About the Challenge

Hawken Serves up the White House Challenge

The historic White House, a focal point on the Gates Mills campus, is grounded in its stone foundation and is a constant reminder of Hawken’s rich heritage. It is emblazoned in the memory of every Hawken graduate since the Upper School was established in the 1960s. For some, it stirs recollections of coat and tie, family style meals served by a faculty member. For others, it summons memories of the bone-chilling cold they endured during the winter months as they inched toward the mansion’s grand entrance, in eager anticipation of the warmth emanating from the cast iron radiators, steaming soups or oven-baked crispitos.
 
As schedules changed and enrollment grew, so did the lunch lines. With each passing year, the serving area became more and more congested while kitchen staff prepare food for hungry Hawks in a very confined space. Please consider supporting the shortening of lines that wind around the White House.

Contact Our Chefs

Kathleen Z. Guzzi 
440.423.2918 or kguzz@hawken.edu
 
Jeff Biggar ’68 
440.423.2084 or biggar@hawken.edu
 
Make your pledge or gift today!

Order Up!

We had a unique opportunity to move forward with this project while crews were already on campus for the construction of Stirn Hall. With capacity for an additional 150 people and a fully air conditioned ground floor, this new space also serves as a beautiful special event venue. 
 
The goal of the White House Challenge is to raise an additional $2 million to cover construction expenses. Pledges may be paid over 5 years. Feel free to peruse our entrée and a la carte menus…there are options for alumni of all ages!

Features of Renovated and Expanded White House

Increased capacity to serve 150 more people 

Multiple food/serving stations

Kitchen/serving area will be expanded by 40%

Air conditioning throughout first floor

2,500 sq. ft. of new space, including two new restrooms

Architecturally designed to complement the historic building 

All historic features of the White House have been preserved

All outdoor spaces have been beautifully renovated and upgraded

Multiple opportunities to host special events
Hawken School | Lower & Middle Schools, 5000 Clubside Rd, Lyndhurst, OH 44124
Upper School, PO Box 8002 (12465 County Line Rd), Gates Mills, OH 44040
Gries Center, 10823 Magnolia Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106
440.423.4446