2014 2015 annual report stories only

westridge school

supporting

lives of

impact a n n u a l r e p o r t 2 014 - 2 015

Westridge School is an independent, forward-thinking girls’ school committed to educating intellectually adventurous thinkers, and courageous, compassionate leaders.

Our purpose is to prepare young women to live lives of meaning, contribution, and impact.

Dear Members of the Westridge Community, Annual reports present wonderful opportunities to reflect on the accomplishments of a single year. Indeed, in the 2014-2015 school year, we witnessed important innovation and progress as an institution and fulfillment of our mission and strategic vision.

For example, the STEAMWork Design Studio was developed and a tablet computer program introduced, both of which offer opportunities for creative, interdisciplinary, and inquiry-based learning. We worked to support the physical and emotional development of girls through an innovative new physical education program and expansion of the Peer-to-Peer counseling program. After several years of study, our tuition model was thoughtfully revised in order to support the long-term fiscal strength of Westridge and better meet the needs of our families. We are particularly pleased by innovations in campus-wide teaching and learning. During the year, we focused on an enduring, defining factor of a Westridge education—that we are deeply committed to helping girls develop the clear values and strong voices that empower them as future leaders; as young women who purposefully work to impact the people in their lives and communities of which they are a part.

The year’s overarching conversation, framed at Convocation and reflected in the student government annual theme, was of Westridge’s core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, and inclusion. It continued with the November introduction of our strategic plan, Westridge in the 21st Century: Educating and

Empowering Girls to Lead Lives of Courage, Compassion, and Conviction. And it was present throughout the year in conversations in classrooms and student life programs, and in meetings with the adults in our community. (continued)

from the head & board chair

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The commitment of the adults in the Westridge community not only to foster our shared values in our girls but to embrace and model those values in their own lives, is also a defining characteristic of Westridge.

One way we see that demonstrated is in the incredible generosity of our community of parents, alumnae, faculty and staff, and friends. Your contributions to Westridge allow us to focus on our exceptional academic programs without losing focus on the vital, human side of a Westridge education.

This year, your generosity reached new heights with more than $4.1 million in new gifts and pledges. We are particularly gratified by the early and very generous support of The Campaign for Our Second Century, which will build a more robust endowment. The school’s endowment assures the future of Westridge into its next century by providing support to the programs and faculty that distinguish Westridge. We are grateful for your continued support and understanding of the critical role that philanthropy plays in independent schools.

As exemplified by the inspiring students and alumnae profiled in this report, it is true that “lives of impact begin at Westridge.” Westridge girls are poised and ready to contribute here on campus and as they move on in their lives. Your impact as active members of our community and generous supporters of our school makes this possible. It is felt today and will reverberate through generations of students to come — and for that we give our thanks.

Sincerely,

Jennifer T. Lum Chair, Board of Trustees

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from the head & board chair

Elizabeth J. McGregor Head of School

impact by the numbers

1,164

Westridge School enjoys a robust philanthropic culture, the evidence of which is clearly demonstrated by the information on this page.

While every gift has impact, when all are combined, the proof of impact is unambiguous.

2014 2015

total number of donors

363

< annual fund >

225

donors who increased their giving

new donors

$4,114,672 total raised in gifts and pledges

loyalty & leadership

386 loyalty donors

10 or more of the past 20 years, including in 2014-2015

endowment We are grateful to those donors whose endowment gifts to the Westridge School invest in and assure its future.

110

endowment donors

180

leadership donors giving at or above $1,500

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2014 2015

Annual 2

Philanthropic support allows Westridge to invest in exceptional teaching and programs ensuring excellence in classrooms while continually advancing its curriculum for students of today and tomorrow. Following are 10 ways your investment in Westridge supported growth and excellence at our school during the 20142015 school year.

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Strategic Plan In a community wide undertaking, Westridge launched its new, five-year strategic plan, setting the course for the school to remain a leader in girls’ education in its second 100 years. Entitled Westridge in the 21st Century: Educating and Empowering Girls to Lead Lives of Courage, Compassion, and Conviction, the strategic plan outlines how Westridge plans to educate and empower girls, engage its community, and ensure its future, all while remaining true to the school’s core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, and inclusion.

Global studies, innovation and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), and becoming a center for learning and research in girls education are just a few of the growth areas identified for Westridge. The entire report is available online at www.westridge.org/strategicplan or by calling 626-799-1053 ext. 264.

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STEAMWork Design Studio The Rothenberg Technology Center in the Main Building was transformed from a computer lab into the STEAMWork Design Studio, a makerspace centered on technology that offers opportunities for hands-on work creating, inventing, and collaborating with others. The Studio, equipped with 3D printers, lathes, CNC machines, and 3D scanners, promotes design thinking and interdisciplinary opportunities while exposing girls to 3D design and printing, coding and robotics, and electronics and circuitry. Generous gifts from alumna Lucy Larkin Stephenson ’58 and a donor who wishes to remain anonymous made the Studio possible.

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1:1 Tablet Computer Program The sixth grade piloted a 1:1 tablet program utilizing Yoga Ultrabooks. The program’s goals were to support creative learning by actively engaging students in the process of creating knowledge and to foster more individualized learning. That it did. From highly creative projects to new, productive forms of student-teacher interaction (including audio and video feedback on assignments), the students benefited from the new technology. The program will expand by one grade each year as it moves forward with students.

In the 2015-2016 school year, students in both the sixth and seventh grades have personal devices.

Highlights 4

Rethinking Classroom Design In an effort to enhance girls’ learning through the creative use of physical and virtual space, several classrooms and other spaces were renovated, including Christine Kiphart’s sixth grade classroom. Rows of desks, tables, and desktop computer stations were removed to make space for an array of seating options and work areas. This created a flexible, comfortable learning environment more suitable for the project-based, active curriculum present in today’s humanities classrooms. The new design also provides options for students’ varied learning styles and needs, and Ms. Kiphart reports that the change has positively impacted student engagement and focus. During the summer of 2015, both seventh grade humanities classrooms were similarly redesigned.

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Summer Program In June 2015, Westridge introduced a new Westridge Summer Program, which is open to students from Westridge as well as other schools. In its extremely popular Creative Coding class for girls entering grades 3-8, students learned how to build and program robots, while taking advantage of all the tools within the Design Studio. Other Summer Program opportunities included Science, Service, & Leadership for middle school students, and a Global Perspectives travel program for Westridge Upper School students. Look for an expanded curriculum in the program’s second year.

WESTRIDGE SCHOOL S U M M E R P R O G R A M 2 0 15

S . T. E . A . M .

Science Environmental Service Projects Cultural Immersion Travel

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Assistant Head of School Position Re-envisioned for 21st Century Education Jemma Giddings joined Westridge in June of 2014 as the new assistant head of school. With her arrival, the position of assistant head is focused on curriculum design and innovation, and faculty support and professional development. In her first year, among many other assignments, Giddings led development of the STEAMWork Design Studio and the Summer Program, both of strategic importance for our students and our school.

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Expansion of Alumnae Programs Westridge’s new Director of Alumnae Affairs, Lisa Vandergriff, made it a priority to increase opportunities for alumnae to connect with each other and the school. In January 2015, the first in a series of events designed to engage alumnae in on-campus learning experiences was a wild success. The three-week Alumnae Ceramics Course was taught by long-time Westridge instructor Juanita Jimenez. After a warm reception to this “test” class, the Alumnae Board is expanding on-campus educational opportunities this year, and has developed an alumnae networking program on its webpage.

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Reimagined Upper School PE Program Driven by Westridge’s commitment to support girls in leading physically active and emotionally healthy lives, the Upper School PE curriculum underwent major changes in 2014-2015.

Based on studies that point to the importance of aerobic exercise on mental health, girls now meet three times a rotation for PE. Instead of choosing a single area for an entire semester, students now participate in a robust variety of exercises not often found in schools including Zumba, spin, Kung Fusion (a fusion of martial arts), and yoga. Besides the obvious physical benefits of increased exercise, the new PE program yields mental benefits that keep minds alert, focused, and ready to learn.

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annual highlights

College Counseling Program Expansion The Westridge College Counseling program continues to add to its arsenal of events and support programs for students as they research and apply to colleges and universities. Last year the department hosted more than 25 events for students and families and welcomed 130 college representatives to Madeline Drive. Student college placement results were exceptional. The 63 members of the Class of 2015 earned 371 acceptances to 162 different colleges and universities; 89% who applied early action gained acceptances. Please see the college matriculation list for the Class of 2015 on page 58 of this report.

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Peer-to-Peer Program Growth Peer-to-Peer is a groundbreaking Upper School leadership program and elective course.

Students explore issues related to adolescence, including social dynamics and academic pressure, and commit to helping other students using skills they learn. In its second year, the 2014-2015 school year, Peer-to-Peer expanded to include an advanced class. Advanced students co-teach the Beginning Peer-to-Peer class, and also create and implement community enrichment programs within Westridge, including the first Middle School affinity group for students of African descent, craft programs for Lower School students, and math/science tutoring and support for Upper School and Middle School students.

These programs are but a handful of highlights from an incredible year at Westridge, above and beyond the creative and important work being done by faculty and students in our classrooms each day, all year. The Performing Arts Department staged Hamlet, Rabbit Hole, Into the Woods, and Number the Stars. In athletics, four teams went to playoffs and 15 individuals went on to championship play, Middle School soccer was the undefeated Independent League Champion, and our lacrosse program added a junior varsity team to handle burgeoning interest. Kim Phuc, “the girl in the picture” from the Vietnam War, led the campus speakers series. Water Warriors, Petridge, and the Yam Festival maintained their important places in the heart of our community, along with numerous events and programs that help make Westridge the special school it is.

One child, one teacher, one pen, and one book can change the world.

Malala Yousafzai Nobel Peace Prize Winner

Please visit our website media mashup page at www.westridge.org/news to keep abreast of all the news and updates from Westridge.

annual highlights

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It is true that lives of impact begin at Westridge.

The form that impact takes is wide and varied, and an entire book could be filled with stories demonstrating how our students and alumnae are making their marks on the world. On the next three pages, we profile just a few Westridge alumnae change-agents.

Scattered through the remaining pages of this report are student profiles providing insight into the many ways girls begin their lives of impact while still at Westridge.

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mary lowther ranney

jennifer cheng

education Pioneer

arts advocate

Founding head of Westridge who believed in preparing girls for college at a time when most high schools for girls were finishing schools and when women were still denied the right to vote.

Teacher, artist, architect, apprentice with Greene & Greene.

Intellectual and cultural leader.

Embodiment of the Westridge motto Surgere Tentamus, We Strive to Rise.

class of 1978

Combines dance training through the Royal Academy of Dance with knowledge from her Pomona College BA in Art History, her UC Davis JD, and her UC Irvine MBA to lead community arts organization. Executive Director of Diavolo Dance Theatre, Founder and Executive Director of the Dance Conservatory of Pasadena, Board Member at the Huntington Library and Gardens and the Pacific Symphony, and founder at the Kaufman School of Dance at USC. Guides her familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foundation, which supports performing arts, education, and health outreach causes assisting underserved communities.

lives of

alexandra chindris

bonnie dean

lauren gibbs

class of 2009

class of 1975

class of 2002

legal advocate

business leader & obe*

athlete & role model

Law student at George Washington University class of 2016 planning to work as a public defender. Volunteer with the Innocence Project, a nonprofit that works to exonerate wrongfully convicted individuals through DNA testing and to work on criminal justice system to prevent future injustice, and a Student Attorney at DC Law Students in Court: Criminal Division, which provides pro bono legal representation to low-income individuals charged with misdemeanors in Washington D.C.

International business leader focused on innovation and business development in the tech sector. Served as CEO of the Bristol & Bath Science Park, a technology hub bringing together industry, academia, and entrepreneurs.

Director of several public and private organizations in the UK, including the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Northern Ireland Science Park. Contributing author of three books on leadership. Tireless advocate and mentor to women in business. Inducted into the *Order of the British Empire for services to design, technology, and innovation.

f impact

Two-year member of the USA Bobsled National Team. Excelled in volleyball, track and field, and soccer at Westridge.

Inducted into the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hall of Fame in its inaugural year. Student-athlete and captain of the volleyball team at Brown; graduated as an All-Ivy League performer with more than 1,000 career kills. Earned a spot on the USA Bobsled team in 2014, and won two World Cup medals in addition to a gold-medal run at the North American Cup during the 2014-2015 season. Made the national team roster once again in 2015 after winning the USA National Bobsled Push Championships, and later sweeping the national team trials in Lake Placid, N.Y. in October.

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kate mcandrew

genna rae mcneil

diana jue Rajasingh

class of 2005

class of 1965

class of 2005

investor

Thought LeaderAfrican-American History & U.S. Social Movements

social entrepreneur

Fosters innovation through investments in early stage start-ups. Currently at Bolt Ventures, which provides funding and offers engineering support and space at state-of-theart prototyping shops to companies at the intersection of hardware and software. Previously invested in digital health and education technology companies. In 2015, founded the nonprofit Women in Hardware, an organization that brings together exceptional founders, investors, engineers, and manufacturers in the connected hardware space.

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Professor at UNC, Chapel Hill specializing in African-American History with an emphasis on race, law, and social movements. Past chairperson of the Department of History at Howard University and former faculty at Hunter College and Howard University School of Law. Author of numerous scholarly articles and four books including the definitive biography of Charles Hamilton Houston, mentor of Thurgood Marshall, for which she was awarded the distinguished Silver Gavel Award from the American Bar Association and which was cited as a top-resource for learning on leadership in social justice.

First African-American to graduate from Westridge.

Named one of Forbes’ 2015 “30 Under 30” for her work as co-founder of Essmart (www.essmart-global. com), a rural distribution company that brings life-improving technologies—solar lanterns, non-electric water filters, rechargeable batteries and the like—to poor areas in India. Recipient of Echoing Green and Fulbright-Nehru Research Fellowships. Diana’s research on the social impact of technology dissemination has been published in USAID Frontiers in Development, MIT Entrepreneurship Review, and Stanford Social Innovation Review blog.

lives of

in memoriam James F. Rothenberg 1946-2015

There is no finer example of living a life of impact than that of James F. Rothenberg, long-time Westridge Trustee, former Board chair, and parent of two Westridge alumnae (Katie Rothenberg Wei ’94 and Erin Rothenberg Baker ’96).

In addition to his role as chairman of Capital Group Companies, Jim was a visionary and generous leader of non-profits across Pasadena, Los Angeles, and the country, including Caltech, the Huntington Library and Gardens, Huntington Hospital, the J. Paul Getty Trust, and Harvard University.

Westridge was privileged to be counted among the institutions impacted by Jim’s leadership and generosity. As a trustee from 1988 through 2004, Jim’s expertise in governance, financial planning and operations were key factors in positioning the school for the future.

As philanthropists, Jim and his wife Anne shaped the Westridge of today. The Anne F. and James F. Rothenberg Humanities Center, The Performing Arts Center, the Rothenberg Family Technology Center in the Main Building, the entire North Campus including the Science Building, and the annual Summer Opportunities Fair all continue as testimony to the Rothenbergs’ leadership and vision.

At a recent event, Elizabeth McGregor described Jim as Westridge’s North Star, saying, “we will miss his wisdom, guidance, and sage advice. He was instrumental in helping the school set a strong course for its future, and establishing a standard for all of us in helping Westridge to remain a center of educational excellence for generations of girls.”

We will miss Jim’s leadership and wise counsel, but most of all, we will miss his friendship.

f impact

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O P E R AT I N G I N C O M E Tuition & Fees 79% Unrestricted Gifts 9% Other Gifts 4% Endowment Transfer 4% Other Income 4%

financial 2014-2015 S U M M A RY O F A C T I V I T I E S receipts Tuition & Fees Other Income Unrestricted Gifts

15,169,100 748,300 1,763,200

79% 4% 9%

592,800 814,100

4% 4%

19,087,500

100%

Salaries & Benefits Academic & Administrative Financial Aid & Tuition Remission Facilities Depreciation

11,055,500 2,747,600 2,758,800 1,012,400 1,513,200

58% 15% 14% 5% 8%

Total Expenditures

19,087,500

100%

Other Gifts Less: Major facilities capitalized Endowment Transfer

EXPENSES

1,353,200 (760,400)

Total Receipts

Salaries & Benefits 58% Plant & Facilities 13% Financial Aid 14% Academic & Administrative 15%

expe nditure s

e ndow me nts * Permanently Restricted Temporarily Restricted Board Designated Total Endowments * excludes endowment pledges of $4,367,600 12

15,960,000 5,701,400 462,000 22,123,400

summary 2014-2015

2014-2015

G I F T S U M M A RY

ANNUAL FUND gift summary by constituency

Annual Fund Constituency Current Families1 Alumnae Faculty/Staff Parents of Alumnae Grandparents Friends Foundations2

Number of Donors 371 433 78 110 36 21 5

Total Annual Fund

1054

Trustees3

22

Percentage of Participation 86% 14% 65%

100%

Annual Fund Giving 553,142 168,339 18,992 226,893 8,525 19,814 151,500

Restricted Gifts Unrestricted

$ 151,500 995,705

Total Annual Fund

$1,147,205

Other Gifts and Pledges

$1,147,205

Endowment Campus/Other

$2,307,492 659,975

$ 162,100

Total Other Gifts

$2,967,467

Grand Total

$4,114,672

1 For purposes of this report, â&#x20AC;&#x153;familyâ&#x20AC;? is defined as all parents of a current student, or students, if there are siblings.

2 Family foundation gifts are counted within the constituency responsible for directing the gift to Westridge.

3 Trustee gifts amounts and participation are counted within their Primary Constituency in the main table on this page.

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Congratulations

Class of 2015 Members of the Class of 2015 enrolled in the following universities and colleges:

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American University Washington, D.C. Brown University Providence, RI (2) California Institute of the Arts Valencia, CA University of California at: Berkeley Berkeley, CA Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA (4) San Diego La Jolla, CA Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA (2) University of Chicago Chicago, IL Claremont McKenna College Claremont, CA Coventry University Coventry, United Kingdom Emory University Atlanta, GA The Evergreen State College Olympia, WA Fordham University Bronx, NY Georgetown University Washington, D.C. Hampshire College Amherst, MA Harvard College Cambridge, MA Lewis & Clark College Portland, OR Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, LA Middlebury College Middlebury, VT (2) Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, MA New York University New York, NY (4) Occidental College Los Angeles, CA Ohio Wesleyan University Delaware, OH University of Oregon Eugene, OR University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA Pomona College Claremont, CA Pratt Institute Brooklyn, NY Princeton University Princeton, NJ University of Puget Sound Tacoma, WA (2) Purdue University West Lafayette, IN Reed College Portland, OR Samford University Birmingham, AL University of San Francisco San Francisco, CA (2) Santa Barbara City College Santa Barbara, CA Smith College Northampton, MA University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA (5) Stanford University Stanford, CA (4) Tufts University Medford, MA Tulane University New Orleans, LA Vassar College Poughkeepsie, NY Washington University in St. Louis St. Louis, MO University of Washington Seattle, WA Whitman College Walla Walla, WA Willamette University Salem, OR Yale University New Haven, CT

lives of impact

begin at westridge

impact starts here,

with you.

thank you for your support.

westridge school 324 Madeline Drive, Pasadena, California 91105 t 626.799.1153 * f 626.799.9236

w w w . w e s t r i d g e . o rg