Why I Give

The reasons Hawken alumni, parents, and friends give to Hawken School are as varied as they are personal. Whether you’re an alumnus moved by nostalgia from your days on campus, celebrating a reunion, honoring a faculty member, a parent grateful for your child’s experience, or inspired by the School’s forward-focused mission and passionate students, your reasons for supporting Hawken create a unique and meaningful education for Hawken students. We are excited to share some of those reasons here. 
 
Please share with us why you give to Hawken.


My personal development at home with parents, four younger brothers and neighbor friends, coupled with nine years of Hawken, shaped me in a most positive manner. Teachers Elmer Sipple, Mortimer Smeed, and Charlie Poutasse had a profound influence on my development. Also headmasters Carl N. Holmes and Richard W. Day were able caring leaders. These men (and others) influenced my future career work as I was inspired by age 11 to “follow in their footsteps” and I became a school man for almost 50 years. My first position after college was as an apprentice teacher at Hawken. Our Barnes, Fiordalis, White collective family group has benefited immensely from Hawken. Since 1925, to the present day, more than a dozen boys, and now girls, attended Hawken. Vicariously I have witnessed the 21st century version of Hawken under the visionary leadership of Head of School Scott Looney through the eyes of my two grandchildren. They were challenged and supported by a gifted faculty and staff. Both blossomed and have developed into outstanding young adults. Counting my many blessings, family and Hawken stand atop the list. It is with deep personal gratitude that I continue to support my alma mater today as best I can.

Vincent Fiordalis II '57
Alumnus, Alumni Grandparent



I give to Hawken because I am constantly reminded of -- and always thankful for -- the skills and general life lessons Hawken taught me. In college, I felt far more prepared than my peers, especially in terms of strong writing skills which Hawken instills in all of its students. Public speaking skills and how to advocate for myself also took root at Hawken and served me well in college and now in my business life. I also give to Hawken in appreciation for the community there. Many of my best friends today are those I made all the way back to the 2nd grade at Hawken.

Taylor Johnson '11
Hawken Alumna




The education foundation that I gained at Hawken is one that continues to pay dividends in my personal and professional life. Hawken’s mission to develop the intellect and character of its students is one that truly makes the world a better place. I give because I believe in that mission and I know that my gift is an investment in students who will continue to change the world for the better.

Leon Pryor '92
Hawken Alumnus




I give to Hawken both because of traditional school "loyalty" reasons, and because Hawken is most definitely not just resting on its laurels. Hawken has always had great teachers, and a wonderful spirit, but more recently it has pushed into innovative educational approaches, and has become a recognized leader, not only among private schools in Cleveland, but among all schools nationally, and to some extent internationally. Hawken has always engaged their students through great teachers and small classes, but now it is engaging students further with innovative, participatory, interactive approaches to the educational material itself. Hawken recognizes that in today's world, it isn't so much about the content, it is about the problem solving and knowledge "wrangling" capability that will make today's students into tomorrow's leaders. It is a real thrill to see Hawken leading the way, and when I give to Hawken, I feel like I am doing more than just helping a single great school in Cleveland; I feel like I am helping to advance the ideas of how an educational experience can best help students grow to become extraordinary, confident, generous, and inspirational contributors to our global society.

Tucker Taft '70
Hawken Alumnus



We give to the Hawken Fund so that other students can benefit from all that Hawken has to offer. We give to support the work of the existing Hawken community and to say thank you for everything our children have experienced. With a 10th grader, a 7th grader and four nieces in the lower school, Hawken is an important part of our lives and our family. We appreciate the opportunity to support the Hawken Fund each year because we believe in Hawken's purpose and promise.

Ryan & Terri Marrie
Hawken Parents, Faculty


As current Hawken parents, and Josiah an alumnus of the school, we are able to see first-hand the amazing things the school is doing to provide a better place for our children to learn. A strong education, supportive community, and resilient value system are the best things we as parents can provide for our children. Hawken helps strengthen these ideals with our children. We value the individualism that Hawken School encourages and the joy our son has for learning. In an effort to continue Hawken School’s growth we feel it is important to give back to the school through volunteerism and through giving to the Hawken Fund.

Josiah '99 & Dana Haas
Hawken Parents


We give because of the way Hawken individualizes education across the board and is committed to innovative education. Though our children have different learning styles, they have both had positive, personalized experiences. Hawken appreciates that no two children are the same and uses its resources to respond accordingly. Hawken is continually committed to academic excellence and progressive offerings. We love that our children will be able to look back on their educational experience as the school that made history.

Diane and Eric Attell
Hawken Parents



We give because we have witnessed firsthand how our child benefits from the wide variety of experiences Hawken has to offer. We are well aware that tuition alone cannot support these resources and we are proud to support the school by contributing to the Hawken Fund.

Sandra and Bill Lehr
Hawken Parents

I support Hawken for the continued promise of Fair Play in high quality education! 
Shawn Shores, Hawken Parent



We look forward to giving back to Hawken each year and view it as a way to express our gratitude. As parents, we feel fortunate that our children have had such meaningful experiences throughout their years at Hawken School. The teachers and faculty have sparked curiosity in our kids and have started them on their journey of (what we hope to be) lifelong learning. As a family, we have formed relationships near and far through wonderful educational travel experiences and we have enjoyed the opportunity to host exchange families. It is a pleasure to give back! Hawken School is home....

Michelle and Lou Genovese
Hawken Parents


As an alumnus and alumni parent, I give to Hawken in a number of ways. I give my time and talent out of appreciation for all that Hawken gave to me and my children during our years as students. I give to the Hawken Fund so that others can benefit from the unique opportunities that are Hawken.
Lauren Pacini '59, Alumnus & Alumni Parent



I attended Hawken for the last three years of my high school career which was at a time in my life when I wasn't certain about who I was or what my future might be. Hawken invested in me, in the form of a generous scholarship and jobs over vacation breaks, at a very critical time in my life. I have given to Hawken for the last 30 years to pay it back for the dollars it invested in me. I also have given to Hawken so I can help to provide prospective students with the same opportunity I received.

Carl Smith '74
Alumnus


I give to the Hawken Fund because it represents an opportunity for me to demonstrate my holistic support of Hawken School. As an alum I am grateful for the innumerable ways in which Hawken has impacted my life. As a member of the faculty, my gift to the Hawken Fund symbolizes an investment in my students, players, colleagues, and the greater Hawken community at-large.

David Murray '04
Alumnus, Faculty, and Coach



Hawken is a unique school where every student is encouraged to learn, to grow, to accomplish their best without limiting themselves. I give to Hawken with great joy knowing that the funds will be used for our students so that they can continue to learn all they need to follow their dreams. Our alumni shows how those dreams continue to make the world a better place. Supporting Hawken supports the future; not just the bright futures of our students, but also those of countless others whose lives they touch.

Pat Jewell
Faculty


As a faculty member, I’m inspired to give to the Hawken Fund because I know there’s only so much I can do in my role, and I want to invest in every one of my colleagues and students.
 
Anna Delia
Director of the Lyndhurst Innovation Lab


We’re pleased to support the Hawken Fund because we believe in the School. It’s great to be able to direct our gift to the programs that our boys enjoy the most and know that we’re making an immediate impact on their experiences.
 
Linda Lee and Tim Chang
Hawken Parents


We give to the Hawken Fund because we know tuition alone doesn’t provide the resources for all of the amazing experiences that Hawken provides. We want to ensure that students have every opportunity to grow in character and intellect.
 
Tal and Brian ’98 Rothstein
Hawken Parents


My family took a leadership role in making the Innovation Lab a reality because we believe in Scott Looney’s vision. We are proud to support this kind of learning experience for current and future generations of Hawken students.
 
Cathy and Larry Goldberg
Hawken Grandparents
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