From the Winter 2019 Possibilities Issue of The Bridge
Philanthropy is defined as the desire to promote the welfare of others through a gift of time or treasure for humanitarian purposes. It is so much more than simply donating to a cause. The spirit of philanthropy — that which changes lives, fosters progress, and improves our world — lies in the meaning and intention behind the gift. It is not only the gift but the giver that makes this positive change possible.
In an inspiring display of collective action, the Class of 2019 showed the Severn community that the philanthropic spirit is alive in our younger generations. Every member of the senior class gave a 'dollar of dedication' in honor of a faculty or staff member who has impacted their life. “I give to Severn in dedication to the teachers here that have helped me grow as a student and as a young man," Owura Berko '19 reflects. "The teachers here have taught me life lessons outside of the classroom that have benefitted me today, and it is something that I’ll forever be thankful for."For our seniors, the act of giving gave them the opportunity to have a voice. Perhaps it's no surprise that philanthropy comes naturally to our soon-to-be-alumni; after all, Severn School's very foundation was built upon a grand philanthropic gesture.
A History of Philanthropy At Severn
"I give to Severn because this school changed my life. Mr. Teel was the single most important factor in my life. He and the school changed everything for me."— Stephens Millard '51
In 1914 Mrs. Susan Teel and her husband Rolland used a small family inheritance to open Severn as a boarding prep school for young men taking the USNA entrance exam. Running on a modest budget during those early years, Severn relied on tuition to stay afloat. There was no annual fund, no endowment and no significant capital enhancements. As the school slowly began to grow, Woods Hall was built in 1955 with Memorial Gymnasium constructed less than a decade later in 1963.Susan Ashley Teel upon her graduation from Wellesley College and Rolland Marshall Teel in 1931.The 1980s ushered in a new era of philanthropy at Severn with a momentum that has continued to energize the school through the decades. The creation of a development office with defined fundraising goals and objectives enabled the school to evolve and stay relevant in an era of educational reform. Private funding allowed the school to explore the art of what was possible, transforming that small boarding school into the vision of Severn as it stands today.
During Head of School Lagarde’s tenure, Severn also established its endowment, a marker of growth as significant as the improvements to the physical space. From 2006 to 2018, the endowment grew from $4.5 million to $15 million, ensuring Severn's legacy for its second century of operation.
"In many ways, the physical space, which has been the focus of our philanthropy in the past 20 years, is a third member of our learning team. You have the faculty member, the student, and this space. It is critical to have spaces that add to the experience and education of a student and the opportunities for the faculty." — Doug Lagarde, Head of School
Philanthropy at Severn Today
The Severn community’s history of generosity inspires a growing philanthropic culture today. Faculty, students, parents, trustees and alumni all give back to the school, each with a personal story behind that giving. "I have given for 16 years as a thank you," said Marc Buckley, Upper School History Teacher, Dean of Students, and current parent. “I have been to Turkey and Israel on Millard Travel Grants and I appreciate the buildings and resources that come from philanthropy. All that being said, everything changed when my child came here. That experience has really solidified to me that this is a big family and that people look out for one another here. This is the kind of community I want to support.”
Private support continues to have a far-reaching impact. It provides resources that attract the best, brightest and most compassionate faculty; allows the school to create and maintain programs and facilities like the Upper School Leadership Labs and clubs, the Graw Innovation Center, the Malone Schools Online Network, the Health and Wellness Survey, and more. It enables Severn to fulfill its mission to “know and value” each and every student. Director of Development and current parent Shannon Howell shared, "The reason the Severn community chooses to invest in this school is that our donors have a common value: they believe in the importance of a truly great education. They understand that the unique moment of learning shared between a student and their teacher, coach or mentor can be life-changing."
“One of the reasons we chose Severn for our kids is because we really liked their approach to developing the whole child. One of the reasons we chose to chair the annual fund this year is because of the focus on creating financial opportunities for kids who might not be able to afford to go to Severn and also creating experiences for faculty to enrich their teaching through programs at Severn. It is important because the more we expose our children to, the bigger the world becomes to them and the more they have the opportunity to really hone in on what feeds their soul." — Erin Castleberry, current parent
Philanthropy for the Severn of Tomorrow
Progress is a fast-moving train, and as a leader in the educational community, Severn needs continued philanthropic support to thrive. The successful evolution of Severn’s physical campus and academic programming over the last 20 years is proof that its community embraces philanthropy, both in action and in spirit. But what comes next? According to Head of School Doug Lagarde, “A priority is to look at Chesapeake Campus, identify the capital needs and make sure that the campus and its facilities are up to par with Teel Campus. ”
"Philanthropy at Severn creates unique, invaluable experiences for today's students," Mr. Howell reflects, "What's more, a Severn education is something that appreciates over a lifetime for all Admirals and for their families."
Philanthropy is part of the foundation of Severn School, woven into its very fabric. This enduring generosity enables the Severn community to benefit from exemplary programs, state-of-the-art spaces and the secured promise of future opportunities. Philanthropy at Severn will continue to have a transformative impact for every Admiral, through the next century and beyond.
"Philanthropy allows us to think big; it allows us to take risks; it makes it possible for Severn to be what it needs to be to ultimately serve its mission and its students. It allows us to shape the future, rather than be shaped by the future." — Doug Lagarde
