Dfd newsletter 1017

THE ROEPER SCHOOL

Difference BIG PLANS ACCOMPLISHED! $4 MILLION PHASE I CAMPAIGN GOAL IS COMPLETE!!

Capital Campaign Newsletter November 2017

Celebrating the Difference!

The challenge was clear; the needs were real.

We set our sights high … and thanks to patience, perseverance and an unyielding belief in Roeper, we achieved our goal.

All Roeper community members were asked for their support — and many, many responded.

Thanks to this collective commitment, we have successively exceeded our goal of $4 Million for Phase I — the largest fundraising campaign in Roeper’s history.

The Vision for This Campaign Was Bold.

In stewardship of George and Annemarie Roeper’s legacy of innovation and pioneering spirit, we have built the Dennis Naas Learning Commons — a centerpiece of collaboration that is the intersection of academic and social common space — at the threshold of a state-of-the-art library!

Strengthening our already strong program allowed us to develop initiatives essential for education today: academic technology, modernized and enhanced library services, a café for collaboration and socializing, and renovations that became transformational redesigns.

NEW Commons area NEW state-of-the-art Library NEW Social Collaboration area NEW Academic Collaboration area NEW Digital Classroom NEW “Distance Learning” Classroom NEW small Breakout Rooms RENOVATED College Counseling Office, Upper School Director’s Office and Student Publications Center

THE ROEPER SCHOOL david h. feldman, head of school

It was the middle of winter, the temperature was well below freezing and the wind was blowing small drifts of powdered snow into small hills. A thin coat of ice covered the black top and you could see the white outline of what years ago was the famed six square court. The old brick smoke stack sat in the corner of the grounds, a reminder of the black clouds of coal dust that certainly filled the skies of Birmingham in the early part of the 20th century when the old Adams School welcomed public school elementary children.

Standing in the courtyard for this photo shoot wearing my Roeper colored red sweater I shivered and felt a little bit like an archeologist looking at the remains of a long ago culture that had abandoned its tools and moved on to other lands. Icicles hung from the metal grates covering the second floor windows; there was a quiet in this forgotten part of the school that had become a storage area for tools, old furniture, and the lawn mower waiting for spring to arrive. Broken safety glass windows covered the old boiler room hiding the cast iron heating unit that was delivered by horse and carriage when the building was first constructed almost one hundred years ago.

“Look up,” our photographer told me, “Think about what this space is going to look like when it’s built.” Those words came back to me as I stood in the same spot two years later looking at what we have achieved with the completion of Phase I of our Courtyard Project. Looking at the sun come through the skylights onto the new café tables, walking up the stairs to the new collaboration space, seeing the expanded library stacks, the new breakout rooms, the Malone Online Classroom, and the digital learning space — this is truly a transformational moment for our school!

On Founders’ Day last June we shared the new space, for the first time, with our middle and upper school students. For months they had been staring through the window boxes into the construction site, watching the steel beams and concrete form their new space. Now, after almost a year’s worth of anticipation it was time —

time to be in the space.

Standing at the top of the new staircase I watched as people walked through the new entry into what was the courtyard.

Peoples’ eyes got big, and looked upward as they smiled and let out this audible sound — “wow!” I watched this same visceral expression in our faculty, parents, alumni, and board members as they walked through a space that at once seemed familiar, but now felt transformed and amazing.

In September our Birmingham students and teachers began to fully engage with the new space, immersing themselves in the product of something that was merely an idea, a concept four years ago. Through the guidance and dedication of our Board of Trustees, our Campaign Committee, and our Building Team, Phase I of our project has come to life, and our Roeper students for generations will reap the rewards of this collaborative space.

Now, we must finish our work — now, we must complete the project! The kitchen that will provide hot food and snacks to students throughout the school day; the quiet study and teacher work space that completes the collaborative work areas; and the renovated main office and administrative offices that provide current families and visitors with the professional spaces to meet and engage with the school are the remaining three puzzle pieces that make up Phase II of our Courtyard Project.

These final three pieces complete the vision we constructed back when we first imagined what was possible.

I am immensely grateful to all of the members of our community who tirelessly worked to make Phase I a reality; I can’t wait to share this achievement with our students and teachers in September. We began this project with the goal of making our school’s architecture reflect the way we teach and learn. I know that outcome will be clear and visible as you see the space in use this fall. I look forward to our continued partnership as we complete this amazing project!

It’s time to begin and complete Phase II!

Campaign Donors by Category Two hundred, sixty-eight donors — some contributing more than one gift — helped top the $4 million goal for Phase I. The average gift including all donors was $4,593, with the average gift from our 36 alumni donors at $5,773. Two alumni gifts of $100,000 each set the pace for historic alumni engagement and support. The graph below illustrates the number and percentage of contributions at each donor level.

Gift Category

Number & Percentage of Donors

GANDERSHEIM a gift of $250,000 or more

2

1%

MARIENAU a gift of $100,000 to $249,999

8

3%

LES RAYONS a gift of $50,000 to $99,999

6

2%

WINDSOR MOUNTAIN a gift of $25,000 to $49,999

38

12%

HIGHLAND PARK a gift of $10,000 to $24,999

37

12%

PALLISTER HOUSE a gift of $5000 to $9,999

36

12%

HILL HOUSE a gift of $1000 to $4,999

51

17%

BIRMINGHAM CAMPUS gifts up to $1000

126

41%

Philanthropy at Roeper

My response to the generosity and enthusiasm of our donors is …

I’m humbled … I’m inspired … and I am grateful.

Buck Baker, Chair, Roeper Board of Trustees

At Roeper we tend to live the philosophy of our tenets out loud. It is “palpable” in our community as we live and thrive among ourselves and each other. It is reflected in the words we use to communicate with one another by offering acceptance and compassion to one another in our thoughts and actions.

Philanthropy at Roeper can be viewed as a philosophy in and of itself. To contribute, is an opportunity to infuse more life, possibility and commitment into the cornerstone of our school. The act of giving only furthers our ability to ensure that our philosophy remains a strong and viable force in our community.

For our community members who have placed Roeper in a position of priority as it relates to giving ­— we are grateful! This past year has been record setting as it relates to philanthropy at Roeper; be it the Designing for a Difference Capital Campaign, the Annual Fund or the Mosaic Auction, your giving was invaluable to our school!

Please continue to place Roeper in a position of priority as it comes to your charitable giving of time, talent and treasure!

Shannon Martin, Chair of the Development Committee/Board of Trustees It’s amazing to be a part of a visionary community that provided the resources for a transformational era in Roeper’s proud 75-year history. The opportunity to invest in our students, faculty and staff, as well as to build and renovate fantastic teaching-and-learning spaces in the Birmingham Campus, has been both inspiring and gratifying.

Our thanks go out to everyone in The Roeper School community who believed in the mission of the campaign and helped make this happen — with a special acknowledgement to Board Chairman Buck Baker for guiding Roeper through this incredible experience. The Board approved the launching of the Designing for the Difference Capital Campaign and steered the institution adeptly toward realizing very ambitious goals.

My heartfelt gratitude for their leadership, to our Campaign Cabinet and to Head of School David Feldman and the school administration for your partnership in support of our remarkable students and teachers.

Donna Silk, Chair/Designing for the Difference

Campaign Cabinets and Staff There aren’t enough words to describe the attributes of all those who worked visibly and behind the scenes until our campaign reached the Phase I goal. But here are a few — tireless, devoted, committed, steadfast, unwavering, loyal, focused, determined and enthusiastic!

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN CABINET/PHASE I Donna Silk, Chair David Allen Buck Baker Carolyn Borman Jonathan Citrin 1994 Bonita Gardner Tara Grekin Janice Haines Tricia Huneke Peggy Klein David Kramer Geoff Kretchmer Lori Lutz 1975 Shannon Martin Steve Milbeck Jameel Montgomery-Smith Michael Moskowitz Christie Peck Fiona Ruddy 2006 Susan Savas Rachel Stafeil John Sznewajs Laurie Welsh CAPITAL CAMPAIGN CABINET/PHASE II John Sznewajs and Laura Karmanos, Chairs David Allen Buck Baker Heather Carmona David Feldman Alana Glass ‘97 Shannon Martin Clay Thomas

CAMPAIGN STAFF David Feldman Head of School David Fluent Associate Head for Finance and Operations Denita Banks-Sims Development and Publications Director Erin Culp Campaign Consultant, CCS Brian Wilmers Architect/Owner’s Representative Bonnie Schemm Campaign Designer Julie Gillikin Campaign Research and Records Rosalie Lake, Kari Papadopoulos & Emily Wine Campaign Support

Thank You, Campaign Donors!

To the following alumni, parents, faculty, staff, parents, trustees, parents of alumni, former faculty and staff, grandparents, foundations and friends who have supported this Campaign — THANK YOU! We sincerely appreciate your generosity and confidence.

Anonymous Donors The Akkashian Family Alexandra Alberstadt 1983 David & Colleen Allen and sons Soren & Wallis Andersen Joel & Carol Appel Brielle Ashford 2016 Curtis Bagne & Catherine Gofrank Baker/Fielder Family Randy ’19, Matthew ’21, Amelia ’24

Maureen Dailey Davis & Davis Interior Design Steven & Ann Deneroff Anne Gahagan & Richard Dennis Abha & Steven Dearing The DeRonne Family Mary & Gabriel DesHarnais Gloria Despard Timothy & Molly Diemer David & Susan Efros The Baker/Peck Family William Eisenman & Susan Guenther James Balmer 1970* & Martha Balmer Dr. & Mrs. Robert A. Ellwood Linda & John Ban Diana & James Elshoff Judeen & Rita Bartos Bill & Marlene Emerson Deborah & Dan Bejune Eric & Amy Ersher Sylvia Bell Moeen Farooqi & Munazza Malik Hadas & Dennis Bernard David & Elane Feldman Birmingham Campus Spirit Week Proceeds The Ronda & Ron Ferber Foundation Eulalia Ferrer & Jeff Bird Festivities Studio Dee & Robert Blankenburg Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Michelle Blankenship & Michael Granzeier Fifth Third Bank Paul & DeLana Borja Joan Lessen-Firestone & Ira Firestone Carolyn Borman David & Polly Fisher Lisa & David Bottesi Dave & Andrea Fluent Christopher Bradley 1986 Alyssa Flynn 2014 & Carolyn Bradley David & Kris Flynn Harvey & Penny Brode Jacob Flynn 2016 Katie & Jeff Buchmann E.E. Ford Foundation The Buttermores Julie Fracasso Curt, Michele & Ian ’00 Aaron Frantz 2009 The Campbell Family Brandon & Jessica French Regis & Mary Beth Carozza Kathleen Gahan Center for Arab American Philanthropy The Galligan Family Community Foundation for SE Michigan Lori Lutz ’75 & Gregory Gamalski, Jonathan Citrin 1994 Clara ’07 & Eleanor Gamalski ’11 ClickBid LLC Timothy & Nicole Gandee Max Collins The Gardner Family Gloria & Gary Cook Jeffrey & Sharon Garvin Andrea & Lance Cousins Peter & Charlotte Gerrits Dr. Frank Crosby 1985 Tom & Patty Giftos David & Linda Dagenais Julie & Craig Gillikin

Michael, Lisa & Emma Girolami Victor & Gale Girolami Mrs. Rosalie Golden, Retired Faculty Stacy & Roland Holloman, Stephanie ’09 & Roland ’12 Beth Greenapple & Nadav Pais-Greenapple 2017 The Grekin Family Foundation Nan & Dick Griffith The Family of Richard & Janice Haines Aaron & Carri Hammers Jeremy Handel & Lauren (Buddy) Stein ’95 Pam Majchrzak & Robb Harner Hobart Harris 1975 Jeanne & Michael Haynes Jim, Karen & Evan Heasley Michael & Rhonda Hicks Kalee Hoff Ellen & Paul Hoppe The Huneke Family Dan Jacobs Erica Peresman & David Jaffe ’74, Adela Jaffe ’09 & Mara Jaffe ’13 Byron Johnson & Kimberli Boyd Johnson Kathleen & Steve Johnson Roberta Jones A. Randolph Judd & Pat Roan Judd Peter & Laura Karmanos & Family Kathy & Ron Kasper Dennis & Jean King Gayle Kirker The Klee Family Susan Knight Larry Kraft 1967* & Jackie Kraft Anessa Owen Kramer ’89 & David Kramer Geoff Kretchmer & Jody Lipton Joel Krugel & Heidi Brode Kevin Kruszewski & Michelle Goff Mark Krysinski & Susan Learman Patrycja Krzok 1996 Claire & Eric Laansoo

The Labe Family Jon & Barbara Lane Emily Lardner 2006 Pat & Mike Lawrence Simon Leopold & Sarah Winkler Carolyn & Raymond Lett Tracy & Jeff Levitt Sydney & Hayden Levy Michael & Lauren Lisi Robert Long & Marlene Seltzer The Lyon Family Brian & Debbi Maher Herman Marable Jr 1980 Shannon & Clarence Martin Masco Coporation Karen May Wendy Mayer The Mayes-Wheeler Family Jason McIntosh & Jim Shaffer Sara Puzey Mendez 1996 & Luis Mendez Beth & Jamie Michelson John Mickley 2007 Steve & Danita Milbeck Mark Miliotto & Beth Taylor Sarah & Kenneth Miller Julie Mills The Mojares Family Lisa & Eric Momblanco Terri & Mark Morawski Kelly McDowell & Anthony Morrow Michael & Patricia Morrow The Moskowitz Family Dr. & Mrs. Robert Murray Lucie & Lila Must The Naas Family Julie & Paul Nemchik Richard Noel 1980 O’Neill Foundation/Savas Family Samer & Sandy Obeid Jerry & Karen Olson Gretchen Osgood & Peter Henninger-Osgood Julia Pais & Nadav Pais-Greenapple 2017 Laura & Tom Panek Matteo Papadopoulos 2022

The Papadopoulos Family Linda & Emery Pence Eric Peterson 1995 The Pianko Family Kelly & Mike Piontek Lorene Porter Karl & Judith Porth Jason & Lysa Postula-Stein Colleen & James Potocki Pulp Detroit Jeremy Roberts Leslie Hosey & Ron Robinson & Jordan ’07, Nicholas ’11, & Cameron ’20 Robinson David Rocco & Mary Pynnonen-Rocco Werner C. Roennecke & Patricia Ignatius Peter 1963*, Karen 1966* & Tom 1961* Roeper Roeper Girl Scout Troop #71124 Amy Romano 2013 Paula Romano & Glynda Krantz David & Sheila Ronis Ruby & Associates Fiona Ruddy ’06 & Braden Ruddy ’98 Mike & Jarie Ruddy Jodi Ryan Ed & Lisa Sack Sophia Savas 2015 Jeremy Schemm 1992 & Barbara Dornan The Schemm Family Drs Dipak Shah & Sujana Gundlapalli Sanjiv & Cindy Shah Robert Shaya & Ashley Lowe, Eli & Scarlett Colleen & Scott Shelton Robert & Marilyn Sherry Sandra Lee Shoshani Donna & Steven Silk Eric Silverman 1981 Bob Simon & Tessa Stein Alexandra ’06 & Carter ’10 Sims Praveen Singh & Malini Thadani Susie & David Small Diallo Smith & Jameel Montgomery Smith Gomer & Julie Smith Sarah & Aaron Smith

Cathy & Jim Sommerfeld Thomas & Julie Song Ryan Sosin 2003 Clinton Spevak The Stafeil Family Elisabeth Lawrence Stayer 2000 & Doug Stayer Jon Steiger & Kelli Kerbawy Charlotte Whitney Stevens Frederick & Shanon Stibor Clair Branch Sullivan 1993 & Michael Sullivan Janet Szeto & Louie Brennan Carl & Eleanor Tacke Paul & Susan Tacke Derek & Vickie Teetsel Clay Thomas & Bessy Despotis Cynthia Thomas & Michelle Hagerman Chris & Linda Torres Barbara & Roger Trunsky Elizabeth & John Turner Patricia & William Vance Deborah & Steve Veillette Diane VanderBeke Mager Jim & Beth Vens Bryant & Lisa Wade Amber & David Webb Kevin, Laurie & Connor ’06 Welsh C. Patrick White & Amy L. Clark David & Sharon White Brenda Wilke Marcia Ruff & Thomas Wilkinson Robert William, Susan Lim Williams, Rheyn ’01, Starr ’02, Sky ’06 & Hale ’09 Hale Williams 2009 Adam Wilmers 2003 Catherine & Brian Wilmers Emily & Larry Wine Mary Beth & Doug Winkworth Satish Yalamanchili & Claudine George The Yamamoto Family Steven Yedlin 1964* Ron Yolles & Max Yolles 2020 The Zarewych Family Lori, Erik ’06 & Ryan ’10 Zinser

A Legacy of Giving Many schools point to campaigns that significantly impacted their communities. Roeper can point to several consecutive and remarkable efforts over the last 15 years, each one building upon the previous ones, to improve and expand programs and facilities for teachers and enriching our endowment funds.

A Lasting Legacy ~ ENDOWMENT HAS GROWN FROM $1.3 MILLION in 1999 to over $8 MILLION in 2017 Endowment gifts are enduring contributions to Roeper, and over the last few decades, these commitments have helped sustain our financial health and stability.

Notable contributors to the endowment fund are two beloved staff and faculty members — Mariann Hoag (left) and Katherine “Miss D” Doughty (right) — who extended their remarkable legacies through generous bequests.

The Campaign for Roeper/Phase I ~ 2002 and 2003

BIRMINGHAM CAMPUS

Renovated Science Labs New Robotics Lab Renovated Performing Arts Theater New Elevator and Accessibility

BLOOMFIELD HILLS CAMPUS

New 20,000 ft2 Classroom Building New Competition-size Swimming pool and Children’s Wading Pool

The Campaign for Roeper/Phase II

~ 2005 and 2007

BIRMINGHAM CAMPUS

Landscaping and Outdoor Area Renovations

BLOOMFIELD HILLS CAMPUS

New 29,000 ft 2 Community Center Double Court Gymnasium and Locker Rooms Two Fine Arts/Music Classrooms Multi-purpose Room Catering Kitchen Receiving and Storage Facility Outdoor Community Plaza Expanded Parking Site Work

The Children’s Library ~ 2011

BLOOMFIELD HILLS CAMPUS

New 2,700 ft 2 state-of-the-art Library and Media Center

Moving Forward Plans are well underway toward the successful completion of Phase II of the Designing for the Difference captial campaign — a $1.2 million investment in main floor Administrative Suite ... the top floor Quiet Study/Conference Room/Administrative Suite ... Full-Function Kitchen on the lower/courtyard level.

We are pleased to introduce the Co-chairs for Phase II ‌

John Sznewajs Roeper Current Parent, Alumni Parent and Trustee

For more information, please contact:

Denita Banks-Sims Director of Development and Publications denita.banks-sims@roeper.org 248.203.7312

Laura Karmanos Roeper Current Parent, Alumni Parent and Trustee