, he lauds his Vice Chair, Stephan W. Cole ’66. “Other than Chris Burner, I don’t think there’s been another alum who has been involved in raising more money for Reserve than Steve Cole,” he said. “Steve helped spread the base of the Campaign through his stewardship of the 1826 Society. It’s his work of art.” In this way, Franks is a leader who brings people together and celebrates a victory as a true team effort, making sure gratitude and appreciation are bestowed upon everyone who made such a feat possible. And that of course includes the 4,285 contributors to the Campaign, whose gifts, big and small, are testaments to an overwhelming affection for our past and faith in the school’s future. As he looks forward, Franks knows the Campaign’s impact will be long-lasting. The Campaign brought further support to two areas already very strong: faculty support and financial aid. He thinks the impact may be more visible in the Brick Row renovations, in the opening of President’s House, The Wang Innovation Center and Seymour Hall. But he believes there is another impact, one that cannot be measured but he hopes will be felt by this community. “The fact that this is a school that can raise $86 million says to me that this is a community that can really do anything that it sets its mind to,” he said. “We know that there are considerable challenges in our future, but they’re nothing that we can’t handle. I hope this Campaign gives us that boost of confidence — that “can-do” attitude — that comes from knowing that we are a fantastic school, and working together, we can meet any challenge.” CAMPAIGN ISSUE 2018
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Savvy STALWARTS Board of Trustees Co-Presidents Timothy R. Warner ’69 and Andrew R. Midler ’79 possess a grounded demeanor that allowed the Campaign to soar
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ypically leaders in a dual role, like Co-Presidents, benefit from some version of polarity. The creative type and the analyst. The dreamer and the doer. The nice guy and the enforcer. In the case of Tim Warner ’69 and Andrew Midler ’79, however, their steady alignment unified them, and the school, behind a crystal clear vision for the Campaign that drove its unprecedented success. From the start, their vision, captured in the name of the Campaign, was excellence and access. In the eyes of the Co-Presidents, these could have been proxy words for faculty and students. Warner and Midler say the paramount goals of the Campaign were to continue to support a superior faculty and always open Reserve’s doors to the best students through a robust financial aid program. “The Campaign started with excellence and access,” said Warner. “That covers a lot of territory. A critical part of the Campaign was faculty; they are the core of the school from the past, now and for our future.” “The last campaign did a lot with buildings and construction,” added Midler. “We launched this Campaign with the notion that it was going to be about people. Even the building projects of this Campaign are all about people.” Indeed, the spaces that were either born of the Campaign or inventively reinvigorated are campus’ most popular, and arguably most significant, gathering spots: the Chapel, for its Morning Meetings; Seymour Hall, as the academic heart of the school; The Wang Innovation Center, for its late-night LAN parties and standing invitation to dream; and President’s House, as the ultimate point of access, inviting every new Reserve family through its gracious doors.
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The other part of the people focus was internal: the team Warner and Midler convened to reach the Campaign’s goals. They credit Campaign Chair Marty Franks ’68 and Vice Chair Steve Cole ’66, Head of School Chris Burner ’80, and the school’s Advancement team led by Assistant Head of School for Advancement Mark LaFontaine. “Marty Franks played such a significant role — he was tireless in his efforts to lead the Campaign and to pursue the discussion of Reserve among a lot of people around the world,” said Warner. “We owe a lot to both Marty and Sherry Franks, not only for their gift of President’s House, but also for working with all different constituencies and presenting opportunities that resonated with the Reserve community.” While some opportunities were explicit, like Seymour Hall, others were more organic, stemming from donors’ own passions and ideas. This was an evolved approach to raising funds, which — true to the school’s brand — invited donors to ponder the question, “What Will You Pioneer?” “There were people who stepped up and had ideas about how initiatives could be strengthened and advanced,” said Warner. “In the case of Xuning Wang, he had a strong vision for what the innovation center could be and how our plans could be enhanced. Marty and Sherry Franks had a view of how President’s House could be restored and take on the grandeur of an earlier time. These projects are testaments to the fact that donors’ visions can enhance a campaign even beyond its original intent.” Warner and Midler revert to Seymour Hall when they describe a project with broad appeal. Part of the building’s allure is its age. (This explains why certain features — like the old grooved stairwell — were intentionally left untouched in the renovation.) But nearly every alum
“I attribute the school’s longevity to the fact that, for a very long time, it has offered a transformational experience for students.” — Timothy R. Warner ‘69
would have conceded it could have benefited from an upgrade. On top of this, donors carried so many memories from inside the space. These ran the gamut of sentimental, inspirational and hilarious. From a 13-year-old Marty Franks muscling open the heavy wooden doors, to Cecily Pryce Maguire ’78 wondering at the diversity of subjects taught under one roof, to the story of a book being thrown across the room (student and teacher shall remain unnamed.) to pull a mischievous group of students to focus. “Giving is part analytical and part emotional. Some of the initiatives of the Campaign, like Seymour, struck both chords very well,” said Midler. “As the Seymour project became fleshed out, a lot of people viewed it as something they could get behind. People saw the plans. This brought them back and made them excited about where the school could go in the next 100 years.” With Reserve’s leaders, there is no hesitation about visioning a third century for the school, both because of the impact of this Campaign on WRA’s sustainability and because they believe our past offers prologue and promise. “I attribute the school’s longevity to the fact that, for a very long time, it has offered a transformational experience for students,” said Warner. “While it can be challenging these days for families to think
about sending their children to boarding school, the more people look into it and think of it, the boarding experience can be really significant in so many ways. Our success comes with articulating this, and it is very heartening that our alumni and Reserve community are our best ambassadors. The generosity of our donors has brought their enthusiasm to life in very concrete ways.” “There were so many donors who were leaders in the Campaign and have supported the school for many years and really felt committed to continuing its enhancements,” added Midler. “We owe them so much. But one of the terrific surprises was to see people who hadn’t been involved as much in the past come through in very generous ways. You couldn’t plan for this, and it was so impactful.” When asked about next steps for the school (perhaps a premature question on the heels of an $86.5 million effort!), Warner said, “To celebrate.” But in the next breath, the leaders do continue their aspirations. “The school will be at its 200th anniversary eight years from now, and that is a timeframe to think about,” said Warner. “It may be too early to talk about another campaign, but this will be an opportunity to think about how the school can enhance itself further as one of only an elite group of boarding schools that has reached the two-century mark.” Whatever projects lie ahead, the CoPresidents have cemented the timeless philosophies of excellence and access at WRA. The priorities of faculty, financial aid and world-class facilities are as grounded as the duo themselves. But as Warner and Midler reflect on the Campaign, it’s clear their deepest gratitude lies with the donors, whose wonderfully exuberant passion, love and loyalty have ensured Reserve’s next great chapter. CAMPAIGN ISSUE 2018
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An $86.5 Million Success
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Celebrating the Close of The Campaign for Excellence & Access and Measuring the Magnitude of Its Impact
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n the warm summer evening of Sunday, August 29, a community clustered around the front steps of Seymour Hall. A dark green ribbon stretched across the bottom stair, a gentle barrier that kept the excited crowd at bay. It was a loud and happy gathering of students, faculty and staff, and it took several attempts for Head of School Christopher D. Burner ’80 to quiet the crowd. “This is the moment we’ve been waiting for,” he said proudly. The re-opening of Seymour Hall was a monumental milestone for the school and a moment to savor. A year of renovation meant that during the 2017-18 school year, the building had shut its doors to faculty and students, all of whom missed it while it was out of commission. Soon the Co-Student Body Presidents Nupur Malhotra ’19 and Zohaib Malik ’19 stepped forward, holding a large pair of scissors, and together sliced through the ribbon — marking the official re-opening of the school’s oldest academic building. Excitement was palpable, and as balloons dropped and green and white confetti peppered the ground, there was so much to celebrate. After all, the Seymour Hall project is just one part of the school’s larger Campaign, an $86.5 million effort that defines the love and loyalty of our donor community and sets up the school for an enduring legacy of excellence and access. On that same night, Assistant Head of School for Advancement Mark LaFontaine said it best when he stepped forward to address the school: “The Campaign for Excellence & Access represents the best of what our school has been and will be.” Indeed, the Campaign spreads further than our storied brick buildings — though it must be acknowledged that with the renovations of Seymour Hall and President’s House, and the construction of The Wang Innovation Center, the Campaign’s impact on our physical campus was groundbreaking. But ultimately, the heart of this Campaign was not places; it was the people of Reserve. It made significant brick-and-mortar improvements while also focusing care and attention on the teaching faculty and expanding the school’s financial aid offerings, ensuring a school diversity we laud and cherish. And for the current generation of students, the Campaign was an example of the spirit of philanthropy that runs through the school’s DNA and affects great change. LaFontaine emphasized this point at the Seymour Hall dedication. That each pillar of the Campaign — faculty support, buildings and grounds, and financial aid — reached such incredible heights is thanks to both leadership and a humbling loyalty within our community. This is an achievement we reached together, and it is a victory we must celebrate collectively. To our Campaign donors — 4,285 strong — we thank you for your trust and faith in our school. We could not have done this without you. In this feature, we will share the stories, reflections and ruminations about each of the three pillars that defined this Campaign. Within each, we see the future of our school, and it is bright. CAMPAIGN ISSUE 2018
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The Campaign was very much an open conversation between donor and institution. — Andrew R. Midler ‘79
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ou never forget your favorite teachers. At Reserve, this feels especially true. Portraits of the masters who are remembered well hang on the walls throughout campus, from Ellsworth Hall to the John D. Ong Library. They are the men and women who taught chemistry, Latin, Shakespeare; who coached track and field; who lived down the hall in Wood House and always welcomed a visitor with a homework question. Excellent teaching is what fuels Reserve, but the time, care and attention given so generously by our faculty members are what make this school a home away from home. For the duration of the Campaign, members of our donor community stepped forward to establish new endowed faculty chairs, including The Wang Family Endowed Chair, The Cole Family Endowed Chair in Technology, The Susan & John ’63 Steen Chair for Science and Mathematics and the Robert F. & Velia Pryce Chair in Modern & Classical Languages. That this Campaign has fostered four new endowed faculty chairs is a testament to our commitment to our faculty, and the sincere wish of our donor community to see our teachers have every opportunity to thrive because, simply, that’s what they help students do. “The idea of creating an endowed chair, I think, is one of the most important financial statements one can make in
supporting an educational institution,” said Dixon Long ’51, who co-established the Ellen C. Long Chair in Modern Languages and the Robert F. & Velia Pryce Chair in Modern & Classical Languages. The Cole Family Endowed Chair in Technology was an answer to a question on the mind of Campaign Vice Chair Steve Cole ’66: How does technology fit in the classroom and how can WRA integrate technology more fully into the curriculum? “I thought that supporting a Chair in technology and awarding it to a great teacher and leader would keep us at the forefront of both the technological and the educational sides of innovation,” explained Cole. Chief Innovation Officer Matt Gerber is the named recipient. Under his leadership and guidance, technology has become a familiar and comfortable part of the curriculum. Our academic course list includes classes like Learning to Make, Learning to Code, three levels of computer science and Advanced Digital Engineering & Fabrication. Moreover, even classes in history, English and science bring technology into the classroom. Over the past year, cancer immunology students inside The Wang Center have constructed their own cardboard mazes for their lab mice. History Department faculty member Cullen Sacha brought his students into the space to reinforce a CAMPAIGN ISSUE 2018
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The relationship between students and faculty is very special and it’s what makes Reserve different. — Stephan W. Cole ‘66
lesson on the pivotal role the radio played in shaping mass communication. Inside the lab, students learned about soldering and basic electronic components and made their very own radios. “I think Matt has been very successful in helping faculty be more comfortable with technology and getting them excited about using it in different ways,” said Cole. “I keep hearing about interdisciplinary projects that are remarkable.” The Susan & John ’63 Steen Chair for Science and Mathematics was a gift from the Steens, both of whom worked in the medical field. Science Department faculty member Dr. Robert Aguilar is the named recipient. He leads all three levels of Cancer Immunology and has witnessed the school’s Biotechnology and Cancer Immunology program grow from a single station to 14 fully equipped stations, comparable to labs at the Cleveland Clinic, where he is a visiting scientist. “This was deeply interesting to both of us because most of my career was in the biomedical area and Sue is a nurse,” said John Steen. Both he and Sue felt strongly about introducing students to the medical field, an increasingly diverse professional area. “There are so many associated fields that involve technical areas in medicine, and so many of them are extremely important. We are just so excited to see Reserve take the steps 10
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to put a program in place that encourages interest in this field.” By endowing a Chair, the Steens have brought financial focus on a specific area of academics. It is a gift that speaks to their own passions, ideas and priorities for the school. The Steens’ gift, like many, underscored the very personal nature of this Campaign. Where a more traditional fundraising approach might be narrower in nature (i.e., “This is what we need. This is what you can fund.”), The Campaign for Excellence & Access truly reflected its donors. This was intentional, say CoPresidents of the WRA Board of Trustees Tim Warner ’69 and Andrew Midler ’79. “The opportunity for students to pursue their passions while at Reserve is fundamental to our school,” said Warner. “It is very gratifying to see that after these passions have taken flight, people generously channel resources back into the school that align with their own interests and ambitions, and with their ambitions for future students.” Midler added, “The Campaign was very much an open conversation between donor and institution.” Moreover, establishing an endowed chair has proven to be another way to honor those former faculty masters who were a powerful educational influence. Long endowed his two Chairs,
in part, thanks to his treasured memories of beloved faculty members. “I don’t know to what extent that kind of relationship flourishes at other schools, but the student and faculty bond really does flourish at WRA,” he said. He recalled his relationship with Robert and Velia Pryce, both former WRA faculty members, and how it blossomed into a true friendship after his graduation from Reserve. In fact, they often stayed in his home in the south of France during the summer months while he was away, even making small home repairs when time permitted. “You know, Bob used to paint watercolors, and I believe he may have done the watercolor I have of the house,” Long recalled. The relationship comes full circle when you hear Cecily Pryce Maguire ’78, one of Robert and Velia’s four daughters, reminisce about her summer trips to France with her family. “We thought it was very special that a connection we made in Ohio took us to France, where it somehow still felt like a home because of our connection to the Longs,” she said. A similar sentiment was shared by both Cole and the Steens, who spoke highly of the relationships they fostered with their faculty members at Reserve. John Steen specifically recalled
two faculty members that were truly influential, Rollin Waite and Tien Wei Yang, the former who always was happy to open his doors to those who needed extra help and the latter who took Steen under his arm and into his biology lab, sparking a valuable and lasting interest in science. “Faculty members provide criticism, support and guidance in loco parentis that creates a warm, nurturing community,” said Cole. “The relationship between students and faculty is very special, and it’s what makes Reserve different.” With each new Chair, there was a clear and hopeful goal. Long, as a great lover of languages, wished to support the modern and classical languages and even dreams of seeing every student graduate fluent in another language. Cole sought to incorporate technology into the curriculum in a practical and useful way and to name a leader who would guide this process. The Steens wished to expose students to the biomedical field in which they both thrived. But what Cole, Long and the Steens have done goes deeper. It honors former faculty like the Pryces and Waite, who are part of the fabric of WRA, never forgotten. It confirms both the school and the community’s commitment to our excellent teachers, for our faculty do so much more than teach and in doing so remain in the minds and hearts of students long after their graduation. CAMPAIGN ISSUE 2018
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I wanted to push Reserve’s already high academic program to an even higher level. I believe hands-on experiences foster creativity and deeper learning. — Xuning Wang
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he Campaign brought forward a kind of campus metamorphosis. Some building transformations were more dramatic and sizable, but even the more subdued renovations, like the exterior of the Chapel, were significant. From the outside, President’s House and Seymour Hall maintained their beautiful red facade and white trim, now gleaming. Both renovation projects were designed with a nod to the past while simultaneously ushering in a modern functionality, including earth-friendly geothermal systems that heat and cool both buildings. The Campaign also brought to life a fascinating bridge between tradition and innovation with the creation of The Wang Innovation Center. Named for the donor who enabled the project, Xuning Wang (father of graduates Barnabas ’15 and Joseph ’16), The Wang Center was inspired fundamentally by Wang’s own corporate innovation lab, and by several visits to college makerspaces, including Stanford University’s create:space and Harvard University’s i-lab. It is 6,000 square feet, divided into three rooms — each purposefully designed to maximize a student’s ability to create. There are more than 70 machines ready for use, including a garment printer, laser cutter, virtual reality headset, sand carving booth for crystal and glass engraving, CNC router and more. Wang’s motivation behind this gift was witnessing the profound impact the school had on his two sons. “My two boys had a transformational experience at Reserve,” he said. “Besides the challenging academics, the attention and love they received was also a critical part of their success. I wanted to give the school The Wang Innovation Center because I wanted to push Reserve’s already high academic program to an even higher level. I believe hands-on experiences foster creativity and deeper learning.” It has been a true asset for the school. Since opening in May
2016, The Wang Center has been the place where creative thinking, entrepreneurship and problem solving have produced remarkable work. In the winter of the 2017-18 school year, when students were making the long, snowy trek from campus buildings to the temporary classroom pods by the WRA stadium (a replacement for a Seymour Hall under renovation), a team of Pioneers had an idea. They engineered special shoe treads, cut out of rubber with lasers, to create a functional way to walk through the icy and snowy paths. Students at Reserve have always had a great capacity for invention and innovation, and The Wang Center is the ultimate resource to cultivate and catalyze their abilities. Most excitingly, the value of such a facility will only continue to climb as students, staff and faculty continue to explore and discover new ways to apply ideas inside the space. And the doors are open to all — including those outside of the Reserve community. The Wang Center has worked with over 40 outside community groups, schools, businesses and civic organizations, providing resources and opportunities for WRA students to collaborate with and learn from the groups. Currently, students are working with several community businesses to help create product lines and provide entrepreneurial services while also learning how to leverage the tools of The Wang Center to start a business. Community classes were offered last year and were in great demand. More than 100 Hudson community members signed up for the 16 spots available, and more classes are scheduled this year to keep up with the avid community interest. The Wang Center brings people together who share a love of learning, creation and discovery, and it has propelled us into an exciting new chapter of education. This high-tech space is emblematic of the forward-thinking vision of the Campaign, to keep the school at the cutting edge and a world ahead. But we do so all while paying respect to WRA’s history and without compromising our school’s beloved traditions. CAMPAIGN ISSUE 2018
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he conversion of President’s House to a beautiful, warm and inviting Admission Office was enabled by a gift from Campaign Chair Marty Franks ’68 and his wife, Sherry. Their generosity, input and expertise have transformed Reserve’s oldest existing building from an unused, tired space to a most elegant entryway for the school. Since it first opened in 1830, President’s House has held nearly every possible function for a boarding school. It has been a girls dorm, a faculty home, a house for the school’s first three Presidents and even a student art gallery. But by 2015, it was empty and ready for a new role — and the Franks knew exactly what to do. In years past, the Admission Office had been housed inside Seymour Hall. On any given day, the building could be a bustling and frenetic place, with students and faculty moving in and out of classrooms and through busy hallways. “I remember very well 50-plus years ago being a scared 13-yearold climbing up those tall Seymour front steps and straining to
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open that heavy door so my parents and I could find our way to the Admission Office,” said Franks. “As we entered the front hall, classes were changing. All the older students rushed past, eyeing the potential ‘new kid.’ That first introduction to Reserve was intimidating, to say the least.” His and Sherry’s generosity not only facilitated a full restoration of the building, but also allowed for the implementation of modern amenities and installation of a sustainable geothermal heating and cooling system. Eleven borehole wells now sit beneath the front lawn of President’s House, drilled into the earth to implement an economically smart and environmentally friendly temperature-control system. President’s House may have the modern amenities that make it functional and comfortable, but its interior was meticulously designed — from furnishings to fabrics — to resemble the era in which the building was first built. That is why visitors will see antiques such as the 1835 grandfather clock with the mahogany case. There are fine hardwood desks crafted on campus by
A new home for the Admission Office in President’s House seemed like an ideal way to honor my parents. — Marty Franks ‘68
WRA carpenters, period-appropriate lighting sconces with modern LED light bulbs, oriental rugs from the early 1900s and more. The design was largely overseen by Inga Walker ’91, who was instrumental in ensuring the design matched the building’s historic integrity.
since then has welcomed hundreds of new families through its doors. Framed photos on the walls give newcomers a chance to glance through snapshots of campus — happy athletic teams, celebrations and seasonal scenery that shows how beautiful campus can be whether covered in snow or bathed in sunshine.
The President’s House project is one that not only greatly benefits the school, but treasures the memory of Franks’ time at Reserve and the two people who made his admission possible.
And even though it was designed to function as a place for newcomers, this completed renovation has introduced a bright and lovely place where the school community can feel at home. The patio tables are often occupied with students stopping to enjoy a warm afternoon. Admission Office members invite their advisees for special luncheons. There are pumpkin carvings on the patio and student club gatherings inside the comfortable sitting rooms.
“A new home for the Admission Office in President’s House seemed like an ideal way to honor my parents,” he said. “They made a tremendous financial and emotional sacrifice to send me to Reserve, where my eyes were opened to a much wider world with infinite horizons.” His and Sherry’s hope was to create a place for new families to feel immediately welcomed, relaxed and excited to see the rest of campus, and it has been a true success. In May 2017, President’s House reopened as the new Admission Office and
Whether those who walk in are a new family paying a visit, a pair of students looking for a quiet place to study or an alumni member stopping to say hello, the doors to President’s House are always open.
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Seymour Hall was the heart of it all. — Jeanne Donovan Fisher ’76
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wasn’t the same, but students and faculty trudged through without (much) complaint and with some gentle ribbing about exhibiting “grit and resilience.”
Ultimately, the significance of the Seymour Hall project is best and most emphatically conveyed by those who gave and those whose lives are better for our donors’ generosity.
But the Seymour Hall project was long overdue. Since opening in 1912, the building had never undergone such an extensive renovation. Over the months of construction it was stripped bare. Interior brick walls were exposed and, in certain wings, one could stand on the ground floor and look all the way up to the top, glimpsing through the open rafters. At one point, the central staircase seemed to be the only untouched part of the building while work was being done to all areas of the structure, from foundation to roof to cupola.
he magnitude of the Seymour Hall renovation could be measured in so many ways — in dollars, with $14 million raised; in expansions, with five new classrooms added; or in building materials, with 109 new mahogany windows, 4,600 individual window panes and 48,508 bricks in refurbished paths surrounding the building.
“This renovation means a lot to all of us,” said History Department faculty member Diccon Ong ’81. “I actually teach an ECHO on the architecture of Hudson and Western Reserve. That we were willing and able to devote resources to maintain and upgrade with an eye toward the past is really something. It would have been so much easier to tear down this building and replace it with something perfectly designed to meet everyone’s needs — and there are certain things in this building that have stayed behind, some of the quirkiness like the squeaky floors. I love it, though. I’m so glad we kept that.” Seymour Hall’s absence was keenly felt in the year of construction. Classes were held in all other available spaces — Morgan Hall, the Murdough Athletic Center, the Chapel — and the school brought in “the pods,” a more formally titled “learning community” that took up residence by the stadium. It certainly 16
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The main staircase was purposely left alone. It really did not need any refurbishing. And as the school raised funds for this project, we discovered a common thread in the memories of our community — an imprint of a staircase that carried people to and from their destinations. “Seymour was the center of the day at Reserve, going up the iconic staircase between classes and being in the middle of so much activity,” said Maguire. “When I was in school, the Moos Art Gallery was on the south end of the second story of Seymour. It was always flooded with light, not to mention art projects. But on the other end of the building, French was being taught. And down in the basement, the biology labs. It
was condensed and concentrated, and there was this great intellectual exchange spanning so many subjects.”
The attention and care given by our donor community have not gone unnoticed by the students.
The staircase filtered in and out of conversations, time and again.
“I remember standing outside at the ribbon cutting,” said Joey Houska ’19. “Everyone was so excited — I felt like I was going into a concert! And when I walked in, it was so bright. I could tell the halls were wider. There’s more breathing space.”
“I still remember the boards of recognition that used to hang on the wall by the staircase,” said Bruce Featherstone ’70, one of the first contributors to the project. “I believe it listed all the academic award and cum laude recipients, the names going back years and years. And I don’t know whether students admit to these thoughts, but there were days where you would walk by and you’d think, boy, I hope my name is on that board some day!” For so many who gave their support to this project, Seymour Hall was the place where great memories formed. “Seymour Hall was the heart of it all,” said Jeanne Donovan Fisher ’76. “I can still remember seeing Mr. Pryce in the second floor classroom through the back window. Seymour is just so closely associated to those iconic faculty masters, that you can’t separate the building from the experience.” Today, at the conclusion of an enormous effort, the students, faculty and staff of Reserve are enjoying the benefits of an updated building. The air conditioning, in particular, has been a relief and means that Seymour Hall will be a comfortable place to learn in the summer and early fall months.
Houska said she feels lucky to be at a school that values its traditions, and she could see the significance of this renovation as a part of the school’s history. “I think a lot of people tend to assume that only old things have stories, but I think the remodeling is sort of part of Seymour’s story,” she said. “I love that I’m at a school that isn’t stagnating, but is changing and growing.” By now, students, faculty and staff are feeling very much at home in the refreshed building. At the foot of the central staircase on the second floor, there’s now a sitting area with soft leather sofas, their cushions plump enough to sink into, where students can relax and get some work done. Similarly, there are tables on the third floor and an assortment of sitting areas in the hallways. Faculty members are lovingly adding their personal touches to their new rooms, and soon enough, a new Seymour Hall will be firmly planted in the memories of a new wave of alumni. CAMPAIGN ISSUE 2018
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Something Greater Than Us Donors to WRA’s Financial Aid Program Draw on Memories and Mission to Cultivate a Culture of Access and Inclusion
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ay it forward is an expression for when the recipient of an act of kindness does something for someone else, rather than simply repaying the original good deed.
This concept describes the spirit of so many of our donors. Their gifts to financial aid are reflections of their histories here, but more notably, are promises to future generations. Financial aid gifts enable access, experiences, diversity and so many of the things that make our very good school truly great. Speaking to donors who made gifts to the financial aid pillar of the Campaign is, quite aptly, a rewarding task in its own right. Conversations start with the typical niceties — “Tell me about your Reserve experience.” “Tell me why philanthropy is important to you.” — but happily take winding paths that, in the end, illuminate the fact that giving is in the DNA of many Pioneers. For these donors, history provides some context and inspiration for their philanthropy, but blazing new frontiers for future students is where the real excitement lies.
scholarship fund, that is a real achievement for us,” he said. “Making a gift to financial aid really gives us an opportunity to change people’s lives.” The possibility of changing someone’s life is another undercurrent of financial aid gifts. Bill Roemer ‘51 has paid it forward for many years as a Brick Row Legend (more than 25 years of consecutive giving to the school), specifically through gifts that keep giving, quite like Roemer himself. In 2002, he and his wife, Linda, established The William F. ‘51 and Linda C. Roemer Endowed Fund to support the student fellowship group on campus. In addition to their endowed fund, the Roemers established an endowed scholarship through the FAME program, which gives underprivileged students from Roemer’s hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, access to a WRA education. Seven students have attended Reserve because of this generous gift.
Making a gift
to financial aid really gives us
an opportunity to change
people’s lives.
“It was an easy decision for us to make this gift,” Roemer said. “I like the — Jason Wortendyke ‘94 value system at WRA. When I got to Princeton, I realized WRA was a good, WRA Trustee Jason Wortendyke ‘94 solid Midwestern boarding school. Some describes his path at Reserve, which started with a gift. of my classmates from the Eastern prep schools seemed to be a little caught up in their own importance. I look back on “When I was accepted as a day student, it seemed to be an my years at Reserve with great fondness. It was a wonderful amazing opportunity and one that would allow me to achieve time in my life. We have a passion for seeing students have things my parents had not,” he said. “My parents said they would find a way to pay for Reserve, and fortunately that came educational opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.” through financial aid. Without that, I would not have been able to join the great Class of 1994 and find myself sitting where I do today. Nor would my brothers Chris ‘97 and Justin ‘99, who came after me and also benefited from programs of aid.”
He says his gift back to the school is very personal. It brings his story full circle. “WRA is a place that everyone deserves access to, and if our family can help provide some of that support network that other young men and women are missing, through a 18
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Wortendyke echoes this passion for parity. “I grew up, as many from my generation in the U.S. Midwest, believing fervently in The American Dream,” he said. “The only obstacle in life, I believed, was one’s own drive, commitment and initiative. Anyone could be anything if they prepared, focused and worked hard enough. Many decades later, I have come to believe that, unfortunately, this is not true in our society.” Among our donors, there is a collective effort to tackle this
inequity. Jenni Biehn, who olds, after all, and working recently joined Reserve with a generation of as its first ever Director of parents who mostly want Enrollment Management, their kids to stay close. leading the Admission This push and pull, the Office, said, “My parents emotional tug of war that were both teachers, a boarding opportunity so I received financial can present, is softened, aid as an independent sweetened, by lifeschool student, and it changing invitations to was so valuable to see join our Reserve family Pictured above: The Frato-Sweeney family. the transformational with the support of impact it had on me financial aid. and my siblings. It’s a personal passion of mine to bring in socioeconomic diversity and make sure kids from all different Ed Frato-Sweeney, Director of Residential & Citizenship types of backgrounds have the opportunity of an independent Education at Hiram College in Ohio, currently has three school education.” children, Ellie ’20, Noah ’20 and Carter ’22, attending Reserve. Each year, WRA awards more than $6 million in financial aid, building a wonderfully diverse community, geographically, socioeconomically, and in terms of life perspectives that fuel our rich campus culture. Indeed, one could argue that excellence — the other imperative of the Campaign — is not achievable independent of access. The two are the perfect marriage, and the Campaign’s deliberate focus on access cemented this principle in the school’s vision for its future. No one envisions and dreams more ambitiously and earnestly than a parent. So hearing from parents who have both supported and benefited from financial aid is heartening and inspiring. Three of Karen Wright’s four sons (Hunter ’05, Andrew ’08 and Samuel ’10) attended WRA, and her transformative gifts mirror the transformative experience she witnessed for her sons. “My boys got a great education,” Wright said. “Their character was enhanced. In the case of Reserve, I want to continue to encourage the school to value the things that I value. At WRA, there is still a feeling that there is something greater than us. There is a moral code.” Wright’s life growing up in Ohio was the foundation for a fascinating trajectory as the owner of a global business with more than 2,000 employees. But the values she remembers, taking root in and around her family’s apple orchard, are the same type of Midwestern, homegrown values that led her to choose Reserve for her sons. “I really liked the fact that the school was not putting on airs,” she said. “It was homey, friendly, not snooty, not full of elitists who ‘knew better’ than those of us in the heartland. The general atmosphere was very sweet.” In a world where toughness and grit are the aspired outcomes for many high schoolers, at the end of the day, the soft side still matters. At Reserve, we are welcoming 13- and 14-year-
“Western Reserve Academy has a very strong reputation in our region, and people know it is one of the best high schools in the state,” he said. “But unlike the Northeast, there is not a rich tradition of students going to boarding school in Ohio. The question we usually get from family and friends when we say Noah, Ellie and Carter are at boarding school is simply, ‘Isn’t it hard to send them away?’ And yes, as parents, it is difficult. But we have been amazed at the transformation of our children and the many opportunities they have at Reserve. The approach for us was to apply and then figure out if we could make it affordable. The Admission Office was amazing in helping us navigate the financial aid process.” The Frato-Sweeney children are stellar students, actors, leaders and contributors to the community. The intellect and energy they bring to campus proves that access is not just a philosophy; it has practical, everyday benefits that shine through, and enrich us all, in the hands of the amazing young people we proudly call Pioneers. Over the years of the Campaign, we heard all the different ways that Reserve shaped the hearts and minds of our WRA community. We found that there are nearly a million reasons to give back to this school. For some, it’s because of faculty members like Rollie Waite and Jiggs Reardon, who live on in the fond memories of their past students. For others, it could be to make sure a favored building is ready and equipped for another century of learning. And for a great many, it’s because of a deep sense of gratitude and love for this school and a sincere wish to see it confidently move forward. It is thanks to this unifying love that we were able to surpass every set goal and expectation for the Campaign and proceed to a truly humbling conclusion. Thank you for believing in this school. We did this together, and with your steadfast support we see great things ahead of us. There is still so much to celebrate. CAMPAIGN ISSUE 2018
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An Evening to Toast The Campaign for Excellence & Access
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elebrating a watershed moment for the school, Trustees, faculty and special guests gathered on the campus of Western Reserve Academy on Friday, Oct. 5, 2018, to mark the conclusion of The Campaign for Excellence & Access, publicly launched in the fall of 2015.
“Our community is dedicated, generous and deeply engaged with this school. Together, we have advanced the mission of WRA to provide a transformative education for its students.”
Standing in one of the signature spaces made possible by the Campaign — a beautifully renovated Seymour Hall, ready for its second century — a palpable sense of excitement and accomplishment was in the air. Indeed, the $86.5 million raised for the Campaign is the most ever raised by the school in any fundraising effort.
After guests toasted and toured Seymour, they shifted to the Wilson Reading Room, transformed into an elegant party venue enlivened by a student staff that helped run the night. Co-President of the Board Andrew Midler ’79 welcomed everyone to dinner, described the goal of the Campaign — “to position the school for a third century” — announced the $86.5 million milestone and thanked our generous community, 4,285 donors strong.
“This is a great night and a great era for the school,” said Tim Warner ’69, Co-President of the Board of Trustees.
Midler credited WRA’s donors and Campaign leadership for achieving these monumental results, aligned by
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tradition, passion and perseverance. “How we got here is a story worth sharing,” said Midler. “Marty Franks, our Campaign Chairman, raised both hands and never stopped. Steve Cole was a tireless Vice Chair. The Campaign’s result is the product of thousands of meetings and hundreds of miles.” Special guest speaker retired Lt. Gen. Daniel W. Christman ’61 reinforced a thematic thread that ran through the night: the importance of faculty. “The key to Reserve’s success has been its faculty,” he said. “They display dignity and grace. They are the ones who give meaning to our motto of Lux et Veritas, or ‘Light and Truth.’ Our faculty invite students to ponder and dream here. May Lux et Veritas never be diminished.”
Pictured from left to right: Assistant Head of School for Advancement Mark LaFontaine, Co-President of the Board of Trustees Andrew R. Midler ‘79, Head of School Christopher D. Burner ‘80, Campaign Chair Martin D. Franks ‘68, Co-President of the Board of Trustees Timothy R. Warner ‘69 and Campaign Vice Chair Stephan W. Cole ‘66
Support for faculty was one of the three pillars of the Campaign, also including financial aid and facilities. “Brick Row is the academic, emotional and historic heart of campus,” said Head of School Christopher D. Burner ’80. “Because of the Campaign, together we have transformed Brick Row for future generations, breathing life into faculty support and facilities, and ensuring excellence and access are more than words — they are promises.” In a moment deserving of its crescendo, Marty Franks ’68 took the podium and revealed, perhaps without even knowing, a key to the Campaign’s success: his distinctly Reserve sense of humility, crediting everyone but himself for the accomplishment. “My mother taught me to say ‘thank
you’ properly,” said Franks. “My biggest ‘thank you’ is to you. It is extraordinary.” Franks thanked WRA’s donors, Warner, Midler and Cole, Chris and Alison Burner, WRA’s Advancement Office and his personal experience at the school, which was made possible by his parents. “WRA changed the arc of my life,” said Franks. “It has been a privilege to travel the world and talk about the school. Typically, within the first two to three minutes of a conversation, I hear this same sentiment: ‘Reserve changed my life.’ This is a remarkable bond we share as alumni.” As The Academy Choir prepared to end the night with the alma mater and their own version of “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Franks told donors: “I want to thank you personally on behalf of the school
and on behalf of the kids. The students here tonight are Reserve kids. They are what the school is producing. During the Campaign, any time I got discouraged, I made a beeline for Hudson.” As the students sang to close the night, Reserve was, as Christman had suggested, “sparkling,” looking forward to its next chapter. When Saturday morning came, donors and members of the community gathered in Seymour Hall to formally dedicate the building — a fitting bookend to Friday’s event, as a testament to academics as the cornerstone of the school’s history and future. Thank you to everyone in our WRA community. Together we have made a tremendous impact today and will leave a legacy for tomorrow. CAMPAIGN ISSUE 2018
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LEAVING IMPACT,
TAKING MEMORIES A Conversation with Chris Burner ‘80
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hris Burner’s tenure at Western Reserve Academy is much like Chris, himself: multifaceted, accomplished and steadily successful, with indelible bursts of achievement. When the school celebrated the completion of The Campaign for Excellence & Access, just one example in a long list of triumphs, Campaign Chair Marty Franks ’68 acknowledged the $100 million Chris helped raise while at Reserve, certainly leaving a legacy.
As Assistant Dean of Students, Latin teacher, Director of Admission and Financial Aid, Dean of Faculty and Administration, and Head of School, Chris has been truly embedded in Reserve culture and traditions. So much so, that as he prepares for his next chapter as Head of School at Nichols School in Buffalo, NY, he is satisfied that very little here, at least for him personally, is left undone.
The decade during which Chris led the school — after succeeding Skip Flanagan in 2008 — was the capstone of a long career at WRA and a lifetime in Northeast Ohio, mainly in a Hudson quite different than when Chris and his family moved to their farm on Valley View in 1972. When Chris reflects on his days at Hudson Middle School, then his time as a student at Reserve, you get the sense that behind the Dartmouth- and Harvard-educated student-athlete, there is just enough mischief to make him uniquely qualified to understand the teenagers who have been his extended family since he began working at Reserve in 1986.
“No matter where I go, Reserve’s traditions are a part of who I am and who I always will be,” he said.
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He instead mentions memories and relationships that will last a lifetime, from Frank Longstreth (once a teacher, then a faculty colleague), to James Gramentine ‘52 (Reserve wrestling coach in the 1960s), to Skip Flanagan (his mentor and travel partner, via van, often to small towns in Ohio on admission trips). He also describes bonds forged over Reserve traditions, like his favorite, seated meals in Ellsworth Hall. “Ali and I had a group of boys we always sat with in the dining
hall,” Chris said. “When they graduated, we promised we would attend all their weddings.”
and geography to unite the Reserve community behind this most successful fundraising campaign in the school’s history.
Years later, this pledge has found Chris and Alison attending weddings on the beaches of Cancun and the patio of Pierce House, where these young alums celebrate love and life against the backdrop of friendship and loyalty built by the Burners. Chris has countless memories about the people he has met as Head of School, and he is uniquely adept at remembering the details of people’s lives and stories. He is also quietly generous. After one of our interviewers revealed their love for tea in the context of conversation about Chris’ extensive travel to the Far East, a delicate Chinese tea set appeared on their desk the next morning.
“We have been around the world,” said Franks. “And it is not just asking for money. You have to tell a compelling story, and Chris does such a compelling job selling the story of the school. We would not have gotten here without him.”
Chris’ gentility and ability to connect served him well in his paramount accomplishment, the $86.5 million Campaign. He logged thousands of miles and hundreds of meetings, alongside Franks, exuding a gentleman’s poise and a spokesperson’s passion that transcended generation, gender
Chris notes that his role in fundraising meant less time on campus and with the students, which he missed. Always inventive, Chris created ways to win back precious time, like founding the now 80-member-strong student Grill Club, which meets around the Weber in the backyard of Pierce House. Chris knows Reserve from every angle. This 360-degree view provided a depth of knowledge, but importantly, the context and launchpad for change. His student-centeredness — “I will miss the students the most,” he said — grounded every decision in the heart and soul of the school. “Coming into the position of WRA Head of School from within, CAMPAIGN ISSUE 2018
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I knew everyone here on my first day,” he said. “I had a deep knowledge of the school and was able to confidently make changes. I had so much invested in the school and always wanted it to thrive.” The adage that “the only constant is change” applies well to the decade of Chris’ headship. Chris often says, “Excellent schools evolve,” and it is to his credit that Reserve evolved, boldly, during a time when the education sector also was changing in dramatic and challenging ways. The other change on the plate was societal, with the explosion of the digital world impacting everything. Legacies that both honor tradition and embrace innovation are hallmarks of Chris’ time. From rather fundamental upkeep (a reappointed exterior of the Chapel) to sweeping historic renovations (Seymour Hall) to bold invitations to dream (The Wang Innovation Center), the brick-and-mortar results of Chris’ tenure are unmissable. “As we were beginning the Campaign, I talked about the emotional and academic heart of campus, Brick Row,” he said. “Now we have transformed Brick Row for future generations.” All the while, Chris — working with Associate Head of School Kate Mueller — was overseeing the academic yin to the structural yang of a changing campus. Beginning in 2017, Chris saw the promise of a fully independent curriculum come to life after years of planning and consideration with faculty, students 24
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and parents. This included the move beyond Advanced Placement (AP) classes in favor of College Level classes, offering greater challenge and flexibility. Another distinctive feature of the new curriculum is a schedule designed for deep learning and collaboration, featuring four 75-minute classes each day and a dedicated “Academic Plus” one-hour period for study, group meetings, guest speakers or other enrichment. It was also at Chris’ hand that WRA earned a grant from the E.E. Ford Foundation to support the launch and growth of its Literacies program, featuring tailored experiences for each grade, such as Learning to Code and Learning to Make, a duo of required courses to help every Reserve freshman optimize The Wang Center and dive deep into the digital world. In a world where balance can be elusive, Chris somehow managed to achieve it as Head of School at Western Reserve Academy — balance between tradition and innovation, teacher and administrator, historian and visionary, hard work and good fun. A flip through the camera roll on his phone reveals the balance underpinning his life — scenes from fishing in Montana with his father, a group photo with WRA’s Korean parents group, historic sites in New York, perfect products (a ribeye) of the Grill Club, and what he calls his modern ‘prom picture’ with Alison. Our conversation with Chris spanned past, present and future, revealing the steadiness and strength that came with his ability to keep all the different elements of Reserve in purposeful proportion.
Which accomplishments bring you the most pride? The completion of the Campaign is top-of-mind and at the top of my list. I’m also proud of the evolution of the curriculum — Saturday Academy, becoming the first school in our region to end APs, introducing the new daily schedule. We also have continued to build the strongest faculty. When I started, 45 percent of our faculty had advanced degrees, and now that percentage has risen to 92 percent. We also have achieved parity in our teaching ranks with an even percentage of men and women. In terms of diversity, we have become a much more geographically diverse student body over the last decade. Our student body today includes students from 17 countries and 26 states, up from 10 countries and 25 states 10 years ago. I am proud of the diversity our students and their parents add to our WRA community. I travel with our partner Jessie Chen about twice a year to China, and I am thrilled to have welcomed Xuning Wang as our first international Trustee. I am also proud of cultivating our Board of Visitors and encouraging their deep dives into our school, which always are illuminating and help us remember to gauge our issues and plans against other excellent schools. Technologically, there have been major changes. Technology is always evolving, and six years ago we realized we had some catching up to do. We completely retooled our campus IT so we are 100 percent wireless and every classroom has uniform technology. Technology — or an innovation mindset — extends beyond IT infrastructure and has an impact even in such areas as environmental efficiency. I was very proud to work with Marty and Sherry Franks to ensure the installation of geothermal heating and cooling for President’s House, which was the impetus for the same with Seymour Hall. This was an important sustainability effort and a valuable lesson for students. Finally, our people are our greatest strength, and our alumni are integral to our history and future. I am proud that during my tenure, we reinvigorated Reunion Weekend and last year saw our highest attendance ever. We are holding more alumni events in various cities, including locations as far away, but as close in our hearts, as Korea.
What are Reserve’s greatest challenges today?
For teenagers everywhere today, there are growing issues with wellness and mental health. So responding to adolescent issues — anxiety, social media — is something we must work at every day, all day, in our roles as teachers, mentors and more. Boarding schools must also develop sustainable financial models and deliver a truly relevant and resonant value proposition for parents and students. The value of boarding is something we all know and feel, but we have to find powerful and modern ways to show this and say it. An aging Brick Row also was a challenge, but one we
were able to answer with the Campaign. I am proud that other schools looked to us as an example of progressive renovation that remained true to architectural integrity.
What are the greatest challenges for students today?
The greatest are the social and emotional challenges, many of which stem from living in a world where technology is ubiquitous. At the high school level, these are compounded by feelings of incredible pressure on college admission, parental pressure and students’ own pursuits of perfection. It is a lot. In my day, we played sports and went to class! I do think boarding schools have unique answers to many of these challenges, through what a residential learning experience delivers: the independence that comes with living away from home, the true college-preparatory curriculum, the supportive community and bonds with other students and friends. The Association of Boarding Schools says boarding delivers life readiness, not just college readiness, and I agree that this is a pivotal benefit.
How has your leadership evolved during your tenure?
Since I held so many positions here, one of my early challenges as a leader was if an issue came up, I would jump to solve it instead of letting someone else do their job. I have learned to delegate and understand when I need to give administrators space and the support to solve issues they are more than capable of handling on their own. Also, I have learned to listen more. And, I would be remiss not to mention the outstanding leadership of the school by our Board of Trustees, notably our Co-Presidents Tim Warner and Andrew Midler, and of the Campaign by Marty Franks. These leaders energized the school, the Campaign and my time here.
They say the greatest job at any school is past Head of School. What are you most looking forward to in being past Head of School of Reserve? Being an alumnus only — not an alumnus and Head of School!
What do you believe are the next major initiatives at Reserve?
Solving athletics and the challenges that specialization brings to our athletic requirement, as well as the challenges of participating in state athletic associations as a private boarding school. Athletics is in our DNA and is an enrollment driver, a unifying force on campus and a part of our Reserve brand. It contributes on so many levels, most fundamentally to students’ lives, confidence and teamwork. I also can see that we would make improvements to our fine arts facilities. Overall, I look forward to the next chapter for Reserve and a new set of challenges for myself. CAMPAIGN ISSUE 2018
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CONTRIBUTIONS TO The Campaign for Excellence & Access $1,000,000 and above
Mr. Bruce A. Featherstone ‘70 & Ms. Sabrina Saunders
Anonymous (2)
Ms. Marie K. Fiedler
Mr. Ronald M. ‘87 & Mrs. Lydia Eppig ‘97 Harrington
Mr. Jonathan S. Ayers ‘46
The Harrington Family Foundation
Mr. Olin J. Jr. ‘62 & Mrs. Patricia Heestand
Mr. Douglas P. & Mrs. Linda Robinson ‘74 Bacon
Mr. David M. ‘68 & Mrs. Margaret Hunter
Mrs. Mollie Heron
Dr. John G. Kirk ‘56
Mr. John P. ‘75 & Mrs. Margarita Hewko
Mr. Daniel H. ‘65 & Mrs. Pamela Bayly
Mr. Alan M. ‘48 & Mrs. Karen Krause
Dr. Peter W. ‘64 & Mrs. Emily Howard
Mr. Stephan W. ‘66 & Mrs. Sunny Cole
Ms. Maud-Alison C. Long ‘86
ICF Foundation
Ms. Jeanne Donovan Fisher ‘76
Mr. Robert S. ‘69 & Mrs. Deborah McCulloch
Mr. Ronald S. ‘57 & Mrs. Diane Ihrig
Mr. Martin D. ‘68 & Mrs. Sherry Franks
National Philanthropic Trust
Revs. Albert A. & Gay Jennings
Dr. James S. Gaynor ‘79
Mr. John C. Nicolls ‘68
John & Nellie Tormey Revocable Trust
Mr. Peter S. ‘68 & Mrs. Alyson Hellman
Dr. Anthony J. ‘44 & Mrs. Adele Smith
Mr. David B. Jones ‘53
Dr. H. J. Holshuh II ‘62 & Mrs. Susan Leverton
Mr. Joseph Hardy
Mr. Jude D. ‘76 & Mrs. Lorraine Kearney
Mr. Clifton D. Hood ‘72
$100,000 to $499,999
Mr. & Mrs. Keith King
Dr. Frazier S. Keck ‘80
Anonymous (2)
Dr. T. Dixon Long ‘51
Mr. James P. ‘46 & Mrs. Mary Anne Lewis (d)
Mr. David A. ‘94 & Mrs. Lisa Alpern
Mr. Siucheong Ma & Mrs. Zi Zuo
Mrs. Emma Lincoln (d)
American Endowment Foundation
Mr. Andrew R. ‘79 & Mrs. Monique Midler
Mr. Christopher L. Loughridge ‘82
Mr. J. Lincoln ‘53 & Mrs. Joyce Morris
Mr. Clemont R. III ‘64 & Mrs. Penelope Austin
Mr. George & Mrs. Cecily Pryce ‘78 Maguire
Mr. H. Bruce Mueller (d)
Mr. Edward S. ‘53 & Mrs. Jacqueline Benhoff
Mr. William H. Roberts
Mr. Yulong Cai & Mrs. Suiying Chen
Mr. William F. ‘51 & Mrs. Linda Roemer
Mr. James D. ‘74 & Mrs. Niecy Chambers
Mr. Richard M. ‘78 & Mrs. Kate Sands
Mr. Kunxiao Chen & Mrs. Zhongyi Zheng
Mr. Charles J. Jr. ‘60 & Mrs. Susan Snyder
Mr. Fred A. ‘85 & Mrs. Misun Cummings
Dr. John A. ‘63 & Mrs. Susan Steen
William T. ‘68 & Mrs. Cynthia Daugherty
Mr. Xuning Wang & Mrs. Yan Tian
Mr. Alan Fuente & Ms. Suzanne Day ‘87
Mr. Jiongyu Wang & Mrs. Shuduan Li
Mr. H. Andrew Decker ‘72
Mr. Tom Rastin & Mrs. Karen Wright
Ms. Xiaoli Dong
Mr. Zechun Zhu
The Edward E. Ford Foundation Dr. Robert P. ‘43 & Mrs. Barbara Fornshell
$500,000 to $999,999
Mr. John M. Fowler ‘67 & Mrs. Brooke McMurray
Mr. Philip R. Jr. ‘70 & Mrs. Barbara Berger
Mr. David J. Golden (d) ‘51
Mr. Peter M. Black (d) ‘44
Mr. Henry E. III ‘65 & Mrs. Jean Haller
The Burton D. Morgan Foundation
Mr. C. Richard ‘43 & Mrs. Mary Halverstadt (d)
Mr. Jay R. Davis ‘77 Mr. Yanfeng Fan & Ms. Liwen Zhou 26
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Mrs. Elizabeth O. & Mr. R. Mark Hamlin Jr. ‘74
Mr. Jack P. ‘93 & Mrs. Holyn Koch
Mr. John R. ‘67 & Mrs. Gail Male Dr. Robert T. Michael ‘60 Mr. Nicolaus C. Mills ‘57 Mr. David G. ‘62 & Mrs. Lenore Mulock Mr. David & Mrs. Barbara Nicholson Mr. Ford J. ‘73 & Mrs. Catherine Nicholson Mr. Richard H. ‘71 & Mrs. Nancy Nicholson Mr. Todd & Mrs. Martha Nicholson The Hon. & Mrs. John D. Ong Mr. John F.H. ‘78 & Mrs. Helen Ong Mr. Richard P.B. ‘81 & Mrs. Donalee Ong Mr. Michael J. Landini & Ms. Katie Ong-Landini ‘83 Mr. Zimri C. ‘44 & Mrs. Patti Oseland (d) Mr. Benjamin W. ‘60 & Mrs. Sally Perks Mr. Xiadong Qiu & Mrs. Hong Guo Mr. Peter D. ‘81 & Mrs. Jolene Rebar Mr. Jianying Ren & Mrs. Fang Lou Mr. David R. ‘51 & Mrs. Sherry Robinson
Mr. Thomas F. Seligson ‘69
Lubrizol Foundation
Hudson Community Foundation
Mr. Michael S. Shefler ‘65
Mr. Ryan & Mrs. Susanne Martin
Mr. & Mrs. William Hulsey
Mr. Edgar F. ‘25 & Mrs. Lois Shilts (d)
Ms. Judith McCracken
Mr. Haobo Jiang & Mrs. Liying Wang
Dr. George T. Spencer-Green ‘65
Mr. George F. ‘59 & Mrs. Gayle Medill
Mr. Xun Jiang & Ms. Mei Zhuang
Mr. & Mrs. Terry L. Squire
Nimick Forbesway Foundation
Mr. David Johnson III ‘57
Mr. Jianming Tang & Mrs. Lijuan Xiao
Mr. James H. (d) ‘48 & Mrs. Lynn Nobil
Mr. H. Alan ‘57 & Mrs. Catherine Keener
Prof. George B. Tatum (d) ‘35
Owens-Illinois, Inc.
Dr. Tae-Yoon Kim & Dr. Yoon Hee Kwon
Mr. Yong Teng & Mrs. Qimei Zhuang
Mr. Christopher D. Ramel ‘66 & Mrs. Mary MacLellan
Mr. David B. King ‘86
Mrs. Alicia Riveire
Mr. Raymond W. (d) & Mrs. Betsy King
Mr. Mark R. & Mrs. Amy Stark Tercek ‘75 Mr. Aiguo Wang & Ms. Bo Xu Mr. Timothy R. ‘69 & Mrs. Clare Warner
Mr. John M. (d) & Mrs. Janet B. Ross
Mr. Jeffrey E. ‘85 & Mrs. Lauren King
Mr. William W. ‘65 & Mrs. Ellen Simms
Mr. Michael J. Korcuska ‘84 & Ms. Shannon P. Jackson
Mr. Mark J. ‘69 & Mrs. Rosanne Welshimer
Mr. & Mrs. Carl S. Sorenson
Dr. John F. Lane (d) ‘44
Mr. Robert T. Jr. ‘75 & Mrs. Marcia Williams (d)
Mr. Philip R. ‘50 & Mrs. Rachel Thornton
Laub Foundation
Mr. Weidong Wang & Ms. Weidong Shi
Mr. Han Kyu Lee & Mrs. Mi Ra Hong
Mr. Robert C. Jr. ‘64 & Mrs. Mary Lou Wellman
Mr. Youn Jin Lee & Mrs. Kyu Jung Shin
Mr. L. Spencer ‘88 & Mrs. Alexandra Wells
Mr. Jason M. ‘94 & Mrs. Ariel Wortendyke Mr. Shude Wu & Mrs. Deling Tian Ms. Wen Zhen Xie Mr. Hongxing Yuan & Mrs. Qian Zhang Mr. Shan Zhong & Ms. Difei Chen
Mr. Robert L. Wilson ‘62
Mr. Nathaniel E. ‘82 & Mrs. Elizabeth Leonard
Mr. Jiangyan Yang & Mrs. Fei Yu
Mr. & Mrs. Kris S. Lightcap Mr. Richard M. ‘70 & Mrs. Jane Lipton
$25,000 to $49,999
Mr. Gordon G. Long (d) ‘32
Mr. Philip W. ‘49 & Mrs. Ann Alderks
Ms. Carrie B. Malen
Mr. & Mrs. David Banks
Mr. Bain L. ‘55 & Mrs. Inky Malone
Mr. Christopher W. ‘85 & Mrs. Jeannie Battersby
Mr. Sanjay Mavinkurve ‘99 & Ms. Samvita Padukone
Mr. Philip S. ‘61 & Mrs. Linda Becker
Mr. & Mrs. Angus H. McArn
Mr. H. Arthur Jr. (d) ‘56 & Mrs. Jody Bellows
Mr. John Merrin (d) ‘41
Ms. Elizabeth Blanchfield
Mr. John B. ‘74 & Mrs. Milica Missing
Mr. & Mrs. Paul M. Bloom Mr. Robert D. ‘55 & Mrs. Ann Bohan
Dr. Theodore H. Moran ‘61 & Ms. Jeri Jensen-Moran
Mr. Robert J. Cahall ‘37
Mr. James H. ‘55 & Mrs. Caroline Morris
Mr. Gaetano M. Cecchini
Mr. Justin & Mrs. Tracy Hamlin ‘81 Nolan
Mr. William G. ‘60 & Mrs. Jan Faust
Lt. Gen (Ret) Daniel W. ‘61 & Mrs. Susan Christman
Mr. Robert A. ‘56 & Mrs. Nancy Paul
Mr. Michael J. ‘85 & Mrs. Laura Fenger
Mr. & Mrs. Mark G. Depew
Mr. Harry W. Gaul ‘74 & Mrs. Lo-An N. Tabar-Gaul
Mr. John L. ‘61 & Mrs. Paula Schlacter
Dr. John L. Dunne & Dr. Jenifer Lloyd
Mr. Thomas D. Schlobohm Jr. ‘99
Mr. Warren W. III ‘80 & Mrs. Diane Farr
Mr. Paul T. ‘84 & Mrs. Nicole Schumacher
Mr. Ronald J. Hess ‘51
Mr. Frederick & Ms. Dagmar Fleischmann ‘75 Fellowes
Mr. & Mrs. Hewitt B. Shaw Jr.
Mr. David M. ‘35 & Mrs. Evelyn Hildreth (d)
Mr. Charles A. ‘51 & Mrs. Lore Ferguson
Mr. Tianqiao Hu & Mrs. Yan Sun
Mr. Bud Floyd Jr. ‘66 & Mrs. Jill Floyd
Mr. Stuart Leeb (d) ‘46
Mr. Robert A. ‘34 & Mrs. Helen Gulick (d)
Dr. William I. ‘59 & Mrs. Linda Levy
Mr. Eric & Mrs. Christina Tolerton ‘94 Harrell
Mr. George C. ‘51 & Mrs. Ann Limbach
Mr. A. Bruce ‘67 & Mrs. Terry Harrison
Mr. Jeffrey Lin ‘93 & Mrs. Jillian Salyer
Mr. & Mrs. Xiaodong He
Mr. Peter Zhou & Ms. Wei Gu Mr. Xiaohui Zhu & Ms. Kebin Yang
$50,000 to $99,999 Anonymous (2) Dr. W. Gerald ‘47 & Mrs. Patricia Austen Mr. William C. Austin ‘06 Mr. Harrison T. ‘57 & Mrs. Sally Bubb Mr. Christopher D. ‘80 & Mrs. Alison Burner Mr. Zheng P. Chan & Mrs. Yi Liu Mr. Edward C. ‘73 & Mrs. Penelope Emma Mr. & Mrs. Warren W. Farr Jr.
Ms. Jill Harrington
Mr. Thomas F. ‘62 & Mrs. Sharon Macduff
Mr. Michael O. ‘05 & Mrs. Holli Russell
Mr. Franklin B. ‘81 & Mrs. Carey Starn Dr. Friedrich ‘59 & Mrs. Barbara Thiel Mr. John H. ‘49 & Mrs. Carol Timmis Mr. & Mrs. Thomas V. H. Vail Mr. Richard W. ‘51 & Mrs. Caroline Van Pelt Dr. & Mrs. H. Reid Wagstaff CAMPAIGN ISSUE 2018
WRA
27
Mr. Howard C. III ‘88 & Mrs. Inga Weimer ‘91 Walker
Mrs. Beverly A. Bierbusse & Mr. Paul Campbell
Dr. Glen T. ‘75 & Mrs. Lynne Cunkle
Mr. Yong Wang & Mrs. Meihua Ge
Drs. Joseph & Michelle Blanda
Mr. Joseph L. (d) ‘40 & Mrs. Jean Weitz
Dr. & Mrs. Theodore Bobinsky
Mr. Thomas A. Daly ‘66 & Mrs. Marsha K. Brown
Wells Fargo
Mr. Anthony L. Boerio ‘79
Mr. G. Garrett II ‘65 & Mrs. Trisha Davis
Mr. Evan B. ‘04 & Mrs. Jaclyn Beesley ‘07 Williams
Mr. James D. Bonebrake ‘50
Mr. William R. Deeble III (d) ‘39
Mr. Thomas O. Williams ‘07
Dr. Charles W. Bower ‘84 Mr. Walter L. Brassert ‘49
Mr. Brian M. Deobald ‘80 & Mrs. Kimberly Higgins Deobald
Mr. James K. ‘83 & Mrs. Kelley Wolf Mr. Walter D. ‘43 & Mrs. Ruth Wood Mr. Hunter N. ‘05 & Mrs. Katherine Gruman ‘06 Wright Mr. Richard B. ‘46 & Mrs. Dianne Wright Mr. Jie Wu & Mrs. Chun He Mr. Lichun Wu & Mrs. Qing Wang Mr. Xinqing Xie & Mrs. Yan Xu Mr. Jian Xu & Ms. Xiao Wei Xi Mr. Mingshu Zhang & Ms. Haiyi Zhou
$5,000 to $24,999
Mr. & Mrs. John Breuker Jr. Mr. George S. II ‘69 & Mrs. Kathy Brooks Mr. Douglas W. ‘74 & Mrs. Hope Brown Mr. Keith P. Burke ‘83 & Mrs. Anna D’Andrea Mr. R. Bradford III ‘73 & Mrs. Mary Burnham
Mr. Cyrus E. ‘87 & Mrs. Farah Daftary
Mr. Nicholas H. ‘55 & Mrs. Rochelle Derrough Dr. Todd ‘81 & Dr. Lisa Dietrich Mr. Charles A. ‘57 & Mrs. Martinna Dill Mr. JeongHoon Doh & Mrs. Youwon Park
Mr. David & Mrs. Jessica Pryce ‘81 Burns
Mr. Gavin J. Domm ‘87 & Dr. Jasmin K. Makar
Mr. Mark W. Bury ‘76
Mr. Theodore S. Donley ‘84
Mr. Kenneth L. III ‘74 & Mrs. Diane Campbell
Mr. James & Mrs. Ann Hunter ‘81 Durr
Mrs. Marcia S. Carabell (d)
Mr. Robert H. III ‘91 & Mrs. Becky Earhart
Mr. Christopher S. ‘82 & Mrs. Samantha Carabell
Eaton Corporation
Mr. & Mrs. Leonard S. Carlson Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. William B. Eldredge Mr. Frederick Elghanayan
Anonymous (3)
Mr. Richard A. & Mrs. Angela Darling ‘86 Carrano
Mr. David S. Abbey
Mr. Keith E. ‘43 (d) & Mrs. Helen Carter
Mr. & Mrs. Douglas D. Abbey
Drs. Venkat & Padmaja Chalasani
Mr. Richard M. Adam ‘57 Mr. Mitchell L. Adams ‘62
Mr. Charles & Mrs. Briget Polichene ‘77 Chamness
Dr. Kevin C. ‘71 & Mrs. Lisa Aiken
Mr. Buxing Chen & Mrs. Yuhong Wu
Mr. James R. ‘75 & Mrs. Melissa Allen
Mr. Liqing Chen & Mrs. Qian Hu
Miss Lauren M. Anderson ‘97
Mr. Xiangqun Chen & Mrs. Huaxin Huang
Mr. & Mrs. Curt J. Andersson
Mr. Xiaoming Chen & Mrs. Wenjie Yu
Mr. & Mrs. Richard W. Andrews
Mr. Yan Chen & Ms. Man Hung
Mr. Thomas P. & Mrs. Tracie Arnold
Mr. Yuet Reno Cheuk & Mrs. Suet Mui Pang
Mr. J. Robert ‘63 & Mrs. Sandra Arthur
Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Clark
Dr. K. Frank ‘46 & Mrs. Joycelyn Austen
Dr. Robert W. Ike & Dr. Kathryn Clark ‘76
Mr. James K. Fowler ‘75
Dr. & Mrs. Anup S. Bains
Mr. C. Holbrook ‘47 & Mrs. Cynthia Cleminshaw
Mr. Philip E. ‘00 & Mrs. Christine Franz Miss Dawn M. Friedkin ‘86
Mr. William T. Cleminshaw (d) ‘47
Mr. Hugh D. ‘60 & Mrs. Elizabeth Fullerton
Mr. & Mrs. George J. Clessuras
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Gallucci
Mr. James G. ‘88 & Mrs. Heather Clessuras
Mr. Xiaolong Gao & Mrs. Weiping Xu
Mr. Richard W. ‘72 & Mrs. Emily Cohen
Dr. & Mrs. T. Neal Garland
Mr. & Mrs. Michael L. Coldiron
Mr. George Ge & Mrs. Ingrid Zhu
Mr. Jeffrey A. Cole
Mr. Xiaochuan Ge & Ms. Yu Zhu
Mr. Rannells Bauman ‘53
Mr. Stanton L. ‘54 & Mrs. Carole Cole
Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Gerber
Baxter International
Dr. Gregory L. Cooper ‘70 & Mrs. Barbara Miller
Mr. John R. III ‘59 & Mrs. Mary Gier
Mr. Richard E. III ‘78 & Mrs. Constance Croasdaile
Mr. Herbert I. Glass ‘51
Mr. Thomas A. ‘61 & Mrs. Karen Baither Mr. William M. Baker ‘84 Mr. Byron I. ‘65 & Mrs. Gail Barlow Ms. Leslie A. Barnett ‘75 Mr. Phillip H. Barrett ‘61 Mr. James & Mrs. Kimberly Hasbrouck ‘84 Barsella
Mr. Gordon C. ‘79 & Mrs. Grace Bell Mr. Michael J. ‘74 & Mrs. Libby Bernay 28
WRA
CAMPAIGN ISSUE 2018
Elizabeth Ring Mather & William Gwinn Mather Fund Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Elkind Mr. William K. ‘76 & Mrs. Susan Emery Mr. Peter T. ‘72 & Mrs. Alice Eshelman Mr. Fulin Fan & Mrs. Hongzhi Zhu Mr. & Mrs. Steven R. Fellows Mr. Albert E. ‘80 & Mrs. Annemarie Fisher Mr. W. Wendell ‘64 & Mrs. Sue Fletcher Mr. Kevin C. Flynn ‘80 Mr. Rocky Ford ‘68 Mr. & Mrs. Drew C. Forhan
Dr. Hayes B. Gladstone ‘79
The Campaign for Excellence & Access PYRAMID OF DONORS
27
$1,000,000+ $500,000 $999,999
16 67
$100,000 $499,999
$50,000 $99,999
41 73 347 3,714 Number of Donors
$25,000 $49,999 $5,000 $24,999 <$5,000 Gift Level
Total Amount Raised: $86,507,176 Mr. Liuliu Gong & Mrs. Min Pan
Mr. Stephen J. ‘58 & Mrs. Carole Hasbrouck
Mr. Donovan D. ‘64 & Mrs. Vacelia Husat
Google, Inc.
Dr. Harley A. ‘55 & Mrs. Nancy Haynes
Mr. & Mrs. Jeff A. Gotthardt
Mr. Yi He
Mr. Charles L. III ‘68 & Mrs. Honey Hutchinson
Mr. Robert C. ‘68 & Mrs. Joan Gotwald
Mr. Jeffrey B. ‘98 & Mrs. Patricia Heh
Mr. James W. ‘52 & Mrs. Sarah Gramentine
Mr. Daniel A. III ‘64 & Mrs. Ann Herrick
Mr. Paul R. ‘51 & Mrs. Anne Grand
Mr. George Y. ‘77 & Mrs. Carol Hessler
Mr. Eric Gray (d) ‘41
Mr. David G. Hill ‘90
Mr. R. Thomas Jr. ‘55 & Mrs. Gretchen Green
Mr. Andrew W. Hlavin ‘02
Mr. John S. ‘54 & Mrs. Christine Greeno
Mr. & Mrs. John E. Hoover
Dr. John D. (d) ‘50 & Mrs. Sonja Griffiths
Dr. & Mrs. Keith A. Hoover
Mr. Song Gu & Ms. Yiwen Yao
Mr. William F. ‘88 & Mrs. Paige Hoover
Mr. Yu Gu & Ms. Yu Wang
Mr. Robert A. Houston ‘64
Mr. & Mrs. Frank A. Guglielmi
Mr. W. P. Reed ‘85 & Mrs. Sally Howlett
Mrs. Linda H. Gulker
Dr. Man Huang
Mr. Jingcheng Ha & Mrs. Jianfeng Luan
Mr. Byron C. ‘71 & Mrs. Julie Hughey
Mr. & Mrs. Ed Hajim
Mr. Young Jin Huh & Mrs. Hee Park
Mr. Michael A. ‘84 & Mrs. Ada Johnson
Mr. Charles M. Hammel ‘65
Mr. Theodore J. ‘87 & Mrs. Stephanie Humphrey
Mr. Jeffrey E. ‘89 & Mrs. Sarah Johnston Mrs. Rosemary Hileman Jones
Mr. William A. Hunt ‘61 & Ms. Kathleen Stein
Mr. & Mrs. Robert C. Kahrl
Mrs. Kathryn Hunter (d)
Mr. Wei Kang & Ms. Lin Qin
The Hon. Holsey Gates Handyside (d) ‘45 Mr. & Mrs. James C. Hartenstein Mr. Sherman S. Hasbrouck (d) ‘41
Dr. Ha Jun Hwang & Mrs. Kyung A. Choi Mr. & Mrs. Michael Hylant Mr. Doohyuk Im & Mrs. Kiwon Hong Dr. Roy K. ‘51 & Mrs. Jackie Imhoff Mr. George A. III ‘71 & Mrs. Shari Isaac Mr. Lynn A. ‘73 & Mrs. Dee Isaac Mr. Donald S. ‘49 & Mrs. Judith Jacobson Mr. HongYi Jiang & Mrs. Xiaofeng Xu Mr. Ruiming Jiang & Mrs. Yanhong Zhang Mr. Wei Jiang & Mrs. Yan Zhang Mr. Christopher Johnson ‘80 Mr. Frederick H. III ‘80 & Mrs. Julie Johnson
CAMPAIGN ISSUE 2018
WRA
29
CAMPAIGN BY GIFT SOURCE $1,619,414
$3,510,454
$19,402,839
Mr. James M. ‘62 & Mrs. Margaret Kaufman
Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation
Mr. John W. Kaufmann ‘68 & Ms. Cynthia Chapman
Mr. Robert H. Jr. ‘54 & Mrs. Martha Marriott
Dr. Yoon Sik Kim & Mrs. Soo Mi Yoo
Mr. Drew C. ‘97 & Mrs. Kristen Marticke
Ms. Kerry Kirk ‘94 Dr. Paul E. ‘68 & Dr. Mary Klotman $61,974,469
Mr. Daniel G. ‘68 & Mrs. Laurie Kobick Mr. & Mrs. Charles J. Koch
Alumni Parents Friends Organizations TOTAL $86,507,176
Dr. Myungsam Koo & Mrs. Mikyung Hyung Korean Parents Association Mr. Douglas M. & Mrs. Lynn Hasbrouck ‘91 Krapf Mr. John M. ‘52 & Mrs. Mary Krogness Mr. Edward R. Jr. ‘86 & Mrs. Jennifer Kuchar
CAMPAIGN BY GIFT DESIGNATION
Mr. Bohyeong Lee & Mrs. Jinsook Cho Mr. Jong Woo Lee & Mrs. Hee Ryun Yang Dr. Robert E. ‘58 & Mrs. Mary LeFevre
$16,665,406
Mr. Guochang Li & Mrs. Yan Su
$30,418,805 $18,638,338
$18,468,445
Annual Fund Endowment Facilities Programs Planned Gifts TOTAL $86,507,176
ANNUAL FUND GROWTH
(DURING PUBLIC PHASE OF CEA)
2016-17
2015-16
Mr. & Mrs. Yulin Li Mr. Jianhong Lin & Mrs. Meiqun Lu Dr. William G. Jr. (d) ‘47 & Mrs. Barbara Lindsay
$2,316,182
2017-18
Mr. Andrew B. ‘59 & Mrs. Sally Lewis
$2,565,621
$2,333,856
$2,221,227
$0M $0.5M $1.0M $1.5M $2.0M $2.5M $3.0M
It is worth noting that during the three years of the Campaign, Annual Giving reached record highs. Annual Giving is the lifeblood of the school, and it is imperative that each year, we see it grow and thrive. For with it, we are able to continuously strengthen our school and give today’s Pioneers the simultaneously unique and shared experience of a Reserve education.
Mr. Eugene M. Link ‘72 & Mrs. Ann M. Hirsch
Dr. William M. ‘65 & Mrs. Carol Marsh Mr. William G. (d) ‘52 & Mrs. Martha Martin Mr. Stephen Archer & Dr. Priya Maseelall ‘92 Dr. & Mrs. Erwin A. Maseelall Dr. Gaurav G. ‘97 & Mrs. Diane Mavinkurve Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Mawer Mr. Fred W. McConky III ‘43 Mr. Michael C. ‘81 & Mrs. Donna McCormick Mr. Bridge D. L. McDowell ‘80 Mr. W. Clark II ‘64 & Mrs. Mary McFadden Mr. Thomas N. ‘58 & Mrs. Wynne McGrew Mr. Kevin S. ‘67 & Mrs. Pamela McKean Mr. & Mrs. William T. McKinzie Mr. Douglas R. McKissack ‘78 Mr. Jeffrey & Mrs. Elizabeth Davey Mellinger ‘75 Mr. Marc ‘79 & Mrs. Beverly Michel Dr. William A. ‘54 & Mrs. Ann Miller Capt. Walter F. Miner ‘49 Mr. V. L. & Mrs. Meredith Dorson ‘87 Mitchell Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Mock
Mrs. Sylvia M. Lissa (d)
Mr. Charles R. ‘65 & Mrs. Sally Moffett
Mr. Robert E. C. ‘51 & Mrs. Alice Little
Mr. J. Bradley ‘78 & Mrs. Kathryn Mueller
Dr. Zhuangcheng Liu & Mrs. Fei Dai
Mr. Marshall C. ‘88 & Mrs. Cindy Murdough
Mr. David A. ‘75 & Mrs. Deborah Livingstone
Mr. Thomas G. III ‘87 & Mrs. Tina Murdough
Mr. William & Mrs. Elizabeth Jennings ‘86 Lockwood
Mr. Stephen E. ‘61 & Mrs. Celeste Myers
Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence Lohman
Mr. John L. Jr. ‘45 & Mrs. Margaret Naylor
Mr. George P. Jr. ‘42 & Mrs. Kathryn M. Loomis (d)
Mr. & Mrs. Richard W. Neu
Mrs. Page K. Lummis Mr. David H. ‘82 & Mrs. Anne Lund Mr. Michael R. ‘55 & Mrs. Louise Lusignan Mr. Bo Lyu & Ms. Xiaohua Bu Dr. Philip K. ‘50 & Mrs. Sharon MacBride Mr. A. D. Jr. (d) ‘45 & Mrs. Martha MacDonell Mr. Ian D. ‘90 & Mrs. Teri Macduff Ms. Leah M. Maher ‘78 Mr. Marko Malen Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Malson Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Mandel Mr. Paul A. & Ms. Anne Cacioppo ‘75 Manganaro
Dr. Richard W. ‘68 & Mrs. Cynthia Nagle
Mr. David C. ‘88 & Mrs. Tessa Nicholson Mr. David A. ‘70 & Mrs. Heather Nicksay Mr. Jianxin Ning & Ms. Xiaomei Kong Nordson Corporation Mr. & Mrs. Michael P. O’Boyle Mr. Mark W. ‘87 & Mrs. Tina Oelschlager Mr. & Mrs. Cameron S. Ogden Mr. Robert D. III ‘77 & Mrs. Robin Oldfield Mrs. Sylvia Oliver Mr. & Mrs. John M. Onysko Mrs. Min-Jung Paik ‘02 & Mr. Yoon Oak Han Mr. Arthur G. III ‘75 & Mrs. Patricia Palmer Mr. Charles D. ‘48 & Mrs. Ilene Parke
Mr. James M. ‘58 & Mrs. Sonya Parry
Dr. Scott Shorten & Dr. Michele Hatherill
Dr. Charles S. ‘53 & Mrs. Malinda Winans
Dr. G. Richard Paul ‘55 & Ms. Marilyn Allen
Dr. Martin L. ‘55 & Mrs. Ruth Silbiger
Dr. Robert H. ‘80 & Dr. Anne Wiskind
Mr. William D. ‘65 & Mrs. Catherine Perez
Mr. William H. ‘73 & Mrs. Karen Silver
Mr. Alexander T. Wood Jr. ‘49
Mr. Alexander & Mrs. Laurel Hasbrouck ‘88 Perry
Dr. Fritz F. Smith ‘47 & Mrs. Aminah Raheem
Dr. Joseph S. ‘64 & Mrs. Diane Robinson Wood
Mr. Robert G. Peterson ‘49
Mr. Leland P. ‘81 & Mrs. Talis Smith
Maj. Justin M. ‘99 & Dr. Jennifer Wortendyke
Dr. Manfred E. ‘73 & Mrs. Sabine Petri
Mr. James C. Sorenson ‘85
Pfizer Foundation
Dr. & Mrs. Kevin A. Spear
Dr. Anthony J. ‘73 & Mrs. Diane Wynshaw-Boris
Mr. Harold ‘49 & Mrs. Isabelle Pilskaln
Mr. Dennis A. ‘68 & Mrs. Teresa Spohn
Mr. & Mrs. David L. Pratt
Mr. James W. Spriggs III ‘92
Mrs. Velia Pryce
Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Spring
Mr. Baoqing Yang & Mrs. Liping Yuan
Mr. Charles R. ‘78 & Mrs. Carole Purse
Mr. George L. III ‘47 & Mrs. Naomi Stansbury (d)
Mr. John E. Yang ‘75 Mr. Xiao Yang & Mrs. Nan Wang
Mr. William R. ‘84 & Mrs. Angela Starn
Mr. William H. Jr. ‘56 & Mrs. Ellen Yeckley
Mr. R. Hutchison ‘55 & Mrs. Caryl Stevens
Mr. Nathan G. ‘91 & Mrs. Stephanie Sangrik ‘92 Zampelli
Mr. John S. Jr. ‘56 & Mrs. Judith Pyke Mr. Qi Qiao & Mrs. Lei Ni Mr. & Mrs. John Quagliata Miss Caila L. Quinn ‘10 Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Quinn Mr. Guy D. III ‘68 & Mrs. Sandy Randolph
Mr. Eric C. ‘66 & Mrs. Christine Strobel Mr. Yanfu Sun & Mrs. Yue’e Cheng Mr. Yihong Sun & Mrs. Jing Xu
Mr. Wellington J. ‘75 & Mrs. Patricia Reiter
Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Sutton
Mr. Karl A. A. Reuther ‘51 & Dr. Gayle A. Galan
Mr. Marshall C. Taylor Jr. ‘57 Mr. Ib & Mrs. Jennifer Wyer ‘96 Terry
Dr. Charles J. Riedel (d) ‘75 & Ms. Meredith Broadbent ‘77
Mr. & Mrs. James T. Tolerton
Mr. Sheldon C. ‘57 & Mrs. Penelope Rieley
Mr. Charles L. Tramel II ‘79
Mr. Evan R. ‘73 & Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts The Hon. James ‘55 & Mrs. Berit Robertson
Mr. Edward W. ‘57 & Mrs. Sharon Topping Mr. H. David Venning Jr. ‘78
Mr. Meixing Xia & Ms. Yun Chen Mr. Lingnan Xie & Dr. Xuechun Liang
Mr. Jian Zhou & Mrs. Lina Zhao Mr. Moquan Zhu & Dr. Yingqi Wang Mr. & Mrs. Yang-Ming Zhu Mr. A. Lee ‘51 & Mrs. Marlene Zuker
PLANNED GIVING SUMMARY Total # of gifts: 112
$30,418,805
Mr. Bruce W. Jr. ‘47 & Mrs. Suzanne Rogers
Mr. Peter & Mrs. Heather Murphy ‘78 von Allmen
Dr. Roger D. Rossen ‘53
Mr. Charles S. ‘81 & Mrs. Kristin Vosmik
Mr. William M. ‘75 & Mrs. Debra Roth
Mr. & Mrs. Paul S. Wagstaff
Bequests: 107
$29,618,805
Drs. Michael & Carrie Rubin
Mr. Herbert A. ‘59 & Mrs. Jody Wainer
Mr. Richard L. ‘76 & Mrs. Virginia Rundell
Mr. G. Philip Jr. ‘79 & Mrs. Cynthia Waldeck
Life Insurance: 2
$550,000
Mr. Stanley C. ‘58 & Mrs. Judith Ruskin
Mrs. George P. Waldeck
Gift Annuities: 3
$250,000
Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Rzepka
Mr. Zhenyong Wang & Mrs. Yuxia Guo
Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Saner II
Mr. David B. ‘71 & Mrs. Amy Webb
Mr. Robert Mays & Dr. Jill Sangree ‘91
Mr. Adam M. Wehmann ‘05
Scholarships: 30
$14,733,000
Mr. & Mrs. Neal V. Sangree
Mr. Andrew Wehmann ‘06
Mr. Peter W. ‘94 & Mrs. Rachel Sangree
Mrs. Sandra A. Wehmann
Unrestricted Endowment: 75
$13,405,805
Mr. Jeffrey C. ‘87 & Mrs. Jackie Schaffer
Mr. & Mrs. Gary W. Weimer
Mr. Tom R. Schoonover ‘73
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Weller
$1,025,000
Mr. & Mrs. Rick Schultz
Mr. & Mrs. Hugh D. White Jr.
Building Maintenance: 2
Mr. & Mrs. Brock Scott
Mr. Timothy F. ‘68 & Mrs. Katherine White
Faculty Support: 2
$665,000
Mr. Tom D. ‘68 & Mrs. Alexa Seip
Mr. Edward B. & Mrs. Brooke Sterne ‘86 Whittemore
Academic Programs: 2
$580,000
Other: 1
$10,000
Mr. XinPing Shen & Mrs. Hong Wang Mr. David M. ‘81 & Mrs. Sharon Shepherd Sherwin-Williams Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Peter Shields
Mr. Mark H. ‘69 & Mrs. Sue Wiedenmann Mr. Jeffrey R. Wilcox ‘91
GIFT VEHICLE
DESIGNATIONS
Mr. Bruce R. (d) ‘46 & Mrs. Mary Williams CAMPAIGN ISSUE 2018
WRA
31
SEYMOUR HALL RENOVATION
$14,000,000 CAMPAIGN TOTAL $86,507,176
BY THE NUMBERS FINAL
23
NEW ENDOWED
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
4
ENDOWED
FACULTY CHAIRS
$30,418,805 FUTURE RESERVE HERITAGE SOCIETY GIFTS
GIFTS FROM PARENTS
$19,402,839 GIFTS FROM ALUMNI
$61,974,469 32
WRA
CAMPAIGN ISSUE 2018
$5,335,000 FOR THE WANG INNOVATION CENTER
PIONEER YOUR LEGACY.
Every student that has walked down Brick Row was supported by generations of alumni and friends that made their education possible. Together we can create and maximize your planned gift.
Contact the Advancement Office today. Mark LaFontaine â&#x20AC;¢ 330.650.9704 lafontainem@wra.net
CAMPAIGN ISSUE 2018
WRA
33
Board of Visitors
Board of Trustees
Special Trustees
Andrew R. Midler ’79 Co-President
Christopher D. Burner ’80 Head of School
Lauren M. Anderson ‘97 Chair
Timothy R. Warner ’69 Co-President
Mary Lohman Pioneer Women’s Association President
William C. Austin ‘06
Stephan W. Cole ’66 Vice President John M. Fowler ’67 Treasurer Suzanne Day ’87 Secretary Daniel H. Bayly ’65 H. William Christ Gavin J. Domm ’87 Warren W. Farr III ’80 Dagmar F. Fellowes ’75 Martin D. Franks ’68 R. Mark Hamlin Jr. ’74 Olin J. Heestand Jr. ’62
Darby E. Johnson ’15 College Trustee
Angela D. Carrano ‘86 Allison L. Cole ‘93
Kristin Samuel Kuhn ’98 Alumni Association Board President
Menna H. Demessie ‘98
Emeritus Trustees Peter S. Hellman ’68 David M. Hunter ’68 T. Dixon Long ’51 John D. Ong Mark R. Tercek ’75
Clifton D. Hood ’72 Dale G. Kramer ’70 Nathaniel E. Leonard ’82 Cecily Pryce Maguire ’78 Anne Cacioppo Manganaro ’75 Terry L. Squire Xuning Wang Mark J. Welshimer ’69 Jason M. Wortendyke ’94 Anthony Wynshaw-Boris ’73
WRA
Chris S. Carabell ‘82
Mark A. Slotnik ’87 Dads Club President
John P. Hewko ’75
34
Jeffrey S. Caimi ‘90
CAMPAIGN ISSUE 2018
Oliver R. Curtiss ‘11 Hayes B. Gladstone ‘79 Annetta M. Hewko ‘78 Peter W. Howard ‘64 Emily Kalis ‘12 John B. Missing ‘74 Lorraine Montgomery ‘93 Thomas G. Murdough ‘87 Gregory Pennington ‘71 Benjamin W. Perks ‘60 Ahmad Raza ‘08 Richard M. Sands ‘78 Thomas D. Schlobohm ‘99 Thomas F. Seligson ‘69 Charles L. Tramel II ‘79 Howard C. Walker ‘88 Kathleen L. Wood ‘02 Hunter Wright ‘05
Alumni Association Board Kristin Samuel Kuhn ‘98 President Priya Maseelall ‘92 Co-Vice President Michael VanBuren ‘99 Co-Vice President Christopher V. Wortendyke ‘97 Secretary Angela D. Carrano ‘86 Stanton L. Cole ‘54 Natalie DiNunzio ‘08 David H. Flechner ‘96 Jessica J. Gruden ‘09 Paul J. Jacques ‘84 Chad A. Jasiunas ‘93 Robert E. C. Little ‘51 Robert A. Marias ‘94 Evan McCauley ‘07 Robert D. Murray ‘84 David P. Myers ‘02 Dana M. Schwarzkopf ‘84 Rebecca Shaw ‘05 Dylan Sheridan ‘02 Kimberly H. Slotnik ‘87 Mark A. Slotnik ‘87 Lynn Ogden Weary ‘79 Jonathon R. Whittlesey ‘01
Photo courtesy of Henry Photography and The Scout Guide Columbus
W
e can all agree that Western Reserve Academy is a wonderful community and school â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but a little outside affirmation never hurts! In the past year, we have been encouraged by rankings such as #1 best private high school in Ohio by
Niche and #1 most beautiful private school in Ohio by Architectural Digest. We are proud to share the newest of our accolades: Forbes Asia has named Western Reserve Academy #6 among the top 10 most elite boarding schools in the world, sharing a spotlight with other top schools, including Phillips Exeter, Phillips Andover and Eton College.
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID HUDSON, OH PERMIT NO 6
Western Reserve Academy 115 College St., Hudson, OH 44236
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JUNE 7-9, 2019
Reunion Weekend at Western Reserve Academy