2 minute read
Education is Magic
BY PETER GILMAN, DIRECTOR OF THE WEBB FUND
I recently attended a conference in which a featured presenter challenged us to uncover our ‘Why’ for doing what it is we do. Why were we in education? How do you explain what it is you do and the importance of doing it? It was then that I heard a response so succinct, so clear in vision and spirit, that I’ve since adopted it as my own. In short, the speaker shared, “a great education is magic.” They expanded that a meaningful education is a transformative experience not simply by the depth of knowledge gained through a particular curriculum, but by the way that it challenges the student to dig deeper and investigate their role in their education.
Furthermore, that such an experience can be designed intentionally to inspire the student to go out and share the benefits of that education with the world.
Reflecting upon that answer later, I recalled my first moments on campus at Webb. Even arriving for the very first time, it felt like home. That is thanks in part to my own experience as a student at an independent day school in my hometown of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Developing in that environment was often very challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I received a tremendous amount of support at the times I needed it most, from the faculty and staff who felt like extended family. It was a safe environment that encouraged self-expression, understood the importance of community, and took to heart the value of educating students beyond the four walls of a classroom or the bindings of a textbook.
Later, while pursuing my undergraduate degree at Occidental College, I discovered the field of advancement through the college’s student phonathon center. I welcomed the opportunity to channel my passion for Oxy through the generosity of the alumni, parents, and friends, who made my education possible. It’s hard to believe that was over ten years ago now! Especially now as we strive to grow Webb’s annual base of support in line with the goals of The Next 100: The Centennial Campaign, I am thrilled to bring that same passion to The Webb Schools as the Director of The Webb Fund. I look forward to bringing the magic of a Webb education to current students through the philanthropic support of our community. Thank you to all the generous and dedicated donors reading this report. I hope to have the chance to connect with each of you.
