Buckingham Friends School said it has received the largest gift in school history, from an alum who wishes to remain anonymous.
Head of School Paul Lindenmaier called it “an extraordinary and transformative gift of $5 million” in support of the school’s capital campaign, launched in August.
After completing a comprehensive readiness study, the Buckingham Friends School Board of Trustees took the historic step last August, of wholeheartedly approving a Capital Campaign that will re-imagine the school’s expansive campus and strengthen its endowment.
The ambitious campaign supports the objectives outlined in the 2020 master facilities plan and a bold vision for stewarding the school’s bucolic campus over the next few years:
1. renovating classrooms and common spaces in the large main building;
2. replacing an old declining gym;
3. renovating and enhancing the arts building and auditorium;
4. providing an entryway with ADA access to the gym and arts buildings; and
5. adding a new science lab addition with access to the outdoors.
The campaign responds to the school’s 2019 Strategic Plan and the additional imperative to increase the BFS endowment, focusing on three areas that reflect the school’s values and priorities: supporting faculty by continuing to increase salaries and funding for professional development, offering more financial aid, and funding the long-term care of the school’s treasured campus and facilities.
“We listened to our community and set campaign priorities that respond to our shared vision: to ignite a curiosity for knowledge; to support exploration and innovation; to renew and revitalize our campus and facilities; and to provide more funding for faculty salaries and student financial assistance,” explained Lindenmaier. “We are humbled and happy to share that a grateful alum has made an extraordinary and transformative gift of $5 million in support of this important work.”
“While the donor wishes to remain anonymous, we can tell you that this alum described their BFS experience as a time when they felt seen and supported by dedicated educators, and that they were celebrated for the Light and special promise within them,” commented Clerk of the Board Michael Godshall. “True to our mission, that is our wish for every student. With this generous gift, we can realize our vision for BFS while continuing to recognize and support each child in becoming the best version of themselves.”
Over the next few months, BFS leadership will be working with faculty, students, and the school community to finalize the designs for the first phase of campus changes. They hope to begin Phase One construction as early as June 2022.
For information about BFS, the master facilities plan, and/or the capital campaign, visit bfs.org or contact Katelynn Connolly director of advancement, kconnolly@bfs.org.
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