REPORT OF GIFTS 2024–2025
Development Office 2025-2026 Chief Advancement Officer Chad O’Kane P ’29
Director of Development Christopher Rahill OPC ’99, P ’34
Director of Stewardship Stephen A. Bonnie OPC ’66
Director of the Annual Fund Corinne Goldenberg
Event Coordinator Shawna Hanley P ’34, ’35
Director of Alumni Engagement Amanda Medina León
Development Associate Emma Rowan
Administrative Assistant Susan Spencer
Director of Parent Engagement Lauren Stabert P ’35, ’38
Director of Advancement Services Blanca Womack P ’20
PENN CHARTER TRUSTEES Brigitte Addimando P ’28, ’29, ’33 Grace Sharples Cooke P ’08, ’11 David Evans OPC ’59 Jane F. Evans Hon. 1689, P ’93, ’95, ’98 Amy Gadsden P ’23, ’23, ’27 Florencia Greer Polite P ’22, ’30 Mark D. Hecker OPC ’99 Paul H. Hough OPC ’77 Matthew B. Kessler OPC ’99 Adam Koppel OPC ’87 Leela Morrow P ’29, ’32, ’37 Kenneth A. Murphy OPC ’82, P ’09, ’19, ’21 Andrew Newcomb P ’29, ’32 Benjamin E. Robinson III OPC ’82 Robert L. Rosania OPC ’82, P ’22, ’23 W. Scott Simon OPC ’78 Gregory E. Summers OPC ’89, P ’23, ’26 Robert Vosburgh
SENIOR TRUSTEES Richard A. Balderston OPC ’69, P ’02, ’05 Nelson J. Luria OPC ’59 Edward Zubrow Hon. 1689
TO SAVE MONEY AND TREES, we have published the details of the 2024-2025 Report of Gifts online. Visit penncharter.com/gifts or scan this QR code. The material is protected with a password to ensure the privacy of our donors. To access details about charitable giving at PC, enter the password: stewards. ON THE COVER: In seventh grade science, students learn how to properly use microscopes and make their own wet mount slides in preparation for eventually working with living samples.
A Letter from the Clerk of the Board of Trustees This year marks an extraordinary moment in Penn Charter’s history. The opening of the Richard A. Balderston OPC ’69 Lower School stands as a powerful symbol of what vision and generosity can achieve together. It represents the culmination of a campus master plan set in motion more than a decade ago—made possible through the steadfast commitment of so many in our community whose support has strengthened every corner of the school. This Paul H. Hough OPC ’77
achievement reflects not just the creation of a building but the shared belief that our students deserve learning spaces that inspire curiosity, joy and growth. As clerk of the Board of Trustees, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand how philanthropy fuels that spirit across campus. In 2024–2025, more than 1,400 members of the Penn Charter family contributed to the Annual Fund, raising over $1.7 million. Together with gifts supporting capital projects, endowment, EITC and special initiatives, total giving reached $6.65 million—a reflection of deep and widespread confidence in Penn Charter’s mission and future. This collective generosity sustains so much of what defines Penn Charter— innovative teaching, meaningful service, and the integration of Quaker values in every classroom and program. It ensures that our students, from pre-K through 12th grade, are equipped to learn with integrity, to think independently and to act with compassion. Each gift, no matter the size, represents an investment in the continued excellence of the school and in the generations of students who will carry its values forward. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, thank you for your unwavering belief in Penn Charter and for the many ways you strengthen this community. Your partnership enables the school to look ahead with optimism—to continue nurturing each student’s promise and to remain a place where joy, purpose and community thrive. With gratitude and friendship,
Paul H. Hough OPC ’77 Clerk of the Board of Trustees
William Penn Charter School • Report of Gifts
1
REPORT OF GIFTS CASH RECEIVED, JULY 1, 2024 – JUNE 30, 2025
ANNUAL FUND Alumni Annual Fund
$
1,002,209
Parent (Current and OPC Parent) Annual Fund
$
647,921
Friends Annual Fund
$
53,113
Grandparent Annual Fund
$
20,407
Faculty and Staff Annual Fund
$
29,923
SUBTOTAL
$
1,753,573
Educational Improvement Tax Credit
$
1,518,682
Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit
$
622,556
Teachers Retirement Contribution
$
581,158
Other
$
100,000
SUBTOTAL
$
2,822,396
TOTAL GIFTS TO CURRENT OPERATIONS
$ 4,575,969
RESTRICTED ANNUAL GIVING
CAPITAL AND ENDOWMENT
2
Faculty Endowment
$
541,564
Scholarship Endowment
$
1,009,057
Campus Transformation
$
175,050
Program Excellence
$
53,610
General Endowment
$
1,275
Unrestricted
$
302,068
TOTAL CAPITAL AND ENDOWMENT GIFTS
$
2,082,624
ALL CHARITABLE GIVING
$ 6,658,593
William Penn Charter School • Report of Gifts
NURTURING THEIR SPARK: One OPC’s Transformative Gift Honors the Teachers Who Impacted His Life The Adam M. Koppel OPC ’87, Brenda E. Haynes and John T. Rogers Hon. 1689 Fund for Teaching Excellence Teaching is so much more than a job. It’s more than a career. It is a calling. For hundreds of years, the core of the Penn Charter academic experience has been its talented and dedicated faculty members. Beyond simply teaching their subjects, they serve as coaches, advisors, mentors and more. Penn Charter teachers are passionate about their work, committed to connecting with their students and dedicated to their own lifelong learning. The very best schools honor that spark, that infectious joy for teaching and learning, in their community members. Penn Charter makes available to faculty dedicated professional development funding and opportunities for them to continue their education, making it possible for teachers to pursue and present innovative learning experiences to their students.
Adam Koppel OPC ’87 honored his teacher Jack Rogers Hon. 1689 (pictured) and other dedicated faculty members by endowing a fund to support today’s educators.
These opportunities have increased thanks to the generosity of community members—like Adam Koppel OPC ’87—who choose to show gratitude for their own teachers by making a gift that directly supports professional learning opportunities for faculty. Koppel, who joined Penn Charter’s Board of Trustees in July, established the Adam M. Koppel OPC ’87, Brenda E. Haynes and John T. Rogers Hon. 1689 Fund for Teaching Excellence to show his gratitude for the faculty members, including Jack Rogers, who had an impact on his life and his career trajectory. Proceeds from this fund support Penn Charter’s VITAL program, as well as faculty compensation, professional development opportunities Adam M. Koppel OPC ’87 and Brenda Haynes
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William Penn Charter School • Report of Gifts
and other faculty recognition initiatives.
Koppel, a PC lifer, remembers fondly his “absolutely awesome experience” as a student. He loved playing basketball and baseball (though he claims he was “one of the worst athletes”), and served as class clerk, editor of The Mirror and captain of the math team. Koppel’s varied involvement enabled him to serve as class communicator—the glue that has helped keep his class connected over the years. “What I loved the most about Penn Charter was the culture, the people, the students,” he said. “We had a very close class, and most of us remain connected even today.” Koppel also has remained close to a number of former teachers and credits them for not only providing an education but for caring about their students as people, beyond the classroom. “There are probably 20 people I can name who had such an impact—and not only on me but on my classmates, as well,” he said. “Everybody had a connection to a faculty member. And they weren’t just 9-to-5 teachers—they were the people who raised us. “At the time,” he added, “they seemed so big and so important, and they were, and when we talk to each other, especially at our most recent reunion, we talk about the stories. The educators were as prominent as anyone as a part of our class.” It was teachers like Alice Davis Hon. 1689 and Jack Rogers Hon. 1689 who gave students so much more than a classroom education, Koppel said. They were coaches, both in athletics and in life. “It’s the depth and breadth and longevity of the educators that make Penn Charter such a great school and make the students and
As part of a VITAL program, students and teachers visited Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center in Fairmount Park in advance of a spring break 2026 trip to Japan.
parents really want to be here,” he said. Koppel and his wife, Brenda Haynes, created the fund to support the professional growth of Penn Charter faculty and show
up a way to give teachers the opportunity and the resources to better themselves, for themselves, for their students and for the
appreciation for educators like Jack Rogers—who nurtured his
Penn Charter community,” he said.
own passion for lifelong learning by attending law school while
Last summer, the Koppel-Haynes gift helped to fund the VITAL
teaching full time. “My wife and I want to make sure we can set
Japan experience for faculty members Ryan Aponte, Ben Dziedzic, Joy Lai and Michael LoStracco, who traveled to Japan to foster relationships prior to their March 2026 trip with students to
The VITAL (Valuing Innovative Teaching and Learning) program allows educators to be lifelong
Tokyo Friends School and Temple University Japan. The trip’s objective, Aponte said, was “to build community with peers abroad by enhancing our students’ knowledge of and experience
learners and reflective practitioners, offering
with Japanese-centered topics and activities … and explore ways
substantial funding to faculty during the summer
in which we can bring opportunities on campus through visiting
months that will allow for “the transformation of
speakers, cultural workshops and student-led immersions.” PC — Lisa D’Orazio
their craft through research, collaboration and innovation.” Providing students with an outstanding education that is both current and meaningful is
To support the Koppel Fund or to learn more about
VITAL’s ultimate goal.
Penn Charter’s VITAL program, contact Chris Rahill, director of development, at crahill@penncharter.com.
William Penn Charter School • Report of Gifts
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SHAPING LOSS INTO LEGACY Colin Barnes Still OPC ’08 Scholarship
Colin Barnes Still OPC ’08 grew up in a tight-knit family in Oreland, Pa., with two older brothers, Ryan OPC ’03 and Derek OPC ’05. Even from a young age, his family recalls, he was competitive and driven, as well as kind-hearted and empathetic. “Colin was somebody who always leaned into other people’s problems and other people’s struggles,” said his father, James Still OPC ’75. “He leaned in to help people quietly, not for show but just to help people.” As young as the first grade, Colin looked out for other children. “If one of the kids who was smaller was being picked on, Colin would always be the one to defend that kid,” said his mother, Jill. And that would put an end to the teasing, not just because Colin was big for his age but because he was well-liked by his peers and led by example. In fourth grade, Colin joined his older brothers at Penn Charter. In Upper School, he loved history and was president of the Latin Club. He played football and lacrosse, leading the PC lacrosse team to the state semi-finals as a captain. He was a four-time All-Inter-Ac, two-time All-State, and one-time All-American lacrosse player who went on to play lacrosse at Yale University, where he majored in political science. “I looked up to him—even though I was the oldest—in so many ways,” Ryan said. “We were so proud of him with his academics
The boys had a wide group of friends both within and outside of PC.
and athletics and just the way he treated people. In his career, his
They grew up, Jill noted, with the Quaker belief that there is the
professional career, he crushed it.”
Light of God in everyone.
On Feb. 8, 2023, Colin Still, an equities trader in New York City
“All three of us were very fortunate that we were able to attend
who had recently celebrated his marriage to Ericha Lutter, died
Penn Charter,” Derek added. “But at the same time, we recognized
unexpectedly at age 33.
that we had so many close friends who didn’t have the same
“One of the reasons that we sent our boys to Penn Charter was the
financial means.”
diversity—the socioeconomic diversity—of the school,” Jim Still
And so, in the months after Colin died, the family embarked on a
said in a recent interview. “And Colin cherished that. All three of
grassroots effort to raise money to establish a scholarship fund at
our children cherished that.”
PC as a way of honoring their son and brother.
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William Penn Charter School • Report of Gifts
“One of your concerns as a parent is, are people going to remember our child? And the scholarship, it’s going to outlive me and Jill, and it’s going to outlive Ryan and Derek, and it’s going to outlive the life that Colin should have lived.” – Jim Still OPC ’75 The Stills began by organizing and hosting a golf outing of family
“Colin touched the lives of so many people that we didn’t even
and friends in September of 2024. Between the Penn Charter
know,” Jill said. “The notes that we received from people who met
community and Colin’s network of friends and colleagues from
him at different points in their lives were incredible.”
New York and Yale, the response was considerable—125 people
Though the process of establishing the scholarship fund was
attended.
emotional for the Still family, Jim said, “it was really important for
It was important for the Stills to tell people about Penn Charter,
us to honor Colin’s life because the kid covered a lot of ground in
its Quaker values and its commitment to financial aid—that this scholarship fund would benefit students with financial need whose families otherwise would not be able to afford tuition. The Stills followed up the golf outing with an even broader email campaign to reach more people connected to Colin and his family. Contributions and remembrances for Colin poured in. More than 700 people made a gift to the fund.
33 years. He impacted a lot of lives.” Seeing a Colin Barnes Still scholar graduate from Penn Charter and go on to college will be especially meaningful to the family. “If Colin had one lasting thing that he could do,” Derek said, “it would be to give other kids the opportunity that he was fortunate to have had and that meant so much to him in his life and all of our lives.” PC – Rebecca Luzi
If you’d like to make a gift to the Colin Barnes Still OPC ‘08 Scholarship Fund, please contact Chris Rahill at 215-844-3460 ext. 134 or crahill@penncharter.com. You may also give online at penncharter.com/give.
William Penn Charter School • Report of Gifts
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CAPTURING THE SPIRIT OF THE CLASS OF 2025: Natalie Valentine Gives Back with Time, Talent and Resources When the Class of 2025 gathered to reflect on their Penn Charter years, producer Natalie Valentine was behind the camera. With warmth and skill, she created a “time capsule” video project that captured seniors laughing with friends, reminiscing about classes and sharing heartfelt memories of their Penn Charter experience. For Valentine, storytelling is not just her profession—it is her way of giving back.
A longtime television, digital and film
leveraged a corporate match from Bank
don’t always have the means to write a
producer, Valentine believes that
of America to multiply her gift, and has
big check,” she said, “but I know I can
generosity takes many forms. She is a
also shared her creative talents as part
give time. And if I can pass along any
leadership donor to the Annual Fund, has
of the Senior Parent Gift Committee. “I
skills or lessons I’ve learned—especially with young people—I will do that without hesitation.” Her values were shaped by her parents, who demonstrated service and school involvement throughout her childhood in New York City. “It wasn’t something they ever told me I had to do,” she recalled. “It was just modeled for me. So, giving back— whether through volunteering or sharing my talents—comes naturally.” That sense of giving came to life during her son Jaxon’s senior year. Valentine joined the Senior Parent Gift Committee, and that role allowed her to create something meaningful: a professional-grade film project that documented the Class of 2025’s journey and preserved a piece of PC history. “At my core, I’m a storyteller,” she said. “Being able to produce and ultimately gift the time capsule project was my way of ensuring these students’ voices and experiences will live on—not just for them, but for the wider community.”
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William Penn Charter School • Report of Gifts
been a community that prepared her son to step confidently into his next chapter. She is grateful that Jaxon, now OPC ’25, had both a seamless transition into high school and a well-rounded education that balanced academics, athletics, the arts and community engagement. “Penn Charter gave him a strong foundation, and I really saw his growth over the years. The school prepares students for their next step—whether that’s college or the workforce—by giving them the agency to take ownership of their own journey.”
Members of the Senior Parent Gift Committee: Dilek Karabucak, Natalie Valentine, Nikki Steinig, Stephanie Walters and Erin Johansen
Valentine’s layered involvement—as a donor, volunteer and creative contributor—
When asked what moments from filming
screening this spring, open to the
stood out, Valentine didn’t hesitate.
community—a gesture that, for Valentine,
“Every single student showed up—not just
affirms how widely Quaker values resonate.
had the opportunity to amplify their
For Valentine, Penn Charter has been
voices and preserve their memories. PC
physically, but with a genuine intention to share themselves and their experiences,” she said. “There was comfort and
reflects that generosity comes in many forms. Thanks to her, the Class of 2025
more than a school for her family; it has
– April Torrisi
familiarity in the room, and at some point they forgot I was even there—which was the goal.” She encouraged the students not to worry about the camera, but simply to speak from the heart. That authenticity shone through in the candid moments she captured between takes—laughter, gentle teasing, and the small gestures of friendship. Valentine contributed in another way: She invited the PC leadership team to attend the screening of “Citizen George,” a documentary she co-produced with director Glenn Holsten. The film is about George Lakey, a renowned Philadelphiabased Quaker activist and lifelong advocate for nonviolent social change. “George’s story transcends race, gender, generation and socioeconomic status. It is something that any and everyone can relate to,” Valentine said. “It encourages all of us to use our voices for social change, while staying rooted in peace
MAKE YOUR GIFT GO FURTHER 1. Explore Corporate Matching Gifts Many companies will match charitable donations made by their employees—sometimes dollar for dollar. Valentine says it’s simple: Just ask your HR or benefits department if your company participates, and provide the school with the necessary tax information. “It’s low-hanging fruit,” she notes. “It’s an easy way to increase your gift without additional cost to you.”
2. Give Time and Talent You don’t have to be a filmmaker to make a difference. “We all have skills and experiences that can benefit the school,” Valentine said. Whether it’s volunteering on a committee, helping with events or sharing your talents, there are meaningful ways to support the community.
3. Get Involved Early and Often Engaging with the school as your child progresses through their education strengthens connections, builds community and creates meaningful opportunities to give back. For Valentine, being present—even in small ways—naturally becomes part of a family’s journey at Penn Charter.
and integrity.”
If you’d like to deepen your involvement with Penn Charter, contact Lauren Stabert,
Inspired by the film, Penn Charter
director of parent engagement, at lstabert@penncharter.com.
leadership will host a special on-campus
William Penn Charter School • Report of Gifts
9
CLASS OF 1980 GIFT IN HONOR OF RANDY GRANGER HON. 1689 The bonds forged by Penn Charter’s Class of 1980 have held fast for the last 45 years. So, when class members were planning their 45th reunion, they wanted to make a meaningful gift to the school—one that acknowledged their shared experience.
The 1980 Class Record is dedicated to him, with this inscription:
“When Mr. Granger came to Penn Charter in a green army jacket and leather boots, paint brush in hand, Red Devils in mouth, and his indescribable moustache, we didn’t know what to expect. Nevertheless, we couldn’t help but admire his humorous, latter-day Keystone Kop personality. … We have gradually come to realize that Mr. Granger is one of the most interested and open-minded members of the faculty, and we appreciate and respect him for this reason.” Class of 1980 celebrating its 45th reunion last May
Director of Stewardship Stephen A.
with Randy,” Bonnie said. “To many of
Bonnie OPC ’66, who had served as
them, he’s an example of the lifelong
advisor for the Class of 1980, suggested
influence that a great teacher can have on
a gift that would reflect the gratitude
their students.”
they shared for a teacher who had had an
Granger, former chair of the Visual Arts
impact on so many: Randy W. Granger
Department who retired in 2022 after
Hon. 1689.
47 years of teaching, has been important
“Not only has the Class of 1980 stayed
to the class ever since he taught painting,
connected to each other, but they’ve also
photography and filmmaking as a young
maintained a close relationship
teacher.
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William Penn Charter School • Report of Gifts
“Randy makes every student interaction feel like the most important thing he could be doing,” said Dean Taraborelli OPC ’80. Pictured: Randy W. Granger Hon. 1689, 1980 Class Record
Forty-five years later, John Caras OPC ’80 can clearly recall the impact of Granger’s teaching: “We had to work hard in a fun atmosphere. …Heart, passion, sincerity are three words that he lived and taught by example, and I think I’ve carried those along with me.” “Randy was very important to our class for many reasons,” Chip Goodman OPC ’80 added. “He had that special ability to connect with his students in the ways that were important for them. So he adjusted his style and what he focused on when he was working with students who had different ways of learning and different interests so that they could get the most out of the experience.” Jeff Lotman OPC ’80, who years ago established the Randy W. Granger Chair in the Visual Arts at Penn Charter to honor his former teacher, reflected on
The Upper School Special Gifts Gallery will be renamed for Randy W. Granger Hon. 1689.
Granger, describing him as a gentleman
but in a way you knew he truly cared about
in the truest sense of the word. “Besides
you—a trait that I have never experienced
stayed close to the Class of 1980, attending reunions and other events through
his gentleness,” Lotman said, “Randy was
before or since in any other teacher. I feel
able to call you out on your stuff in a way
very blessed that I had him as my teacher
that was never belittling or condescending,
for many years.”
The regard was mutual. Granger has
the years, including a remembrance of class member and friend Frank Lippo at Goodman’s house last summer. So, when Bonnie suggested the Class of 1980 could celebrate their mentor and friend, it was a natural fit. As part of the class’s gift, the Upper School’s Special Gifts Gallery, used for displaying the artwork of students, faculty and staff, will be revitalized to better showcase its collection, and it will be named for Granger. “We were really thrilled that we found this way to both honor Randy, who was such a talented teacher and influence in our lives, and to do something very meaningful for our 45th class reunion gift for Penn Charter,” Goodman said. “John and I are fortunate to have classmates who broadly
Class of 1980 35th reunion
and very generously helped realize this gift to Penn Charter.” PC
William Penn Charter School • Report of Gifts
11
CELEBRATING THE FUTURE
WITH PRECIOUS ARTIFACTS FROM THE PAST Upper School science teacher Tim Clarke donates time and expertise to create meaningful mementos for Lower School donors. Penn Charter’s teachers embody a commitment that reaches beyond their individual classrooms. They mentor, coach and advise students, chaperone trips, teach independent study courses, and attend concerts and games. Their presence and dedication shape a connected, caring community. Many teachers, in addition, share their talents for unique projects that support the school. In the fall, science teacher Tim Clarke showcased his innovative maker-space talents by creating gifts for donors to the new Richard A. Balderston OPC ’69 Lower School. With support from John Burkhart OPC ’72, PC historian and caretaker of archives, and Will Smith, a member of the facilities department, Clarke crafted small wooden boxes featuring a lasered drawing of the
“After renovations to the Main Building in the 1980s, many of the
Lower School building on top, and a quote from Rich Balderston
original wood flooring blocks [installed in 1925] were extricated and
etched inside the lid. Within the box was a piece of PC history.
about to be thrown away,” explained Burkhart. “A few prudent souls salvaged as many blocks as possible, and they eventually found a home in the basement of the Middle School building.” These 100-year-old artifacts are now gifts of gratitude commemorating the opening of the new Lower School. The history is etched on each one: “William Penn Charter School original flooring block from the 1925 construction of the school, to commemorate the 2025 construction of the Richard A. Balderston OPC ’69 Lower School.” Much of the work on these remembrance boxes was completed in the Middle and Upper School Idea Lab, with finishing touches added with the help of students in the new Lower School Idea Lab. A PC teacher for the past 11 years, Clarke learned blacksmithing at the historic Harriton House in Bryn Mawr. And he has used Idea Lab tools to craft wooden pens, 3D-printed musical instruments and even a wooden ukelele. At the celebratory Lower School opening on Oct. 10, PC classmates Jim Harbison and Rich Balderston showcased the
Made from Baltic birch plywood, the commemorative boxes were created in the Middle and Upper School Idea Lab, assembled by a group of Lower School students, and then given a final sanding and a coat of polyurethane to protect them.
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William Penn Charter School • Report of Gifts
original laser they created for their senior project back in 1969. They dedicated the laser (pictured) to Penn Charter, and it is now visible to all in the state-of-the art Idea Lab in the Richard A. Balderston OPC ’69 Lower School. PC
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO SUPPORT PENN CHARTER. By Yellow Envelope or Credit Card:
Make a Pledge:
Tax Credits:
Use the enclosed yellow envelope or visit us online at penncharter.com/give.
Pledge your gift now and make your payment later. Contact us for details on how to structure your gift.
Pennsylvania’s state tax credit programs (EITC and OSTC) allow you to redirect your tax dollars to support financial aid for PC students.
Employer Matching:
Gifts of Securities:
Recurring Gifts:
Many companies offer matching gift programs to encourage employees to support various causes, including educational institutions. Most companies match dollar-for-dollar, but some will double or triple an employee’s gift!
Transferring stock and mutual funds can be an easy way to give to Penn Charter and in many cases offers a tax advantage. We recommend that you consult with your tax advisor in order to learn more about the advantages of gifting securities.
Recurring gifts allow you to divide your gift to Penn Charter into manageable increments through convenient automatic charges to your credit card. Recurring gifts are a great option for Annual Fund giving.
MAKE A GIFT. For questions about the Report of Gifts or making a charitable contribution William Penn Charter School • Report of Gifts 13 to our school, contact Chief Advancement Officer Chad O’Kane at cjokane@penncharter.com or 215-844-3460 ext. 265.