ALUMNI NEWS
FWCD is excited to introduce Eleanor Siff, the School’s new Alumni Relations Coordinator. Eleanor brings a wealth of experience in fundraising, volunteer engagement and event planning. She understands the importance of building strong relationships and meaningful connections to create a thriving alumni community. Eleanor comes to FWCD from Pathfinders, an organization dedicated
ALUMNI NEWS
Meet Eleanor Siff
An Unforgettable Three Years
to helping individuals transition from poverty to self-sufficiency, where she was the Development and Grants Manager. As an alumna of a private K-12 school in Virginia, Eleanor understands and appreciates the culture and community within an independent school. She also has a personal connection to FWCD; her mother, Mimi Siff, is an FWCD Class of 1981 graduate.
fundraising events like the March for Babies Walk and the Signature Chefs Auction Gala. She gained valuable experience in volunteer recruitment, communication coordination and event logistics, building a strong foundation in event management and donor relations. At Breakthrough Central Texas, she facilitated donor stewardship projects and helped manage event logistics.
Eleanor graduated from Southwestern University with a B.A. in Religion and a minor in Environmental Studies. Her commitment to community engagement is evident in her volunteer work with the Junior League of Fort Worth and the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network.
As the Alumni Relations Coordinator, Eleanor is eager to strengthen alumni connections, enhance engagement, and foster a supportive community for both current and former students. Her diverse experience and passion for education and community building make her a valuable addition to the FWCD family.
Asad Dean ’90 presided over his final Alumni Council meeting as President on Monday, May 13. Asad enthusiastically served in this role for three academic years – since 2021-22. Typically, a President serves a two-year term, but Asad agreed to serve for a third year since it was the School’s 60th anniversary. During his tenure on the Alumni Council, Asad created the Peer-to-Peer FWCD Fund Challenge (and his Class of 1990 won it two years running!), helped to revise the Alumni Council bylaws, and made memorable speeches at graduation ceremonies and alumni induction events. Asad is known for getting the crowd excited. His graduation speeches, which involve fun music, lots of cheering – and this year, a live falcon (watch the graduation video at fwcd.org/ graduation; Asad’s speech starts at the 2:07 mark), are legendary. He is one of the most spirited alumni around. As a parting gift, the Alumni Association gifted him with an FWCD tie and a one-of-a-kind FWCD plaid bow tie and pocket square.
Her journey in nonprofit development began in 2017 with March of Dimes in Austin, where she organized major
Alumni Work at Fort Wonder Camp Six FWCD alumni spent their summer working as Fort Wonder Camp Counselors. Camps started just after Memorial Day and ran through August 2. The Counselors were Claire Barker ’20, Mackenzie Medaris ’19, Harrison Kemmer ’23, Michelle Wilkinson ’23, Ava Scott ’23 and Carson Lee ’23 (not pictured).
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THE FALCONER
Austin Falcons on the Road Head of School Eric Lombardi was in Austin for the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest Arts Festival and attended an FWCD alumni event with area Falcons at Stubbs BBQ. Pictured (back row) Andrew Thomas, Liam Callahan ’23, Melissa Almgren ’88, Humberto Zamorano ’21, Colin Fredian ’21, William Burnett ’20, Sawyer Parker ’22, Will Tuomey ’20, Anna Moritz ’20, XiXi Hillman ’22, Eric Lombardi, Loran Fredric ’99 (front row) Carter Tatum ’98, Lily Melcher ’20, Stephanie Cook ’20, Jaiden Patel ’23, Alexa Merritt ’21, Abby McGehee ’21, Abbie Kate Henderson ’21, Evelyn Richey ’22, Joe Breedlove ’78 and Sara Teegarden. 55