With five Admirals between the two families, including four alumni and one current student, each shares a remarkably similar yet unique story of their journey at Severn, including their decision to continue supporting a campus and a cause that greatly influence them to this day. Both families agree that the decision to send their children as preschool and kindergarten students to Chesapeake Academy (as the school was known before the merger with Severn in 2013) was crucial to the foundation of their education and set the tone for their lifelong support.

“We were immediately blown away with all that our children learned during their first years at Chesapeake Academy,” say Eric and Lori Veiel, whose son Ben ’24 is a sophomore studying at their alma mater Washington University in St. Louis, and daughter Lizzie ’26 is embarking on her final year at Severn while exploring college opportunities and her passion for arts and business. “The fact that the teachers, many of whom are still here today, were invested, engaged, and committed was apparent from the beginning,” they add.

“The teachers empowered the kids at an early age to lead the way and found balance between caring, exploring, and maintaining control,” note Jim and Patti Murphy, whose son Brendan ’20 graduated from the University of Michigan and currently works at an information services company in New York. Their daughter Erin ’21 recently graduated from the University of Virginia and is studying for medical school exams, and daughter Megan ’23, is studying accounting and continuing her passion for singing and a cappella as a junior at Boston College.

With their students establishing solid foundations in their early years, both sets of parents were fully committed to supporting the school in various capacities, including leadership and volunteer roles. Notably, Jim and Eric served on the board of trustees for 13 and eight years, respectively, and were integral to the success of the merger. While ensuring financial stability was of the utmost importance during this time—as Eric headed up finance on the board and Jim served as board chair both before and after the merger—maintaining the same high level of education, care, and culture was equally important. “We had a natural relationship between the schools anyway, with many students transitioning to Severn after fifth grade, but one of the reasons the merger was so seamless was because all of the other important things aligned,” says Jim. “Character, integrity, and community—that was what Chesapeake Academy was, and that is what Severn is. Such a seamless transition doesn’t happen often.”

“When we merged, we knew we had a hidden gem,” recollects Eric, who with Jim, also credits the tremendous support of the other board members and Head of School Doug Lagarde for the smooth transition. “Now, everyone sees it, as evidenced by our robust student body and enrollment. Over time, our community has merged as well, but who we are and what we want to be have remained the same.”

In complete agreement, Jim adds, “I’ve had the honor of a front-row seat watching us grow from a nice hidden secret of a regional school to a prominent and premier leader, all while never losing sight of our core values. Exactly what we hoped would happen did.”

Support for the rebuilding of the Chesapeake Campus long after their children have left the hallways and classrooms of the Lower School has been intentional and a self-described natural fit for both families. The Veiel family named and is supporting the construction of a much-anticipated dining commons and kitchen for students and faculty, while the Murphy family has endowed the Lower School head position in perpetuity.

“I laugh that it was all of those years of serving hot lunch to students in the classrooms that prompted our wanting to name the dining commons,” says Lori, who served in many volunteer capacities, such as room parent, grade-level rep in Lower and Middle schools, and auction basket coordinator, among others. “But in reality,” she continues, “the space provides the opportunity for students and teachers to gather and feel integrated into the community as a whole. It also represents a promise kept that was made at the time of the merger—that in addition to people and programs, we would invest in facilities and provide a state-of-the-art Lower School where our students would flourish. We are happy to give back and help provide this experience to current and future students in the Lower School.”

Patti, who also volunteered as APA president, room parent, class representative, and on numerous committees through all three divisions, agrees. “The Lower School was and still is such a happy, warm place, where both kids and faculty experience notable and impactful moments together,” she says. “We understand now just how important that is and are happy to support others having the same experience that our kids had. You know Severn is a special place,” she adds, “but you really feel it when you can see it in the choices and actions that your children make as young adults.”

When asked what advice they would give to other parents with students at Severn on either campus, proud smiles accompany both families’ comments. “I would say to let your kids follow their dreams at Severn,” say Jim and Patti, “a place where you are self-actualized as a student and where you can be whoever you want to be—an athlete, scientist, musician, artist—it’s all there. The ability to try anything in a supportive environment and find out who you are is well worth the investment.”

“Let the kids advocate for themselves,” add Lori and Eric. “The confidence, ability to communicate with adults, make decisions, ask questions—their strong foundation becomes even more evident as the years go on.”

With the construction of a completely new state-of-the-art campus and numerous physical changes to accompany it, the families are confident that the foundation that guides students will remain unchanged and that the message of one community will be further strengthened. “The new campus sends a strong message to our entire community that the Lower School is integral to the whole system and that the longevity of this journey of growth starts in the early years,” say Eric and Lori.

“We are eager for all the new features of campus––the Maker Lab, dining hall, multipurpose room, outdoor spaces, and more. It will be incredible and an example of what a great independent school is all about,” add Jim and Patti. “But staying true to ourselves and in line with our mission, remaining known and valued, and creating passionate people and future leaders who make a difference—that is what Severn is and will continue to be all about.”

This story originally appeared in the Fall 2025 issue of The Bridge. To see the complete digital issue, click here.