Adelaide Hixon ’36

RENOWNED VISION OF Adelaide Hixon ’36

LIVES ON

Twenty years ago, alumna Adelaide Hixon ’36 strengthened Westridge’s burgeoning diversity efforts by establishing the Adelaide and Alexander Hixon Fund for Lower School Diversity. The principal of the fund established by Adelaide and her late husband is held in perpetuity, and a portion of the investment earnings generate annual revenue to support Westridge’s commitment to racial, ethnic, and economic diversity in the Lower School. The remainder of the fund’s earnings is reinvested each year so that the fund and its impact on students continue to grow.

Thanks in part to Adelaide’s generosity, Westridge began to increase its efforts to build diversity throughout the student body — but this was not the last of her support. Adelaide also made a second gift to the fund through a generous bequest in her estate plans to ensure this important work continued. After her passing in 2019, Westridge received a contribution that will grow the Hixon Fund and increase its impact on our students.

“Adelaide had the vision many years ago to recognize that economic, racial, and ethnic diversity provides a strong learning experience for all our students,” said Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor. “It was a joy to know her, and I will miss her inspiring conversations. We are extremely grateful for her leadership.”

1928 Adelaide received the 2002 Ranney Award from former Head of School Fran Norris Scoble.

Adelaide embraced her own life-long evolution deliberately. She emerged as a young and beautiful Pasadena debutante, fully committed to the exclusive material terrain to which she was born. The story goes that her honeymoon travels required perhaps a half dozen steamer trunks; one just accommodating head wear. Her story evolved to the point where she could travel the globe effectively with one average-sized suitcase. The same tone resonates in her last stand for diversity and inclusion across the board. From early country club life to her full glory as an eleemosynary powerhouse. - Andrew Hixon, Adelaide’s son