CAROLINE NYPE PARKER ’07: CONSISTENT DONOR AND COMMITTED VOLUNTEER

We recently spoke to Caroline Nype Parker ’07, who serves as a Class Agent and a member of the Red & Black Leadership Council, the volunteer body working on behalf of leadership giving to The Lawrenceville Fund (TLF) and The Lawrenceville Parents Fund. Caroline also served on her 10th and 15th Reunion Committees, and she has been a consistent donor to TLF since graduation and a leadership donor since 2017. We share her thoughts on supporting Lawrenceville below.

ET: How did your Lawrenceville experience influence your willingness to support the School and volunteer on its behalf?

CNP: My Lawrenceville experience was transformative and helped shape me into the person I am today. The Kennedy Assassination class I took as a senior still stands out as one of the most interesting courses I have ever taken. Socially, I arrived at the school as an only child and Lawrenceville gave me siblings. Some of my closest friendships were formed living in Stanley House. While the education was phenomenal, the relationships with faculty, Housemasters, and friends are what inspire me to continue to volunteer so future generations can experience the same magic.

ET: You are a Class Agent and a member of the Red & Black Leadership Council. Why do you volunteer your time so generously to Lawrenceville and your class?

CNP: When people think of supporting a cause, they usually only think about monetary donations. I completely disagree. To me, donating your time can be an equally if not more valuable gift. At different points in our lives, we have the ability to give at different levels, but everyone has the ability to donate time. I always stress to alumni that the size of a donation isn’t all that matters. Every contribution counts. It is rewarding to positively impact the participation rate of my fellow alumni, which demonstrates the broad impact Lawrenceville has on its student body.

ET: More specifically, why do you choose to volunteer in a fundraising role?

CNP: There are many schools that refuse to move into the future. The Emerge Transformed campaign demonstrated to me that Lawrenceville has the right priorities to continue its legacy in providing a top-tier college preparatory education. Everything, from the new field house to the new dining hall to broader scholarship opportunities, is truly game-changing.

ET: Why have you made consistent and leadership support of The Lawrenceville Fund a personal priority?

CNP: Given that Lawrenceville has had such a positive impact on my life, I believe it is important to give back. The Lawrenceville Fund is instrumental in supporting an exceptional and constantly improving educational program. Tuition only supports part of the annual operating budget. I am proud to be able to support Lawrenceville at a leadership level –because I have a strong understanding, from my time volunteering, exactly what programs my donations support.

ET: In a related question, what motivated you to make a multi-year pledge to The Lawrenceville Fund? What would you say is the advantage of making a multi-year pledge?

CNP: I am confident that supporting the School will continue to be a long-term priority for our family. It also makes my life easier! If you make a multi-year pledge, you don’t have to worry about remembering to donate each year.

ET: How would you describe the importance of The Lawrenceville Fund in the Emerge Transformed campaign?

CNP: I understand the importance of a strong endowment and what that means for the health of the institution. At the same time, The Lawrenceville Fund ensures that the many extracurricular and enriching programs supported by the endowment continue to grow and thrive.

ET: What would you say to someone considering a gift to The Lawrenceville Fund or The Parents Fund?

CNP: Think about the impact Lawrenceville has had on you or your children and imagine helping someone else have an even better experience. Remember that every gift counts, regardless of the amount. There are few things in life more gratifying than giving back to an institution that had such a positive impact on your life.