Wright Family Endowment to Benefit Teachers
Gift to Fuel the Love of Learning
It's easy for George and Ellen Wright, parents of Frances '06 and George '08, to list qualities they value about USN. First, the teachers. "Everybody at USN is committed and involved, and the teachers are amazing," Ellen says. "I'd like to come and sit in on some classes."
The Wrights also appreciate USN's past, its "history of best practices and of always being intentional about the best way to educate children," Ellen says. "Self-examination is integral to what goes on here."
George says, "At USN the children developed responsibility. They learned to ask for help when they needed it." He values the school's "non-repressive atmosphere" that promotes independence. Both are grateful that their children learned to write here.
When they were selecting a kindergarten for Frances, USN impressed Ellen and George. They visited Dee Hicks' class, where all the children were sitting on the floor engaged in their work. It seemed to be a school that could challenge and engage their children and a lively and welcoming place.
So it proved to be. When George graduated in 2008, Ellen said to Vince Durnan, "You'll have to kick me out." He refused. (She still serves on the Board's Building and Grounds Committee, although she is no longer on the Board.)
So it is not surprising that the Wrights made University School a philanthropic priority. "In gratitude for the outstanding education Frances and George Wright received during each one's 13 years at USN, the Wright Family Endowment was established to recognize the excellence, dedication, thoughtfulness and enthusiasm shown by their teachers. It is our intention to help this extraordinary group of educators fuel their own love of learning, as they have encouraged so many students to do."
You can follow in Ellen and George's footsteps and support the welcoming and engaging environment at USN with a planned gift. Contact Anne Westfall at (615) 277-7495 or awestfall@usn.org to begin a conversation today.