WESTMINSTER
Investing in Our Mission
Philanthropy is essential to Westminster’s mission to prepare students for college and for life.
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Through “Monks and Monarchs: Sacred Landscapes of England,” an Upper School JanTerm course made possible by the Donn M. Gaebelein Christian Enrichment Fund, students explore the shifting landscapes and sacred spaces of England in the medieval and early modern period with the English Reformation as a lens.
At Westminster, young people learn to love challenge and go on to lead change.
Philanthropic gifts to the School ensure every student has the limitless opportunities and experiences that define a Westminster education. The School’s innovative courses, energizing learning environment, inclusive community, arts offerings, athletics, and more enable students to realize their potential and become leaders of conscience.
Dear Friends, The story of Westminster’s founding is not one of a solitary visionary leader, nor is it one of a small group of parents looking to create a school for their own children. It is a story of city leaders saying “yes” to starting a school that would bring about a new educational opportunity in Atlanta. It takes grit and determination to realize a dream like that—and a community of generous supporters dedicated to the shared vision. The philanthropy of our community in the 70 years since Westminster’s founding has built an institution that graduates young leaders who do more than serve themselves. Our alumni leave indelible marks on communities within Atlanta, across the country, and around the world. We are grateful to still be surrounded by a community that gives generously in support of Westminster’s vision. Philanthropy positions us to say “yes” to opportunities that foster our students’ innate creativity, curiosity, and compassion, empowering them to act boldly in pursuing their passions. On behalf of our dreamers and doers, thank you. Best PresidentKeithWishes,Evans INVESTING IN WESTMINSTER 2
2007: The Center for Teaching is established as a resource for teachers at Westminster and throughout the city.
2019: Construction begins as part of a campus plan to transform spaces to meet the needs of students today and into the future.
2015: JanTerm, a threeweek session of experiential, interdisciplinary courses for Upper School students, launches.
1953: The first academic buildings on Westminster’s wooded campus, Campbell Hall and Askew Hall, open.
School:Upper School:Middle School:Lower Enrollment: 1,900 826 583 491 membersfaculty 300+ 3 INVESTING IN WESTMINSTER 38% ofstudentscolor 86 zip representedcodesAPcoursesoffered 24
2003: The Hilda and Wilbur Glenn Institute for Philanthropy and Service Learning is established to promote active civic engagement for students of all ages.
1969: The first computer on campus, a Wang 3300 BASIC, shows up in Campbell Hall.
1953: Washington Seminary becomes the second school to merge with Westminster.
1951: Westminster opens as a school for boys and girls, committed to providing an unparalleled educational experience in Atlanta. Students from the recently closed North Avenue Presbyterian School are among the first students to enroll, and classes are initially held on the NAPS campus.
1952: Westminster launches its first capital campaign, setting out to raise $840,000 to finance land off West Paces Ferry Road and build two academic buildings.
2021: The first phase of the School's most comprehensive campus planning process is completed with the opening of Barge Commons.
School Overview Moments and Milestones
1987: A $21 million bequest from George Woodruff’s estate virtually doubles The Westminster Endowment.
1981: Discovery, a leadership education program with outdoor and components,experientialbegins.
1984: A gradual merger of the girls’ school and boys’ school is completed.
1954: Westminster becomes one of the first schools in the nation to offer Advanced Placement classes after being a pilot school in research on advanced classes for high schoolers.
1978: Westminster phases out its boarding program in order to concentrate on other strategic initiatives. 1983: Student musicians perform Messiah for the first time. 1995: Students learn history while following running routes throughout Europe on the first Running Through History trip—a program still offered today.
2005: Odyssey, an independent nonprofit hosted on Westminster’s campus, launches, providing summer enrichment programs for Atlanta Public Schools students.
opportunities
Everything we do—from offering immersive like JanTerm and global embracing let innovate
exchanges to
our students
As Dr. William L. Pressly, our founding president, concluded in the epilogue of his memoir, The Formative Years, “When we demand excellence in education and work toward that goal, the result isn’t just better schools, but a world of fulfillment and hope and brighter tomorrows.”
and iterate—is an investment in developing graduates who will lead in ways that change the world for good after leaving our gates. athletic teams across the Middle and Upper School buildingsacademicacross180acres 74 homes built with Habitat for Humanity student-led clubs annual family service days visual performingandartseventsyearly 2850+60+ 12,000 190 Middle and Upper School students participating in global travel each year 14 14 state championshipsathleticsoverthepast10years 71 INVESTINGandalumnicountingINWESTMINSTER 4
new facilities that
Financials SOURCESEXPENSESREVENUEOF6% Administrative 19% Physical Plant Operations and Renewal Philanthropy accounts for 19% of the School’s operating budget. Operating budget $78,000,000 13% InstructionInstructionalandSupport 7% Financial Aid 75% Tuition 5% Auxiliary Programs (e.g., Summer Camps, ASK!) 2% Auxiliary Programs 63% Salaries and Benefits 13% The(EndowmentWestminsterEndowmentIncome) 6% Annual Giving (The Westminster Fund, Restricted Annual Gifts, and GA Private School Tax Credit Program) Generosity at work! 5 INVESTING IN WESTMINSTER 1% Other
The EndowmentWestminster47% STEWARDING OUR MOST VALUABLE STRATEGIC ASSET 11% ProfessorshipsChairsFacultyand 12% ProgramSupport 43% EndowmentUnrestricted 21% Financial Aid and StudentAwards 4% Building and Campus Improvement 9% EnrichmentFaculty INVESTING IN WESTMINSTER 6 ENDOWMENTBYPURPOSE $122 MILLION Philanthropic Contributions $466 MILLION Investment Appreciation/Earnings $260 MILLION Support to School $328 MILLION Endowment Value as of 7/31/21 += 242 individual funds make up The Westminster Endowment.
Throughout the year, Middle School leadership groups like Chapel Council and Service Council envision ways to enhance school life for their peers and execute these ideas. Students plan and run assemblies, design schoolwide service initiatives, and more.
Gifts to The Westminster Fund infused more than $4.6 million into our classrooms, playing fields, stages, libraries, and every corner of our campus in That2020-21.investment, which transforms the learning environment, is the result of collective generosity from more than 3,500 parents, alumni, and friends. Scan this QR code to learn more about The Westminster Fund and how you can get involved, volunteer, and make an impact for each and every Wildcat.
Making Wildcat Moments Possible IN WESTMINSTER
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The power of generosity is evident in every program The Westminster Fund impacts. Philanthropy is the difference-maker for all our students. In Growth Opportunities for All Learners, or GOAL, every Lower School student spends time with a carefully selected small group. They join up with an expert teacher and dive in deep during their GOAL time, taking classes like Speak Up! Speak Out! and Creative Collaborators
The Westminster Fund
The Westminster Fund is the fuel our campus runs on every day. Each year, our community rallies with gifts of all sizes to enhance the daily student experience.
Student reporters and producers for broadcast program WCAT can be found at nearly every concert, sports competition, and special event in the Wildcat nation. The student-run station has won 10 national awards and 15 regional awards from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
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$101 Million Through the Teaching for Tomorrow Campaign, which successfully concluded in 2011, the Westminster community generously contributed $101 million in support of excellence in teaching and other priorities. $50,000 With a gift of $50,000, donors may establish a named, unrestricted endowment fund. Contributions of $100,000 enable donors to name and direct a fund to a specific school priority and donor interest.
180 The Cornerstone Society consists of more than 180 members who ensure a bright future for Westminster through estate planning.
FundsEndowed The Westminster Endowment is comprised of more than 240 individual funds. Per donor direction, 57 percent of the Endowment is restricted. Income derived from the remaining unrestricted 43 percent is allocated to the School’s top priorities.
PlanningGift Gifts made through an estate, such as a will bequest, charitable trust, life insurance or retirement plan beneficiary designation, qualify donors as members of The Cornerstone Society. IN WESTMINSTER
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Capital giving is characterized by its transformative nature. Donors who make contributions to advance the strategic priorities of the School make a lasting impact on the Westminster experience. Capital Giving Special Projects and Campaigns Special projects include critical building and renovation projects as well as enhancements to curriculum and student experiences.
• A parking deck with 400+ spaces These campus improvements, combined with other planned projects, almost triple the amount of space dedicated to classrooms, labs, other learning spaces, and student life. 2021
Westminster’s 2012 strategic plan, For College and For Life, set the stage for a campus plan our community began forming in 2016. The plan’s first construction and renovation projects began in summer 2019 and were completed in the fall of 2021. Our campus plan envisions spaces that deepen the impact of the student experience, build community and connection, and put learning and leadership on display— all while remaining true to our founding values and promoting our vision to develop leaders of conscience for our city, nation, and world. The first projects included:
Learning and leadership on display
• Enhancements to Thompson Stadium, including the new Community Plaza, stadium seating, an expanded press box, concessions, and improved accessibility
9 INVESTING IN WESTMINSTER A New Chapter BeginsBargeCommons | Summer
• Renovation of Campbell Hall
Westminster is in the midst of its most comprehensive campus update since the School was founded in 1951. The campus plan that guides us calls for spaces where students grow as creators, collaborators, and critical thinkers.
• New Upper School academic building Hawkins Hall
• Barge Commons, a new “front door” to campus with essential classroom, meeting, and collaboration spaces
Hawkins Hall | Fall 2020 Spaces for innovation and community
Campbell Hall Renovation | Fall 2020 Large, light-filled classrooms for modern learning Hawkins Hall is home to 25,000 square feet of new learning and community spaces, with an entire floor dedicated to innovative pursuits. CelebrationsDonor Thompson Stadium and Community Plaza | Fall 2020 A gathering place for the Wildcat Nation The FamilyMcGahanPressBox has been transformed to technologyincorporateand space for home and visiting coaches as well as our award-winning student broadcast program, WCAT. The Brewer Café relieves the crowds in nearby Malone Dining Hall during peak lunch hours and offers grab-and-go snacks throughout the day. Goizueta Innovation Hub and Catalyst Lab | Fall 2020 Innovation space in Hawkins Hall The Pannu AdmissionsFamilySuite welcomes prospective Wildcats and their families to celebrate all stages of Westminstertheexperience.
11 INVESTING IN WESTMINSTER Where the Wildcats Go 300+ 1-1011-2526-100101-300alumni PuertoAlaskaHawaiiAlumniRicoChapters Our three alumni chapters keep Wildcats connected in some of the cities with the highest alumni populations. San AlumniFranciscoChapter Established in 2018 World-changers aren’t just something we talk about. Our alumni go on to transform communities all over the world in ways big and small. With alumni in 49 states, it’s clear that Wildcats are making their mark far beyond our gates.
CatsCollege2021 28 students to play sports in college 79 colleges attendeduniversitiesand 175 AP Scholars 1440 median SAT score New York City Alumni Chapter Established in 2016 Washington, DC Alumni Chapter Established in 2017 westminster.net/college-counselingVisit to see a full list of colleges where our Wildcats have enrolled over the last five years. 29 National andSemifinalistsMeritFinalists 33 Median ACT score
for Institutional Advancement
13 INVESTING IN WESTMINSTER Dear Friends, The Wildcats of today are the leaders of tomorrow. It is a privilege for us to work to inspire and motivate them to go after their big, audacious dreams. Equally special is the privilege of doing this important work in partnership with a community that wholeheartedly believes in our mission.
When you give to Westminster, you are part of a journey of transformation for every Wildcat. Thank you for believing in our students’ potential to change the
ViceEmilieGratefully,world.HenryPresident
Philanthropic support, for decades, has helped ensure our students are both challenged and nurtured every single day. These students—their drive, their compassion, and their courage— are the inspiration for everything we do here. Our community’s investment, both now and in the future, is essential for the School to continue fulfilling and extending its mission.
anythingTogether,ispossible.
OFFICE FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT 1424 WEST PACES FERRY ROAD NW • ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30327 • 404-609-6275 westminster.net WESTMINSTER