THE LAMP
VOLUME 5, NUMBER 1 Fall 2013
S h in in g L ig h t on Ol df ie l ds Phil anthrop y
A Call to Action
Welcome to the fall edition of The Lamp, where we will "Shine a Light on Oldfields Philanthropy." We have much to celebrate! You will read about many success stories emerging at OS, but there is still much to do. The shift in the focus of The Lamp was motivated by a desire to share the momentum of The Spirit Campaign and The Oldfields Annual Fund and to keep you informed of the current fundraising efforts. The Lamp will also provide a venue to acknowledge and thank those special people who generously share their time, talent, and treasure. Significant challenges still lie ahead, and we need each and every one of you. Our School has a long and proud history. It is a great tribute to Taylor Smith that we stand on firmer ground. Five years ago we had 90 girls and a deficit, compared to our present full enrollment and no deficit! We can now consider exciting projects, like digital classrooms, rather than Oldfields' survival as an independent institution. In that simple comparison lies the challenge for Dr. Hagerman – and for all of us. Like many of you, I have a deep affection for Oldfields. A busy life raising four boys has been my joy and focus for many years. When Taylor first asked me to be involved as Capital Campaign Cabinet Chair, I was concerned over whether I had the time to give the campaign its due. Then I reflected on my years at OS and the enduring gratitude I felt for the values and education that have shaped my life and how they allowed me to guide my children into their successful lives. As I learned more about what the School was trying to accomplish, I began to get excited. So, I said "yes" – partially because it is hard to turn Taylor down, but also because I realized I wanted to be a part of the School's vibrant future. A few weeks into the 2013-2014 school year my decision was underscored when Parny shared a note with me from a current student: There is a spirit about this school and no, I don't mean a ghost, I mean a feeling. You feel something when you step into Old House, sit down at morning meeting or play your favorite sport on the fields. It's a peculiar intensity. A kind of faith… it's like suddenly you know that everyone in the whole school supports you, and better yet, they've got your back. They believe in you. I have never ever in my entire life been in a place where I felt a strong need to succeed. Wait, not just a need… a want, a desire. I need to be that woman in leadership. I need my daughters to go to this school, to carry on the legacy… I need to achieve more than I ever thought possible... I need to, no, I want to succeed. – Elyse '17 A desire to provide the next generation with the opportunity to feel the emotions this young woman experiences is why I said "yes." Ask yourself the following questions: How can I be more involved? Can I encourage others to become active? Should I give more? Is this the point where I do more than just read the newsletter? For me, a window of opportunity has opened, and it is time to get involved in something extremely special – the education of the next generation of leaders.
This is your call to action. Won't you join us? Sincerely, Susan "Silly" Repko '72, Capital Campaign Cabinet Chair
INSIDE
Ashley '14
Spirit Campaign Update • Reach for the Stars • The Benefits of Giving Shout Outs! • Don't Snooze on the OS News • Portrait of Philanthropy