Pillar Campaign Messages
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Message from Eleanor Dase, Head of School
When Dyke Brown founded Athenian in 1965, he was considered visionary with his humanistic and innovative approach to education. During Athenian’s 40th Anniversary Celebration in 2005, Dyke spoke eloquently to those assembled on the East Lawn, sharing his earliest dreams for Athenian and his pride in their full realization today. With his passing on December 16, 2006, I hope to provide for Athenian’s future in a way that honors his vision and his life.
It is my privilege to be Head of The Athenian School today. There is much to be proud of, but there is also much that needs to be done. Athenian is at an important junctureit must address the challenges of a maturing institution while continuing to pursue a tradition of excellence. Many of the same financial challenges that faced Athenian’s visionary founder remain today: ensuring adequate faculty compensation and benefits; providing sufficient financial assistance to bright, deserving students; supporting rigorous and innovative academic programs; and continually improving and stewarding the campus environment.
After careful study and planning, Athenian’s Board of Trustees initiated The Pillar Campaign to meet these challenges and to position the school to realize a strong and vital future. This campaign invites all those who share our vision and aspirations for the school to join in this essential endeavor, raising $10 million for endowment, facilities and annual operating needs. The campaign provides for two facility improvements to serve current students: a new home for Athenian’s distinguished music program and an All Weather Sports Field to support athletic programs. Additionally, endowment funding will be directed to provide important long-term support for faculty salaries and professional development, student financial aid, and curriculum enrichment.
The Pillar Campaign offers an opportunity to build something of lasting value that will nurture future generations and honor Dyke Brown’s vision for an extraordinary learning community. I hope you will be inspired to give generously.
Message from Trustee Mike McCoy, Campaign Chairman
The Pillar Campaign focuses on achieving the solid financial foundation that only a significant growth in endowment can provide. Athenian’s endowment per student is much lower than comparable schools locally and nationally. The Pillar Campaign is a $10 million endowment and facility initiative funding these important priorities, which are designed to serve those at the heart of Athenian’s mission—students.
• Provide stable, long-term support through endowment (including current and planned gifts funding faculty support, student financial aid, and curriculum and programs) Goal:$5 million
• Create a new home for the music program, called The Omni Center, as well as an All Weather Sports Field to support a strong athletic program
Goal:$3 million
• Sustain funding for Athenian’s current operating needs through the Annual Fund Goal:$2 million
I am honored to provide leadership to the Pillar Campaign, along with Head of School, Eleanor Dase; a dedicated and generous Board of Trustees; and a committed team of campaign fundraising volunteers. Athenian is well worth our investment, and I hope you will join with us in supporting the campaign to the fullest. Together, we can secure Athenian’s future for generations of students to come.
