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Sharing Good News
“How was your break?” That was the question I heard students, teachers, and staff asking when we returned to school and campus earlier this month. Usually, the responses were something like “it was quiet,” “different, for sure,” or “as good as it could be.” Clearly, adjusting our lives and habits to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 required some changes to annual traditions.
During the holidays, I always enjoy opening holiday cards from family and friends. This winter, the most exciting and surprising envelope I opened didn’t contain a card. Inside that envelope was a message from a local philanthropist to whom we had sent a grant proposal this past fall. In a thoughtful letter, he shared that Sanford’s request had been approved. Also enclosed was a check for $1,000,000! Opening mail with an unexpected check of that size was a highlight of 2020.
So, why did we receive the grant? What are Sanford’s plans?
As many of you have read in our communications over the past few years, Sanford’s 2018 Strategic Direction includes four key pillars:
So, why did we receive the grant? What are Sanford’s plans?
As many of you have read in our communications over the past few years, Sanford’s 2018 Strategic Direction includes four key pillars:
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
- Educational Excellence
- Fundraising and Campus Improvements
- Finance and Enrollment
Throughout this challenging pandemic, Sanford’s work in each of these areas continues. With the establishment of a more robust DEI program, enrollment at a ten-year high, our endowment at an all-time high of $10 million, and very low long-term debt—Sanford is well poised for the future.
With respect to Educational Excellence and Fundraising and Campus Improvements, we have made great strides. Our most recent accomplishment is the opening of the newly renovated Struthers Family Sports Center. Now, we are turning our attention to the Nancy C. Sawin Math/Science Center. Built in 1969, this facility is the home of Sanford’s exceptional Upper School math and science departments. Dark and dated, the building does not meet the needs of our students and teachers. And although our STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program is strong, a new modern and flexible facility will make the program even stronger.
Our plan is to renovate the current building and to create a light-filled STEM center, with large classrooms, collaborative spaces, updated labs, and access to Sanford’s pond and other campus areas that support the science curriculum.
This initiative is the next step in a sequence of transformative campus improvement projects. In 2016, we opened the Geipel Center for Performing Arts. In October of 2020, the Struthers Family Sports Center made its debut. Since 2013, Sanford has also renovated and improved Sanford Hall, Pirnie Hall, du Pont Library, the Middle School interior and exterior, Stewart Cottage, and Quigley Hall. In addition, we added two Bermuda grass fields and improved the baseball field. In the same way that we created these facilities to match the stellar talents of our students, faculty, and coaches, we will transform the Nancy C. Sawin Math/Science Center into a state-of-the-art STEM center.
When will this happen?
I can’t give you an exact date for construction or completion of the facility. The project has a budget of $5M. With the first $1M secured, we have a great start; but there is significant work to do. Because we are a financially conservative school, which carries limited long-term debt, our goal will be to raise much of the remaining $4M before breaking ground.
In capital campaign planning, conventional wisdom says a school shouldn’t announce the idea of a campaign publicly until 80–90% of the funds are raised. Well…
With respect to Educational Excellence and Fundraising and Campus Improvements, we have made great strides. Our most recent accomplishment is the opening of the newly renovated Struthers Family Sports Center. Now, we are turning our attention to the Nancy C. Sawin Math/Science Center. Built in 1969, this facility is the home of Sanford’s exceptional Upper School math and science departments. Dark and dated, the building does not meet the needs of our students and teachers. And although our STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program is strong, a new modern and flexible facility will make the program even stronger.
Our plan is to renovate the current building and to create a light-filled STEM center, with large classrooms, collaborative spaces, updated labs, and access to Sanford’s pond and other campus areas that support the science curriculum.
This initiative is the next step in a sequence of transformative campus improvement projects. In 2016, we opened the Geipel Center for Performing Arts. In October of 2020, the Struthers Family Sports Center made its debut. Since 2013, Sanford has also renovated and improved Sanford Hall, Pirnie Hall, du Pont Library, the Middle School interior and exterior, Stewart Cottage, and Quigley Hall. In addition, we added two Bermuda grass fields and improved the baseball field. In the same way that we created these facilities to match the stellar talents of our students, faculty, and coaches, we will transform the Nancy C. Sawin Math/Science Center into a state-of-the-art STEM center.
When will this happen?
I can’t give you an exact date for construction or completion of the facility. The project has a budget of $5M. With the first $1M secured, we have a great start; but there is significant work to do. Because we are a financially conservative school, which carries limited long-term debt, our goal will be to raise much of the remaining $4M before breaking ground.
In capital campaign planning, conventional wisdom says a school shouldn’t announce the idea of a campaign publicly until 80–90% of the funds are raised. Well…
- As a leader, I don’t always follow conventional wisdom; sometimes, the herd doesn’t always know best.
- For a whole host of reasons, Sanford isn’t exactly like many other independent schools.
- This news was too good not to share with our community!
I understand and empathize with the millions of people who were happy to see 2020 come to a close. But, opening my mail one day in December reminded me that there is light at the end of the tunnel. This donor’s gift will be the catalyst for a project that brings all of us renewed hope as we head into 2021.
As we have for 90 years at Sanford, I’m confident that our community will keep striving, pushing, growing, and learning. Just as our students’ futures are bright and dynamic—so too is the future of Sanford School.
Thank you for being a part of our journey.
As we have for 90 years at Sanford, I’m confident that our community will keep striving, pushing, growing, and learning. Just as our students’ futures are bright and dynamic—so too is the future of Sanford School.
Thank you for being a part of our journey.
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