Time Is Running Out!
The Emerge Transformed campaign ends on June 30, which means time is running out to be counted among the nearly 7,000 alumni, parents, and friends whose support is positioning Lawrenceville for an even more successful future. See inside for new opportunities to recognize our faculty, profiles of Kathy Xie and Ben Meng P’26 and Caroline Nype Parker ’07, a window into the life of a faculty triple threat, and a preview of Emerge Transformed: The Final Countdown. Don’t be left out when we share the list of Campaign donors!
PROFILE IN SUPPORT: KATHY XIE AND BEN MENG P’26
Historian, author, and scion of a great political family, Henry Adams famously said, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” Lawrenceville might also say the same of Ben Meng P’26 who, along with Kathy Xie P’26, is committed to influencing future generations through his philanthropy.
in traditionally disadvantaged and underserved urban areas,” but ultimately is intended for “capable students needing financial assistance in order to enjoy the benefits of a Lawrenceville education.”
Ben and Kathy hold that education in high esteem, praising the Harkness method for teaching students to become independent and critical thinkers and the House system for creating a familial community away from home. Ben’s appreciation for nature also drew him to Lawrenceville’s “pristine and lushly landscaped” campus. But he also saw the opportunity to cultivate a legacy of philanthropy.
iGas, to 25% of the U.S. refrigerant market, second only to Honeywell. iGas now has operations in 10 countries.
Today, Ben contributes generously to a variety of nonprofit organizations, with a focus on scholarships and other programs to foster positive growth among young people.
“As we seek to create opportunities for others, we hope one day those same individuals will give back in the same way,” says Ben, adding, “we think the gift of a Lawrenceville education today is a gift to the future of society.”
Ben reached out to the School shortly after daughter Emily ’26 arrived on campus to express his interest in supporting the Emerge Transformed campaign. He was immediately attracted to the options for supporting Scholarship Aid and The Lawrenceville Parents Fund.
Ben and Kathy’s support provides for a substantial Scholarship Aid endowment through the Meng Family Scholarship Fund, current operations funding for Scholarship Aid, and a multi-year leadership commitment to the Parents Fund. Their scholarship support carries a preference for “students residing
“We have learned from our own life path to date, no matter our upbringings, it’s how we guide our youth – our kids and those we influence in life,” says Ben. “This is the example we wish to set for our children.”
Ben’s path has been far from smooth. Born in Yangzhou, China, to a farming family, he emigrated to the U.S. in 1996, working as a dishwasher and gardener before starting his own landscaping business. A series of life-changing ups and downs led him to Florida, where he established an air-conditioning service company. Over the next 20 years – and more unforeseen challenges – he set up a factory in China, began exporting air conditioning parts and refrigerants, and grew his business,
Kathy Xie with daughter Emily ’26
Ben Meng with daughter Emily ’26
CAMPUS UPDATE: BIG RED PARK OPENS!
NEW ENDOWED FUNDS
THE FOLLOWING ENDOWED FUNDS WERE ESTABLISHED BETWEEN JANUARY 1 AND MARCH 31, 2023. WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
• Holmsten Family Scholarship Fund
• LATR Scholarship Fund
• Bartlett Family Academic Impact Fund
• Christian H. Prince ‘89 Scholarship Fund
The Emerge Transformed campaign continues its momentum in its final months. Scan here to see all the latest fundraising results.
Big Red Park welcomed students returning from spring break with two new outdoor basketball courts and two sand volleyball courts. Located behind Al Rashid Health & Wellness Center, the facility will add a pair of pickleball courts, a four-hole putting green, and cornhole pit over the coming months. Lawrenceville is grateful to the following alumni and parents for the support that enabled this popular addition to our recreational opportunities: Xueguang Du and Dan Zheng P’26, Karen and Jeff Kirby ’80 P’11 ’12 ’15 ’18, Luba Gontcharenko and Marcus Montenecourt ’87 P’26 ’26, Liza ’89 and Matthew Sharp P’24, and Joyce and Stephen Shueh P’23 ’27.
TLF AND “THE FINAL COUNTDOWN”
In honor of the culmination of Emerge Transformed, the Alumni & Development Office is planning a weeklong celebration from June 2330, the final week of the Campaign and the last week of Lawrenceville’s fiscal year. Emerge Transformed: The Final Countdown will include fundraising challenges and special events around the world. Stay tuned for more details!
Why are we doing this and what is the role of The Lawrenceville Fund?
The Lawrenceville Fund (TLF), which incorporates The Lawrenceville Parents Fund (TLPF), will be the second largest gift to Emerge Transformed: The Campaign for Lawrenceville, and we want to make sure you have a chance to participate in this historic philanthropic effort. TLF is also one of the highest fundraising priorities of this Campaign, with the greatest potential for immediate impact on every aspect of School life. It’s the easiest way for every Lawrentian to make a difference.
Your gift to The Lawrenceville Fund is a gift to the Campaign, and can be designated to any of the TLF initiatives listed on our giving form at giving.lawrenceville.org. By making your gift of any size today, you
will be joining the largest campaign ever undertaken by an independent school –and making an important statement about the value of a Lawrenceville education. Your support, this year and every year, is critical to our success.
You don’t need to wait for The Final Countdown to have an impact. Make your gift today for an immediate reward – knowing your support is part of the most successful fundraising campaign in Lawrenceville history!
To learn more, contact Skylar Beaver, Assistant Director of Advancement, Director of The Lawrenceville Fund and Alumni and Family Engagement, at (609) 895-2185 or sbeaver@lawrenceville.org.
TO DATE (as of March 31, 2023):
$452,871,864 total funds raised so far
13,105 gifts of $100 or less
410 alumni and parent volunteers
6,628 alumni, parents, and friends made gifts
$80,786,320 in committed bequests
64% of alumni engaged
4,809 alumni donors
$7,394,790 in realized bequests
541 alumni made their first gift ever (IN THE EMERGE TRANSFORMED CAMPAIGN)
OVER $41 MILLION RAISED THROUGH MARCH 31, 2023
CAMPAIGN PROGRESS
Scan here to make your gift to The Lawrenceville Fund or The Lawrenceville Parents Fund.
CAROLINE NYPE PARKER ’07: CONSISTENT DONOR AND COMMITTED VOLUNTEER
We recently spoke to Caroline Nype Parker ’07, who serves as a Class Agent and a member of the Red & Black Leadership Council, the volunteer body working on behalf of leadership giving to The Lawrenceville Fund (TLF) and The Lawrenceville Parents Fund. Caroline also served on her 10th and 15th Reunion Committees, and she has been a consistent donor to TLF since graduation and a leadership donor since 2017. We share her thoughts on supporting Lawrenceville below.
ET: How did your Lawrenceville experience influence your willingness to support the School and volunteer on its behalf?
CNP: My Lawrenceville experience was transformative and helped shape me into the person I am today. The Kennedy Assassination class I took as a senior still stands out as one of the most interesting courses I have ever taken. Socially, I arrived at the school as an only child and Lawrenceville gave me siblings. Some of my closest friendships were formed living in Stanley House. While the education was phenomenal, the relationships with faculty, Housemasters, and friends are what inspire me to continue to volunteer so future generations can experience the same magic.
ET: You are a Class Agent and a member of the Red & Black Leadership Council. Why do you volunteer your time so generously to Lawrenceville and your class?
CNP: When people think of supporting a cause, they usually only think about monetary donations. I completely disagree. To me, donating your time can be an equally if not more valuable gift. At different points in our lives, we have the ability to give at different levels, but everyone has the ability to donate time. I always stress to alumni that the size of
a donation isn’t all that matters. Every contribution counts. It is rewarding to positively impact the participation rate of my fellow alumni, which demonstrates the broad impact Lawrenceville has on its student body.
ET: More specifically, why do you choose to volunteer in a fundraising role?
CNP: There are many schools that refuse to move into the future. The Emerge Transformed campaign demonstrated to me that Lawrenceville has the right priorities to continue its legacy in providing a top-tier college preparatory education. Everything, from the new field house to the new dining hall to broader scholarship opportunities, is truly game-changing.
ET: Why have you made consistent and leadership support of The Lawrenceville Fund a personal priority?
CNP: Given that Lawrenceville has had such a positive impact on my life, I believe it is important to give back. The Lawrenceville Fund is instrumental in supporting an exceptional and constantly improving educational program. Tuition only supports part of the annual operating budget. I am proud to be able to support Lawrenceville at a leadership level –because I have a strong understanding, from my time volunteering, exactly what programs my donations support.
ET: In a related question, what motivated you to make a multi-year pledge to The Lawrenceville Fund? What would you say is the advantage of making a multi-year pledge?
CNP: I am confident that supporting the School will continue to be a long-term priority for our family. It also makes my life easier! If you make a multi-year pledge, you don’t have to worry about remembering to donate each year.
ET: How would you describe the importance of The Lawrenceville Fund in the Emerge Transformed campaign?
CNP: I understand the importance of a strong endowment and what that means for the health of the institution. At the same time, The Lawrenceville Fund ensures that the many extracurricular and enriching programs supported by the endowment continue to grow and thrive.
ET: What would you say to someone considering a gift to The Lawrenceville Fund or The Parents Fund?
CNP: Think about the impact Lawrenceville has had on you or your children and imagine helping someone else have an even better experience. Remember that every gift counts, regardless of the amount. There are few things in life more gratifying than giving back to an institution that had such a positive impact on your life.
Caroline Nype Parker ’07
FACULTY VOICES: LIFE OF A “TRIPLE THREAT”
French teacher, football coach, wrestling coach, and assistant Head of House – Patrick “Pat” Loughlin is the classic “triple threat,” a lifestyle concept unique to boarding schools. It’s a role that requires an uncommon level of commitment and a special affinity for students and the boarding school experience. This is Loughlin’s first year at Lawrenceville, but he’s worked at boarding schools before and is a graduate of the Pomfret School, a coeducational boarding school in Connecticut. He knew exactly what he was getting into.
“When I was looking for jobs after college (Denison undergrad, then Middlebury for a master’s), I knew I wanted to return to a boarding school community,” says Loughlin. “My own high school experience was overwhelmingly positive, and I attribute that to the environment and opportunities a boarding school provides. (Teaching at a boarding school) was a way for me to give back to the type of community I benefited from so greatly.”
Loughlin was drawn to Lawrenceville by what he calls its balanced approach to education. “I was looking for a school that valued academic excellence, as well as excellence and education through athletics, because I see myself as a teacher and a coach,” he says. “For me, they are one and the same.”
It’s a good thing he feels that way. His responsibilities as offensive coordinator for the varsity football team extend into the spring, with workouts three to four days a week. In between, during the winter term, he’s an assistant coach for varsity wrestling. Add to that: teaching four sections of French; advising six Fifth Form boys; serving as the assistant head in Upper House; logging 1-2 late duty nights each week, 11 p.m. to midnight; and Saturday night duty, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m., twice each term.
Here’s what a typical week looks like for Loughlin during football season:
“Depending on the day, I’ll start with breakfast in Abbott at around 8, then head to my first class about 30-45 minutes early to prepare for the day ahead. On a typical day, I might teach two French classes in the morning and another in the afternoon, with consultation somewhere in-between. There might be a School Meeting or advisory period during the day. After classes I change for practice and head to the football field from 3:30 to 5:30, then dinner in Abbott with a few of my players. In the evening, if I’m not on duty, I’ll try to strike a balance between down time and preparing for the next school day.”
He continues:
“On Saturdays with classes, I teach two classes in the morning. Then I’ll either get
on the bus for an away game or head to the field for a home game. If we’re home, the game might end around 5; if we’re away, we’ll get back to campus around 8-10 p.m. depending on travel. By Sunday afternoon, I’m reviewing Saturday’s game and starting to prepare for the week ahead in the classroom, on the practice field, and for our game the following weekend.”
If you’re thinking this doesn’t leave much free time, you’d be right. It’s a seven-daya-week job. But Loughlin is all in for the boarding school life.
“In my opinion, there is no better place to work with young people,” he says. “We as faculty have the ability to see a student in our classroom, on the field, on the stage, in the House, in the dining hall, etc. We get a full view of who that student is. The connections I am able to form with students are profound.”
These relationships with students are a strong motivator. “As I watch them grow, learn and succeed, my job becomes even more rewarding,” he says. “Is it intense and crazy at times? Absolutely, but that’s also why I love it.”
Pat Loughlin’s experience is a common one among Lawrenceville faculty. Supporting the efforts of Lawrenceville’s teachers, including through increased compensation, lifelong learning opportunities, and easing the pace of life for faculty families, has been a major priority of the Emerge Transformed campaign. The Campaign ends on June 30, but Faculty Support will continue to be a fundraising priority. To learn more about ways you can support the Lawrenceville faculty, contact Greg Carter, Assistant Director of Advancement and Director of Principal and Leadership Giving, at (609) 895-2114 or gcarter@ lawrenceville.org.
Pat Loughlin, left, coaching football
ANNOUNCING NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR FACULTY AND STAFF SUPPORT
National Teacher Appreciation Day falls in the first full week of May each year, so it’s serendipitous that we are announcing exciting new opportunities for faculty and staff support in this May issue of the Campaign newsletter. New funds will reward top faculty and staff for performance, fellowships will provide for unique professional development opportunities, and a new deanship will have a comprehensive and transformative impact on campus wellbeing.
Best for All Funds
Best for All Funds will recognize teachers and staff who best embody the spirit of the School’s mission, “to seek the best for all.”
A Best for All Fund is a named endowed fund with the following options for donor preferences: awards for triple threats (faculty who teach, coach and serve or have served as Head or Assistant Head of a student House), merit awards, retention bonuses, faculty travel awards, or summer development grants. Impact on students will be the principal criterion for receiving the award.
By establishing a Best for All Fund with a gift of $100,000 or more, donors can recognize the excellence and dedication of our teachers and staff directly and in a material way. Gifts of $250,000 or more allow donors to specify a preference, such as triple threat, merit, retention, etc. Best for All awards will enable us to reward employees whose contributions make the Lawrenceville experience second to none. These awards will be presented annually.
Named Faculty Fellowship: $5 million
The Faculty Fellowship is a named endowed fund that will support teachers through a year-long, full-time academic program leading to a master’s degree in a subject area relevant to their Lawrenceville teaching. The fund will pay all course-related costs, including books and commuting; the salary of the faculty recipient; and the cost of replacing the faculty recipient for that academic year. One fellowship would be awarded in each fiscal/academic year.
Naming of the Penn Fellows Program: $10 million
Each academic year, Lawrenceville sponsors eight graduate students across subject areas in affiliation with the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. A principal focus of the program is to recruit top talent to the teaching profession and to independent schooling in particular. Each of the fellows engages in a two-year program of teaching, coaching and/ or other extracurricular activities, House duties, and advisory responsibilities under the guidance of seasoned Lawrenceville faculty. A gift to name the program would provide for the costs of the individual fellowship awards, housing, benefits, and fees to UPenn.
Dean of Campus Wellbeing: $5 million
Adolescence is a time of tremendous growth and endless possibilities. It can also be a time of overwhelming challenges. Lawrenceville seeks to support its students through these years with a proactive, comprehensive approach to student wellbeing.
The Dean of Campus Wellbeing is a newly created position that represents the School’s commitment to a campus culture of positive mental and behavioral health. The Dean will work to reduce the negative impact of a broad range of societal public health concerns that put adolescents at risk. Lawrenceville seeks to mitigate these risks with a proactive program combining counseling, education, support systems and services, and policies and protocols that reflect best practices in adolescent mental health and wellness.
The Dean will be a campus leader who can coordinate this comprehensive approach, collaborating with faculty and Senior Staff and facilitating communication with students and families. Endowing the position will also provide general support for the programming associated with this role.
For more information on any of these opportunities, please contact Greg Carter, Assistant Director of Advancement, Director of Principal and Leadership Giving, at (609) 895-2114 or gcarter@lawrenceville.org.
Four new Penn Independent School Teaching Fellows joined the ranks of the Lawrenceville faculty in fall 2023.
The Lawrenceville School
P.O. Box 6125
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
HOW YOU CAN STILL PARTICIPATE IN EMERGE TRANSFORMED
Regardless of how you make your gift, your support at any level will contribute to the transformation that is a hallmark of the Lawrenceville experience. Here are a few ideas:
SUPPORT THE LAWRENCEVILLE FUND, including The Parents Fund, with a gift we can use today. The deadline for this year is June 30. There’s still time, but not much!
CREATE AN ENDOWED FUND for Scholarship Aid or Faculty and Academic Support with a gift of $100,000 or more. If you have been considering support at this level, now is the time.
PLANNED GIVING is one of the easiest ways to make a major gift to support a personal priority. Make a planned gift to endow a scholarship, fund a new program, or name a deanship, and leave a lasting Lawrenceville legacy.
CONTACT US
If you’d like to learn more about ways you can participate in EMERGE TRANSFORMED, please visit our website at giving.lawrenceville.org or contact us by phone or email.
Mary Kate Barnes Assistant Head of School Director of Advancement
(609) 895-2100
mbarnes@lawrenceville.org
Skylar Beaver Assistant Director of Advancement Director of The Lawrenceville Fund and Alumni and Family Engagement (609) 895-2185
sbeaver@lawrenceville.org
Greg Carter Assistant Director of Advancement Director of Principal and Leadership Giving (609) 895-2114
gcarter@lawrenceville.org
Jerry Muntz Director of Planned Giving (609) 620-6064
jmuntz@lawrenceville.org
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